Perth, Ningaloo Reef, the Pinnacles & more... This is your West Coast of Australia Guide.
Travelling Western Australia will give you a taste of the ‘REAL’ Aussie Outback! The coastline between Perth and Exmouth is beautifully diverse, the South West is home to Surf, Rainforest & Wine, whilst the rugged Kimberleys is most definitely off the beaten track. Here’s where to go!
Perth
Perth is booming. The once tiny city is now home to loads of funky bars, good shopping, good coffee and yummy food. Spend a day exploring the city and make sure you take a walk up to King’s Park for city views. A day exploring one of Perth’s beaches is also a must – be sure to take a bus to Scarborough or City Beach, alternatively, take a 15 minute train ride to Cottesloe Beach.
Fremantle is a beach side town just a short train ride south of Perth which is rich in history. It was once home to convicts, escaped prisoners from the city’s goal and hippie communities. Cottesloe Beach and Fremantle are on the same train ride so you can knock those two off in a day! We also recommend taking a ferry to Rottnest Island. Hire a bike, a snorkel and explore the island’s beaches and Quokkas – Aussie animals that exist, in the wild, solely on the island.
By JJ Harrison (jjharrison89@facebook.com) - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
South West of Perth
The South West of Perth is home to stunning beaches, rainforests, surf & wine! Take a 3 Day or a 5 Day Tour south (5 days if you would like to visit the famous Esperance Beach – you may have seen photos of Kangaroos relaxing on the beach – this is the beach to see it)! Alternatively, hire a campervan!
As you head south make sure you pay a visit to the southern hemisphere’s longest jetty, Margaret River which is famous for Surf Beaches & Wineries, a Tree Top Walk in the Valley of the Giants, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the township of Albany, Boranup Forest & the quaint little town of Pemberton.
Cookaa [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons
Perth to Exmouth
Allow yourself at least 5 – 7 Days to explore the coastline between Perth and Exmouth - 7 Days if you are returning to Perth. There are a number of tour companies that offer both one way and return tours from Perth. Alternatively if you are driving onwards through to Broome or Darwin, we would suggest hiring a Campervan.
The Pinnacles and Lancelin
The landscape between Perth and Exmouth is diverse! As you head north pay a visit to Nambung National Park – home of the Pinnacles. These weird, limestone formations exist in the yellow sand of the desert. Further north a visit to Lancelin is a must – home of sand boarding! As you arrive into Lancelin you will be blown away by the white sand mounds... this place looks somewhat like the moon.
Stromatolites, Shark Bay and Monkey Mia
Continue north to Shell Beach (no sand, just shells) & the Stromatolites (the oldest living organism in the world) in Shark Bay. Follow the coastline to Monkey Mia – this is a beautiful, relaxed beach side town that allows you to feed the dolphins.
Nachoman-au [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons
Kalbarri National Park and Coral Bay
Soon you will reach the red sands of Kalbarri National Park – an adult’s adventure playground! There are loads of short or longer walks available as well as the option to Kayak, Canoe, Rock Climb or Abseil through the gorges and natural lakes.
Next stop? Coral Bay... the beach is stunning and it's usually a good night out (for the West Coast). A little drive north of Coral Bay you will find yourself in Exmouth – the gateway to Ningaloo Reef!
Ningaloo Reef
Many visitors claim that Ningaloo Reef is better than the Great Barrier Reef! Ningaloo Reef is shallow – hence the light from the sun hits more fish and coral. The beaches are absolute paradise and like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
From May to June each year Ningaloo Reef welcomes the Whale Shark! You have the opportunity to snorkel with these majestic creatures – an absolute unique Australian experience.
Whale Shark at Ningaloo Reef by Mike Johnston - license
Karijini National Park
Karijini is located a few hours inland from Exmouth. Some Perth to Exmouth Tours offer the option to stop by Karijini on the way back to Perth. This national park is unique and one of a kind – it is absolutely magical! You will find waterfalls, natural rock pools of different colours, crevices, chasms & hidden white sandy beaches within the high red walls of the park.
Karijini National by Phil Whitehouse - license
Broome to Darwin (The Kimberleys)
Broome is absolutely stunning and has fast become a popular getaway for Aussies... endless stretches of white sandy beach, good nightlife & camels. Heading through to Darwin you must pass through the Kimberleys! This is possibly the most rugged, remote and beautiful part of Australia! You will need roughly 9 days to get from Broome to Darwin due to the 4WD tracks. Visit Purnululu National Park, the Bungle Bungles, Echidna Chasm & Lake Argyle.
Bäras [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], from Wikimedia Commons
The West Coast is absolutely stunning, diverse & untouched – the REAL Australia.
There are tour options that suit anywhere you would like to go – South West, Perth to Exmouth, Perth to Karinjini return & Broome <> Darwin including the Kimberleys. Alternatively there are a number of campervan companies that operate on the West Coast.
For more information on tours or campervan rental speak to the travel staff at your hostel!
Main image - Binarysequence [CC BY-SA 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons
