A vast state of contrasts, WA represents iconic Australian landscapes, from the rust-red outback to the deep green southern forests, to the breath-taking colours of Ningaloo Reef. White gum trees line the striking gorges of Karijini National Park, whilst the Indian Ocean washes countless sandy beaches and provides some spectacular sunsets night after night. Remote and immense, WA is a world in itself and is the ideal state for those wanting to venture off the beaten track.
It boasts World Heritage sites in Ningaloo, Shark Bay and Purnululu National Park, unusual wildlife in quokkas and dugongs and some striking geological features including Wave Rock and Kalbarri’s Natures Window.
The northern areas are best visited in the ‘dry’ season which is from April to October, however Perth and the Margaret River region can be enjoyed year-round.
No two explorers are the same, so you have the freedom to craft your experience exactly how you want.
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Highlights
Perth and Rottnest Island
WA’s laid-back capital city, Perth, is situated on the banks of the Swan River and is within easy reach of several excellent sandy beaches. Kings Park provides the ideal spot for a picnic with great views over the city, whilst a trip to nearby Rottnest Island is the perfect way to idle away a day. Here you can cycle, snorkel and look out for the resident quokkas – approximately 10,000 of these small marsupials inhabit Rottnest.
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Highlights
Margaret River
To the south of Perth, this region is scattered with award-winning wineries, world-class surf beaches and towering karri forests. It’s a region to explore at a leisurely pace, enjoying coffee in small towns and long lazy vineyard lunches. Enjoy a walk amongst the treetops in the Valley of the Giants, visit the inhabitants of Penguin Island or stroll 3kms to the end of the Busselton Jetty.
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Highlights
The Pinnacles
Just south of Cervantes on the Indian Ocean coast lies the unique Nambung National Park, home to the strange limestone formations known as the Pinnacles. Literally thousands of these limestone pillars, standing up to 4 metres tall, dot the barren landscape here and are well worth spending some time exploring.
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Highlights
Shark Bay
Monkey Mia is the main resort of this area which for half a century has been popular for the dolphins which come to feed at the beach. This is a unique way to enjoy a face-to-face encounter with these intelligent creatures. Shark Bay is also home to the largest population of dugongs in the world – over 10,000 animals feed in the seagrass meadows here. Back on the mainland at Hamelin Pool you can visit the stromatolites the world’s oldest living fossils.
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Highlights
Ningaloo Reef
Accessible from Exmouth or from Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef is every bit as spectacular as its more famous counterpart on the Eastern side of Australia. Colourful coral gardens attract a variety of tropical fish and from April to July the region is visited by whale sharks. Swimming with the largest fish in the sea in their natural environment is a truly memorable experience.
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Highlights
Broome & The Kimberleys
With a distinctively Asian influence, Broome originally came to prominence as a pearl-fishing town. The town’s main draw-card is Cable Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand famous for its sunset camel rides. In March and October it also boasts a Staircase to the Moon as the full moon rises over tidal flats at Roebuck Bay. Broome is also the gateway to the Kimberleys including Cape Leveque and Purnululu National Park, home to the distinctive Bungle Bungles.
Trip ideas
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Whales and Wine of the South West
Australia Self DriveThe lush green forests and fertile vineyards of Australia's South West provide the backdrop to this coastal adventure, whilst marine wildlife can be found in abundance off-shore.
From £1077 Excluding Flights
8 Nights
Year Round
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Best Seller
Ningaloo and Shark Bay Discovery
Australia Self DriveThis short self drive itinerary showcases the very best of Australia’s Coral Coast.
From £1171 Excluding Flights
7 Nights
Mar-Oct
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Western Reef Adventure
Australia Self DriveExplore Western Australia following a route from Perth along the sunset coast to Exmouth via Kalbarri National Park and Monkey Mia.
From £1052 Excluding Flights
11 Nights
Year Round
Trip experiences
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Full Day Cape Leveque Adventure, Broome
AustraliaEnjoy a full day adventurous 4WD tour up to pristine Cape Leveque on the Dampier Peninsula. Travel up the red dirt 4WD track and learn about the area’s fascinating history as a largely Aboriginal-owned land.
From £155
Full Day
Year Round
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