Australia is vast and rich in natural beauties, wildlife and urban excitements. If you think that you can visit and see it all in just a few days, then you may not know all there is to know about this incredible country. Sure, Sydney and Chris Hemsworth may be the first thing that comes to mind, but let us show you more of this rich and lush land worth several gigabytes on your camera and priceless when in regard to memories. And we chose just the perfect place to help you start your adventure – Western Australia.
Filled with natural, diverse wonders this part of the continent offers one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world, and some of them are unforgettable.
Penguin Island
Situated near Perth, Penguin Island is a home to a colony of around 1,200 little penguins. Tourists can visit the island by ferries, private boats, kayaking and even swimming. There are no stores to buy water and other necessary supplies on the island, and everyone must take with them their own trash to avoid infestation by the black rats, rodents which decreased the numbers of penguins in 2013. Besides the penguins, there is also a colony of 500 pelicans, and tourists can go exploring various caves, beaches, coves and natural bridges.
Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park is spread over 627,422 hectares (1,550,390 acres) in the Pilbara region. It’s split into north and south side by the Marandoo iron ore mine and Hamersley and Rone River railway. Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga people consider this park their home and their ancestors have been here for 20,000 years. The tourist can see beautiful waterfalls in Dales Gorge, and at the bottom of the Oxer Lookout, there is a pool. Every gorge is a different story and you have to be fit and with clean bill of health, and also trained diver to submerge in the freezing water and follow the underwater paths.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island or Rotto as called by the locals has over 60 beaches and bays perfect for snorkelling, swimming, diving, kayaking and fishing. This limestone island is the highly protected public land with the A-class reserve level and is the residue from the Pleistocene dunes. Tourists come here for recreational opportunities and they usually stay for one day only. One of the main attractions is taking a photo alongside the Quakkas – the cute and small macropod indigenous to the island. You can also climb the Wadjemup Lighthouse to take in view the whole island or go snorkelling at the Little Salmon Bay.
Cottesloe Beach
The Cottesloe Beach belongs to the western suburb of Perth and is actually a part of the Town of Cottesloe. This is a popular place for beach cricket and in the past, it was an inspiration to many painters who depicted it in their art. If you’re coming to Western Australia with your family, this is the perfect place to take them since in 2009 Lonely Planet website named it the second best family beach in the world. Indian Teahouse with restaurant and lifesavers is the main landmark of the Cottesloe Beach and also the most crowded spot there.
Lancelin Sand Dunes
Australia is known for its surfing community, but little is known about sandboarding. Lancelin Sand Dunes are the prime location for this sport which is not expensive and can be a lot of fun. The Dunes are 90-minute ride away from Perth and 36 km from the Wanagarren Reserve. West of the dunes is the backdrop of the Indian Ocean and many tourists sit on the white snow-like sand and enjoy the view especially during sunsets. If you don’t have a sandboard you can rent one at the spot, while the entrance to the dunes is free and open from morning to evening.
Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef is UNESCO World Heritage spot with globally praised ocean wonders and unfortunately last ocean oasis on the planet. With 300 kilometres this is the largest coral reef in the world situated in Gascoyne region. This is the most famous place for whale watching in Western Australia with colonies of orcas and humpback whales. It is also the home to majestic marine life like sea turtles, manta rays, shark and many others, so if you want to experience the true wonders of the ocean, Ningaloo Reef is the perfect place for that.
Lastly
Western Australia is a region rich with caves, underwater delights, diverse marine life, native tribes, gorges and wildlife. Even if you weren’t much of a hiker or nature geek you will be seduced by the sights you’ll see and adventures you’ll have, all the time surrounded by the most remarkable wonders of this planet which will turn even the most sceptic and indifferent person into the wanderlust supporter.