Recently updated on July 28th, 2023 at 02:32 pm
Travelling through the West Coast of Australia reveals the best these sunburnt lands have to offer. From Perth to Penguin Island, Margaret River to Rottnest Island, these are just some of the remarkable moments that are waiting for you. We put together an essential guide for the best things to do in West Coast Australia.
Perth
The many gems of sunny Perth have attracted settlers and prospectors since its founding in the early 19th century. You will have an opportunity to explore the remote capital’s multi-cultural diversity, historical Perth attractions, unique foods and relaxed atmosphere at its soft-sand beaches. As you explore the city, see Yagan Square and Elizabeth Quay with its unusual Spanda sculpture, designed to link the Swan River, land and sky. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Kings Park, home to 3,000 species of Western Australia’s unique flora and sweeping city views. Discover why Perth deserves its status as one of the world’s most liveable cities as you meet the locals along the banks of the Swan River or visit the Bell Tower for panoramic views from its open-air observation deck. And, don’t forget to try the fine flavours of Western Australian vintage wines and brews. Delicious!
Margaret River
Margaret River is a small town just south of Perth in Western Australia, known for its craft breweries, cute local boutiques and surrounding wineries. White sand beaches also line the nearby coast where migratory whales can often be spotted from June to November each year. It’s for all of these attractions that a visit to Margaret River is one of the most popular things to do in Western Australia.
It’s also here that Trafalgar offers a unique ‘Be My Guest’ experience at Cape Naturaliste, where you get the chance to connect with the local indigenous Wadandi people. See the treasures of nature through the eyes of an indigenous custodian and gain insights into their traditions, artefacts and didgeridoo expression. The culture here is unique and so is the cuisine. Continue along vineyard-lined roads to a Margaret River winery and join winemakers for a guided walk through the vineyards. Raise your glass to its award-winning vintages during an included dinner at the Other Side of the Moon restaurant on your Trafalgar tour.
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Penguin Island
Penguin Island here in the West Coast is home to the world’s smallest penguins and lazy sea lions. With its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, this lush place is blessed with an abundance of dolphins and birdlife and you will see this first-hand on a Trafalgar West Coast Australia tour.
Fremantle
As you continue your journey through West Coast Australia, you will arrive at Fremantle, a major industrial centre and a vibrant cultural and travel destination. Join a Trafalgar ‘Local Specialist’ here for an informative walking tour revealing the past, present and future of this port town.
Rottnest Island
Board your boat and escape across the open ocean from Fremantle to Rottnest Island, a true paradise lovingly referred to by the locals as ‘Rotto’ and another of the most popular things to do in Western Australia. Keep your eyes peeled for the happiest little animal on earth, the famous Quokka. This lovely short-tailed scrub wallaby is cute and small, just about the size of a domestic cat. Join a ‘Local Specialist’ on a guided Discovery Rottnest bus tour past some of the island’s most spectacular locations. Dive into the island’s impressive history and culture, its pristine marine and land attractions.
Broome
in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, you can also visit the beautiful beach resort town of Broome. Take a leisurely stroll through the Japanese Cemetery or along Cable Beach, cool off in the refreshing waters, or wander through Chinatown and shop for pearls. Walk to the Gantheaume Point, admire the rugged red cliffs rising in stark contrast to the surrounding cobalt blue waters and spot the dinosaur tracks revealed in the beach’s rocks during low tide. At the end of the day, relax with a drink while the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
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Fitzroy Crossing
East of Broome is Fitzroy Crossing, a town that lies on the fertile floodplains of the Fitzroy River, downriver from the striking Geikie Gorge National Park and south of the ancient canyons and caves of Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge. Here you can take a cruise with a Trafalgar ‘Local Specialist’ through the magnificent park, keeping a keen eye out for freshwater crocodiles, fruit-bats and wallabies as the 30-metre walls of the gorge tower above you.
Halls Creek
Halls Creek is the gateway to a range of renowned natural attractions and outback drives at the northern edge of the Great Sandy Desert and Tanami Desert. This place has a fascinating history. In 1885 it was the site of Western Australia’s first gold discovery and became prospecting grounds to more than 15,000 people from all over the world. You can also visit the second largest meteorite crater in the world at Wolfe Creek Crater National Park.
Kununurra
Kununurra is all about vast magical landscapes, remarkable waterways and lush farmland. Consider an Optional Experience with Trafalgar for an early-morning scenic flight over the beehive-shaped towers of the Bungle Bungle Range, or embark on a full-day 4WD tour of the Bungle Bungles. You also have a chance to connect with locals over a privately hosted Be My Guest dinner in the heart of Kununurra’s sandalwood plantations, featuring locally grown produce.
El Questro
El Questro is at the heart of the Kimberley Region, where you can explore waterfalls, mud and salt-flats and many magically rugged gorges and cliffs. Cruise with a Trafalgar Local Specialist on Chamberlain Gorge, an extensive waterhole fringed by tropical vegetation and soaring escarpment.
Keen to visit West Coast Australia for yourself? Check out Trafalgar ultimate Australia travel guide and start planning your adventure now, or let us know in the comments your favourite things to do in West Coast Australia.