Choose from 45 Fun Things to Do in Perth
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There is no drinking water in Kalbarri National Park and no formal facilities. All travelers must pack their own water, food, shelter, and snacks, and back-country hikers must register with rangers before and after a hike. In the summer, temperatures soar above 100 degrees (38 degrees Celsius) and are often up to 15 degrees higher when hiking through the interior.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Standing watch over the southwestern tip of Australia and marking the meeting point of the Indian and Southern Oceans, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse boasts a dramatic location. The 39-meter-high tower also makes a striking photo opportunity, with its stark white brick set against a backdrop of deep blue ocean and crashing waves. As well as being located within the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, the famous lighthouse serves as the starting point of the renowned Cape-to-Cape hiking trail, which runs for 135km along the coast.
Built in 1895, the historic lighthouse remains in use, but is now equally significant as a tourist attraction. Tours allow visitors to peek behind-the-scenes of the lighthouse, see the old waterwheel and climb the 186 steps to the top-floor viewing deck. A visitor center, shop and café are also located on-site.
Practical Info
The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is located at the southwestern tip of Australia and is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with tours held every 40 minutes.
Address: Leeuwin Rd, Augusta, Western Australia 6290, Australia
Hours: Daily 9am – 5pm, tours every 40 minutes
Admission: Entrance only: Adult: AU$8, Child: AU$5. Guided tour: Adult: AU$20, Child: AU$13
From $ 159
Fremantle Prison
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Western Australia’s oldest buildings, Fremantle Prison is an important reminder of Australia’s convict history. Built in the 1850s by the very convicts who inhabited its cells, the prison was notorious for its deplorable conditions and brutal capital punishment.
The Basics
Visitors of Fremantle Prison can choose from five tour options, such as guided tours that take them on a walk through the prison buildings, including the main cell block, exercise yards, and the gallows. For the adventurous, it’s even possible to explore its underground tunnel network or take an eerie evening tour by torchlight. You can also prepurchase a downloadable self-guided audio tour.
Many travelers opt to visit as part of a half- or full-day tour from Perth, often in combination with other Fremantle attractions, such as the fishing harbor, Fremantle Markets, and Maritime Museum, home to the America's Cup-winning yacht, Australia II.
Things to Know Before You Go
- General admission to the prison’s Visitor Centre and exhibition area is free, but the prison itself can only be visited as part of a guided tour.
- On-site facilities include paid parking, restrooms, a gift shop, and a café.
- Wear comfortable shoes—prison tours require a lot of walking and the ground is uneven in some places.
- Fremantle Prison is wheelchair accessible, but certain tours and areas (for example, the underground tunnels) are not suitable for those with limited mobility.
How to Get to There
Fremantle lies 12 miles (19 kilometers) southwest of central Perth, at the mouth of the Swan River. Trains run from Perth to Fremantle every 10 minutes, and it’s an around 30-minute journey by bus or car (ample parking is available on-site). For the most scenic route, take the ferry from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty to the Fremantle port, from where it’s a short walk or taxi ride to the prison.
When to Get There
Fremantle Prison is open daily, and tours run regularly. Evening tours operate Wednesdays and Fridays only. To combine a visit with the famous Fremantle Markets—just a 5-minute walk from the prison—visit on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
History of Fremantle Prison
Officially opened in 1855, Fremantle Prison held convicts and criminals for nearly 140 years, remaining in use until 1991. Between 1850 and 1868, it held nearly 10,000 convicts, many of whom were brutally treated. Flogging was legal in the prison until the 1940s. Fremantle was also the only prison in Western Australia with legal capital punishment; 43 men and one woman lost their lives to the gallows.
Address: 1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
From $ 22
Monkey Mia
While some things in nature are easily explained, others remain a mystery. One of those mysteries is at Monkey Mia on Australia's western coast, where wild dolphins pay regular visits to the shoreline to greet humans. The ritual has taken place almost daily for over 50 years, with a handful of dolphins cruising by the shore up to three times per day, making Monkey Mia one of the world's most reliable places for spotting dolphins in the wild. The site is also a research center for dolphin psychology and behavior.
Although the dolphin appearances are unpredictable, rangers lead guided feedings during which select visitors are chosen to offer fish to the bottlenose dolphins under supervision (the amount of food provided to the dolphins is strictly regulated so as not to interfere with their diet). Thanks to ranger supervision, this is the only place in the Shark Bay region where visitors are legally allowed to be within 100 feet of a dolphin, making it easy to make out their sleek outline as they swim through the knee-high, crystalline waters. Dolphins may approach visitors, but guests should note that the animals are wild and should not touch them.
Practical Info
Monkey Mia 527 miles (850 km), or a nine-hour drive, north of Perth in the UNESCO-listed Shark Bay area. The nearest town is Denham, a 30-minute drive away. Monkey Mia day permits cost $12 for adults and $4.50 for children between the ages of 6 and 15.
Address: 1 Monkey Mia Road, Denham, Western Australia 6537, Australia
Hours: Open daily. To see the dolphins it's recommended you get to the beach by 7:30am
Admission: Adults $12, children (6–15) $4.50
From $ 463
Esperance
Esperance is a coastal town located on the southern end of Western Australia. Surrounded by beaches with brilliant white sand and clear turquoise waters, the area boasts some of the best scenery in the country.
The town is surrounded by a host of attractions, including five national parks, a tourist driving loop, vineyards with award-winning wines, an arts center and more. Cape Le Grand National Park is the most celebrated of those in the vicinity, with its picturesque granite shoreline and opportunities for hiking, fishing, snorkeling and off-roading. The popular Great Ocean Drive is a 24-mile (38 km) tourist route that takes visitors along the coastline and past Pink Lake–a body of water named for the algae and brine prawn that color it flushed.
Off the coast of Esperance lies an archipelago of over 100 islands, including Woody Island, a popular spot for fishing, bushwalking, snorkeling and diving. The area around Esperance is a diver’s paradise; many visitors come entirely for the waves. From June to October, migrating southern right whales shelter in the bays around the town.
Practical Info
Esperance lies within a two-hour flight from Perth. It can also be reached by way of an eight-hour drive from Perth. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which makes it a perfect holiday spot year-round, although spring is a fantastic time to visit and see whales and wildflowers.
Address: Esperance, W.A., Australia
From $ 697
Lancelin Sand Dunes
A visit to Western Australia wouldn’t be complete without an adrenaline-infused ride across the Lancelin Sand Dunes. Rolling hills of textured, white sand provide the landscape for your next sand surfing adventure. Thrill seekers rejoice, these dunes span more than a mile (2 kilometers) — the largest in Western Australia! Navigate the steep sand bumps and curves in a dirt bike, off-road vehicle or sandboard. Once you make it to the peaks you’ll bask in panoramic views of Lancelin, including vast farmland, sweeping sand dunes and refreshing coastline. Visit during dawn or dusk for killer scenery.
Practical Info
The Lancelin Sand Dunes are located directly inland from Lancelin Township, about an hour and half drive from Perth in Western Australia at 102 Gingin Road. Free admission, open daily. Best viewing times are dawn and dusk.
Address: Via Kendall Road, Lancelin, Western Australia, Australia
From $ 118
Cape Range National Park
With its gaping canyons, red sand beaches and soaring limestone cliffs, the rugged landscapes of the Cape Range National Park are a photographer’s dream. Stretching for 47,655 hectares along the North West Cape, the protected area includes more than 50km of sandy beaches and lies close to the famous Ningaloo Reef.
Highlights for visitors include boat tours beneath the towering cliffs of Yardie Creek; swimming and snorkelling at Turquoise Bay or Oyster Stacks; bird watching at the Mangrove Bird Hide; or driving through the jaw-dropping scenery of Charles Knife Canyon or Shothold Canyon. Hiking, bushwalking and camping are also popular pastimes with marked trails like Mandu Mandu Gorge and the Badjirrajirra Loop Trail running through the steep gorges and hundreds of natural caves to explore along the way.
The Cape Range National Park is also renowned for its varied wildlife with red kangaroos, wallaroos, emus and perenties frequently spotted; unique wildflowers like Sturt desert peas blooming throughout the summer; and a startling array of birds including mangrove fantails, mangrove whistlers and yellow white eyes.
Practical Info
The Cape Range National Park is located 40km southwest of Exmouth on the North West Cape in Western Australia.
Address: Yardie Creek Rd, Cape Range National Park, Western Australia 6707, Australia
From $ 171
Art Gallery of Western Australia
The Art Gallery of Western Australia is a world class museum located right in the heart of Perth.
The gallery was founded in July 1895. Since its inception, the gallery has aimed to enrich Western Australia with great collections of art, bringing the art of the world to the state. In partnership with the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the gallery is presenting six exhibitions of work drawn from MoMA’s extensive collection between 2012 and 2015.
Despite celebrating art from around the world, the gallery places a large emphasis on the arts of Australia and the Indian Ocean Rim. Programs, exhibitions and events are influenced heavily by art both local and close international proximity. This includes the permanent State Art Collection, showcasing Indigenous art and Western Australian art and design.
The Art Gallery of Western Australia hosts a wide range of exhibitions, which have included celebrations of Egyptian art, entries to the Tom Malone Prize, and contemporary photography of New York. Year 12 Perspectives is a recurring exhibition of art by some of the most talented graduating high school artists in the state that highlights the role the arts play in the development of self.
The gallery was founded in July 1895. Since its inception, the gallery has aimed to enrich Western Australia with great collections of art, bringing the art of the world to the state. In partnership with the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the gallery is presenting six exhibitions of work drawn from MoMA’s extensive collection between 2012 and 2015.
Despite celebrating art from around the world, the gallery places a large emphasis on the arts of Australia and the Indian Ocean Rim. Programs, exhibitions and events are influenced heavily by art both local and close international proximity. This includes the permanent State Art Collection, showcasing Indigenous art and Western Australian art and design.
The Art Gallery of Western Australia hosts a wide range of exhibitions, which have included celebrations of Egyptian art, entries to the Tom Malone Prize, and contemporary photography of New York. Year 12 Perspectives is a recurring exhibition of art by some of the most talented graduating high school artists in the state that highlights the role the arts play in the development of self.
Practical Info
The Art Gallery of Western Australia is conveniently located within a few minutes’ walk from the Perth train station. Parking is available nearby at various locations within the Perth Cultural Centre Precinct. Sightseeing tours such as the Perth Tram Company and City Sightseeing Perth also have stops nearby. The museum is open Wednesday – Monday from 10-5. It’s free to enter, though donations are appreciated.
Address: Perth Cultural Centre/Roe St, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Hours: Wed-Mon 10am - 5pm
Admission: Suggested Donation
From $ 30
London Court
London Court is an old-style open-roofed shopping arcade and an important tourist attraction in the city of Perth.
Built in 1937 for residential and commercial purposes, the Elizabethan arcade was constructed to look like an English street in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. A series of ‘small houses’ with window boxes, the structure of London Court is not the only element of the arcade hearkening to times past.
Ornate entrances with wrought iron gates and giant clocks mark both ends of the arcade at Hay Street Mall and St George’s Terrace. The Hay Street Mall clock shows four mechanised knights jousting as the clock chimes every quarter hour. The clock at the St George’s Terrace entrance depicts a miniature scene of St George battling the dragon. Gargoyles, shields, wrought iron brackets, masks, gabled roofs and even weather cocks complete the Elizabethan theme.
A number of boutique retail stores occupy London Court. Aboriginal Art and Pigeonhole, selling art and homewares; Sweets of London, specializing in British confectionery and groceries; and the ‘olde worlde’ Antiques and Heirlooms are just some of the eclectic mix of businesses that occupy the building.
Built in 1937 for residential and commercial purposes, the Elizabethan arcade was constructed to look like an English street in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. A series of ‘small houses’ with window boxes, the structure of London Court is not the only element of the arcade hearkening to times past.
Ornate entrances with wrought iron gates and giant clocks mark both ends of the arcade at Hay Street Mall and St George’s Terrace. The Hay Street Mall clock shows four mechanised knights jousting as the clock chimes every quarter hour. The clock at the St George’s Terrace entrance depicts a miniature scene of St George battling the dragon. Gargoyles, shields, wrought iron brackets, masks, gabled roofs and even weather cocks complete the Elizabethan theme.
A number of boutique retail stores occupy London Court. Aboriginal Art and Pigeonhole, selling art and homewares; Sweets of London, specializing in British confectionery and groceries; and the ‘olde worlde’ Antiques and Heirlooms are just some of the eclectic mix of businesses that occupy the building.
Practical Info
London Court runs between Hay Street Mall and St George’s Terrace, perpendicular to Barack and William Streets. Perth Station, Perth Underground Station and Esplanade Station are the closest train stations to the arcade, and within 10 minutes walking distance. London Court is open 5am-9pm Monday to Saturday, and 6am-9pm Sundays.
Address: 647-653 Hay St, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
From $ 37
Elizabeth Quay
Stationed along the north shore of Perth Water in the city’s central business district, the newly opened Elizabeth Quay is a 2.7-hectare inlet of entertainment, nightlife, restaurants and fun.
Travelers can venture to the Barrack Street Jetty and check out the Bell Tower or enjoy a fun-filled river cruise. Hire a bike and ride along the picturesque Swan River or stroll along the scenic promenade. Sample some of the city’s contemporary cuisine in one of the stylish alfresco restaurants along the water or relax and unwind with a leisurely picnic in the vast green space.
Practical Info
Elizabeth Quay is located in Perth’s central business district at the Esplanade, near Trinity United Church. It is accessible using the Perth Underground via the Esplanade station.
Address: The Esplanade, Perth WA 6000, Australia
From $ 13
Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA)
The outstanding Aquarium of Western Australia surrounds you with all the fishy creatures of the Southern Ocean. Innovative underwater tunnels and walkways get you up-close and personal with the turtles, fish, sharks and rays swimming overhead.
Other attractions include playful seals and reefs of coral, wiggly jellyfish and graceful sea dragons.
If you dare, you can scuba dive with sharks in the Shipwreck Coast feature aquarium.
Practical Info
AQWA is in Hillarys Boat Harbour, a 20 minute drive north from Perth via the Mitchell Freeway.
To get here by public transport, catch a Joondalup train from central Perth. Get off at Warwick station, then catch a local bus to AQWA.
Address: 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys 6025, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Boranup Karri Forest
A pocket of wilderness stretching along Australia’s southwestern coast, the Boranup Karri Forest is one of the main natural attractions of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. A historic land belonging to the ancient Wardandi tribe, today the Boranup Forest is best known as a recreational area, with a network of walking trails, a number of karst caves, a forest maze and a camping area.
The most notable attraction of Boranup is its native Karri trees, pale-barked trees that can reach heights of over 60-meters, making them among the tallest in the world. As well as admiring the unique trees, bushwalkers can spot an array of wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, a wide variety of exotic birds and a colourful array of wildflowers during the summer months.
Practical Info
Boranup Karri Forest is located on the coast of Western Australia, around 300km southwest of Perth.
Address: Caves Road, Margaret River, Western Australia 6285, Australia
From $ 110
Margaret River
The Margaret River region is Western Australia’s food, wine, surfing, and leisure playground. It’s also one of the most scenic and lush regions in the state, graced with a mix of coastline, forest, vineyards, and farmland. Wine-loving visitors have more than 140 Margaret River wineries to choose from—its vintages are compared to those of Bordeaux in France—and the area also attracts surfers, whale watchers, spelunkers, and beachgoers to its nearby coastal landscapes.
The Basics
With so much to do (and so much wine to drink), Margaret River rewards those who linger. During a multi-day tour of the region from Perth, lasting anywhere from two to four days, you might go wine tasting during a winery tour, watch a sheep-shearing demonstration, cruise the Nornalup Inlet, take in the views from the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, tour the vast Mammoth Cave, or climb above the treetops in the Valley of the Giants. If you’re pressed for time, you can catch the highlights on an action-packed day trip from Perth.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Margaret River wine region is a must-visit for wine lovers and foodies.
- Choose between a full-day or multi-day tour through the region.
- Day trips to Margaret River from Perth can last upwards of 13 hours.
How to Get There
Margaret River is located about 3.5 hours by road from Perth. While it’s possible to catch a charter flight or bus from Perth to Margaret River, the easiest way to get there is by car or guided tour.
When to Get There
While year-round sunshine means the Margaret River area is almost always pleasant, the best time to visit is during the dry season, between April and September, when it’s not too hot. Area surfing is at its best in April, while whale watching peaks in Australian spring (autumn in the northern hemisphere).
It’s Not All About the Wine
Margaret River wineries might produce some of the world’s best wines, but there’s more to drink in the area than fermented grapes. Start your day with a cappuccino from a local coffee roaster, and spend the afternoon with some beer tastings and brewery tours. Many area breweries also produce their own ciders and craft spirits.
Address: Bussell Highway, Margaret River 6285, Australia
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 159
City Beach
Contrary to what the name suggests, City Beach is not actually located in the city center of Perth.
City Beach is one of the two major beaches in the suburb of City Beach, about a twenty minute drive from the city center. City Beach is the people-pleaser of Perth’s beaches. Clean and uncrowded, the beach attracts surfers, families and backpackers.
City Beach is relatively small compared to other beaches around Perth, giving it an intimate feel. The sand is white and soft, and often the site of impromptu beach volleyball games and beach cricket. A surf life club runs regular training and competitions for its members. Green lawns behind the beach provide the perfect place for picnics.
It’s really all about the water at a beach though, and City Beach doesn’t disappoint. The surf is calm enough for swimmers (and the surf lifesavers ensure it’s safe). The shore break is often populated by surfers, and the waves are highly suited to those just starting out, though surfers of an intermediate level won’t be disappointed. Kitesurfing, and the slightly less intense windsurfing are also popular water-bound activities.
As well as the surf lifesaving club, facilities include a playground, kiosk, toilets, showers and a boardwalk to the neighboring Floreat Beach. Extensive dunes along the coast are closed to visitors, but home to hawks, mice and rabbits. City Beach is also the scenic end to the Perth City to Surf marathon each August.
City Beach is one of the two major beaches in the suburb of City Beach, about a twenty minute drive from the city center. City Beach is the people-pleaser of Perth’s beaches. Clean and uncrowded, the beach attracts surfers, families and backpackers.
City Beach is relatively small compared to other beaches around Perth, giving it an intimate feel. The sand is white and soft, and often the site of impromptu beach volleyball games and beach cricket. A surf life club runs regular training and competitions for its members. Green lawns behind the beach provide the perfect place for picnics.
It’s really all about the water at a beach though, and City Beach doesn’t disappoint. The surf is calm enough for swimmers (and the surf lifesavers ensure it’s safe). The shore break is often populated by surfers, and the waves are highly suited to those just starting out, though surfers of an intermediate level won’t be disappointed. Kitesurfing, and the slightly less intense windsurfing are also popular water-bound activities.
As well as the surf lifesaving club, facilities include a playground, kiosk, toilets, showers and a boardwalk to the neighboring Floreat Beach. Extensive dunes along the coast are closed to visitors, but home to hawks, mice and rabbits. City Beach is also the scenic end to the Perth City to Surf marathon each August.
Practical Info
City Beach is located about 20 minutes’ drive west of Perth’s centre. The beach is ‘open’ 24/7 year around, but it’s important to check when the surf lifesavers are on duty. Always swim between the red and yellow flags. Accommodation at City Beach is limited – try looking in Scarborough, a town 3 minutes’ drive north, if there’s nothing available.
Address: City Beach, Perth, WA, Australia
From $ 73
Karijini National Park
With its startling multi-hued cliffs, meandering rivers and tumbling waterfalls, the Karijini National Park is a worthy reward for travelers heading off-the-beaten-track in Western Australia. Sprawling for more than 600,000 hectares across the Hamersley Range, Karijini is best known for its dramatic gorges, which provide a natural playground for rafting, climbing and abseiling, and ample swimming spots.
Natural highlights of the park include the Fortescue Falls at Dales Gorge; the Oxer Lookout overlooking Joffre, Weano, Red and Hancock gorges; and the 1,234-meter peak of Mount Bruce. As well as hiking and 4WD tours, Karijini National Park is renowned for its wildlife, including red kangaroos, euros, rock wallabies, echidnas and a colorful variety of birds.
Practical Info
Karijini National Park is located in the Hamersley Ranges in northwestern Western Australian.
Address: Banjima Drive, Karijini WA 6751, Australia
Hours: Karijini Visitor Centre is open daily 10am-4pm
From $ 686
Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park
Explore the rugged, wind-swept vistas and expansive beach views at one of Western Australia’s most renowned spots for exploration, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Situated west of Busselton, visitors flock to this natural playground for its raw beauty and accessibility for activities in nature. Moss-covered waterfalls, stalagmite-filled caves and curving sands create a welcome environment for every kind of traveler.
Get your paddle on at infamous surf breaks like Smith Beach, or drop a line at the fishing hole, Moses Rock South. Epic views and panoramic scenery make the park an ideal place for bushwalking, trail hiking and cycling; afterwards, take a rest and stay awhile at the Boranup Campground. Travelers can snorkel above white sand at Cosy Corner or even try abseiling in the Calgardup Cave. For the more laid-back traveler, simply get lost wandering among the limestone and granite headlands.
Practical Info
Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is located in Western Australia, 22 miles (36 kilometers) west of Busselton. Always be mindful around cliffs, watch for any hazard signs and safety alerts. Bring your own water and be prepared for hot, dry weather year-round. The park is open every day, pending fire or conservation closures. While most Western Australia parks are free to enter, vehicle and camping fees may apply.
Address: 22 miles (36 kilometers) west of Busselton, Western Australia, Australia
Admission: $12 standard vehicle fee, $6 concession vehicle fee and camping fees may apply
From $ 52
Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach’s Indian Ocean waves and sugar-like sand make you forget quite easily that you're in the middle of a major Australian city. When you’re lying on a beach towel, gazing out at the clear turquoise water, listening to kids splash around and feeling the soft white sand beneath your fingers, you’d almost think you were on a tropical Caribbean island. That’s the magic of Perth – all the urban features you need and idyllic beaches to get away from it all. Cott, as it’s affectionately known, is anchored by Indiana, a restaurant housed in a beautiful building where you can sip a cocktail and enjoy a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset. Beware Sunday afternoons when the beach becomes crowded with local teenagers who walk down from the adjacent neighborhood.
Address: Australia
From $ 48
Hillarys Boat Harbour
Hillarys Boat Harbour is one of Perth’s most popular seaside playgrounds. Everyone here, from shoppers to whale watchers, can find an activity along the boardwalk that teems with hundreds of visitors. Enjoy the smell of salt on the breeze while cycling along the coast, or relax with a coffee at an outdoor café that looks out over the water. In spring, book a ticket on a whale-watching cruise to watch playful, aerial humpbacks, and birdwatchers can board the ferry to Rottnest Island during any time of the year.
Even if you don’t actually get on a boat, simply strolling the marina docks is a popular Hillary’s pastime. This harbor, after all, was built as part of the America’s Cup in 1988, and world-class yachts and finely polished sailboats still make the marina their home. On sunny days, leave some footprints in the Australian sand on the popular and sheltered beach, and there’s also a playground where families with children can relax along the coast.
Practical Info
Hillary’s Boart Harbor is located 15 miles north of Perth in the coastal town of Hillary’s. The Marina is set on Southside Drive, and with 2,700 parking stalls, there is rarely a problem finding a place to park. Or, to reach the marina by train and bus, take the Joondaloop Line from downtown Perth and exit at the Warwick or Sterling stations. From here, bus 423 will take you directly to the harbor. For whale watching, the best season is from September-early December.
Address: Perth, Western Australia, Australia
From $ 15
Kalbarri National Park
With its multi-hued, sandstone hiking trails and rugged, coastal sea cliffs, Kalbarri National Park is one of Australia’s most awe inspiring corners. From the lookout atop the Z Bend trail, your gaze will fall 500 feet (152 m) to the Murchison River below, which has slowly carved a colorful gorge through millions of years of erosion. Down south along the coast, you’ll find Red Bluff Beach, where dusty red sandstone and turquoise waters add color and flare to the cove. Keep an eye out for echidna, wallabies, and 150 species of birds, as well as the whales, dolphins, and seabirds that soar and splash within eyesight from the park's six miles (9.5 km) of coastal cliff trails.
Given the park's location seven-hours from the major city of Perth, many visitors choose to experience Kalbarri as part of a multi-day, guided tour with transportation included. Tours range from three days to 19 days of exploring the Western Australian coastline with stops for outdoor activities and visits to other natural attractions, like Pinnacles Desert and Monkey Mia.
Practical Info
Kalbarri National Park is located two hours from Geraldton and seven hours from Perth. It is accessible by guided tour and by car with the purchase of a single-day vehicle pass, which costs AUD 12.
Did You Know? The Tumblagooda sandstone inside the park is believed to be 400 million years old.
Address: Kalbarri National Park, Geraldton, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 463
Kings Park & Botanic Garden
Perth’s sprawling Kings Park crowns a hilltop of natural bushland on the city’s western border. Taking up 1,000 acres (400.5 hectares) of parklands, botanic gardens and bushland, the park was established in 1872.
Western Australia is known for its superb array of wildflowers and flowering trees, and Kings Park is one of the best places in the state to see them.
Visit during September for the spring wildflower display, or year round to take the elevated Federation Walkway across the treetops.
Take a free guided walk, or follow the signs to see the state’s iconic trees, including karri, jarrah, native Christmas trees and pines. The restaurants, cafes and kiosks in the park offer a range of meals and refreshments to recharge your batteries.
Practical Info
Free buses run to Kings Park from the city center, or you can walk there in around 15 minutes via St. George’s Terrace.
Address: Kings Park Road, Perth 6005, Australia
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 30
Fitzgerald River National Park
Sitting way down on the southern coast of Western Australia, Fitzgerald River National Park is one of the most overlooked wilderness areas in the region. Though Fitzgerald River is small in the grand scheme of things–covering less than a percent of Western Australia–the 2,050-square-mile (3,300 square-kilometer) park is home to more than 20 percent of the state’s plant species, including 65 endemic plants.
Fitzgerald River National Park has been reserve listed for UNESCO World Heritage status, and a visit makes it easy to see why. The park is home to a range of landscapes, including plains, forests, peaks, headlands and more. There’s plenty of wildlife too, and come the winter and spring months, migrating whales shelter their calves in the bays within the park.
There is also a network of hiking trails, including the summit hike to East Mt Barren and the coastal scenery of Mt Maxwell. There are also scenic drives for both four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles.
Practical Info
Fitzgerald River National Park is a six-hour, 310-mile (500 km) drive from Perth or a 1.5-hour flight to the nearby town of Ravensthorpe. Camping is permitted within dedicated areas in the park with per-night fees of $10 for adults. There’s also accommodation in the nearby town of Quaalup.
Address: South Coast, W.A., Australia
From $ 697