I always say that Western Australia is the best state in Australia, and it’s the ULTIMATE place for a roadtrip! From crystal clear waters full of incredible sea-life to dramatic landscapes of waterfalls, orange cliffs and forests – WA has it all. In this blog you’ll find 10 of best places to visit in Western Australia, which I’ve selected to help you plan your trip. What’s more, you can reach them all with just a 2WD vehicle!
Lake Argyle
Lake Argyle is located in the Kimberley Region, approximately 70 south of Kununurra. It’s also one of the first places you will come to if you cross the border into Western Australia from the Northern Territory. The lake itself is a vast man-made reservoir, with over 70 islands that were formed when the area flooded.
What to do in Lake Argyle
Seaplane Tour
The best way to see Lake Argyle’s islands is from the air, by booking a seaplane tour. Kimberley Air Tours offers a 2.5 hour sunset seaplane tour from Kununurra that takes you for a scenic flight and then lands on one of the islands for sunset! The cost is $235 per adult.
Boat cruise
A scenic boat cruise is another alternative to enjoy the lake, or you can go for a swim with Lake Argyle’s freshwater crocodiles! Don’t worry, though – they will generally keep to themselves as long as you don’t bother them.
Where to stay in Lake Argyle
There are no free camping options around Lake Argyle, so if you are planning to stay overnight you will need to choose from the accommodation options offered by the Lake Argyle Resort and Caravan Park depending on your budget:
- Campsites at the Argyle Resort – from $40 unpowered, $50 powered
- Studio Cabins – from $299 / night
- Lakeview Cabins – from $399 / night
The Lake Argyle Resort is worth staying at if only for their stunning infinity pool overlooking the lake, as well as their morning yoga sessions and live music every night! There are also several bush walks around the lake that start right from the Caravan Park.
Broome
Broome is another gem of the Kimberley Region of Western Australia, reached from the north or south by the Great Northern Highway. The colours of Broome are unmatched, with bright orange cliffs jutting out into turquoise waters. You can easily spend a few days here relaxing on the beach and exploring what Broome has to offer.
Best places to visit in Broome
I recommend these 3 places to visit in Broome:
Roebuck Bay
The bay is actually pretty big, running along the Eastern side of Broome’s peninsula. To find the iconic photo spot the best access to Roebuck Bay is from the carpark right next to the hovercraft in Broome’s port. It’s best seen when the tide is high enough to come into shore, but not so high that the trees are completely submerged.
Gantheaume Point
The southern tip of Broome is famous for its red cliffs and rock formations, rock pools and dinosaur footprints. Just watch out as the tides can be extreme in Broome! The rock pool here only fills up at high tide, and is best seen when there’s a really high tide like a spring tide; the dinosaur footprints are best seen at low tide.
Coconut Wells
A lagoon fringed by rock pools, around 20 minutes drive north of Broome. You can park up on Denham Road and continue to the lagoon on foot (~1.5km), or drive a little further by 4×4. When the tide is higher than 9 metres the lagoon fills, so take a floaty and join the Coconut Wells Tidal Float back to the carpark! Since it takes around 45 minutes to walk to the start of the inlet, make sure you time your arrival at least 1 hour before the high tide is due. After high tide the water recedes, leaving these rock pools behind.
Cable Beach
In the evening, head to the iconic Cable Beach ride a camel or watch arguably one of the best sunsets in Western Australia. You can even drive onto the beach for a picnic! Depending on when you’re visiting and if it’s a full moon, you might also get to witness the Stairway to Heaven – when the moon is reflected on the ocean.
Where to eat and drink in Broome
- Matso’s Broome Brewery (open 11 am – 9 pm daily)
- Dragonfly Cafe (open 6:30 am – 2 pm weekdays, from 7 am weekends)
Where to stay in Broome
There are 2 main areas to stay in Broome – near Roebuck Bay or Cable Beach. The Roebuck Bay area feels more “central”, with plenty of cafes, shops and restaurants to choose from. Cable Beach has a bit more of a laid-back beach vibe, and many resort accommodation options. Whatever your style or budget, there’s somewhere for you:
- Roebuck Bay Backpackers “The Roey” (Roebuck Bay) – dorm beds from $25 / night
- Cable Beach Backpackers (Cable Beach) – dorm beds from $40 / night
- Beaches of Broome (Cable Beach) – from $250 / night
- The Billi Resort (Cable Beach) – from $400 / night
- Mangrove Hotel (Roebuck Bay) – from $440 / night
- The Treehouse Broome (Roebuck Bay) – 4 guest Airbnb from $1000 / 2 nights
- Eco Beach Wilderness Resort (south of Broome) – eco tents from $250 / night
There is a bus service that operates in Broome between the two areas but it is not super frequent so I definitely recommend having a car to explore the area properly, otherwise you can rent a bicycle. If you have a 4WD it’s also worth making a trip up to Cape Leveque via spots like Pender Bay and James Price Point.
Exmouth
Exmouth is located at the northern tip of the Ningaloo Reef, home to some of the most beautiful beaches and bluest water in Australia. Most of these beaches belong to the Cape Range National Park, where you’ll also find some beautiful campsites to set up and spend a few days relaxing, beach hopping and surfing. There’s are so many beaches in Exmouth you could easily spend a week here, especially if you enjoy hanging out and sunbathing.
What to do in Exmouth
Turquoise Bay
Turquoise Bay is probably the most famous beach in the area, with water so blue you can easily see where it gets its name! It’s also a popular spot for snorkelling as there’s a natural current that runs along the beach. When facing the ocean, turn left and walk down to the end of the beach and get in to snorkel there. The current will carry you back to where you started, while you relax and enjoy the fish and coral!
Spot Exmouth’s wildlife
The best time to visit Ningaloo Reef is from February to July to catch the area’s famous wildlife: whale shark season between March and July, manta rays from April, turtle hatchlings from February and early March as well as humpback whales, which begin to arrive from June. If you’re a scuba diver, I suggest doing a dive from the Navy Pier which is famous for it’s diverse and massive marine life. Since it is located on a Naval base, access is restricted – so dives can only be booked through Dive Ningaloo.
Charles Knife Canyon
The best thing to do in Exmouth in my opinion is to visit the Charles Knife Canyon, especially at sunrise or sunset. The turnoff to Charles Knife Canyon is 22km (20 minute drive) south of Exmouth, leading you on a winding road to the top of the Cape Range. The view of the dramatic landscape below is enough to take your breath away! You can also do the Badjirrajirra Walk, a 6km return loop from the Thomas Carter Lookout, through the gorges and cliffsides. The walk is moderately difficult and takes around 3 hours to complete.
You don’t need a 4WD unless you’re planning to venture deeper into the National Park or Shothole Canyon.
Where to eat and drink in Exmouth
- Whalebone Brewing Company (open 4 pm – 10 pm daily)
- Froth Craft Brewery (open 11 am – late, closed Sunday & Monday in summer)
- The Shack (open 5:30 – 11:30 am for coffee and breakfast, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm for dinner)
- Bamboo Exmouth (open 6 am – 2:30 pm weekdays, 2pm weekends)
Where to stay in Exmouth
- Campsites (like Osprey Bay, Kurrajong and Yardie Creek) in the Cape Range NP – campsites from $15 / night (make sure to book well in advance)
- Bullara Station Stay – campsites from $36 / night
- Sal Salis – from $3,580 / 2 nights
Coral Bay
Around 1.5 hours drive south from Exmouth you’ll find Coral Bay, a laid-back coastal town right on the Ningaloo Reef. Depending on if you have a tour booked, a day or two in Coral Bay is plenty of time.
What to do in Coral Bay
Check out the marine life
Coral Bay is a hotspot for boat tours to see whales, whale sharks, manta rays and other marine life – depending on the season. It’s also a snorkelers paradise as you can access the Ningaloo Reef right off the beach. The Ningaloo Reef is one of the only places in the world you can do this! You can rent or buy snorkelling gear from the Ningaloo Coral Bay Bayview reception or tourist shops. If you’re not confident in the water, you can also take a glass-bottom boat tour for a different perspective.
Paddle with sharks
Within a short walking distance you’ll also find the Shark Sanctuary of Skeleton Bay, which has the largest aggregation of reef sharks in the Ningaloo Marine Park. During the breeding season you’ll spot adult reef sharks, pregnant females as well as babies.
Note: after the cyclone in 2022 a lot of the coral in Coral Bay is damaged and dead, which is a shame. It should recover in the next few years though!
Where to eat and drink in Coral Bay
- Bill’s Bar (open 11 am – midnight)
- Sweet Coral Bay (open 11 am – 5 pm)
Where to stay in Coral Bay
Options for accommodation options in Coral Bay are limited, especially during peak season when it gets really busy. So make sure to book well in advance!
- Ningaloo Coral Bay Backpackers – dorm beds from $43 / night
- Ningaloo Coral Bay (Bayview) – campsites from $48 / night unpowered, $53 / night powered
- People’s Park – studio apartments from $390 / night
Shark Bay / Monkey Mia
Shark Bay is around 800km north of Perth, on the westernmost point of Australia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning an area of some 23,000 square kilometres, so you can easily spend a few days or more exploring.
Best places to visit in Shark Bay
Shell Beach
As you enter into Shark Bay the first place you’ll reach is Shell Beach, a beach made up completely of tiny white shells. Though the beach is beautiful is hurts like hell to walk on so make sure to bring sandals or beach shoes to protect your feet!
Monkey Mia
While the biggest town in Shark Bay is Denham, the main attraction is Monkey Mia, where dolphins come into shore for daily feedings. This gives you the opportunity to see them up close and even feed them yourself! It’s a truly bucketlist experience.
Little Lagoon
A beautiful round lagoon with bright blue and green water contrasting the red sand. You can walk around the lagoon and paddle in the creek, otherwise it is a quiet spot for snorkelling or stand-up paddle-boarding. Just watch out for the stonefish that live here!
If you’re looking for an adventure and have a reliable 4×4, consider heading further into the Francois Peron National Park or to Steep Point and Dirk Hartog Island.
Where to eat and drink in Shark Bay
- The Old Pearler Restaurant (open 5 pm – 9 pm)
- The Little Shop (open 10 am – 6 pm)
- Boughshed Restaurant at Monkey Mia (open 7 am – 9 pm)
- Monkey Bar at Monkey Mia (open 5 pm – 9 pm)
Where to stay in Shark Bay
- One of the 4 coastal campsites south of Denham (Whalebone Beach, Goulet Bluff, Fowler’s Camp or Eagle Bluff) – $15 / night / vehicle only bookable on the day through the Shark Bay Discovery and Visitor Centre. See instructions for booking here.
- RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort – campsites from $42 / night, rooms from $200/ night
- Tasman Holiday Parks in Denham – campsites from $35 / night, rooms from $180 / night
- Heritage Resort Shark Bay – rooms from $200 / night
Kalbarri
The one place in Western Australia that keeps evading me! I haven’t actually made it to Kalbarri yet despite attempting twice, but it’s so high on my bucketlist… Plan to spend a couple of days here exploring the gorges and hikes.
Best places to visit in Kalbarri
Kalbarri National Park
The highlight of Kalbarri is the Kalbarri National Park, where you’ll find beautiful gorges and amazing opportunities for hiking. Some spots to check out:
- Z Bend – 1.2 km return to lookout, 2.6 km return if you continue down to the river bed
- Nature’s Window – 1 km return from The Loop carpark
- For sunset or sunrise, head to the iconic Kalbarri Skywalk, two cantilevered viewing platforms overlooking the Murchison River gorge 100 metres below.
Hutt Lagoon
Make sure to combine your visit with a trip to the iconic Hutt Lagoon near Port Gregory. This is hands down one of the most unique places in Western Australia – and one of only a handful of lakes like it in Australia. This is because the lake is completely PINK! The colour comes from naturally occurring microorganisms.
Where to eat and drink in Kalbarri
- Finlay’s Kalbarri (open midday – 10 pm)
- Red Bluff Bakery Cafe (open 4 am – 7 pm)
- Little Leaf Kalbarri (open Wednesday-Sunday for brunch 11 am – 2 pm and dinner 5pm – 8:30 pm)
Where to stay in Kalbarri
- Tasman Holiday Parks Kalbarri – campsites from $44 / night, rooms from $150 / night
- Kalbarri Edge Resort – rooms from $189 / night
- Kalbarri River Shacks – 3 bedroom Airbnb
Jurien Bay
Jurien Bay is only 3 hours drive from Perth, making it a truly epic day trip or weekend away!
Best things to do in Jurien Bay
Swim with sea lions
There is one main reason why Jurien Bay is one of the best places to visit in Western Australia: you can swim with sea lions! Sea lions are such playful creatures, so they’ll often come up close and personal. The best companies to go through are:
- Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience – $160 / adult for approximately 150 minutes
- Turquoise Safaris – $145 / adult for approximately 120 minutes
The Pinnacles Desert
If you’ve got a bit of time to spare, add on a visit to the Pinnacles Desert – especially at sunset or sunrise. The landscape is like something from another planet, with mysterious limestone formations jutting out from the desert. You can do the Pinnacles Drive by car, which takes you in a 4.5 km through the landscape. It’s a really easy way to experience the view whilst avoiding the heat and flies! If you prefer to walk, there is also a 1.6 km loop walk through the Pinnacles – the Desert View Walk trail.
Where to eat and drink in Jurien Bay
- The Oneh Jurien (open 11 am – 3pm, 5 pm – 9 pm)
- Meraki (open 6:30 am – 3 pm)
- Lobster Shack Cervantes ( open 9 am – 5 pm)
Where to stay in Jurien Bay
- Jurien Bay Tourist Park – campsites from $32 / night, units from $160 / night
- The Sandcastles Retreat – Airbnb from $680 / 2 nights
- Hill River Nature Reserve – tiny cabin from $300 / night
Margaret River
Just 270km south of Perth, the South West region of Western Australia is home to many famous wineries as well as some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. I recommend spending at least a few days in the region, but you can definitely spend more time beach-hopping and exploring the coast!
Best places to visit in Margaret River
The wineries
Calling all wine lovers – Margaret River is the place for you! Out of the 9 wine regions in Western Australia, Margaret River is the most widely celebrated. From the five original wineries (Vasse Felix, Cullen Wines, Moss Wood, Cape Mentelle and the Leeuwin Estate) to smaller boutique establishments, Margaret River is well and truly considered amongst the best wine regions in the world.
The Cape to Cape
Margaret River is also a dream for hiking enthusiasts. The Cape to Cape track which runs between Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste is often considered amongst the best hikes in the world. Along this coastline there are many beautiful natural locations, from caves to rock pools and beaches – and everything in between! Make sure to check out: the Aquarium, Indijup Spa, Sugarloaf Rock.
Best places to eat and drink in Margaret River
- Margaret River Bakery (open from 7 am – 2 pm Monday-Saturday, 8 am – 1 pm Sunday)
- Swings & Roundabouts (open from 3 pm – 10 pm)
- The River Margaret River (open daily from 12 pm)
- The Common (open daily from 12 pm to late)
Where to stay in Margaret River
- Petit Eco Cabin – tiny cabin $1,485 / 3 nights (3-night minimum stay)
- Edge Luxury Villas – from $445 / night
- Mile End Glamping – 2 person domes $445 / night
- Hidden Valley Forest Retreat – cabins and ecolodges from $385 / night
- Tanah Marah – chalets from $410 / night
- Birdwood Estate – 5 bedroom home from $850 / night
Albany & Denmark
Albany is on the southern coast of Western Australia around a 5 hour drive south from Perth, making it perfect for a week or long weekend getaway. From Albany, Denmark is around 40 minutes drive east along the coast, so it’s a great little roadtrip to combine both!
Best places to visit in Albany and Denmark
The area is home to 4 amazing National Parks, which are each worth visiting:
Tondirrup National Park
This national park is a dramatic coastal region, with Jurassic-looking cliffs such as at the The Gap and Natural Bridge. It’s also home to some pristine beaches such as Frenchman Bay, Salmon Beach and Misery Beach, which was voted Australia’s best beach in 2022! For hikers, the Bald Head Hike (12.5km) is a great way to explore the coastline.
Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve
A haven for ocean lovers, with incredibly blue water and paradise beaches! Make sure to check out: Little Beach, Waterfall Beach, Bettys Beach. Nearby you’ll also find these spots: Shelley Beach, Albany Wind Farm, Castle Rock Granite Skywalk in Porongurup National Park.
Stirling Range National Park
Home to Bluff Knoll, the tallest mountain in the Stirling Range in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. The Bluff Knoll hike is 6.8 km return, which should take around 3-4 hours, and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views from the top!
Williams Bay National Park
In Denmark you’ll find the Williams Bay National Park, a stretch of coastline with some fantastic beaches. You may recognise the iconic Elephants Rock, but make sure to check out these beaches too: Greens Pool, Lights Beach, Waterfall Beach and Madfish Bay.
Where to eat and drink
In Albany:
- Bred Co Sourdough Bakery (open 6:30 am – 4 pm weekdays, 2 pm weekends)
- Liberté (open 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5 pm – 9 pm Tues-Sat, closed Sunday/Monday)
- Wilson Brewing Company (open 11 am – 9 pm Tues-Sat, 6 pm Sunday, closed Monday)
- Six Degrees (open 11:30 am – 10 pm weekdays, midnight weekends)
- Garrison (open 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 10 pm)
- The Earl of Spencer Historic Inn (open 11:30 am – 10 pm Tues-Sat, 3pm – 9:30 pm Sun, closed Mondays)
In Denmark:
- Flame Trees Denmark (open 4 pm – 10:30 pm daily)
- The Green Pantry Cafe (open 8 am – 1 pm, closed Sundays)
- Boston Brewing Co. (open 11:30 am – 9 pm, closed Mondays)
- Singlefile Wines (open 11 am – 5 pm daily)
- Pepper & Salt (open midday – 3 pm Thurs/Sun, 9 pm Fri/Sat, closed Mon-Weds)
Where to stay
In Albany:
- Betty’s Beach campsite (free!)
- The Beach House at Bayside – rooms from $265 / night
- Latitude 35°5 – 5 bedroom holiday home from $3,300 / 3-night stay
In Denmark:
- Shelley Beach – $15 / adult, $5 / child + $15 National Park Fee
- Stillwood Retreat – from $480 / night
- Chimes Spa Retreat – from $280 / night
- Upland Farm – from $505 / night
Esperance
Esperance, roughly 720 km from Perth, is famous for having some of the bluest water in Australia, if not the world. Plan to spend at least 3 days here so you can maximise your chill time on the beach!
Where to visit in Esperance
The Great Ocean Drive
A 40 km scenic drive that takes you in a loop along the coast and back to Esperance via the Pink Lake. Take your time along the coastal route so you can visit some of the area’s most famous sights and beaches. Make sure you don’t miss Blue Haven, Salmon Beach and Twilight Beach! These are some Esperance’s most popular beaches with incredible blue water, especially Twilight Beach which has a rock to jump from into the ocean.
Cape Le Grand National Park
Around 45 minutes outside the town of Esperance, Cape Le Grand is home to some incredible beaches, namely: Hellfire Bay, Thistle Cove and Lucky Bay. The latter is the most famous of these, a pristine beach known for having some of the whitest sand in Western Australia and kangaroos roaming the beach, especially at sunrise and sunset. What’s more, you can even drive straight onto the beach with your vehicle.
A little further out you’ll also find Wharton Beach and Duke of Orleans Bay, which are equally as beautiful. They’re definitely worth visiting if you have the time! Entry to the National Park is $15 per vehicle, or included with a WA Parks Pass.
Wylie Bay
Wylie Bay is another beach you can drive on with a 4WD, but it’s easy enough to park up on the side of the road and walk a few minutes to reach the rocks off the shore. From the top of the rocks you’ll have a 360° view over the beach and landscape, so it’s an incredible spot to watch the sunset.
Frenchman Peak
A steep trail up a rocky peak to a cave and ocean views. The hike is 3 km return and takes around an hour, but make sure to plan extra time for photos and to explore the cave at the top.
Best places to eat and drink in Esperance
- Lucky Bay Brewing (open 11:30 am – 8 pm Sat-Thurs, 9 pm Fridays)
- Bread Local (open Fridays 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday 8 am – 1 pm)
- Downtown Espresso Bar (open 7 am – 2 pm Mon-Fri, 7 am – 12 pm Saturdays)
- Cloud 11 Esperance (open Tuesday – Saturday 7:30 am – 2 pm)
Where to stay in Esperance
- Lucky Bay Campground – $20 / night per adult, $5 per child (+ NP entry fee)
- Le Grand Beach Campground – $20 / night per adult, $5 per child (+ NP entry fee)
- Esperance Chalet Village – chalets from $260 / night
- Nutcrackers Lodge – 3-bedroom farmstay from $280 / night
- The Cranmore Studio – Airbnb from $785 / 3 nights
- Home on Walker – 3-bedroom Airbnb from $1,560 / 2 nights
- Elements at West Beach – 5-bedroom Airbnb from $2,700 / 2 nights
As you can see there are so many places to experience in Western Australia, and all with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. These can easily be visited in one epic Western Australia roadtrip or in separate trips and weekends away. Plus, if you have a 4×4 vehicle there are so many more places to explore beyond these I have suggested!
