Western Australia Adventures

Tourists flock to the East Coast of Australia, taking in the fabulous, buzzing atmosphere of Syndey, the laid-back calm of Brisbane and the tropical climate of Cairns. Yet, the most incredible beaches, diving opportunities and wildlife can be found on the opposite coast. The pace of life in Western Australia may be slower and quieter, but it’s the ultimate place to head for an adventure. Few other destinations in the world have the breathtaking combination of dazzling-white beaches, clear, turquoise lagoons and rust-coloured landscape. If you’re looking to get away from it all and immerse yourself in the great outdoors, then this is the place for you.

Take an Emirates flight to Perth, then hop on a connecting flight for two and a half hours to Broome to pick up a pre-booked campervan – driving your own accommodation around is the best way to see this part of the country as it gives you complete freedom. Just remember to plan ahead: water is scares in some areas, so make sure your drinking water tank stays topped up, and plan your fuel stops carefully as the roads are incredibly long and quiet. It’s also worth pre-booking your pitch at camp grounds along the route, because having electric hook ups so you can use the air-conditioning is essential during summer months.

Western Australia – route plan

Broome

Broome is a great place to relax for a few days before starting your journey south. During the dry season (April/May until September/October) the weather is usually perfect, with clear blue days and temperate evenings. The wet season follows from October/November with hot days and torrential downpours. The wet season is also stinger (jellyfish) season, so follow the local advice about when and where it’s safe to swim.

Broome’s world-famous Cable Beach seems to go on forever, with a wide stretch of soft sand that meets the turquoise Indian Ocean. Much of it is deserted, so you can enjoy a peaceful stroll or find a perfect picnic spot away from the other tourists. Discover the dinosaur footprints preserved in the rocks at Gantheaume Point at the southern end of Cable Beach, and enjoy taking photographs of the incredible red sand against the backdrop of the azure water and sky. A must-do tourist activity is to take a camel ride along the beach at sunset; it may sound corny, but it is worth it to take in the stretching shadows as the day draws to a close.

Broome has lots of history to explore, including a rich maritime heritage relating to pearling, which is still very important to the town today.

While in Broome, be sure to take in a movie at the world’s oldest picture garden cinema. Sun Pictures was built in 1916 and the screen (and some of the seating) is outside. It’s directly under the flight path to Broome airport, so don’t be surprised if the movie is interrupted by the lights of an incoming plane. Try not to let the gecko scuttling across the screen, or the cat that appears at your feet, distract you too much from the plot.

While you’re in Broome, if you can, check out the natural phenomenon of the Staircase to the Moon. It occurs when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats of Roebuck Bay at low tide, creating an impression of a staircase. You can see it three nights each month from March to October.

After a few days in Broome, drive the 600km stretch from Broome to Port Headland, stopping for diesel at the only petrol station en route. Enjoy the wide open road ahead of you that melts into a puddle before your eyes. It’s easy to relax along the empty road, until a kangaroo hops out in front of you, or you approach a lizard dozing in the middle of the road, so keep your eyes peeled.

Exmouth

How many overnight stops you make depends on how long your itinerary, but Exmouth is one town you can’t afford to miss even though it feels out of the way on a peninsula. Few places in the world are this incredible. Even in soaring temperatures, the amount of wildlife you will find in this region is just awesome. Expect to see emus wandering down the main street, lizards dozing underneath bushes and kangaroos that hop alongside your van as if they’re racing you, before making a swift dash across the road in front of you when you least expect it!

The beaches in the area are some of the best in the world…Imagine the whitest sand, cloudless blue skies and shimmering lagoons that will take your breath away.

Exmouth is the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef. The world’s largest fringing reef can be reached by a short swim in places, or on a boat trip. Not only is the marine environment pristine, and thriving, but it’s one of the only places in the world where you can swim with the gentle, but gigantic, whale shark. Whale sharks visit from late March until mid-July, but even if you visit at another time of year, the reef will bring you face to face with some 500 species of fish, manta rays, turtles and coral. From June until November you can take a whale watching tour to see the humpback whales migrating, or catch a turtle nesting tour from late January to February. Allow yourself at least a few days here to fully explore and you won’t be disappointed.
Monkey Mia

Another long drive south (broken up with an overnight stop on the way to keep it manageable) will take you to the Monkey Mia Resort. It’s touristy, but still well worth a few days of your trip. Dolphins are fed from the beach, giving you a guaranteed sighting each day, but make the effort to get out on the water or into the national park to really see the beauty of this place.

Dugongs, sharks, turtles, rays and dolphins all live in the waters and there are plenty of trips on offer to help you get up close to them. The resort also runs wildlife talks by the team carrying out research in the area, so you can learn directly from the scientists.

Pinnacles

There are many small settlements to stop off at on your way to Perth to break up your journey. One place you must build into your itinerary is a visit to the Pinnacles. The awesome natural attraction features limestone towers rising out of the yellow desert. The vast site looks like a lunar landscape. You can drive around the track if you’re in a hurry, but try to allow some time to get out and explore this strange and awesome sight for yourself.

Perth

When you arrive in Perth, allow yourself some time to indulge in shopping, eating out and the city’s fantastic café culture. Perth is a cosmopolitan destination with large parks, a bustling CBD and plenty of fantastic beaches. When you’re ready for another adventure, take a trip to Rottnest Island. This idyllic gem is just a short ferry ride away, but feels a million miles from city life. The car-free island has 63 stunning beaches, 20 bays and plenty of coral reef and wrecks to entertain you. The best way to explore the island is by bike, and you’ll find lots to keep you busy. If you prefer dry land, try your hand at golf or tennis, or just lay on one of the beaches and sunbathe for the last part of your vacation.

Visit WA for an adventure to remember

Whether you’re planning a backpacking trip or you’re organising a short stay, Western Australia is the ultimate destination of outdoor fun.