Article by Ailish Delaney, courtesy of Mamamia.
08.10.2025
Crystal clear water, white sand and scorching dry summer heat. Coral coastlines, natural wonders and bustling wildlife. World-class wineries, ancient landscapes and breathtaking sunsets.
Have I piqued your interest yet?
What if I told you that you could experience all of this in one place without requiring an expensive flight across the world? You can skip the jet lag and still get that ‘huge adventure’ feeling.
Well, you’re in luck because all of this is available in Western Australia. (West Coast best coast, baby!)
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about our Mamamia readers recently, it’s that you’re itching to explore WA. We’ve noticed the trend — from Margaret River to Broome, Ningaloo Reef to Fremantle, every piece we’ve published about this side of the country has gone gangbusters.
It’s official: WA is the holiday our readers are currently obsessed with, and we know exactly why.
So, where do you start? The truth is, WA is huge. You can’t do it all in one go, but you can definitely pick a vibe and run with it.
But first, my credentials: as a born-and-raised Perth gal, I’ve spent a good portion of my life exploring this great state.
Here’s my guide to the five major regions you need to visit, each offering a distinctly different trip from the last. Let’s start with the city itself.
Perth.
Don’t sleep on the city itself. Think incredible small bars, top-tier restaurants and arguably the best island day trip in the country.
Beaches galore.
If there’s one thing Perth absolutely nails, it’s the coastal life. We’re talking pristine beaches that look like they belong on a postcard, all within a short drive of the CBD.
You can’t go past three major players:
Cottesloe Beach: This is the classic Perth beauty shot. Spend the day here soaking up the sun, grab a coffee and acai at Daisies Cafe or a famous cinnamon scroll from North Street Store, and then hit one of the many restaurants on the Cottesloe strip for an afternoon drink with an ocean view.
Scarborough Beach: This is your buzzing, busy coastal hub. It’s perfect for a sunset drink, with an amphitheatre providing the steps to enjoy your takeaway while watching the sun dip over the water.
Mettams Pool: If you want to get in the water and actually see something, head here. It’s a beautiful, relatively protected snorkelling spot.
Honourable mention: Mullaloo Beach (my local growing up!) offers sprawling space on the sand without the crowds of busier beaches. Little Bay, North Beach Deli and Island Market are a few of my favourite spots for a bite along the coast.
Local’s tip: In Perth, we navigate the city by the Swan River (“north of the river” or “south of the river”). The river itself is worth a visit, too!
Grab a bottle of wine and some cheese and head to Kings Park to watch the city light up at sunset — it’s easily the best view in town.
Bars, food and vibe.
Screw anyone who says there’s nothing to do in Perth, because the dining and small bar scene has exploded.
There are three main hubs for a great night out:
Mount Lawley: The ultimate night-out strip. Head here for top-tier restaurants and cocktails.
Leederville: Hip, trendy, and buzzing. Great for grabbing lunch on Oxford Street or browsing a cool, independent shop.
Northbridge: This is your late-night party spot — head here if you want to keep the night going.
Si Paradiso, The Garden Leederville and Besk are a few of my favourite spots for a drink and bite when I’m back in town.
If you have a spare afternoon, drive out to Guildford. This is a beautiful character suburb that has charming historic buildings that feel like stepping back in time.
The ultimate day trip.
It’d be rude not to spend a day exploring, really.
Fremantle.
Head to Freo and enjoy the Bohemian, coastal sister to Perth. It’s all about relaxed vibes and history. Hit up the iconic Fremantle Markets on a weekend for street food, fresh produce and local crafts. Walk the historic streets before visiting Fremantle Prison for a truly spooky look at the past.
Grab a casual meal and a beer right on the water at Gage Roads, one of the state’s most popular breweries, or hit South Beach for a relaxed afternoon by the ocean (check out the Coogee Omeo Wreck nearby for a gorgeous snorkelling spot).
Rottnest Island.
What’s a trip to Perth without getting your quokka selfie? This is the ultimate non-negotiable Perth experience.
These adorable, smiling marsupials are found in the wild primarily on Rottnest Island, and they are mandatory camera fodder. It’s car-free, so you’ll need to hire a bike or catch the bus to explore.
Check out The Basin for a sheltered swim, or head to Little Salmon Bay for pristine water perfect for snorkelling.
South West.
Fancy world-class wineries, gourmet food, beautiful beaches and forest walks? May I introduce you to the South West, the ultimate weekend road trip from Perth.
This region is a year-round favourite. While it’s absolutely gorgeous in the summer, the South West truly transforms into the perfect winter getaway.
On the drive down, your essential first stop is Bunbury Farmers Market to load up on local cheese, fresh produce and baked goods.
For wine lovers seeking something boutique, the nearby Ferguson Valley is packed with character.
Keep heading south and pull into Busselton and walk down the iconic 1.8km jetty, one of the longest wooden jetties in the Southern Hemisphere.
Margaret River.
This stunning region, just three hours from Perth, has it all: world-class surf breaks, ancient caves, delicious food and award-winning wineries.
Wine and dine.
You’re spoiled for choice, but for an iconic experience, you can’t go past Leeuwin Estate for a stunning cellar door and restaurant.
For a delicious woodfired pizza and a family-friendly vibe, Swings and Roundabouts is a classic. Beer Farm and CBCo Brewing are great spots for a relaxed brewery lunch with stunning views. And yes, a trip isn’t complete without stocking up on free samples at the famous Margaret River Chocolate Factory.
Beaches and sights.
You’ll sink into the white sand at places like Smiths Beach, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay. For an Insta-worthy moment, hunt down the Injidup Natural Spa, a totally unique natural rock pool.
To try your luck at spotting stingrays right up close, head to Hamelin Bay bright and early.
Explore the deeper magic of the region by visiting a cave, like Mammoth Cave — it’s one of the few caves that’s wheelchair accessible and gives you a real feel for the ancient landscape.
While the big hitters (Maraget River, Dunsborough and Busselton) offer all you need, if you have a couple extra days, don’t skip the inland towns packed with charm.
Head to Donnybrook (‘Apple Capital’) or the historic town of Bridgetown, nestled in the Blackwood Valley, for a truly different, quieter pace.
Great Southern.
This region (Albany, Denmark, Walpole) is the ideal escape for those who want to blend forest adventure with postcard beaches.
A quick heads up: it’s often much colder and windier down here than on the coast near Perth, so bring some layers — even in summer.
You simply can’t miss the unique majesty of the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk near Walpole. Walking high above the tingle forest floor among 400-year-old trees is one of those moments that completely shifts your perspective on the size and scope of this country. It’s a jaw-dropping experience for all ages.
The region’s natural beauty is hard to beat. Make sure you hit:
Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool: Located near Denmark, these are the ultimate photo ops. Greens Pool offers calm, protected water for a dip, while Elephant Rocks features giant, rounded boulders that resemble a herd of elephants bathing in the ocean.
The Gap: The coastline around Albany is utterly breathtaking. Head to the Natural Bridge and The Gap — prepare to feel small as you watch the intense waves crash against the towering granite cliffs.
Bluff Knoll: For a physical challenge, tackle the Bluff Knoll hike in the Stirling Ranges. The 6.8km return trail takes about three to four hours, but the outstanding 360-degree views from the summit are worth the workout.
For a truly local experience, keep Bremer Bay on your list. This small coastal town is an absolute paradise for those who love secluded beaches and is internationally renowned as one of the best places in the world to spot Orcas between January and April — a bucket-list wildlife encounter that’s right here in WA.
Goldfields – Esperance.
This region proves that WA really does have everything. You can either head inland to the red dust, mining history and ghost towns, or explore the coast for some “pinch me” views.
Kalgoorlie – Boulder.
As you drive east of Perth, the landscape shifts dramatically. Welcome to the Goldfields, the heart of gold rush history and big machinery.
You can’t come here and not see the Super Pit. Until recently, this was Australia’s largest open-cut mine. The scale is hard to describe — it’s about 3.5km long, 1.5km wide and 600m deep (it’s so big it’s visible from space, so yeah, it’s pretty big). There’s a free viewing area to check it out, or you can take a guided tour to get up close and personal.
Kalgoorlie is steeped in history. Stroll down Burt Street in Boulder, which looks like a movie set from the 1900s, complete with beautifully restored pubs and hotels. For a deep dive into the past, head to the Museum of the Goldfields.
Take a day trip out to the surrounding goldfields. The Gwalia Ghost Town and Museum near Leonora is a fascinating look at what life was like for miners, complete with cottages and headframes.
Esperance.
About 7.5 hours from Perth (or four hours from Kalgoorlie), you’ll find the idyllic beaches of Esperance — jaw-dropping beauty that’s a worthy destination in itself.
You simply have to visit Cape Le Grand National Park. Here you’ll find Lucky Bay, famous worldwide for its blindingly white sand and the kangaroos that chill out on the beach.
Take the 40km Great Ocean Drive. It’s a jaw-dropping scenic loop that takes you past incredible spots like Twilight Beach (perfect for a calm swim) and Observatory Point. Stop for a picnic and soak up the view.
You might be keen to check out Pink Lake near Esperance but we need to burst your bubble — it hasn’t actually been pink for years due to salinity changes. If you want to see an actual pink lake, you can book a scenic flight from Esperance to see Lake Hillier on Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago (just be prepared for a hefty price tag!).
For an incredible, remote escape, check out the Duke of Orleans Bay Caravan Park, (‘The Duke’). It’s about an hour east of town and surrounded by breathtaking, secluded beaches like Wharton Beach (often rated one of Australia’s best).
North West/Kimberley.
This is for the adventure lovers — think red dirt, ancient gorges and pristine turquoise ocean. It’s the ultimate bucket list destination.
Broome.
Broome is the laid-back, multicultural pearl-fishing town that acts as the perfect starting (or end) point for your Kimberley adventure.
Enjoy a famous camel ride on Cable Beach at sunset. Spend time wandering through the historic town, learn about its pearling history and grab a drink at a local pub (Matso’s Broome Brewery is a favourite).
The best time of year to visit is the dry season, from May to October. This is peak tourist season, but you’ll avoid the extreme summer heat and humidity.
Horizontal Falls.
Forget vertical waterfalls, the Horizontal Falls in the Buccaneer Archipelago are one of the world’s most impressive sights.
When the massive Kimberley tides change, water is forced through two narrow cliff passages, creating a powerful, rapid-like effect that looks like a waterfall tipped on its side. They’re only accessible by sea or air, so you’ll need to take a seaplane tour or boat cruise to explore.
Bungle Bungle Range.
Fly over or hike through the 350-million-year-old Bungle Bungle Range in World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park.
These thousands of sandstone domes, striped black and orange, are an ancient landmark with profound Indigenous history, covering an impressive 45,000 hectares.
The park is usually open from April to November each year. It’s recommended to take at least two nights to explore this incredible place — it’s 47km from one side of the park to the other!
Karijini National Park.
Further south in WA’s Pilbara region, this national park offers a different kind of adventure — deep gorges, waterfalls and refreshing swimming holes carved into the rock.
This park is all about exploration. Brave the hikes through stunning gorges like Weano and Dales. The effort is worth the reward: swimming in crystal-clear, icy cold water under a waterfall (Fern Pool or Kalamina Gorge). Personally, I can’t think of a more perfect cool down from the outback heat.
Don’t miss Hamersley Gorge, known for its famous Spa Pool, a pocket of paradise within the rocks. Also, take in the fantastic views of Joffre Gorge at the lookout before swimming at the falls.
The best months to visit Karijini are the cooler, dry winter months (May to September). You don’t want to be exploring gorges during the extreme summer heat — we’re talking 40C PLUS).
Coral Coast.
The Coral Coast is home to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef (our answer to the Great Barrier Reef), only this one is fringing — meaning you can literally step off the beach into the coral garden.
Ningaloo Reef (Exmouth & Coral Bay).
If turquoise waters, pristine white sand and buzzing ocean activity sound up your alley, this is the place for you.
The ultimate bucket-list item is swimming alongside a Whale Shark, the largest fish in the ocean. They migrate here every year (generally March to July, but season runs through October), and Ningaloo is one of the only places in the world where you can reliably find them.
In stunning spots like Turquoise Bay and Osprey Bay, the reef is so close you can grab your snorkel gear and walk straight off the beach to see pristine coral, tropical fish, and maybe even a turtle. No expensive boat trip required!
If you can’t make the whale shark season, you can almost guarantee a swim with the majestic Manta Rays, which are present all year round and particularly abundant between May and November.
Exmouth is the larger town with more infrastructure and access to stunning Cape Range National Park (great for hiking), while Coral Bay is smaller, more focused purely on the beach, and feels totally relaxed and secluded.
Shark Bay (Monkey Mia).
Further south, this World Heritage Area offers a different kind of marine magic, blending ancient history with friendly wildlife.
Make sure to visit Monkey Mia near Denham. Here, a pod of wild bottlenose dolphins has been regularly visiting the shallow waters to interact with humans for decades. The park rangers facilitate a supervised and regulated experience where a few lucky visitors can hand-feed a small amount of fish to a dolphin right on the shore. Go early! The interactions typically happen between 7.45 am and 12pm.
Visit Shell Beach near Denham — it’s exactly what it sounds like. This 120km stretch of coastline is made up entirely of billions of tiny, brilliant white shells creating a surreal, sparkling sight that looks like snow.
Take the short trip to Hamelin Pool to see the Stromatolites. These bizarre, dome-shaped rock formations are built by microorganisms and are considered the oldest living fossils on Earth.
And this is truly just scratching the surface of what’s on offer in WA. From postcard beaches and magnificent gorges to world-class wineries, ancient landscapes and bucket-list marine encounters, WA really does have something for everyone, no matter how you choose to holiday.
Now you see why us Perth folk so proudly say, West Coast is best coast.
What are you waiting for? Happy exploring!
