50 Amazing Things to Do in Western Australia

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Western Australia is home to some of the best landscapes, beaches, food, and wine experiences Australia has to offer – not to mention sunsets that will blow your mind!

From unique rock formations to wildlife encounters, to swimming holes and four-wheel drive adventures, there’s something for every type of traveller on the West Coast of Aus.

In fact, there are so many incredible things to do in Western Australia that it can be overwhelming when deciding what to add to your Aussie itinerary. 

We spent 6 months traveling around Western Australia and have a pretty good idea of the best attractions in WA. So in this guide, we reveal our favourite Western Australia activities and a few hidden gems.

Things to do in Western Australia

We loved so many places in Western Australia and I hope this guide exposes how diverse Australia really is, and inspires you to explore more of the West coast of Aus.

In no particular order, here we go.

1. Take in a Sunset at Cable Beach

If you have never witnessed a sunset over the ocean before, Western Australia can help you with that. And one of the best places is at famous Cable Beach.

Enjoy a cold drink at the Sunset Bar, Zanders, or our favourite spot on a Friday and Sunday night is in front of the old Broome Surf Club!

2. Marvel at the Horizontal Falls

It all starts with a scenic flight over the coastline from Broome to Talbot Bay. From the moment you take off over Cable beach and then fly over the Buccaneer Archipelago you know this is going to be special.

The Horizontal Falls are a natural phenomenon, created by two narrow openings between two escarpments.

The tides in this region are some of the biggest in the world, reaching up to 12 metres. Taking on the falls in a jet boat is a thrill I won’t soon forget!

3. Go Swimming at Elephant Rocks

15 kilometres from the town of Denmark in southwest WA brings you to one of our favourite swimming locations in Australia.

Named Elephant Rocks because it looks like a herd of elephants paddling in the shallow waters.

Swimming at Elephant Rocks is one of the best things to do in Western Australia on a hot summer day when you need to cool off.

Head to Elephant Cove, a magic family beach perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

4. Sunset Cruise on Lake Argyle

Who knew Lake Argyle is the largest artificial lake in Australia – the size of 11 Sydney Harbours!

Our sunset cruise is a priceless memory from our time in The Kimberley region.

As the sun was going down behind the red sandstone escarpment we were swimming in a lake (cold beer in hand) that is home to over 25,000 freshwater crocodiles. Not a typo!

P.S. NEVER swim with SALTWATER Crocs!! The Freshies are ok. 

5. Fly Over the Bungle Bungles

The road out to the Bungle Bungles is infamous for being one of the roughest in the country, but it’s definitely worth the effort!

Since we didn’t have a 4WD it wasn’t an option, but we were still able to experience the magic of this unique landscape!

Luckily for me, our visit coincided with my birthday, and flying over these majestic “bee hive” sandstone domes with Kingfisher Tours that rise 300 meters above Purnululu National Park was the perfect gift!

6. Cycle Around Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is incredible, and one of our top 3 favourite islands in Australia.

Located 18 kilometres off the coast of Perth, this relaxing island is just a short ferry ride from Fermantle that takes about 30 minutes.

Once you’re there, you can easily explore the island by bicycle – there are no cars on the island making it safe and relaxing.

Take your snorkeling gear and hit up Little Salmon Bay, Parakeet Bay, and The Basin.

If you have more time, you can also explore Fremantle which has some fun and interesting attractions. Check out Fremantle Markets or take a tour of Fremantle Prison.

7. Take the Knox Gorge Walk, Karijini NP

Knox Gorge is one of the hidden gems of Karijini National Park.

Many visitors to Australia say Karijini was their favorite national park in Australia, and we loved this hike down into the gorge and clambering around the deep red and purple rock walls.

At its end, Knox Gorge narrows into a spectacular ravine with views to Junction Pool below.

8. Enjoy Breakfast at Town Beach Cafe

Have you ever seen a more divine breakfast view than this?

Broome is one of our favourite places in Western Australia, and you’ll understand why after visiting – the colours of the water and red earth are incredible.

Come to Town Beach Cafe for brekky at high tide and you’ll get the picture, the full turquoise picture. And the Eggs Florentine were superb!

9. Take a Self-Guided Hike to Emma’s Gorge

We only had access to the northern section of the famous Gibb River Road in Kimberley due to our vehicle not being a 4WD.

One highlight was swimming at Emma’s Gorge, a large cool waterhole graced by a 65 metre high droplet waterfall.

It is a little rocky walking into the gorge but if we can manage it with a three and seven-year-old, you can too!

10. Drive Out to Cape Leveque

On the very tip of the Dampier Peninsula, 200 kilometres north of Broome is Cape Leveque.

Yes, it can be a sandy rough drive, but we did it in our Ford Territory AWD.

You will forget all about the terrain the moment you arrive – stunning beaches, red cliffs, and magic sunsets. This is what gives Western Australia its reputation as the home to some of the most stunning nature spots.

le you’re in the area, don’t miss visiting the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm to learn about Western Australia’s pearl farming history and culture.

11. Fall in Love with Coral Bay

I’m happy to say Coral Bay lived up to its reputation as one of Western Australia’s favourite family holiday spots, with Bill’s Bay, the main beach, being a highlight.

A huge, sweeping bay protected by the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park making it a snorkeling and swimming paradise.

There are many things to do in Coral Bay, such as go coral viewing and snorkelling, or take an eco-tour to see turtles.

12. Do a Cellar Door Hop in Margaret River

Margaret River is one of the best wine regions in Australia, and with over 100 cellar doors you’re spoilt for choice.

Our favourite wineries included Cape Mentelle (Caz enjoyed being served by our French friend Nicolas), Happs, Cape Leeuwin, and Settlers Ridge.

If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Western Australia, you can’t go wrong with a bit of wine tasting at the wineries followed by a picnic in a vineyard at sunset.

13. Snorkel “The Drift” at Turquoise Bay

Turquoise Bay is one of the main reasons to visit Exmouth on the Coral Coast, and it’s easy to see why!

From the bay, you’re swimming within metres of the famous Ningaloo Reef and the popular drift snorkel is one of the coolest snorkeling experiences you can have.

Swim out a few metres and let the powerful current carry you a few hundred metres down the beach.

Exit and repeat.

14. Enjoy Solitude at Waterfall Beach

Keep walking over the headland from Little Beach in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve near the town of Albany and you’ll come to beautiful Waterfall Beach.

It’s totally worth the short drive from Albany, and the short climb. Secluded and private. We had this beach all to ourselves!

15. Walk Along Yardie Creek Gorge

At the end of the sealed road in Cape Range National Park you get to Yardie Creek where you can explore the gorge on foot or on a Yardie Creek boat tour.

We did the 1-hour return walk along the cliffs and the views were spectacular. The only downer was the pesky flies. Besides dealing with flies, it can get very HOT here in summer so walk early in the morning!

16. Witness the Staircase to the Moon

If you are in Broome for the Staircase to the Moon, come down to Town Beach to watch this phenomenon as the moon rises above the mud flats at low tide shining its light upon it so it looks like stairs leading up to the moon.

Also seen from the Mangrove Hotel.

17. Go Quad Biking at Coral Bay

I took Kalyra on her first quad biking adventure with Quadtrek and it was the best quad biking track I’ve ridden yet.

Incredible coastal scenery, we rode up and down big sand dunes, spotted turtles off “Turtle Cliffs” and even went snorkeling at Five Fingers Reef.

Kalyra couldn’t stop talking about how much fun this was!

18. Swim in Hamersley Gorge, Karijini

Stand in wonder in front of the famous natural waterfall and pool at Hamersley Gorge in Karijini National Park. Pack your swimming gear, a towel, and dive right in.

No more words needed!

19. Sunset Camel Ride Along Cable Beach

There are many vantage points to take in the sunsets at Cable Beach and one of the most unique ways is on board a trusty camel with Broome Camel Safaris.

What a relaxing 45 minutes. Our kids, and us big kids, thoroughly enjoyed this. Not to mention the bonus free cocktail at Zanders afterward – all part of the deal.

20. Sip on a Ginger Beer at Matso’s

I’m not a fan of Australian domestic beer, we always seek out craft breweries on our travels, and Matso’s Brewery is a Broome treasure.

Their ginger beer competes with the Pearlers Pale Ale as my favourites. They even have chili and mango beer.

And this cider impressed me too (and I don’t drink cider).

21. Drive the Charles Knife Canyon

Charles Knife Canyon is like a mini-version of the Grand Canyon, and is right near the coast.

An unsealed road follows the ridges of Cape Range National Park just outside the town of Exmouth and takes you high up into the sky providing breathtaking views down into the multi-coloured gorges and all the way to the coast.

This is one of the most beautiful and scenic areas in Western Australia, so be sure to add it to your things to do in WA list.

22. Stand Among the Valley of the Giants

400 kilometres from Perth near the town of Walpole in Southwest WA, is the Valley of the Giants.

You can stand under the large red tingle trees that are famous for their gigantic size. After that, you can do the Tree Top Walk and explore the canopy of the magnificent tingle forest.

This park has some of the largest and oldest trees in the country.

23. Relax at Zebedee Springs, El Questro

We barely scratched the surface of The Kimberley region, only spending two nights at El Questro Wilderness Park, but it was one of the highlights of our visit to Western Australia.

If you make it to El Questro, we highly recommend an hour or two immersing yourself in the Zebedee hot thermal springs.

24. Take the Spider Walk at Hancock Gorge, Karijini National Park

One of our favourite adventure walks in all of Western Australia was the Spiderman walk at Hancock Gorge in Karijini National Park (minus the superhero costume).

We even took the kids on this walk, no problems!

There are several walks and swimming holes in the national park so it’s not all about clambering over rocks and through gorges, though this is definitely the highlight.

25. Look Through Nature’s Window in Kalbarri

One of the top things to do in Kalbarri is to visit the Kalbarri National Park and see the iconic rock formation, Nature’s Window.

We visited this park at the wrong time of day and had to deal with the heat, and the flies and the middle of the day is never the best time for photography.

I’ve seen some incredible photos of Nature’s Window in Kalbarri National Park at sunrise! Get up early folks!

26. Meet Prince Leonard at Hutt River Province

Ever heard of Hutt River Principality? Me neither until we met with Prince Leonard and his Royal Family.

Long story short, Prince Leonard completely screwed over the government and created his own country.

When the government tried to take some of his farmland off him, he found loopholes in the law and discovered that back in the day, Western Australia had not been formed properly as part of Australia. Therefore, his land was not actually Australian land but part of Britain.

The sharpest, and most intelligent 82 year old I’ve ever met. He cracked us up!

He pays no Australian taxes and does not have to follow Australian law. As you leave his country visit his Post Office and get your passport stamped. And of course, they have their own currency.

What a classic!!

27. Drive on Lucky Bay at Esperance

Cape Le Grand National Park is home to Lucky Bay, a 45 minute’s drive from the town of Esperance. 

You’ve probably seen photos of kangaroos hopping about, that’s Lucky Bay. After 18 months around Oz we were kinda kangaroo-ed out and blase about beaches.

And whilst I wouldn’t hurry back to Esperance, this beach is open to four-wheel driving and the sand is that compact you could drive almost any car on the beach, even our AWD which was cool.

28. Find Paradise at Sandy Bay

If Turquoise Bay isn’t reason enough to put Exmouth on your list, Sandy Bay should do it.

This beach easily made our list of the best beaches in Australia. Endless white sand, crystal clear water, dark blue skies, and the shallow waters of Sandy Bay made it an excellent beach for our kids.

Apparently, it’s a popular place for kite surfers when the wind is right.

29. Have Lunch at the Mangrove Hotel

Speaking of views in Broome. Take a look at the turquoise water, red earth, and green mangrove views from the beer garden at the Mangrove Hotel.

Listen to live music, indulge in cocktails, have a cold beer, and sample Kimberley’s best produce.

Must try: the venison chorizo pizza, slow-cooked with cherry tomato and goat’s cheese. OMG!!

30. Swim With Wild Stingrays at Hamelin Bay

Possibly the most picturesque beach in the Margaret River region with fine white sand, crystal clear turquoise water, and natural dunes.

But that’s not all, Hamelin Bay is the best place we’ve seen wild stingrays in Australia. They come right into shore and swim around your feet. Amazeballs!

31. Stand on Shell Beach

Not a beach to swim at or lay around on, but Shell Beach is interesting in that the actual beach has been created by millions of tiny shells.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Western Australia, then it’s worth a look.

If you are doing the World Heritage Drive in the Shark Bay region, then this won’t be a far detour.

32. Discover Pemberton by 4WD

From the Karri Forest, to the sand dunes, to the Great Southern Ocean, there are plenty of things to do in Pemberton.

One of the best attractions in the area is to take a 4WD beach and forest eco-adventure tour. We did this with Pemberton Discovery Tours and it was one of our favourite day tours in WA.

Who knew this region had the largest inland dune system in the southern hemisphere?! Graeme and Toni, the owners are super friendly and informative.

 33. Venture into Francois Peron National Park

If you own a 4WD you can have an adventure along a scenic coastline with dramatic red cliffs and white sandy beaches and it’s possible to see dugongs, manta rays, turtles, and sharks swimming in the water.

We got as far in as the Homestead with our AWD.

Francois Peron lies within the Shark Bay World Heritage area.

34. Walk the 1.8 kilometre Busselton Jetty

One of the top things to do in Busselton is to visit the iconic jetty.

You can catch the famous “Jetty Train” out to the end, but after driving 50,000 kilometres around Australia we needed all the exercise we could get.

And the views over Geographe Bay are stunning.

The heritage-listed Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Fancy a swim? Pack your swimming gear and jump off into the ocean! Just be careful of the tides.

35. Watch the Sunset at Cottesloe Beach

Perth’s sunsets are legendary and Cottesloe Beach, a beach-side suburb about a 15-minute drive from the Perth CBD is one of the best places to watch the sun go down over the Indian Ocean.

Grab some takeaway fish and chips or bring a picnic and sit under the shady Norfolk Pines.

36. Refresh Yourself at Dales Gorge

At Dales Gorge you can experience three highlights of Karijini National Park.

Enjoy a refreshing swim at Fortescue Falls, take in one of the prettiest settings in WA at Fern Pool, or take a dip at Circular Pool (pictured above).

37. See the Perth Skyline from Kings Park

Kings Park overlooks the Swan River and offers sweeping views of the city, and is an unmissable place to visit in Perth if you’re visiting the city.

This park is the largest inner city park in the southern hemisphere, larger even than New York’s Central Park.

Walk amongst the treetops on the elevated bridge, the pathways, take the kids to the playgrounds, and the botanical gardens, and picnic amongst the gum trees.

You can even find unique places to stay nearby that take advantage of the panoramic views.

38. Grab a Coffee (or Cold Bevvy) on the Cappuccino Strip

I’m still trying to figure out if the historic seaside port of Fremantle is a suburb of Perth or its own city? Help me out!

The Cappuccino Strip is the centre of Freo’s entertainment precinct with cafes, restaurants, and bars shoulder to shoulder. Or hit up trendy Wray Ave.

P.S. I loved the HUGE pumpkin scones at the Fremantle Bakehouse.

39. Be Wowed by the Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake

Yes, it really is PINK.

If you’re driving the Coral Coast stop in at Port Gregory for a look at Pink Lake. Its pink hue is created by bacteria (Dunaliella salina), which become trapped in the salt granules.

This is one of the most unique places in Western Australia and is only one of ten pink lakes in the whole of Aus.

The lake is best viewed at sundown.

40. Walk Amongst The Pinnacles

Take a scenic drive or walk (what I did) amongst the limestone formations of The Pinnacles in the pinnacles desert in Nambung National Park. Nambung is in the Wheatbelt region, 162 km northwest of Perth.

The Pinnacles are a unique rock formation that dates back over 25,000-30,000 years. They were formed after the sea receded, leaving sea shells on the shore.

Over time, the strong coastal winds removed the sand and left these unique rocky pillars exposed.

Some of The Pinnacles stand as high as 3.5 meters!

41. Hit the Beaches in Margaret River

When most people think of Margaret River their first thought is probably wine.

But I can confidently say after road-tripping around Australia, this stretch of coastline has some of the most stunning beaches in the country.

If you are looking for some relaxing things to do in Western Australia, basking on the Margaret River beaches is one of our all time favourites.

42. Enjoy a Pint at Little Creatures

The Little Creatures Pale Ale is up there with my fave beers in Australia, and their brewery in Freo is a top spot on the water to grab a pint and a pizza.

There’s a big sandpit for the kids outside or duck upstairs to Creature’s Next Door above Freo’s fishing boat harbour for a quieter drink.

43. Check Out The Basin

No, you are not on the Great Barrier Reef or somewhere exotic in Asia.

If you don’t cycle around Rottnest Island and only have time for a handfull of Rotto’s 60 beaches and bays, put The Basin at the top of your list! And Pinky beach next door.

Look at that water!

And be sure to look out for the island’s resident animals, the quokka.

44. Walk to Green Pools, Denmark

A few hundred metres walk around the headland from Elephant Rocks is Greens Pool, another picturesque swimming area definitely worth a visit when in Denmark.

Not quite as pretty as Elephant Rocks, but still a lovely sheltered area to swim, snorkel and relax.

45. Drive the Boranup Forest

The Margaret River Region is not all wine tasting, beer drinking, gourmet lunches, and lazing on beaches you know!

Take a scenic drive through the Boranup Karri Forest and feel dwarfed by the massive karri trees that can reach 60 metres or more in height.

46. See Wild Dolphins in Bunbury

Get up close with wild dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury, just a 170 kilometre drive south of Perth.

You don’t have to go all the up way to Monkey Mia (I wouldn’t hurry back there).

The discovery centre has an interaction zone and you can even choose to have a swim encounter in their natural environment.

47. Experience Gnomesville

What an interesting and different destination this is.

Whilst in Bunbury head out to Gnomesville, the magical home to over 3,000 Gnomes scattered in the bushland who have migrated here from all over Australia and around the world.

Located by the roundabout at the junction of Wellington Mill and Ferguson Roads, Wellington Mill.

48. See a Summer Concert at Leeuwin Estate

I’ve always been a big Powderfinger fan, one of Australia’s best rock bands out of Brissy.

They’ve broken up now so seeing former lead singer Bernard Fanning perform solo at Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River was a bucket list moment.

And what a great setting it was to have a picnic and sample a few wines to boot.

49. Freak Yourself Out Climbing the Gloucester Tree

Not my idea of fun, I’m so scared of heights!

But if you’re braver than me you can climb 61 metres to the top of the Gloucester Tree and apparently see one of the most spectacular views of the Karri forest.

I’ll take your word for it, reo-bars jabbed into the trunk, no thanks!

50. Enjoy Sunset from Gantheaume Point

At the southern end of Cable Beach in Broome is Gantheaume Point, a red rock cliff face overlooking a white sandy beach.

Especially spectacular at sunset, but any time of day is worth the short drive on the unsealed road. Or an early morning walk along Cable Beach is nice too!

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Western Australia

There you have it, those are some of the best attractions in Western Australia. I guess you get the hint we absolutely loved Broome, Karijini, and the Margaret River Region.

Whichever region you choose to explore, you’ll find there are plenty of activities for any type of traveler – whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a beach lover, a nature lover, or a city dweller; Western Australia will keep you busy.

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