Choose from 78 Fun Things to Do in Western Australia
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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
Cable Beach
A brilliant 14 mi (22 km) of unspoiled white sand and turquoise waters, Cable Beach is a sun-lover's paradise.
Even during the busiest time of year (‘the dry’ – May through to November) it is guaranteed that you will find a secluded spot to lay your towel.
The beach is almost perfectly flat and the water gently laps the shore, making it a perfect place for swimmers of any ability or those that want to walk along the beach soaking up the beauty. From shore you can see the occasional pearling boat still at work in the industry that supported Broome before tourists discovered this unspoilt gem.
Cable Beach is also famous as having one of Australia's most well known nudist beaches. The beach is to the north of the car park just south of Willie Creek.
Practical Info
It is easy to reach Cable Beach by car, there is a good paved road right to the car park. The Broome Bus also has a stop at Cable Beach and no doubt there will be a stop nearby your hotel in this tiny town.
Address: Cable Beach Road West, Broome, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 66
Busselton Jetty
At over a mile in length, the Busselton Jetty is the longest of its kind found anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. Because Busselton’s Geographe Bay is far too shallow for ships, the Jetty was constructed as a means of transporting cargo to deeper water. Though ships no longer dock here today, Busselton Jetty is now a draw for legions of coastal visitors, who stroll the jetty, take in the views, and swim in the waters of Geographe Bay whenever it’s warm enough in summer. Aside from the scenic stroll over water, a popular activity at Busselton Jetty is visiting the Underwater Observatory, where a spiral staircase leads 26 feet to the ocean floor below. With 11 portholes for viewing beneath water, the Observatory offers a look at marine life inhabiting the artificial reef, which includes a colorful collection of coral that’s rare for the southern latitude. If a mile seems like too far to walk (and then, of course, walk back), an historic train runs the length of jetty and leaves from the Interpretive Center—which itself explains to visitors the history of Busselton’s most famous sight.
Practical Info
The Busselton Jetty is at the end of Queen Street where it meets the Busselton Beachfront. The jetty itself is always open, though the Interpretive Center and Underwater Observatory have regular business hours and additional fees. For a memorable visit, enjoy the walk to the end at sunset and stroll back under the stars.
Address: Busselton Beachfront, Busselton, Western Australia, Australia WA 6280, Australia
Hours: 24 hours
Admission: $2.25
From $ 30
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
Caversham Wildlife Park
Located in the lush surrounds of Whiteman Park, Perth’s Caversham Wildlife Park is home to Western Australia’s largest private collection of native wildlife. The park has more than 200 species of fauna, with a focus on native Australian animals such as koalas, wallabies, possums, Tasmanian devils, and wombats.
The Basics
A Caversham Wildlife Park entry ticket includes full access to the park’s many attractions, as well as daily events such as live shows and animal-feeding demonstrations. Most visitors choose to visit on a day trip from Perth; you can combine a full-day tour with other area activities, including a 4WD drive tour of the Darling Ranges, a wine tasting in the Swan Valley, a visit to the Pinnacles desert, or a sandboarding adventure down the Lancelin dunes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- You can take in all of the park’s attractions in about three hours, but many visitors opt to spend the whole day in Whiteman Park.
- On-site facilities include ATMS, free Wi-Fi, a gift shop, a café, and free parking.
- Caversham Wildlife Park is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Caversham Wildlife Park, located inside Whiteman Park, is about a 30-minute drive north of central Perth. There are two main entrances to the Whiteman Park—Lord Street and Beechboro Road—and also buses from Bassendean Railway Station stop at the Lord Street entrance, most visitors arrive either by private transport or as part of a guided tour from Perth.
When to Get There
Caversham Wildlife Park is open daily year round. The busiest time to visit is during the summer peak season (December and January) or during school holidays. Weekdays outside of these times are generally much quieter.
Wildlife Experiences at Caversham Wildlife Park
Caversham Wildlife Park highlights include supervised walks through the kangaroo enclosure; an interactive farm show where you can try your hand at shearing a sheep or milking a cow; and photo opportunities close to wombats, koalas, and kangaroos (additional fees required). There’s also Penguin Island, where you can watch the penguins being fed, and Molly’s Farm, where you can learn about cows, goats, and chickens.
Address: Lot 99B Lord St, Whiteman, WA 6068, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 133
Boab Prison Tree
Just south of Derby in the Kimberly region is a large, hollow boab tree known as the Boab Prison Tree. A popular tourist attraction, the tree is believed to have been used as a prison for indigenous Australian prisoners in the late 1800s, though some contest this.
Regardless of whether it was used as a prison or not, the boab is impressive. Believed to be about 1,500 years old, the tree has a huge diameter of 48 feet (14.7 meters) and has been declared a registered Aboriginal site. Local legend has it that early police patrols used the tree as an overnight lockup as a natural cell. The hole cut into the side of the tree is manmade, supporting the idea that it was used as such.
The interpretative centre nearby to the tree gives a history of interactions between early white pastoralists and the Aboriginal people, giving insights into local tensions and times the tree was used. The centre details the events of the droving days and World War II upon the town of Derby, as well as explaining the biology of this ancient tree. A short trail at the prison tree leads to a picnic area and a view of the longest cattle trough in the southern hemisphere: Myall’s Bore.
Practical Info
The Boab Prison Tree sits 4.3 miles (7 km) south of Derby, on the King River Road, and is protected by a fence. Visitors are requested to remain away from the tree in respect to the cultural significance of the tree and to protect it.
Address: Derby, WA, Australia, Australia
From $ 199
Broome Chinatown
A colorful history accompanies Broome's Chinatown. During the heyday of Broome's pearling industry, the pearlers (many from China, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Europe) would arrive back on shore cashed up and head to the opium dens and billiard halls of Chinatown.
Things have changed. You won’t find opium dens; however, you will still find corrugated sheds alongside some fascinating Chinese architecture and delicious food. The area is filled with pearl shops selling pearls and mother-of-pearl products many of which come from local waters.
Stroll around, soak up the atmosphere and learn about Broome's exciting history from the great storyboards on the shops along Johnny Chi Lane.
Things have changed. You won’t find opium dens; however, you will still find corrugated sheds alongside some fascinating Chinese architecture and delicious food. The area is filled with pearl shops selling pearls and mother-of-pearl products many of which come from local waters.
Stroll around, soak up the atmosphere and learn about Broome's exciting history from the great storyboards on the shops along Johnny Chi Lane.
Practical Info
Chinatown is still the commercial center of Broome so it is a major stop for the Broome Bus, which has comprehensive coverage of Broome. It is also walking distance from the airport.
Address: Johnny Chi Lane, Broome, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 73
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
Cape Leveque
One of Australia's most stunning stretches of coastline, Cape Leveque is filled with saturated hues: brick-red cliffs, pearl-white sand and clear, blue water.
It’s fantastically remote but there is an excellent eco-resort run by the traditional Aboriginal owners of the land and miles of that glorious beach.
There are lots of activities available once you get to the cape. Glass-bottomed boats will give you a look at the beautiful corals and fish that live in the waters around the cape and the fishing is excellent especially for mackerel, tuna and sailfish.
There are also cultural tours you can undertake with the traditional Aboriginal owners of the land which will teach you about their way of life on the cape.
Practical Info
It’s a good 3.5 hour drive from Broome over corrugated dirt roads, a trip for 4-wheel drive vehicles only. If you’re not experienced with a 4WD then there are companies that run up to Cape Leveque; most of the day-trips are by plane.
Address: Broome-Cape Leveque Road, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 199
Bungle Bungles
Purnululu National Park, or the Bungle Bungles, is one the world’s most beautiful areas to be discovered as recently as it has. Not thirty years since its discovery, this majestic 239,723 hectare range located in Kimberley, Australia, features utterly unique and beautiful layered sandstone domes closely resembling beehives.
Once inhabited by aborigines, in this amazing park you will discover gorges, wallabies, and fan palm trees. In the plains surrounding the sandstone domes you can catch exotic plant-life, such as beautiful bright yellow acacia flowers and grevilleas.
The only way to discover the Bungle Bungles is on foot, but with temperatures averaging more than 30 Celsius (86 F), so make sure you come prepared. Luckily, on your journey you will discover fresh-water rock pools, so refilling bottles and going for a dip is only part of the fun.
Once inhabited by aborigines, in this amazing park you will discover gorges, wallabies, and fan palm trees. In the plains surrounding the sandstone domes you can catch exotic plant-life, such as beautiful bright yellow acacia flowers and grevilleas.
The only way to discover the Bungle Bungles is on foot, but with temperatures averaging more than 30 Celsius (86 F), so make sure you come prepared. Luckily, on your journey you will discover fresh-water rock pools, so refilling bottles and going for a dip is only part of the fun.
Practical Info
The most typical way to access the park is by 4-wheelers, which follows
the Spring Creek Track from the Great Northern Highway. If you decide to
make the trip from Kununurra the route is approximately 155 miles long,
quite a hike, however if splurging is an option you possess, you can
catch a helicopter out of Turkey Creek Roadhouse.
Address: Western Australia, Australia
Admission: Camping - Adults: AU$11, Children: AU$2
From $ 296
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
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
Broome Town Beach
Town Beach is one of many sandy spots in Broome, and its main attraction is its water playground that dominates the foreshore. Built for kids of all ages, the playground is designed to be all-inclusive, enabling children of all abilities to play. A range of sprayers including a whale tail sprayer, mistry twisty, sneaky soakers and froggy-o-sprayer are set up to provide a fun play environment. The playground operates on a cycle that randomly repeats and is activated when a start button is pressed.
Safety is paramount here. Soft-fall ground covering ensures a non-slip environment, and the water is UV filtered and chlorinated. A designated area for disabled children includes a self-propelling, custom built, water submersible wheelchair that is available for free hire.
While the playground is a huge part of the attractions of Town Beach, the beach itself is also popular. Besides the bay being a calm swimming spot, the grassy foreshore also offers a great place for picnics. Just beside the playground sits the Town Beach Café, serving coffee, pastries and more.
Practical Info
Town Beach Playground is open from 9-5, except on Tuesdays. Public toilets are available near the playground. The playground is located on Robinson Street.
Address: Robinson Street, Broome, WA, Australia 6725, Australia
From $ 67
Dampier Peninsula
Located to the north of Broome, the Dampier Peninsula is a huge, largely uninhabited stretch of land running from the northern edge of Coulomb Point Nature Reserve to Cape Leveque.
The Dampier Peninsula is one of the last true wildernesses in Australia. Residents in the area include tiny communities, pearling camps, the occasional tourist resort and the communities of the Bardi, Njulnjul and Djaberadjabera people – the traditional owners of the peninsula and the region surrounding it.
Dampier Peninsula is known by the Aboriginal people as Ardi, which means "heading north." The landscapes of the Dampier Peninsula are stunning. Turquoise blue waters shelter coral reefs and abundant tropical fish life, turtles and dugongs, whilst deeper waters are home to dolphins and, seasonally, migrating whales. Inland, the rich red earth dominates the landscape.
One of the best ways to explore the Dampier Peninsula is with the local Aboriginal people. Sample bush foods, learn to make spears, catch mud crabs, and be introduced to a way of life that existed for thousands of years before European settlement.
Practical Info
The Dampier Peninsula is only accessible by an unsealed road – for that reason, it is highly recommended that visitors only attempt the trip in a 4WD or as part of a tour. Flooding occasionally closes the road during the summer wet season. Dogs are not allowed on the peninsula. Camping and cabin style accommodation is available.
Address: Dampier Peninsula, WA, Australia 6725, Australia
From $ 199
Broome Courthouse Markets
The Broome Courthouse Markets offer an exciting array of local arts and crafts. There are clothes by local designers and many jewelry stores selling unique wares fashioned from local metal and local stones.
The food stalls are great and offer treats from freshly brewed coffee to Thai fish cakes, to frozen mangoes which are a perfect morning tea in the tropics.
Local animal preservation groups also have stalls here so you might have a chance to cuddle a baby koala or nurse a joey (a baby kangaroo).
The market is held in the grounds of the old courthouse which was built to house staff who worked for the telecommunications companies that owned the cable connecting Australia to Indonesia, which came ashore at Cable Beach and ran across town to the Courthouse.
Practical Info
The market is Saturday and Sunday (although it's bigger on Saturdays) in the dry season, April through November, and just on Saturdays during the wet season, December through March.
The Broome Bus will drop you off at the Broome Motel on Frederick Street across from the markets, or it's a 3 minute walk from Chinatown.
The Broome Bus will drop you off at the Broome Motel on Frederick Street across from the markets, or it's a 3 minute walk from Chinatown.
Address: Corner Hamersley and Weld Streets, Broome, Australia
Hours: 8am - 1pm
Admission: Free
From $ 73
Beagle Bay
A rare and intriguing insight into the remote Aboriginal communities of the north, Beagle Bay was a Catholic mission started by French monks in the late 1800s.
The mission was used as a home for Aboriginal kids separated from their families and is now run by those kids. It offers an insight into a troubled time in Australia's past but also a chance to learn about the Nyul Nyul people who have inhabited this beautiful and unforgiving landscape for thousands of years.
The mission was used as a home for Aboriginal kids separated from their families and is now run by those kids. It offers an insight into a troubled time in Australia's past but also a chance to learn about the Nyul Nyul people who have inhabited this beautiful and unforgiving landscape for thousands of years.
One of the highlights is the Sacred Heart Church which was built by hand by the monks and Aboriginal people and has an altar made out of local mother of pearl.
Practical Info
Beagle Bay community is situated on the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome and is a two- to three-hour drive from Broome best undertaken in a 4x4 or as part of an organized tour. In the wet season (November to March) the roads are closed and access is not possible.
Address: Beagle Bay Road, Australia
Hours: Closed Nov - Mar
From $ 207
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
Abrolhos Island
Imagine soaring above Humpback whales as they breach in the water below, and seeing manta rays, dolphins, and shipwrecks as they whiz by under your feet. That’s the scene that visitors may experience on a sightseeing tour of the Abrolhos, an island chain off Western Australia that’s one of the nation’s best secrets. Save for a handful of lobster fisherman, the Abrolhos Islands are completely uninhabited—protected in conservation—though select areas are accessible to visitors who arrive by air and by sea.
One of the most popular way to experience the islands is on a flightseeing tour from Geraldton, where pilots search for splashing marine life in the turquoise waters below, and point out the wreck of the famous Batavia which sank in the 17th Century. Touching down on one of the islands, hike along white-sand, tree-lined shorelines for the chance to snorkel the reef, where the vibrant colors and wealth of marine life offer some of Australia’s best snorkeling. Unlike more popular spots, however, like Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, the Abrolhos Islands are nearly deserted—just you, your pilot, and the sea.
Practical Info
The Abrolhos Islands are about 36 miles west of Geraldton and consist of 122 islands. The three main groups are the Easter, Wallabi, and Pelsaert groups, and since the islands became a national park in 2016, it’s believed more facilities—and eventually more visitors—won’t be far behind.
Did You Know? When the Zweeijk was wrecked off the Abrolhos Islands in 1727, over 3 tons of gold coins were saved and rescued by its crew.
Address: Geraldton, Western Australia, Australia
From $ 208
Bell Gorge
Usually places in the middle of the desert are quiet, dry, and remote. In the case of Australia’s Bell Gorge, however, crowds of people flock to the Kimberley to witness a gorgeous, multi-tiered waterfall go splashing down into a pool. Perfectly placed amidst amber-hued sandstone, the Bell Gorge waterfall is fed by rains that fall in the Kimberley’s wet season, and offers a picturesque place to cool off and go for for a swim when it’s dry.
Take a moment to sprawl on the rocks surrounding the crystal cascade, and close your eyes as you soak up the sun and enjoy the rush of the falls. When you’ve worked up a sweat from sun tanning or hiking, a large, refreshing pool of fresh water sits right at the base of the falls—which when viewed against the rugged, dry landscape are an unforgettable sight. It’s little wonder why Bell Gorge is immensely popular with photographers, who camp at nearby Silent Grove Campground, sleeping out under the stars, before waking up early to hike through the gorge and enjoy the spectacular show.
Insider's Tip: If the crowds at Bell Gorge are simply too intense, follow the river away from the waterfall and you’ll have the gorge to yourself.
Practical Info
The turnoff for Bell Gorge is along the Gibb River Road, and then 18 miles down Silent Grove Road. The area can become very crowded with visitors, so early morning and late in the day are best for avoiding the crowds.
Multi-day tours of the Kimberley region make it easy to visit the Bell Gorge area, which requires 4WD. The best season for visiting is from May-September, and the Gorge is a 3-hour drive from Darby. When hiking to the falls, be sure to bring hiking shoes and plenty of water.
Address: King Leopold Ranges, Western Australia 6728, Australia
From $ 875
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