WA Travel Guide: Where Will You Go Next?

Our top WA regional spots on where to holiday next.

Published: September 25th, 2020

By: Julia D'Orazio
Published: September 25th, 2020

By: Julia D'Orazio

Stay up to date with the latest Perth news

This one’s a keeper – bookmark this and tick off these Western Australia favourites.

WA is massive, no doubt about that. Just like pondering over a menu, it can sometimes be overwhelming choosing where to take off from Perth and venture out into the open road because there are so many good options to choose from.

To make the decision process easier for you, we have created a snackable list – a WA Travel Guide of our top WA regional spots on where to holiday next.

Albany

Couple enjoying the view from the Gap lookout, Torndirrup National Park

The south’s largest seaside city Albany is one of pure natural beauty and historical significance, just five hours drive south of Perth.

What was initially earmarked to be WA’s capital has a lot going for it; scenic hikes over Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound, larger-than-life street art, quirky independent outlets and a living museum into Australia’s wartime past.

Pay your respects at the National ANZAC Centre. Engage with deeply personal experiences of the First World War with audio commentary and historical artefacts provided in the centre. Make sure you immerse yourself with Albany’s stunning surroundings too with a visit to Natural Bridge at The Gap or take a casual stroll around Mount Clarence.

Need more Albany inspiration? Head to Australia’s South West to discover more.

Coral Bay

Coral Bay is WA’s favourite tiny coastal paradise and a World Heritage-listed site.

This one-strip town is a playground for beach enthusiasts and avid snorkelers keen to explore the thriving marine sanctuary and stunning coral gardens just metres from shore. The area attracts whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and over 500 varieties of fish, making it one place for epic wildlife viewing.

There are many adventurous tours to take part in to make the most of your coastal visit. Take part in a manta ray tour and see the ocean’s friendly giant dance, hop on a quad bike and ride the dunes, cast a reel in to land yourself a catch of the day or dive the depths of the bay.

Need more Coral Bay inspiration? Head to Australia’s Coral Coast to discover more.

Broome

WA’s winter-summery paradise Broome is one colourful spot in the Top End, both culturally and naturally. It’s where burnt red cliffs meet the big ocean blue, with green mangrove trees dotting the waterways, making one extraordinary backdrop. Broome is also a cultural melting pot of Aboriginal, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Malay and European cultures as a result of the pearling industry that continues to thrive today.

A way to experience Broome’s unique culture all in one place is a visit to the Broome Courthouse Markets. The markets run every Saturday and is a place to discover local artworks, see live music, find affordable jewellery and buy Broome-ready attire. Other ways to enjoy the best of Broome include an Old Town Broome walking tour, checking out dinosaur footprints at low-tide at Gantheaume Point and of course, catching a sunset (and train of camels!) at the iconic Cable Beach. If you get your timings right too, you will be treated to Earth’s grandest stairway, Staircase to the Moon – a natural phenomenon that occurs when the full moon rises over the tidal flats of Roebuck Bay.

Need more Broome inspiration? Head to Australia’s North West to discover more.

Collie

Collie is the unspoken adventure capital of the south, just two hours’ drive south-east of Perth.

Gone are the days where it was all about coal, it’s now all about keeping cool with its Insta-famous Stockton Lake, Black Diamond Lake, Honeymoon Pool and Long Pool putting Collie firmly on the map for lazy days by the water so BYO inflatable swan or SUP.

Those who like to get active with calling the great outdoors home, let Collie be your playground. It’s home to a labyrinth of both mountain bike and hike trails to suit all fitness levels and foot power. To unwind from all adventurous activities, check out Collie’s Art Gallery, the only A-class public gallery outside of Perth, showcasing a unique display of artworks.

Need more Collie inspiration? Head to Australia’s South West to discover more.

Bunbury

Humans aren’t the only ones making a splash in Bunbury, less than two hours’ drive from Perth.

The port city attracts a wild bottlenose dolphin population with the friendly ocean flippers frequently spotted off the coast. To ramp up your dolphin knowledge for the next quiz night, head to Dolphin Discovery Centre to find out more about Bunbury’s famous (and cute!) residents or let one become your synchronised swim buddy with a dolphin swim tour.

BYO binoculars to check out Bunbury’s feathery residents at Big Swamp Reserve, where you can spot over 30 species of birdlife along its walk trail and viewing platform. Another must-visit includes Mangrove Cove where you can get close to 25,000-year-old Leschenault mangroves along its scenic waterways.

Need more Bunbury inspiration? Head to Australia’s South West to discover more.

Busselton

Seaside city Busselton is for those who like to get active.

Busselton, or ‘Busso’ as locals call it, is famous for its long-standing attraction, the Busselton Jetty. WA’s iconic sight is the longest wood piled pier in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching out to 1.8km – now that’s one long walk on water!

Lazy to walk the jetty? You can also hop on its jetty train to make the distance or discover its marine life metres below with a dive or snorkel. Far from the water, you can find Tuart Forest National Park, the only remaining tuart forest in the world with centuries-old trees.

Need more Busselton inspiration? Head to Australia’s South West to discover more.

Northam

Nestled between the Avon and Mortlock River is Northam: a melting pot of WA’s rich history and culture.

A way to capture the true essence of the region is a visit to the world-class Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Bilya Koort Boodja, located along the Avon River foreshore. It showcases the historical and environmental presence of the Nyoongar people through state-of-the-art giant screens and interactive educational displays.

Have a boutique stay at the newly opened Farmers’ Home Hotel, a once-notorious pub now a restored heritage-listed masterpiece and the flashiest point in town to meet.

See the valley along the river with a kayak ride or by air in a hot air balloon adventure.

Need more Northam inspiration? Head to Avon Tourism to discover more.

Margaret River

Margaret River is WA’s most famed town of the south for many reasons.

World-class surf, award-winning wine, farm-to-table dining, a lot is going on in our beloved laidback town Margs – the centre of WA’s premier wine region.

Beyond the waves and vineyards, see another side to Margaret River by strolling through the farmers market every Saturday morning in town, venturing out to visit Boranup Karri Forest to see woodland giants, exploring the underground with a tour of one of its six caves.

Need more Margaret River inspiration? Head to Australia’s South West to discover more.

Esperance

Frenchman Peak, Cape Le Grand National Park.

Esperance is the kind of place where it’s hard to have anything but an adventurous time.

It may be a bit of a road trip to get there (7.5 hours’ drive) but is it well worth visiting this Southern Ocean fringing city.

Spend a day chilling at Australia’s whitest beach, Lucky Bay joined with sunbathing ‘roos or chose to tighten up the sneakers with a hike up Frenchman Peak in Cape Le Grand National Park.

For a quirky experience, head to Esperance Stonehenge, a replica of the UK’s ancient wonder.

Need more Esperance inspiration? Head to Australia’s Golden Outback to discover more.

Geraldton

Good old Gero as the locals call it. It is the only major city along the Coral Coast and is a mecca for kite-surfing enthusiasts and history buffs.

Pay respects at the beautifully structured HMAS Sydney II Memorial. Bronzed doves are ornamented into the domes’ design, representing the 645 men who lost their lives onboard the ship during WWII in 1941. Head to the Museum of Geraldton to find out more about Geraldton’s rich history. Check out the Yamaji Art Centre, home to a vast display of Aboriginal art or see the city in topsy-turvy fashion with a visit to art installation Horizon, along the Beresford Foreshore.

Need more Geraldton inspiration? Head to Australia’s Coral Coast to discover more.

Kalgoorlie

Exterior view of the historic Court Hotel on Burt Street, Boulder

See a city built on gold with a visit to Kalgoorlie. The golden outback’s capital is heritage-building rich and is A literal treasure trove, home to one of WA’s gold rush eras and one of the world’s richest gold deposits.

Head to the monstrous Fimiston Open Pit or commonly known as the Super Pit to see Australia’s largest open-pit mine that can be viewed from space!

See a different side of history by taking part in the locally-run Bush Ghoodu Wongutha Tours and get a glimpse into the Aboriginal culture within the region. Blush with pink with a unique tour into the world’s oldest working brothel where you will be only seduced with stories of Kalgoorlie’s colourful history!

Need more Kalgoorlie inspiration? Head to Australia’s Golden Outback to discover more.

Dunsborough

Dunsborough is a popular spot for the young and old.

Delightfully sandwiched between Eagle Bay and Busselton, the peaceful town is a great stepping stone to check out the South West’s most outstanding attractions including Margaret River wine region and surrounding national parks.

Head to Meelup Beach for a relaxing swim and the chance to see a moonrise over water night. Keen divers can also explore the HMAS Swan which was purposely sunk at the beach in 1996 and is now a thriving artificial reef. After a morning out and about, explore around town and check out the boutique stores and cafes.

Need more Dunsborough inspiration? Head to Australia’s South West to discover more.

Karratha

Be surprised with the Top End city Karratha.

Situated two-hours’ drive west of Port Hedland, Karratha is a city that is evolving with trendy outlets and modern facilities on the rise.

Use the city as a base to venture further afield, exploring the ancient rock engravings along Burrup Peninsula or cast a line at Cleaverville Creek, a much-loved fishing spot. Cool off with a dip at Hearson’s Cove, a short drive away.

Need more Karratha inspiration? Head to Australia’s North West to discover more.

Port Hedland

View Port Hedland in a different way past its industrial persona.

Bridging the Pilbara and the Kimberley, it is more than just a resource-rich town with ties to shipping and mining. Get your industrial geek (or chic?) on with a visit to BHP Iron Ore and Dampier Salt shipping area at Nelson Point.

See the town from above with a visit to the city’s lookout points, Town Observation Tower or Koomabana Lookout. See it from a biological perspective too exploring the tidal creels at Pretty Pool and Six Mile Creek and admiring the area’s native wildlife.

Receive an education along the Cultural and Heritage Trail, weaving Aboriginal and European history and visit the Dalgety House Museum for further historical insights into the region.

Need more Port Hedland inspiration? Head to Australia’s North West to discover more.

Source images: Tourism Western Australia

So Perth Walking Trails Series

Further Western Australia travel reads to inspire: