Choose from 78 Fun Things to Do in Western Australia
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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.
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
Horizontal Falls
Imagine the wind blowing through your hair as you ride on the front of a jetboat, surrounded by rugged, red rock walls that rise from the cobalt waters. All of a sudden, at a break in the rocks, a column of whitewater rages through an opening that’s little wider than your boat, and the once placid ocean has suddenly turned to a white, thunderous waterfall. That’s the scene that visitors might encounter when boating at Horizontal Falls—a natural wonder that’s caused by the shifting of ocean tides through the rocks. Because the tides here are so massive—upwards of 15 feet—the volume of water is simply too much to squeeze through the 12 foot wide opening, and as water stacks up along the walls, awaiting a path through the rocks, a waterfall upwards of 10 feet in height appears right out of the sea. If you don’t want to splash and bounce through the falls, seeing the Horizontal Waterfalls by air is another popular option, where sightseeing flights cruise high above the torrid, tumbling waters, and visitors are treated with birds eye views of nature in all her glory.
Practical Info
There is a minimum age of 4 years old for jet boat rides through the falls, and it isn’t advisable if you are pregnant or have back problems. There is a maximum weight of 270 lbs for all tours that involve a seaplane ride, and since tours are seasonal, be sure to inquire ahead of time for availability of trips.
Did You Know? At the greatest tides, the waterfalls here at Horizontal Falls can reach upwards of 15 feet.
Address: Talbot Bay, Western Australia 6733, Australia
From $ 624
Fremantle Round House
This historic 12-sided building was built in 1831 and is the oldest public building in Western Australia. Travelers can tour this unique architectural destination and learn about the original settlement, as well as how this iconic building was once used to house local lawbreakers.
Visitors can learn about this building’s colorful past and also get an up close look at the famous Whaler’s Tunnel—the oldest underground tunnel in Western Australia. Completed in 1838, the original tunnel spanned some 64 meters, but today measures just 46. And while the 1 p.m. sound call that once rang out daily to alert ships on sea to the official time no longer occurs, travelers can sometimes catch a reenactment ceremony put on by some of the Fremantle Volunteer Heritage Guides.
Practical Info
The Fremantle Round House is located at the end of High Street on Arthur Head and overlooks the Indian Ocean and Bathers Beach. The building is open from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. daily and entry is donation based.
Address: Captains Lane, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160, Australia
Hours: 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. daily
Admission: Free, donations welcomed
From $ 27
Fremantle Markets
With a history dating back to 1897 and a far-reaching reputation, the Fremantle Markets are among the most famous of their kind in Western Australia, and the lively weekend markets are equally popular with locals and tourists. Housed in a striking Victorian market hall, restored in the 1970s, the legendary markets feature more than 150 stalls split between two sections – The Yard and The Hall.
Visiting the Fremantle Markets is an experience in itself, with huge crowds turning out each weekend, and an array of street entertainers, artists and musicians providing entertainment. This is the place to buy fresh farmer’s produce, organic delicacies and artisan foods, or feast on tasty street food. It’s not just food on sale either – the eclectic stalls include clothing and accessories by local and upcoming designers; unique art and handicrafts; great value cosmetics and toiletries; and a myriad of souvenirs.
Practical Info
The Fremantle Markets are located on South Terrace in central Fremantle and are open Friday from 8am to 8pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 6pm.
Address: Corner South Terrace & Henderson Street,, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160, Australia
Hours: Fri: 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun: 8am-6pm.
From $ 109
Japanese Cemetery
The largest cemetery in Australia, Broome’s Japanese Cemetery was established at the beginning of Broome’s pearling industry.
In the early days of the pearling industry at Broome, many Japanese men worked as divers. Most of the headstones in the cemetery pay tribute to the hundreds of individual divers who died whilst pearling – either from drowning or from the bends (decompression sickness). There are also monuments to catastrophic events, such as a large stone obelisk for those who drowned at sea during a cyclone in 1908. Such cyclones were relatively common in the area, and cyclones in 1887 and 1935 claimed the lives of around 250 Japanese divers between them.
There are 919 Japanese are buried in the cemetery. Many of the headstones are simply marked by colored rocks carried from Broome’s beaches. Before the Japanese became divers, the industry survived by kidnapping local Aboriginal people and training them to dive for pearls. Only 50 metres south of the main Japanese Cemetery lies the Aboriginal section of the cemetery. Unlike the Japanese section, the Aboriginal graves are largely unmarked and unattributed.
Practical Info
The Japanese Cemetery can be found on Port Drive, on the way from the Broome town center to Cable Beach. There are no opening hours or entry charges, though the cemetery has been recently restored to commemorate the lives that were lost.
Address: Broom, WA, Australia 6725, Australia
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 66
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
Fitzroy River
The Fitzroy River runs for 733 km through the Kimberly region of Western Australia and is of large importance to the local Aboriginal people. Known to the traditional inhabitants as Mardoowarra, the river and its floodplains have spiritual, cultural and medicinal significance to the Nyikina, Walmadjari and Konejandi peoples, as well as ecological significance.
Many of the Kimberly’s tourist attractions lie on the Fitzroy River. Geikie, Diamond and Sir John Gorges, and the Fitzroy Crossing are the most famous. The Fitzroy River is home to many native species including acacia trees, bream and fresh and saltwater crocodiles, as well as being one of the last places the endangered freshwater sawfish is found.
The Fitzroy River is a popular fishing and camping spot near both Broome and Derby. Fitzroy Crossing is the gateway to attractions such as Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge National Parks, and as such is a place many visitors to the Kimberly pass through, and Geikie Gorge National Park is one of the most visited attractions in the area. The Fitzroy River meets the ocean in King Sound, which lies midway between Broome and Derby.
Practical Info
The Fitzroy River is located in the West Kimberly, and accessible from Fitzroy Crossing, Broome and Derby. It flows through Geikie Gorge and can also be seen at Willare crossing and the permanent Margaret River pool.
Address: Willare, WA, Australia, Australia
From $ 199
Dinosaur Footprints
A 50 mi (80 km) dinosaur trackway runs through the Kimberley. At low tide, Guantheaume Point is one of the best vantage points to see the tracks of at least nine different types of dinosaur. The dinosaurs are thought to be from the early Cretaceous period which makes them around 130 million years old.
There are herbivores like the Apatosaurus and carnivores including a tyrannosaur. The fossilized footprints range from a few inches to nearly 3 ft (1 m).
The footprints can only be viewed at very low tide, however, there are copies up at the top of the cliffs for visitors to view; this helps lessen the human impact on the fragile reef.
Practical Info
Only the first bus of the day visits Gantheaume Point and there is no bus to take you back. While this makes it perfect for a morning walk along Cable Beach back to town (3 mi/5 km) it does mean a taxi is the best way to get there and at other times.
Address: Guantheaume Point Road, Broome, Australia
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 73
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
Lillimooloora Station Ruins
Located within Windjana Gorge National Park, the Lillimooloora ruins are all that are left of the Lillimooloora Homestead and Police Station.
Built in 1884, the sandstone ruins are all that remains of the Lillimooloora Homestead. Lillimooloora became famous in the 1890s as a battle erupted in the Kimberly over the rights to the Bunuba lands. As white settlers took over land for farming purposes, the local Aboriginal people were forced into labour as their hunting grounds and sacred sites were destroyed.
In 1894, an Aboriginal tracked named Jandamarra "Pigeon" shot and killed a white policeman, stole arms, and freed 17 Aboriginal prisoners, becoming an outlaw who fought against the European settlers for three years before he was killed at Tunnel Creek.
Today, the police station remains only as four ruined sandstone walls and a floor of uneven flagstones. Sitting on a plain with cliffs rising behind them, the ruins seem out of place in the wild surroundings, giving visitors a sense of the struggle felt by settlers as they tried to conquer the land, and the local Aboriginal people as they tried to save it.
Practical Info
The Lillimooloora Police Station Ruins are located on the way to Windjana Gorge along Fairleield-Leopold Downs Road. The ruins are accessible via 2WD, however, it is recommended that only 4WD vehicles enter the Windjana Gorge National Park.
Address: Fairleield-Leopold Downs Road, King Leopold Ranges, WA, Australia 6728, Australia
Hours: Park Closed During Wet Season
From $ 199
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
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
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
Fremantle Arts Centre
Travelers in search of Australian history, culture and traditions will find all this and much more at the Fremantle Arts Centre in Western Australia. This popular destination attracts as many locals as it does visitors, thanks to a long list of exhibits, events, class offerings and outdoor concerts. Lovely gardens and a quiet café offer up the perfect spot to enjoy a bit of sunshine and relaxation, and the Sunday music sessions are free to the public and attract a diverse crowd. Travelers say the modern art displays and picturesque landscapes make this an essential stop on any visit to Western Australia.
Practical Info
The Fremantle Arts Centre is located at 1 Finnerty Street in Fremantle, Western Australia. It is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is located just west of the Inner Harbour near the John Curtain Performing Arts Centre.
Address: 1 Finnerty St, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160, Australia
Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
From $ 20
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
Geikie Gorge
Geikie Gorge National Park is one of the most accessible parks in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Named by colonial settlers for Sir Archibald Geikie in 1883 and known as "Darngku" to the local Aboriginal Bunaba people. The gorge has been carved out by the Fitzroy River, which flows between the massive ancient limestone walls, over 98 feet (30 meters) of which have been exposed by the river.
One of the most stunning sights in Geikie Gorge is the coloring of said cliffs. During dry season when the water level is low, the lower half of the walls is visible and bleached white due to the opposite season's floods. As the rain comes in, the Fitzroy River rises up to 52 feet (16 meters) up the gorge walls, cleaning them in a continuous cycle.
Visitors to Geikie Gorge can get out on the water on a boat tour or even a Darngku heritage cruise, guided by the traditional landowners of the park. Hiking is another popular activity, with the popular Reef Walk track taking about 1.5 hours to complete. River Walk is shorter, taking only about 20 minutes, and leads to the banks of the Fitzroy.
Practical Info
Geikie Gorge sits about 260 miles (415 km) east of Broome via road. The park entrance sits 12 miles (20 km) from Fitzroy Crossing and is connected by a bitumen road. Visitors are only allowed to enter during the day, and camping is not allowed.
Address: King Leopold Ranges, Western Australia 6728, Australia
Hours: Daylight hours; no camping allowed
From $ 1,257
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
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
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
Gantheaume Point
The glorious red cliffs at Gantheaume Point contrast starkly with the bright blue water to create a spectacular scene, especially at sunset as the rock glows red.
To its the north is Cable Beach, and to its south is a small fishing beach that in summer is covered in sand balls rolled by millions of tiny sand crabs.
Beneath the lighthouse is Anastasia’s pool. It was carved out of the rock by the lighthouse keeper so his arthritic wife could comfortably bathe in the waters each day.
It would seem that not only humans appreciate the beauty of Gantheaume Point as it was also popular with dinosaurs who created a trackway at the point which can still be seen today. At very low tides it is possible to see the tracks of nine different types of dinosaur, both herbivores and carnivores.
Practical Info
Only the first bus of the day visits Gantheaume Point (at approximately 7:55am) and there is no bus service back to town. While this makes it perfect for a morning stroll back to town along Cable Beach about 3 mi (5 km) back, it makes taxis necessary unless you have a car.
Address: Guantheaume Point Road, Broome, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 66