Western Australia holidays

Western Australia is wild, vast and untouched. The west’s rugged Indian Ocean coastline offers stunning unspoilt beaches; its huge red-dust interiors a taste of the outback Australia of myth and legend; while its relaxed capital Perth - one of the most isolated cities on earth - is vibrant and modern.

Perth & surrounds

Perth is Australia’s sunniest state capital, a fact reflected in the outdoors lifestyle of its inhabitants. Beachfront restaurants, trendy bars and the vast expanse of Kings Park make it a great base for exploring the vineyards of Swan River, bohemian Fremantle and nearby Rottnest Island.

Margaret River & the Southwest

Home to landscapes laced with the greenery of over 80 wineries and an array of gourmet restaurants hidden among the vines, Margaret River is something of an epicurean’s paradise. It's a superb stop-off en route to the state's pretty southwest coast where you'll find ancient forests, serene harbours and some of the country’s finest walking trails, including the 1000-kilometre-long Bibbulman Track. Visit in spring to see carpets of wildflowers in full bloom.

The Coral Coast & Karijini National Park

Ningaloo Reef, Monkey Mia & Shark Bay are among the tropical attractions along the 1,000-kilometre-long Coral Coast. See dolphins, manta rays, dugongs and turtles in their natural habitat and take the chance to swim with whale sharks between April and July. Inland, the Karijini National Park – Western Australia's second largest – is a a land of plunging gorges and open plains home to kangaroos and rock wallabies.

Kimberley & the Northwest

Western Australia’s north coast is one of the most isolated in the country – a region of sprawling landscapes home to scorched desert, towering rock formations and deep-cut gorges bordering the Indian Ocean. Journey inland from the coastal city of Broome and you’ll reach one of the world’s last great wildernesses – the Kimberley. Purnululu National Park is perhaps its best-known region, thanks to a group of towering sandstone mounds known as the Bungle Bungle Range, while to the north, the harsh landscapes give way to some wonderful stretches of coastline, not least those at the very tip of the remote Dampier Peninsula.

Indian Pacific, Pinnacles, Western Australia

Australia by Rail: Indian Pacific

14-day luxury rail holiday from £4,725 pp incl. flights

Take to the rails on this luxury journey aboard the Indian Pacific. You'll travel across Australia’s vast outback as you journey coast-to-coast from Perth to Sydney, enjoying fine dining and tailored touring throughout.

Kangaroo in the vines of South Australia

Australia’s Wine, Outback & Wildlife Wonders

17-day tailor-made journey from £3,910 pp incl. flights

With stays on historic cattle stations and in cutting-edge urban hotels, all paired with a range of included excursions, this is the ideal introduction to the myriad delights of two contrasting Australian states.

Whale Shark, Ningaloo Reef, Coral Coast, Australia

Australian Wildlife Safari

16-day tailor-made journey from £6,390 pp incl. flights

Get up close to Australia’s famed wildlife, showcased across a range of included tours and excursions alongside stays in everything from beachside hideaways to luxury lodges.

Perth, Margaret River & the West Coast

14-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,570 pp incl. flights

Spend time in vibrant Perth, enjoy a gourmet getaway in the Margaret River region and discover the spectacular scenery of Western Australia's southwest corner on this curated road trip.

Top places to stay in Western Australia: Perth, Margaret River & the Kimberley

Ramada Eco Beach Resort, Near Broome

Contemporary resort

Ramada Eco Beach Resort aims to give guests access to the beaches and bushlands of the Kimberley wilderness while having a minimal impact on its surroundings.

Karajini Eco Retreat, Karijini National Park

Contemporary tented camp

The only permanent accommodation in Karijini National Park, the award-winning Karijini Eco Retreat gives guests unbridled access to this breath-taking slice of Western Australia.

Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Coral Coast

Traditional resort

Situated on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, guests are treated to white-shell beaches and crystal blue waters – it’s no wonder that dolphins have been visiting for over 40 years.

Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort

Contemporary hotel

Servicing the growing number of guests looking for a nature-based getaway, this modern hotel is the best choice in the Exmouth area.

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Where to go in Western Australia: Perth, Margaret River & the Kimberley

Western Australia is a myriad of delights; from pristine beaches edged with laidback cities to hoodoo structures in remote, ochre-red national parks. City-slicking, minus the grandstanding of big-name Sydney and Melbourne, can be found in Perth, famous for its near-constant bath of sunshine, alongside a buzzing bar scene, endless parks and sugar-white beaches for languid relaxation. For more remote adventure, The Kimberley surprises and delights in equal measure. Here, spectacular scenes play out to historic Aboriginal towns, deep winding valleys and remote peaks, dotted with cascading waterfalls. As one of the least populated places on earth, the area's isolated wilderness is truly awe-inspiring. In nearby Broome, a laidback and colourful ambience delights, known for its camel sunset rides and sweeping coastline.

Broome

Broome is a small pearling town in the state's north with an exotic history thanks to its world-famous South Sea Pearl industry. Today, a chilled out vibe, colourful lifestyle and vibrant environment have made it a Mecca for creative people of all types.

The Kimberley

Mighty rivers and wetlands teem with wild game fish and marine life and its vast vistas are infinite. One of the least populated places on earth, the area's isolated wilderness is truly awe-inspiring.

Western Australia's Coral Coast

Western Australia's Coral Coast is a pristine region of fringing reefs and sugar-white sands home to a dazzling array of marine and land-dwelling wildlife. Explore this dazzling natural world as you dive with whale sharks and spend luxurious night in luxury lodges among the dunes.

Margaret River & the Southwest

Some of Australia’s top wineries and surf beaches are located in the southerly Margaret River area and epicureans will delight at the boutique wineries and gourmet produce on offer, while the splendid isolation will leave you feeling relaxed and renewed.

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When to go to Western Australia: Perth, Margaret River & the Kimberley

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With two distinct seasons - dry and wet – choosing a time to visit Australia's northwest is relatively straightforward. In the dry season (May to October) the region experiences warm days, clear blue skies, little or no rainfall and temperatures between 20ºC and 30ºC. During the wet season (November – April) high levels of humidity bring short, heavy downpours. January to March is monsoon season, when heavy rain and cyclones can bring flooding to the region.

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Western Australia: Perth, Margaret River & the Kimberley articles

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