Perth might be the best-known city in Western Australia, but this expansive region extends far beyond Perth’s city centre. Featuring thousands of miles of coastline, pristine Indian Ocean waters, several national parks, and countless cultural opportunities, Western Australia has something to offer every visitor. So, book your campervan hire and create a road trip that takes you through some of Western Australia’s best-known beaches, forests, parks, and cities.
Western Australia Basics
Before you hit the open road in your campervan hire, learn a bit more about the region. Western Australia makes up a third of the country’s landmass and is comparably sized to all of Western Europe. As a result, this region offers a diverse mix of terrain and climate. Perth holds the title for the sunniest city in the country, with an average of 131 sunny days a year and nine hours of sunshine a day. As Western Australia’s capital, Perth offers a bevy of activities, serving as the urban center of this region.
Discover year-round warm temperatures along the Coral Coast, which boasts 1,270 kilometres of coastline. Broome and the North West part of the region experience tropical rainstorms and cooler temperatures during its green season of October to March. Simply put, when you visit Western Australia, you can traverse an array of landscapes, experience varying climates, and enjoy beaches, campsites, islands, and much more.
Waterways in Western Australia
When you’re cruising through Western Australia, you’re sure to encounter a variety of waterways, so take time to park your campervan and explore. Western Australia features 12,500 kilometres of coastline that sits adjacent to sparkling turquoise Indian Ocean waters. You can find expansive white sandy beaches perfect for a day of relaxation or more secluded coves ideal for soaking up everything nature has to offer. If you want to swim, head to Mullaloo Beach, located about 20 minutes north of Perth’s city centre. This beach is ideal for kids and adults alike, giving you easy access to the calm Indian Ocean waters. You’ll also find a playground and fishing spot here, too. Burns Beach, located within Marmion Marine Park, boasts limestone cliffs, wildlife-rich waters, and ideal swimming conditions.
You don’t have to spend every day at the beach to see water in Western Australia, however. Whether you’re looking to spot wildlife, enjoy thrilling watersports, or merely take in stunning scenery, the area also boasts rivers and lakes worth visiting. Visit Lake Hillier, which features a unique and unmistakable bubblegum pink water color, caused by the lake’s high levels of salinity.
Take in the expansive views of Lake Argyle, the largest manmade lake in the southern hemisphere that’s 20 times the size of the Sydney Harbour. Look for freshwater crocodiles, wallabies, and nearly 250 species of birds in and around this lake. Finally, if you’re seeking adventure on the water, visit the Avon River, which hosts the annual whitewater rafting Avon Descent. The river offers its most challenging pace during the winter, which is why this race is held every August.
Parks in the Region
Western Australia is replete with parks and campgrounds that allow you to immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty. Look first at several national parks in Western Australia, including Karijini National Park, Cape Range National Park, and Cape Le Grand National Park. Greenmount’s John Forrest National Park, the region’s first national park, features rugged trails ready for exploration, cascading waterfalls during the winter, and kangaroos and bandicoots who call the park home. Stockyard Gully National Park, located in Leeman, includes a 300-metre limestone cave that leads to an underground river system. If you’re up for the challenge, work your way through smaller caves in the park for an experience you won’t soon forget.
Cultural Opportunities
Western Australia might be one region, but within it, you can discover different cultural experiences. Perth is the metropolis in the region, home to a busy city centre featuring restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. The Margaret River region, located in the South West, is known for its wine. With ample sunshine and warm temperatures, this region is worth a visit. You can hop from winery to winery and then relax on the beach, explore caves, or hike through forests. You might even spot humpback whales as they migrate, if you’re lucky.
In the Golden Outback, you can experience a variety of cultural and natural opportunities. Surf at Wave Rock, home to some of the Australia’s biggest waves. Lucky Bay is home to vibrant fields of wildflowers and a beach where the red earth meets white sand. Offroad on the Golden Quest Discovery Trail, where you will learn about the 1890s gold rush in Australia. Along the 965-kilometre trail, you’ll encounter 25 interpreted sites as well as natural wonders like the Niagra Dam and Lake Ballard.
Western Australia truly has something for everyone. Load up your campervan hire and design an itinerary that suits your interests. Whether you want to relax on the beach, hit the waves for some serious surfing, or explore national parks, you can find plenty to keep you entertained during your Western Australia road trip.