Welcome to Western Australia

With its immense dimensions, meagre population and Perth’s distinction as the world’s most isolated capital city, Western Australia (WA) could be considered Australia's final frontier. It certainly makes a spectacular finale to what the country has to offer. ‘Up north’, you’ll encounter all manner of photogenic landscapes. There's stunning gorges and waterfalls at Karijini National Park, and flaming red sunsets on... Read More

Top experiences in Western Australia

Recent articles

Walking in Western Australia on the Lurujarri Heritage Trail

Following part of an Aboriginal songline (essentially a storyline, both oral history and map) the Lurujarri Heritage Trail is a 90km-walk along the Western Australian coast north of Broome. While it can be walked independently, in part or in whole, a much more rewarding experience is to take an Indigenous guided tour. 

An ancient songline  runs from the tip of the Dampier Peninsula into the deserts south of Broome, and the Lurujarri Heritage Trail follows a 90km section between Minyirr (the southern end of Broome's Cable Beach) and Minarriny (Coulomb Point). Paddy Roe (OAM), a young Nyikina man, was entrusted with custodianship of this Country by the passing Jabirr Jabirr elders, who had it passed onto them from the earlier Ngumbarl and Djugun people.
Steve Waters
Lonely Planet Writer

Australia's best summer festivals

There’s always a festival somewhere in a country as big and diverse as Australia, but it’s in summer, roughly from November to March, that things really kick off. Whatever you’re into, wherever you find yourself, you’ll find like-minded souls getting together to cheer on the good things in life.

From hedonistic three-day music festivals to sedate celebrations of wine and food and showcases of creative exuberance, there’s a time and place for every passion under the southern s
Hugh McNaughtan
Lonely Planet Writer

The best places to swim with whale sharks

Swimming alongside the largest fish in the sea is one of the ultimate bucket-list experiences. Lucky, then, that there are a handful of destinations around the world where in-season sightings of whale sharks are almost guaranteed. Remember to keep a respectful distance from the gentle giants, resisting the urge to touch them or to use flash photography.

A diver photographing a whale shark. Image by Jones/ Shimlock-Secret Sea Visions / Getty Images.
Sarah Reid
Lonely Planet Writer
Read more articles

Travel guides

Starting at $12.99

Image for Image for

Western Australia adventures

$535.78 Small group tours

2-Day Margaret River Wine Tour for Food Lovers from Perth

The Margaret River Wine Region offers a superb blend of indulgent experiences and stunning nature. This tour will suit all wine enthusiasts, offering an afternoon of wine tasting whilst still enjoying the diversity of sightseeing and other attractions.
$1699 Small group tours

Western Australia Discoverer

Looking for a better way to see Western Australia than on a big bus tour? We're here to help. This eight-day tour loops east from Perth to the Esperance region, along the stunning southern coast and back up the west coast through the famous wine region of Margaret River. On top of that, you’ll get a prime mix of hiking and outdoor pursuits, diverse scenery, and deep history. All killer, no filler.
$2602.16 Small group tours

19-Day Perth to Darwin Safari including Monkey Mia, Karijini, Ningaloo Reef and the Kimberley Region

This extensive tour to Darwin will allow you to visit the Monkey Mia Dolphins, snorkel the Ningaloo Reef, explore the depths of ancient Karijini, relax on Cable Beach in Broome and venture along the Gibb River Road; one of the country’s most challenging journeys to explore the rugged Kimberley Region. Visit breathtaking gorges and waterholes, beautiful camp grounds and working cattle stations, see the Bungle Bungles and finish in the tropical city of Darwin.
$402.99 Small group tours

3-Day South West Tour from Perth Including Margaret River, Busselton and Albany

Leave the bustling city of Perth behind you and spend 3 days exploring Western Australia's beautiful South West region. Your Perth to Albany journey takes you through some of the state's most gorgeous towns including Denmark, Pemberton, Augusta, Margaret River and Busselton.
$495.10 Small group tours

4-Day Monkey Mia Tour Including Wild Dolphin Encounter, The Pinnacles and Kalbarri

With the city of Perth behind you, the next 4 days will be spent heading north exploring Western Australia's breathtaking coastline. Your return journey will take you along the Indian Ocean then through The Pinnacles Desert, get you up close and personal with the dolphins of Monkey Mia and sandboarding on the Lancelin sand dunes.
$671.65 Small group tours

5-Night Perth to Exmouth Tour Including The Pinnacles, Monkey Mia and Ningaloo Reef

Leaving the cosmopolitan city of Perth in your wake, your destination is Exmouth. The next 5 days will take you north along Western Australia's breathtaking coastline along the Indian Ocean, taking The Pinnacles Desert and the dolphins of Monkey Mia along the way. Your journey continues to Ningaloo Reef then concludes with the pristine white sand beaches of Exmouth.
See More Adventures
Western Australia photo credits