Global travel authority, Lonely Planet, has just announced its Best in Travel for 2023, and Western Australia has made the cut.
The list of 30 must-visit locations has been compiled to inspire travellers to see the world a little differently, with each destination brought to life with considered itineraries, videos, and more.
“The list celebrates the world in all its wonderful, enticing variety,” says the senior director of global trade sales and marketing at Lonely Planet, Chris Zeiher.
Western Australia sits alongside the likes of Zambia and Bhutan as one of the best places in the world to embark on a days-long journey.
“Space, serenity and scenery: this is the holy trinity of WA,” says Ronan O’Connell, a contributor to the Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2023 and ex-Perth local. All three are abundant in the state, from the vast outback of Australia’s Golden Outback and tropical coral reefs in Australia’s Coral Coast to bay after scenic bay in Australia’s South West.
Visiting one of the planet’s most sparsely populated places is somewhat of an antidote to the past few years of confinement.
“WA covers more land than England, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany combined, yet is home to less than 1% of their collective population.”
O’Connell’s pick of the West Australian road trip routes is the seven-day journey from Perth to the South West.
The itinerary kicks off in the city, highlighting the botanical gardens at Kings Park and the WA Museum Boola Bardip.
After discovering Perth and Fremantle, the journey continues deeper into the South West.
Travellers are encouraged to stop off at the Busselton Jetty, then mosey their way on to a long lunch at any of the award-winning wineries in the Margaret River Region. The next road trip segment takes you through some of the most iconic South West landscapes: the rolling farmlands of Cowaramup, Eagle Bay’s alabaster beaches, and Pemberton’s towering karri forests.
As you hit the bottom of the loop and start the return to Perth, stops in Bunbury and Rockingham are recommended. Check out the local wildlife and Australia’s largest free playground.
You can see the full Best in Travel 2023 list here.
Feature Image: Cicerellos | Ronan O’Connell
Take in more of our great state perusing our WA travel guide
