Extraordinary WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Take a short boat trip from Perth to one of the world’s most unusual islands, Rottnest Island, and meet rare quokkas hopping along its car-free roads. Find the only place on earth with a staircase to the moon in Broome. Or experience extraordinary across all the kilometers of WA that our taxi driver hasn’t time to
visit yet.
These are only a handful of extraordinary facts about WA – for more visit www.westernaustralia.com
Tree Top Walk, Walpole
The height of these forests inspired a world first. A sky-high walkway.
Among the Tingle forests of Walpole, the first walk trail of its kind was created to allow people to experience the majesty of these incredible trees. At 600 metres long and 40 metres off the ground, the tree top walk has been designed to minimise impact on the forest itself. And yet, the experience leaves a deep impression on all who walk it. View it on the map »
Rottnest Island
One of the most unusual islands on earth is unusually close to Perth.
A short ferry ride from Perth is one of the most extraordinary little islands on earth. Rottnest Island features some of the world’s finest beaches and bays, as well as unique plant and animal life, including the famous and rare quokka, a small kangaroo-like creature. But one thing you won’t be seeing is any cars. Quite an attraction in itself. View it on the map »
Broome
The world's oldest outdoor theatre has more features than most.
In the heart of Broome sits the world’s oldest outdoor picture house, Sun Pictures. But as well as enjoying a film in the wonderful night-time climate, you’ll discover plenty more to enjoy during the day. Explore vast red outback deserts which melt into azure blue seas. So whether you like action, adventure or romance, it’s all here. View it on the map »
Cable Beach, Broome
Here you can sit on a train and enjoy the most amazing ocean sunset in the world.
There aren’t too many places on the planet where you can watch the sun setting over the ocean whilst catching a ride on a camel train. Here on 22 kilometres of pristine sand you can soak it all in, one rather incredible step at a time. View it on the map »
Perth
Australia’s sunniest capital offers 3000 hours of sunshine a year. And just as many ways to enjoy it.
The great outdoors are always greater when the sun’s shining. And whether you choose to take advantage of Perth’s great weather by touring the city or taking a short trip off to a world class wine region or conservation area, you’ll feel a warm welcome. Perhaps that’s why we’ve been voted one of the world’s most liveable cities. View it on the map »
Antony Gormley Statues, Lake Ballard
It’s the largest outdoor gallery on earth. Well, on salt lake, to be precise.
On the flat salt lake of Lake Ballard, one of the world’s most famous sculptors, Antony Gormley, has created his vision of an Australian community. Over an area of 10 square kilometres, 51 statues modeled on real locals from nearby Menzies, stand majestically for all to see. We’ll leave the opening hours up to you. View it on the map »
South West Region
Welcome to one of the top ten places on the planet. As chosen by Lonely Planet.
Each year Lonely Planet chooses 10 regions they believe to be the world’s most incredible to visit. And this year, they’ve selected Western Australia’s South West. With its famous vineyards, white-sand beaches and tall-tree forests, it is one of the world’s most extraordinarily diverse places, so perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised. View it on the map »
Staircase to the Moon, Broome
Nowhere else on earth can you find a staircase to the moon.
From March until October, an extremely low tide on the ocean’s mudflats, creates the perfect opportunity for a unique optical illusion. As the full moon rises, it creates a staircase effect that makes for a truly original scene. View it on the map »
Monkey Mia
A rare occurrence anywhere in the world, but here it’s a daily routine.
For 40 years now, wild dolphins have been swimming into the shoreline here virtually every day, much to the delight of all the children and adults who witness them. It’s a most unusual ritual, but one that leaves everyone genuinely moved. View it on the map »
Margaret River Wine Region
One of Australia’s premier wine regions is in one of Australia’s most extraordinary locations.
Margaret River’s fine wines win plaudits around the world, thanks to their complex character. Something to do with its extraordinary location no doubt. Because only here can you experience vineyards next to stunning beaches, world-class surf breaks, beautiful caves and forests of some of the tallest trees on earth. View it on the map »
Bungle Bungle Range, The Kimberley
One of the world's best kept secrets is around 350 million years old.
Until the early eighties, this wonderful range of multi-coloured cone shaped sandstone rocks was known only to local Aboriginal people. It is now, as it has been for millions of years, an extraordinary sight which captures the imagination. Something truly worthy of its World Heritage status. View it on the map »
Whale Sharks, Ningaloo Reef
One of only a few places on the planet where you can swim with the world’s biggest fish.
Here in Western Australia, between April and July each year, is one of the few places on the planet where you can swim alongside whale sharks. At up to 16 metres they are the largest fish on the planet. Swimming so close to something so immense is one of the most extraordinary experiences you can enjoy down under. View it on the map »
Ningaloo Reef
One of the world’s largest fringing reefs, reached by the world’s shortest swim.
Fortune has brought one of the most biodiverse reefs in the world close to the shore. Nowhere else on the planet can you access a large coral reef so easily. And once you are there, the clearest turquoise water imaginable sets off brightly coloured fish of every hue, manta rays and turtles, whether you choose to snorkel or dive. View it on the map »
Wildflowers
Now open. The largest collection of wildflowers on earth.
There are more than 12,000 species of wildflowers in Western Australia. And over 60% of these species are found nowhere else in the world. Each year, from June in the north, until November in the south, they bring a spectacle of colour and scent that needs to be experienced to be believed. View it on the map »
Gyorn Gyorn (Bradshaw) paintings
Some of the world’s oldest art, by one of the world’s oldest living cultures.
In the late 1890’s, a collection of Australian Aboriginal rock art featuring distinctive stick like figures was seen by European eyes for the first time. Archeological dating has placed the Gyorn Gyorn paintings, sometimes known as the Bradshaws, among the oldest discovered. View it on the map »
Horizontal Waterfall, The Kimberley
There are two waterfalls on earth which fall sideways. These are both of them.
There’s a large tidal movement in the Kimberly which creates an effect that is unique in the world, a true natural wonder. As the water banks up against one side of the narrow cliff passages, two spectacular horizontal waterfalls appear between the rocks. And the truly incredible thing is, you can travel over the waterfall by boat to observe this marvel up close. View it on the map »
Lucky Bay, Esperance
The sand on this beach is Australia’s whitest. No surprise then that it’s called Lucky Bay.
The pure white sands and perfect turquoise water of Lucky Bay make this beach a perfect spot for letting your cares drift away. So it wasn’t just luck that made it rated as one of Australia’s best. But around Esperance, there are plenty more secluded beaches where this one came from. View it on the map »
The Pinnacles
Where on Earth does it feel like you’re walking on the moon? Right here.
For some, the experience of walking among the Pinnacles is like taking steps on the surface of the moon. The incredible limestone spires, which pierce the golden sands of the region, can rise up to several metres tall. Millions of years in the making, but just a short drive from Perth to experience them for yourself. View it on the map »
Karijini National Park
Some of the oldest rock forms on earth are here. And yet they make you feel new again.
In one of Australia’s largest and most spectacular national parks, amazing gorges and waterfalls combine to form a landscape that creates a perfect picture. And at 2 billions years and counting, some of the rock formations are as old as the hills. Quite literally. View it on the map »
Whale watching
It’s the greatest show on earth. And on our coastline, it plays for an entire season.
Between June and December each year, the greatest whale show on earth takes centre stage along the coast of Western Australia. The world’s largest population of humpback whales annually visits the North West, and the South West is one of just two places in Australia where large numbers of Southern Right Whales come to calve. And as they make our backyard their home, you can take your seat and marvel at the show. View it on the map »
