Choose from 78 Fun Things to Do in Western Australia
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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
Sun Pictures Cinema
Sun Pictures Cinema—also known as the Sun Picture Garden – is the oldest picture garden still in operation in the world.
Sun Pictures Cinema began between 1903 and 1913, when the Yamsaki family operated a theatre in their Asian goods store. The building was sold in 1913 and the new owner then converted the building into a cinema. Sun Pictures itself opened on December 9, 1916, playing silent films. In 1933, the cinema began to play films with sound. During World War II, when the town was evacuated, the cinema was vandalised, and due to a series of floods – and a boycott over segregation – didn’t truly recover until 1974. In 1989, the cinema became protected, and in 2004 was certified in the Guinness World Book of Records as the oldest open air cinema in operation.
Sun Pictures Cinema is now accompanied by Sun Cinemas – an indoor cinema opened in 2002. Seating in the cinema remains true to the original layout. Six padded bench seats line the front rows, in front of deckchair style seating that takes up the rest of the cinema.
Practical Info
Sun Pictures Cinema is located on Carnarvon Street in Broome’s Chinatown. Open from 6pm to 11pm, the cinema shows a mix of old, new and local films. Tickets vary from $17for adults, and $12 for seniors and children 3-15 years old. A $1.50 surcharge is placed on 3D movies.
Address: 27 Carnarvon St, Broome, WA, Australia 6725, Australia
Hours: Daily 6pm-11pm
Admission: Film Price: Adult $17, Children & Seniors $12
From $ 66
Perth Cultural Center
The Perth Cultural Centre is a hotbed of activities, events, collections, art and all things cultural.
Clustered under one roof are a handful of different exhibition spaces and Western Australia’s key cultural institutions. Explore history, nature and anthropology at the Western Australian Museum, from dinosaurs to butterflies and humans.
Browse one of the best collections of Aboriginal and early European artworks at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Watch cutting-edge video installations, sculpture and performance art at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art. Finally, browse books at the State Library of Western Australia.
Clustered under one roof are a handful of different exhibition spaces and Western Australia’s key cultural institutions. Explore history, nature and anthropology at the Western Australian Museum, from dinosaurs to butterflies and humans.
Browse one of the best collections of Aboriginal and early European artworks at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Watch cutting-edge video installations, sculpture and performance art at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art. Finally, browse books at the State Library of Western Australia.
Practical Info
The cultural center is in central Perth’s Northbridge area, reached via a pedestrian bridge from the Perth train station or via the free Blue CAT bus.
The complex is spread over several city streets between Aberdeen Street, Francis Street, James Street Mall and Roe Street. William and Beaufort streets border the complex to west and east.
The complex is spread over several city streets between Aberdeen Street, Francis Street, James Street Mall and Roe Street. William and Beaufort streets border the complex to west and east.
Address: James Street Mall, Perth 6000, Australia
Hours: Open daily, hours vary for each museum/gallery
Admission: Free
From $ 30
Nambung National Park
Covering more than 17,000 hectares, the massive Nambung National Park is one of Western Australia’s most popular attractions. In addition to the protruding limestone pillars of its Pinnacles Desert, the park boasts white sand beaches, rich plant life, and trails to please every type of adventurer.
After admiring the intriguing 13-feet-high Pinnacles in the desert, go for snorkel, swim or surf at Hangover Bay beach. History buffs will love exploring the thrombolites built by tiny micro-organisms at Lake Thetis, and finish with the mild loop trail bushwalk. The best time to visit the park between September and October, when the native vegetation is in full bloom.
Practical Info
Nambung National Park is located 124 miles (200 kilometers) north of Perth in Western Australia. Park entry fees for vehicles may apply. The office opening hours are from 9:30 a.m.-4:40 p.m. every day except Christmas.
Address: Nambung National Park, Western Australia, Australia
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. every day except Christmas (office hours)
Admission: $12 standard vehicle entry fee, $6 concession vehicle entry fee
From $ 118
Rottnest Island
Fringed with rocky coves, white sandy beaches, and sun-soaked shores, Rottnest Island’s natural pleasures are numerous—whale-watching, snorkeling, hiking and wildlife spotting along the coast, and taking in the ocean sunsets. At less than an hour from Perth, Rottnest Island, or “Rotto,” makes for an idyllic retreat from the city.
The Basics
The car-free shores of Rottnest Island lend themselves well to a guided island tour, and it’s possible to check off the highlights on a day trip from Perth. Pedal your way around the shores on a bike tour, stopping at attractions such as Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Oliver Hill, and Cathedral Rocks; or set sail around the island on a snorkeling or whale-watching cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no public transport on the island, and the only way to get around is by tour bus or rental bike.
- Cell phone coverage can vary throughout Rottnest Island, but free Wi-Fi hotspots are dotted around the island.
- Kayak, paddleboard, and bike hire is available at the Rottnest Island Visitor Centre.
- Most boat cruises, accommodation options, and ferries on the island are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm in advance.
How to Get There
Rottnest Island is located off the coast of Western Australia, 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Perth in the Indian Ocean. Ferries run from Hillarys Boat Harbour north of Perth (around a 45-minute journey), from Fremantle to the south (25 minutes), or from the Barrack Street Jetty in the city center (90 minutes). The closest airport is Perth, which offers regular flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and other Australian cities.
When to Get There
Blessed with a Mediterranean-style climate, Rottnest Island has sunshine and warm waters year-round. The most popular time to visit is during Australia’s summer (December-February), when tours, ferries, and accommodation can be more expensive and advance bookings are advised. Alternatively, a winter (June-November) visit can save money and avoid crowds; it’s also the best time to spot humpback whales on their annual migration.
Wildlife Watching on Rottnest Island
Look out for Rottnest’s famous quokkas on a guided wildlife-watching tour, spot humpback and southern right whales during their annual migration, or look out for wedge-tailed shearwaters and ospreys along the West End boardwalk. Other common sightings include New Zealand fur seals, white-striped freetail bats, marbled geckos, green turtles, and numerous exotic birds, including banded stilts, crested terns, and red-capped plovers.
Address: Maley Street, Thomson Bay 6161, Australia
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 45
Stirling Range National Park
With its rugged peaks, forested plains and lush valleys carpeted with wildflowers, the Stirling Range National Park has no shortage of impressive scenery. A popular choice for hikers and climbers, the park is home to some of Western Australia’s highest peaks, with the Stirling Range stretching for some 65km and harboring a vast network of marked walking trails.
The ultimate challenge for hikers is scaling the 1,095-meter peak of Bluff Knoll, the park’s highest point, while the 26km Ridge Walk runs all the way from Ellen Peak to Bluff Knoll. For visitors who don’t fancy hiking, there’s also the Stirling Range Drive, a dramatic 42km route winding through the heart of the park and passing lookout points and landmarks like Red
Gum Spring, Bluff Knoll and White Gum Flat.
Wildlife enthusiasts will also find plenty to get excited about, with opportunities to spot kangaroos, wallabies and emus, plus an incredible variety of birds, including rare sightings like short-billed black cockatoos, western whipbirds and purple-gaped honeyeaters. During the summer months (October-December), the mountain valleys are also renowned for their magnificent array of wildflowers. Over 1,000 varieties of banksias, mountain bells and orchids bloom throughout the park, many of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Practical Info
Stirling Range National Park is located around 300km southeast of Perth in western Australia.
Address: 8580 Chester Pass Road, Borden WA 6338, Australia
From $ 697
Mammoth Cave
Hidden away in an ancient marri forest and dripping with stalactites and stalagmites, Mammoth Cave is a mesmerizing sight. The limestone cave is one of the largest in the Margaret River region, located in Western Australia’s Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
The Basics
Uncover Mammoth Cave’s fascinating history on a self-guided audio tour, following the boardwalk circuit through the 1,640-foot-long (500-meter) cavern. Highlights of the cave include unique rock formations like the Karri Forest Flowstone and the Mammoth Shawl, all dramatically illuminated by slats of natural light. The cave also boasts fossilized remains of animals from 35,000 years ago.
Day tours of the Margaret River region from Perth often include a visit to Mammoth Cave alongside regional attractions such as the Busselton Jetty, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, or wine tasting at the Margaret River wineries. Combination tickets are available for Mammoth Cave, Jewel Cave, Lake Cave, and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mammoth Cave is ideal for fans of fossils and all things cave, and for families with children.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light sweater—it can get cool inside the cave.
- The cave’s first chamber is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
Mammoth Cave is located in Forest Grove, around 9 miles (4 kilometers) southwest of the town of Margaret River—about a 15-minute drive. There’s no public transportation to the cave, so you’ll need your own vehicle or to join a guided tour.
When to Get There
The cave is open daily all year-round. The busiest time to visit is during the summer months of January and February, when an early-morning or late-afternoon visit is best for avoiding the crowds.
Archaeological Finds at Mammoth Cave
It’s not just the striking topography that draws the crowds to Mammoth Cave. The cave hit headlines in the early 1900s when archaeologists uncovered the fossilized remains of ancient Australian megafauna, including Tasmanian tigers and giant kangaroos, that have been extinct for thousands of years.
Address: Caves Road, Forest Grove WA 6285, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 13
Perth Mint
The Perth Mint holds a wealth of gold history in its vaults, with gold dust and many a miner's yarns embedded in its 100-year-old walls. A guided tour of this grand heritage building reveals fascinating insights into the 19th- and 20th-century gold rushes that transformed Western Australia forever, plus the immense booty of bullion that was mined.
You’ll also see how gold is melted into bars, along with the mint’s rare collection of gold bars, nuggets and coins from around the world.
Practical Info
The Perth Mint is on Hay Street in the city center. You can catch the free red CAT bus, or take an easy stroll from the city’s central shopping malls.
Address: 310 Hay Street, Perth 6000, Australia
Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (until 1pm on weekends and public holidays)
Admission: Adults: AU$15, Children (4-15yrs): AU$5
From $ 14
Pink Lake
Western Australia’s Pink Lake, or the “Hutt Lagoon,” makes for some spectacular photo opportunities—a bright bubble gum-pink pool that stands in stark contrast to the azure ocean just to the west. The inland sea is a natural phenomenon, caused by its resident algae, and it’s one of just a handful of its kind in the world.
The Basics
The best views of Australia's Pink Lake are from the air, where the pink-hued waters are even more striking from an aerial perspective. Take off on a scenic flight from Geraldton, circle over the Pink Lake, swoop over the sea cliffs of Kalbarri, and enjoy views of the Murchison River, the Abrolhos Islands, and Wiebbe Hayes Fort.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The only way to visit the Pink Lake is by private vehicle, plane, or by joining a guided tour.
- Restaurants, shops, and other facilities can be found in the neighboring town of Port Gregory.
- Don’t try to swim or paddle in the water—it’s not safe to swim in and the bottom is lined with thick mud.
How to Get to Milford Sound
The Pink Lake is located on the coast of Western Australia, just more than an hour’s drive north of Geraldton or around 30 minutes by plane.
When to Get There
The most dramatic time to visit is midmorning or at sundown, when the sunlight hitting the lake makes it shine even brighter and pinker.
The Natural Phenomenon of the Pink Lake
The lake gets its rosy color from its resident algae, Dunaliella salina, which is a source of beta-carotene, a natural retinol and food coloring. The bright pink pigment is so sought-after that the world's largest microalgae farm is located on the lake, forming fields of algae and patterns that can only be seen by plane. Aside from algae, brine shrimp—or “sea monkeys”—are also raised in the lake and used as food in fish farms.
Address: Geraldton, Australia
From $ 171
Riddell Beach
Riddell Beach is one of Perth’s more beautiful beaches, characterized by soaring cliffs and rocky outcrops. It was named for an unfortunate captain who was murdered when his crew mutinied near the beach. Today, the beach is much more peaceful than its namesake. A long stretch of golden sand, Riddell Beach is a great place to get away from the town without having to actually travel too far.
The area is dotted with rusty orange rocks that contrast with the perfectly turquoise water of the Indian Ocean. Riddell Beach is an unpatrolled beach, but its relatively calm waters do make for great swimming provided swimmers have safety in mind. The beach itself is up to 300 meters wide at low tide, and covered in sandstone rocks.
Riddell Beach is incredibly popular with photographers and walkers. It’s also great for searching the rock pools that form when the tide goes out. Riddell Beach is a more interesting, and much less crowded version of Cable Beach.
Practical Info
Riddell Beach is a 15-minute drive south of the Broome town center. Facing southwest, the beach is perfect for catching the sun set over the water. The beach is unpatrolled, and swimmers do so at their own risk. There are no facilities at the beach, and no formal access between the road and the beach.
Address: Broome, WA, Australia, Australia
From $ 73
Perth Bell Tower
Home to the historic Swan Bells, Perth's Bell Tower dominates the city skyline and makes for a fun Perth activity. Housed in a 271-foot (83-meter) tower, 12 of the existing 18 bells originally hung in London's St Martin-in-the-Fields church, where they announced events for centuries.
Now that the bells have found their way to Perth, visitors can learn the art of bell-ringing on guided tours, or simply stop in to hear the bellringers practice their art of chiming on Monday, Thursday or Sunday from noon to 1pm. For the opportunity to chime a bell yourself, book an interactive bell-chiming demonstration and receive an official certificate as proof of your new skill.
Travelers can also head up the towering glass-and-copper spire to its three observation decks and look out over much of downtown Perth and the Swan River (the sixth-floor deck offers 360-degree views). The famous tower can also be admired from afar, perhaps as part of a photography tour that wanders the streets of Perth.
Practical Info
General admission simply grants access to the tower's interior and costs $9 for adults and $7 for children between the ages of 5 and 14. There are additional fees for the chiming demonstration, also known as the Bell Tower Experience, which is offered Monday through Saturday at every half hour between 10:30am and 2:30pm. The site opens daily from 10am, and the bells are rung every Monday, Thursday and Sunday from noon to 1pm.
Did You Know? With a history dating back to the 14th century, the Swan Bells are the only royal bells to have ever left England.
Address: Barrack Square Riverside Drive, Perth, Western Australia 6000, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 13
Perth Cruise Port
Despite being one of the world’s most remote capital cities, Perth remains amazingly livable thanks to a easy-going attitude, fantastic weather, beautiful beaches and thriving dining and nightlife scene. With the rapid growth of the cruising industry in Australia, Perth’s Fremantle Port welcomes dozens of cruise calls per season.
How to get to Perth
The Port of Fremantle, Perth’s busy commercial port, sits 12 miles (19 kilometers) to the south of the city. The town of Fremantle, a place known for its art galleries, cafes and historic buildings, is easily accessible on foot from the passenger terminal or by way of the Central Area Transit hop-on, hop-off bus. Passengers wanting to visit Perth can take the 30-minute train ride from Fremantle station or catch a taxi just outside the terminal.
One Day in Perth
There’s enough to see and do in Fremantle alone to fill up your day. Start by walking to the Western Australia Maritime Museum to see the exhibits on Perth’s maritime heritage or tour the UNESCO-listed Fremantle Prison dating back to 1852. On the weekends, the Fremantle Markets are a great place to pick up artisan foods, antiques or locally handcrafted items.
Perth also has plenty to offer the visiting cruise passenger. If you only have time for one attraction, make it King’s Park, a beautiful hilltop botanical garden that offers some of the best views in the city. Shoppers will find a little bit of everything at Subiaco at the intersection of Rokeby Road and hay Street.
If you’re feeling energetic, use your time in Perth to explore the Swan River Valley on the water. Rent a kayak or canoe, go offshore for a bit of snorkeling or diving, or take a leisurely boat trip along the Swan River.
Or, spend your day relaxing at one of Perth’s lovely beaches, like the white sand Cottesloe or surfer-friendly Scarborough.
Port Information
The Fremantle
passenger terminal offers free wi-fi when ships are in port, as well as a
cafe and bar where you can find refreshments. Besides the two ATMs in
the Port of Fremantle, you’ll find plenty more in the town of Fremantle
and all over Perth. The local currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD).
Address: Perth, Australia
From $ 21
Pinnacles Desert
Although otherworldly in appearance, the Pinnacles Desert is 100 percent on planet earth, located along the Indian Ocean's Coral Coast in Nambung National Park in Western Australia (WA). This vast sandy expanse is filled with towering limestone pillars, and at only a few hours' drive from the city of Perth, the site makes for a popular and totally doable day trip.
The Basics
To the Pinnacles, and beyond! Most day tours combine a visit to the 35,000-year-old limestone formations with stops at other popular attractions in the area, making it easy to heed the siren call of nearby massive sand dunes, white sandy beaches, and even a lobster farm. Nature lovers can catch sight of kangaroos, koalas, and wombats on tours that stop at Caversham Wildlife Park and Yanchep National Park, while adrenaline junkies love adventure-packed tour options that include revving up a 4WD vehicle or sand boarding across the Lancelin sand dunes, some of which stretch up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) wide.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Pinnacles
When to Go There
- Most day tours provide round-trip transportation from Perth and last roughly 10 hour.
- Tours to the Pinnacles are kid-friendly with outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
- Travelers should dress in layers and wear plenty of sun protection.
- For both private tours and small-group tours, upgrades are dependent upon group size.
- Fuel a long day of exploration with a meal in the coastal town of Cervantes (included in some tours), where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the local lobster fishing industry and chow down on a picnic lunch, Aussie style barbecue, or a sausage sizzle lunch.
Nambung National Park is a 2- to 3-hour drive from Perth along Indian Ocean Drive, making it an easy day trip from the city. The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm and can provide insightful information about the park.
When to Go There
The best time to visit is spring (September to October) when Western Australia's native wildflowers paint the desert with vibrant colors. Book a sunset tour to see a light show across the Pinnacles, or maximize your time by heading out early in the morning; you'll want the extra time to explore the many parks and beaches along the way.
Address: Nambung National Park, Pinnacles Drive, Cervantes 6511, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 100
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
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
Shipwreck Galleries
Celebrated as Australia’s leading maritime archaeology museum, the Shipwreck Galleries are among the highlights of Fremantle’s Western Australian Museum, housed in an impressive 19th-century Commissariat building. Inside, visitors can uncover fascinating tales of shipwrecks, mutiny and trade along Australia’s treacherous west coast; marvel at items retrieved from shipwrecks like the Zuytdorp, Zeewijk and Vergulde Draeck; and see part of the hull of the Dutch merchant ship, Batavia.
Among the hundreds of items on display, highlights include a 17th-century inscribed plate left on Cape Inscription by Willem de Vlamingh, a plate left by Dirk Hartog during the first confirmed European landing in Western Australia, and a huge collection of rare maps, charts and other artifacts.
Practical Info
The Shipwreck Galleries is part of the Western Australian Museum, located on Cliff Street in central Fremantle and is open daily from 9:30am-5pm. Admission is free.
Address: 45 Cliff Street, Fremantle, Australia
Hours: Daily 9:30am-5pm
From $ 20
Scarborough Beach
Characterized by bright white sand, the clear azure waters of the Indian Ocean and relatively still waters, Scarborough Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Perth.
Scarborough Beach is a long, wide strip of sand along the coastal town of Scarborough north of Perth. The wide expanse of sand is perfect for the hundreds of people that descend on the beach come summertime for picnics, sun bathing, beach volleyball and more, whilst the immense length of the beach ensures there’s plenty of room for everyone.
The water off the beach deepens slowly and on a calm day has very little surf, making it perfect for families and those who prefer to frolic without huge waves. When it’s windy however the surf comes alive, drawing surfers and kiteboarders alike to take advantage of the waves. Do be aware that strong currents can run down the beach, so pay attention to where the flags are placed – this is usually the safest area of the beach.
Behind the beach lies a grassed area, freshwater showers and the Esplanade streetscape. Head here after you’ve washed off the day’s sand to have dinner in one of the restaurants or bars that look back towards the ocean. A number of cafés provide a fantastic brunch spot if you fancy starting your day that way.
Scarborough Beach is a long, wide strip of sand along the coastal town of Scarborough north of Perth. The wide expanse of sand is perfect for the hundreds of people that descend on the beach come summertime for picnics, sun bathing, beach volleyball and more, whilst the immense length of the beach ensures there’s plenty of room for everyone.
The water off the beach deepens slowly and on a calm day has very little surf, making it perfect for families and those who prefer to frolic without huge waves. When it’s windy however the surf comes alive, drawing surfers and kiteboarders alike to take advantage of the waves. Do be aware that strong currents can run down the beach, so pay attention to where the flags are placed – this is usually the safest area of the beach.
Behind the beach lies a grassed area, freshwater showers and the Esplanade streetscape. Head here after you’ve washed off the day’s sand to have dinner in one of the restaurants or bars that look back towards the ocean. A number of cafés provide a fantastic brunch spot if you fancy starting your day that way.
Practical Info
Scarborough Beach is a 20 minute drive northwest from the Perth CBD, or 40 minutes from the airport. The beach is ‘open’ 24/7, but be aware that the lifeguard station is only manned during certain hours. Never swim at night.
Address: Scarborough Beach, Perth, WA, Australia
From $ 137
St George's Cathedral
Often thought of as the main street of Perth, St George’s Terrace is the major arterial road through the heart of the city.
Named after St George’s Cathedral, the terrace was initially home to a number of the cathedral’s staff. These days, St George’s Terrace is a must-see attraction for visitors to the city – both in its own right, and for the number of other attractions that line it.
Marked in the west by Barracks Arch, the terrace runs parallel to the Swan River. Historic buildings including the Old Treasury Buildings hint at the history of the streetscape. St George’s Square, London Court, His Majesty’s Theatre, Stirling Garden, Government House, St George’s Cathedral, and the Perth Concert Hall are just some of the key attractions that sit upon the terrace.
At just under 2km long, St George’s Terrace is easily navigable on foot. The Eastern end of the terrace continues on to become Adelaide Terrace, or walk down to the Esplanade and the water of the Swan River to take in the rest of what the area has to offer.
Named after St George’s Cathedral, the terrace was initially home to a number of the cathedral’s staff. These days, St George’s Terrace is a must-see attraction for visitors to the city – both in its own right, and for the number of other attractions that line it.
Marked in the west by Barracks Arch, the terrace runs parallel to the Swan River. Historic buildings including the Old Treasury Buildings hint at the history of the streetscape. St George’s Square, London Court, His Majesty’s Theatre, Stirling Garden, Government House, St George’s Cathedral, and the Perth Concert Hall are just some of the key attractions that sit upon the terrace.
At just under 2km long, St George’s Terrace is easily navigable on foot. The Eastern end of the terrace continues on to become Adelaide Terrace, or walk down to the Esplanade and the water of the Swan River to take in the rest of what the area has to offer.
Practical Info
St George’s Terrace is barely a few minutes’ walk from Perth Train Station, and is a part of the Perth CBD. Visitors can also access the terrace via a few minutes’ walk from Esplanade Station.
Address: 38 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
From $ 48
One Arm Point
One Arm Point is an Aboriginal community on the Dampier Peninsula, close to Cape Leveque. Like much of the surrounding area, it stands as a natural wilderness, virtually untouched by modern civilization.
The traditional Aboriginal community that calls One Arm Point home embraces tourism, and visitors to the point come to be immersed in the local culture as much as to marvel at the sweeping views of the Buccaneer Archipelago. The community on One Arm Point is the Bardi Aboriginal Community. Community members teach visitors traditional hunting and fishing techniques, demonstrate how to find and use bush foods and medicines, show how to catch mud crabs, and aims to share with visitors the relationship between the people and the land that exists in many Aboriginal communities. The Bardi also sell local art and jewelry, including jewelry hand carved from trochus shells.
Practical Info
One Arm Point is a three-hour drive north of Broome. The road is unsealed, and strictly 4WD only. It is recommended that visitors plan their trip during winter as the road is often closed in parts during the summer wet season. Accommodation is not available on One Arm Point, however there is accommodation at nearby Cape Leveque.
Address: One Arm Point Rd, Dampier Peninsula, WA, Australia 6725, Australia
From $ 199
Penguin Island
Penguins are one of those wild animals you simply can’t help but love, and here on aptly named Penguin Island, just 45 minutes from Perth, over 1,000 lovable Little Penguins all call the island their home. It’s Western Australia’s largest colony of the world’s smallest species of penguin, although since they spend their days at sea, Little Penguins can actually be pretty tough to spot in the wild. Luckily there’s much more to do on the island than search for waddling penguins, as sea caves, trails, and white sand beaches are also part of the attraction. Keep an eye out for clusters of sea lions that often sun on the shorelines, or dolphins splashing just offshore in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Aside from the popular Little Penguins, the island is also home to over 50 species of seabirds, as well as a thriving pelican rookery full of clumsy, curious birds. While it’s possible to visit the island on your own, many visitors opt to take part in a guided kayak or boat tour, where dolphins splash in the wake of the boat and you snorkel in search of marine life. From there it’s off to the Discovery Center to see the Little Penguins, and join in one of the ranger-led feedings that take place three times per day.
Insider's Tip: For the best chance of spotting a wild penguin, look under boardwalks and wooden sets of stairs where they will sometimes hideout in the daytime.
Practical Info
Penguin feedings take place at the Discovery Center at 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm. There are minimal facilities on Penguin Island, so visitors should pack their own food and drink to enjoy at one of the picnic areas. Since the waters offshore are part of a marine park, visitors are encouraged to bring their own snorkeling gear, or hire some gear on shore, and ferries to the Mainland run every hour, with the last one at 4pm.
Address: 153 Arcadia Drive, Shoalwater, Western Australia 6169, Australia
Hours: 9am-4pm daily from September 15-early June. The island itself is closed in winter, although boat tours still run offshore. Discovery Center hours are 10am-3:30pm daily.
From $ 63