Destination Western Australia: So much to discover in every direction

Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Adventures in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area
Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Adventures in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area

If someone were to ask you the name of the biggest rock in the world, you’d go with Uluru right?

Well, it’s actually Mount Augustus in Western Australia. And, that’s just one of the many surprises you’ll discover when you set foot or even better hit the road in WA.

It’s hard to put into context the size of Western Australia. Put it this way, you could drive for more than 30 hours north out of Perth, and you still won’t have even left the state.

North, south, east and west. You are spoiled for choice when you begin your road trip.

Elizabeth Quay, Perth
Elizabeth Quay, Perth

Perth, the biggest city in WA has caught up with its east coast cousins when it comes to culture, hospitality and cuisine.

Aotearoa has a pretty strong historical sporting connection with this region, too. It was back in 1987 in Fremantle when New Zealand first challenged for the America’s Cup with KZ7. And, the seaside city has remained synonymous with that event ever since. Nowadays, Fremantle is an eclectic port city with lots of great bars, cafes, micro-breweries and stunning views over the Indian Ocean.

Only 25 minutes from Perth is Western Australia’s oldest wine region, the Swan Valley. Or, if you prefer, swimming with dolphins, you can drive down to Rockingham. You can hike among the stunning scenery in the Perth Hills region or, hot foot your way through the lunar-like landscape of the Pinnacles Desert.

Swan Valley, near Perth
Swan Valley, near Perth

Head north to experience the marine wonders of World Heritage-listed Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef, or the rugged landscapes of the Pilbara and the Kimberley.

East of Perth is Kalgoorlie. A town full of gold rush history and the outback characters that come with it.

There are pre-planned road trips to suit everyone, ranging from around four days, right up to 16.

Cape Peron, Francois Peron National Park
Cape Peron, Francois Peron National Park

Western Australia’s landscape is vast big sky country, and it feels like you’re the first person discovering it.

While there aren’t many humans around, it feels like everything around you is living. Through the amazing caves and mountain ranges to the blue water and white sands of Western Australia’s beaches.

One recent visitor shared their story of sitting outside their campervan in the shade reading a book, when an emu popped up behind them almost as if to say it was time to turn the page.

In terms of friendly locals, it doesn’t get much better than that.

You can do a trip from Perth to Penguin Island, near Rockingham, in a single day.

This is where you can see Western Australia’s largest colony of penguins. The surrounding Shoalwater Marine Park is also home to seabirds and the rare Australian sea lion.

The Coral Coast Highway is one of the few road trips on Earth where you can visit two World Heritage-listed locations, Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay.

Thrombolites in Yalgorup National Park
Thrombolites in Yalgorup National Park

Travelling from Perth to Exmouth, you’ll discover the wonders of one of the world’s largest fringing reefs, and come across the oldest living fossils on the planet at the Hamelin Pool Stromatolites.

Kiwis love a roadie, and in Western Australia, the roadie can become a weeks-long escape. It may be slightly further away than other Aussie cities, but that just makes it all the more special.

Heartwalk Art, Kalgoorlie
Heartwalk Art, Kalgoorlie

Hit the road in WA, because somewhere between you and the 30 or so hours of possible driving ahead of you, are experiences you will have never thought possible, and never forget.

This article was created for Wandr Travel and Tourism Western Australia