The West Coast

Home to more A-list celebrities than Hollywood and Byron Bay combined, the residents of Rottnest are so famous that even Thor himself queues for a selfie. So who lives in a place like this? 10,000 Quokkas of course. These cute happy little guys love Island life so much that they can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

Rottnest Island is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Perth. The easiest way to get there is by ferry and the easiest way to get around is by bike. The island is a cyclist’s haven with no cars, picturesque roads, and stunning backdrops.

Hit the road for a few hours south from Perth and you’ll find yourself entering Margaret River, or as the locals refer to it ‘Margs’. Famed for world-class wine, this place is ideal for those wanting to enjoy the local produce. There are loads of wineries in the region, so it’s not hard to find a tour and get merry for an afternoon.

Margaret River isn’t just known for its world-class waves and big wave surfers. It’s a super cruisey surfy beach town trimmed with incredible beaches. Adventurous types need to take a drive down Caves Road, home to multiple naturally formed caves. Check out the stalagmites and stalactites at the likes of Mammoth Cave or Lake Cave.

Esperance, further down and round the coast from Margaret River, is an unmissable spot for any West Coast trip. Expect Pink Lakes, tons of wildlife, and more world-class beaches. Cape Le Grand National Park is the creme de la creme of Esperance, so here you’ll make friends with wild kangaroos on the beach whilst embarking on some of Australia’s best walking trails.

The Pinnacles are a must-see spot on any West Coast Adventure. Release your inner Attenborough as you learn about the 30,000-year-old formations created over time. Scattered across yellow sand dunes in their thousands, these weathered rocks are made up of shells that eroded down and blew inland to create spectacular sculptures of varying shapes and sizes. Some have reached over three meters with jagged points, while others formed small rounded domes.

The Kalbarri National Park is a must-see for anyone. It’s home to where you can find incredible hikes and the world-famous Natures Window, part of an eroded sandstone cliff face accessible by a short hike. The new Skywalk has just opened too, so it’s definitely not one to miss out on.

Exmouth and The Ningaloo Reef hardly need an introduction. This is arguably one of the most spectacular places on the planet. Located on the Northern End of Australia’s Coral Coast, this place is home to some of the world’s best snorkeling and diving. Whale sharks, manta rays, and humpback whales visit seasonally, providing year-round activities for adventure travellers. The Ningaloo Reef is Australia’s largest fringing reef, accessible straight from the beach. All you need is a snorkel and some fins for a good time.

Karjini National Park is one of the largest and most rewarding national parks in Western Australia. Over many millions of years, erosion created steep gorges, up to 100 metres deep, with waterfalls and rock pools bordered by lush foliage. A track running through the Yampire Gorge will lead you to the most scenic spots of the park, then make sure to cool off at the Fortescue Falls. If you fancy a bit more driving, hop in your cars and head over to Wittenoom, full of shady picnic spots nestled nicely next to natural swimming pools.