Lyla Lindsey
Western Australia is a biodiversity hotspot, with a unique geological history, breathtaking landscapes, and a thriving mining sector. Bounded by the Indian Ocean, it boasts pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and the world-renowned Ningaloo Reef, offering unparalleled opportunities for swimming with whale sharks. The region's rugged coastline, diverse wildlife, and laid-back vibe make it a hidden gem compared to the more touristy east coast. With its impressive range of boutiques, galleries, and culinary delights, Perth, the state capital, is a vibrant gateway to this breathtaking region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Primary Industry | Agriculture, Pastoralism, Forestry, Fishing |
| Geological History | 4.4 billion years |
| First Human Inhabitants | 50,000-70,000 years ago |
| First European Visitors | Dutch Dirk Hartog expedition, 25 October 1616 |
| Modern-Day Population | 2,660,026 (2021) |
| Bird Species | 630 |
| Native Vascular Plant Species | 10,162 |
| Naturalised Alien or Invasive Plant Species | 1,276 |
| Ecoregions | Sandstone Gorges of the Kimberley, Victoria Plains Tropical Savanna, Pilbara Shrublands, Carnarvon Xeric Shrublands, Western Australian Mulga Shrublands |
| Rivers | Fitzroy, Ord, De Grey, Fortescue, Ashburton |
| Lake | Lake Argyle, Australia's largest freshwater lake |
| Popular Tourist Destinations | Nambung National Park, Lancelin, Shell Beach, Shark Bay, Monkey Mia, Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay, Karijini National Park, Turquoise Bay, Fremantle, Rottnest Island |
| Cities | Perth, Albany, Exmouth, Fremantle |
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What You'll Learn
The Indian Ocean
The ocean here is bordered by rugged granite coastlines, with archipelagoes of granite islands just offshore. The region has a diverse landscape, from the rolling inland areas with their sparse woodland and grasses, to the broad plateaus and mountain ranges further inland. The Kimberley region in the far north is a multisectioned plateau, with the semi-arid Kimberley region crossed by the old Gibb River cattle droving road. The south-west region of the state has a high concentration of rare, threatened, and endangered flora and fauna, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
The west coast of Australia is much less touristy than the east, with a more spread-out and remote landscape. The region has a rich history, with Indigenous Australians inhabiting the region for over 50,000 years before the arrival of Europeans in the early 17th century. The first Europeans to visit Western Australia were the Dutch Dirk Hartog expedition in 1616, followed by other Dutch and British explorers throughout the 17th century.
The west coast offers a range of experiences, from the funky bars and boutiques of Perth to the stunning beaches of Coral Bay and the wine region of Margaret River. The coastline between Perth and Exmouth is beautifully diverse, with the South West home to surf, rainforest, and wine, while the rugged Kimberley region is off the beaten track.
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Quokkas on Rottnest Island
Quokkas are native to Rottnest Island, also known as Wadjemup in Noongar. The name 'Rottnest' comes from 17th-century Dutch explorers who considered the animals to be large rats, hence the name 'Rat's Nest'. Rottnest Island is home to the world's largest population of quokkas.
Quokkas are vulnerable and protected, and it is illegal to feed them as any food they haven't collected themselves can be harmful to their health. They are herbivores and eat a variety of plants such as leaves, seeds, and shrub buds, which are available in abundance on the island. Quokkas are nocturnal and spend most of the day sleeping and resting under shady bushes. The early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see quokkas out and about.
Rottnest Island is the perfect place to spot quokkas in their natural habitat. They can be found all across the island, sleeping, eating, and hopping around. Garden Lake is an ideal place to spot quokkas, with its boardwalk offering a perfect view at a respectful distance. The trail between the sports oval and the golf course is another great spot, with native tea trees forming the ideal habitat for a thriving quokka population. Cycling to Stark Bay, you will encounter tall fig trees and date palms that create the perfect reserve for the island's marsupials. Parker Point is another place to spot quokkas, with its shrub forest of native tea trees.
Quokkas have earned a reputation as "the happiest animal in the world" due to their perpetually smiling appearance, which is a result of the shape of their face and panting habit. They are also known for their friendly nature and willingness to approach humans for a photo, known as a 'quokka selfie'.
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Surfing spots
Western Australia is a surfing haven, with over 12,000 kilometres of mainland coastline. The west coast is known for its world-class breaks, and the best time to surf here is during winter and autumn, particularly between June and August. During these months, low-pressure systems bless the Tasman Sea, and the Southern Ocean is strong enough to get past the continental reefs that fringe Perth and Western Australia, creating the best quality waves of the year.
One of the most famous spots in Western Australia is Margaret River, known for its ceaseless swells, awesome estuary tubes, and neat point breaks. Surfers Point, home of the Margaret River Pro, is another famous spot, with a left-hand reef that has oodles of personality. The colossal Cowaramup Bombora is also located in the Margaret River area and is known for having the largest wave in Australia.
Perth, the main city of Western Australia, is not the best for surfing due to a continental shelf that keeps most swells away from its urban beaches. However, beginners can try the beaches of Scarborough and Trigg, which are beginner-friendly. A trip over to Rottnest Island is also worthwhile, as it gets the swells that Perth misses out on and has breaks for all skill levels.
Further north, you can leave the crowds behind and find classic empty waves. The town of Geraldton, located north of Perth, is known as Australia's windsurfing mecca.
If you're looking for a surf trip away from the crowds, the west coast is a great option, especially when compared to the crowded surf spots on the east coast, such as Sydney, the Gold Coast, and Byron Bay.
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Whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef
Tours to swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef typically operate from March to June in Coral Bay and until August in Exmouth, with sightings often continuing into October. The tours usually begin with a bus picking up guests from designated meeting points and transferring them to the boat ramp. After a safety briefing, guests have the opportunity to snorkel on Ningaloo's inner reef, exploring the incredible coral, fish, and sometimes turtles or manta rays. Spotter planes are used to locate the whale sharks, and once a shark is spotted, the vessel maintains a safe distance, and guests can jump into the water in groups of up to 10 swimmers, guided by a dive master.
Ningaloo currently holds the world's highest rate of whale shark swim numbers, with 40,717 people swimming with whale sharks in 2024. The tours are responsibly run by licensed professionals, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly experience. In addition to whale sharks, Ningaloo Reef is home to a diverse range of marine life, including humpback whales, dolphins, minke whales, reef sharks, turtles, and rays.
The whale shark tour operators at Ningaloo Reef pride themselves on providing a safe and personalised experience for their guests. With a high crew-to-guest ratio, they ensure that visitors receive unparalleled attention, safety, and care during their tour. The operators also actively support the local community and not-for-profit organisations that benefit everyone in the area.
Swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef is a magical and unforgettable experience. The chance to encounter these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, along with the reef's stunning clarity and conservation efforts, makes it a unique and responsible adventure for anyone exploring Australia's west coast.
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The Outback
The region reflects a wide range of climatic and geological variations, encompassing tropical and monsoonal climates in the north, arid areas in the "red centre", and semi-arid and temperate climates in the south. The Outback is home to a diverse range of distinctive and ecologically rich ecosystems, including the Kimberley and Pilbara regions in northern Western Australia, the Inland Ranges, the Nullarbor Plain, and the Great Western Woodlands in the south.
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Frequently asked questions
Ningaloo Reef, which is regarded as one of the best locations in the world to swim with whale sharks.
The west coast of Australia has some of the world's most breathtaking white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. It is also known for its dry, sunny, and warm climate all year round.
Perth is the capital of the state of Western Australia and is home to Kings Park and Botanical Garden, Fremantle Prison, and the Perth Cultural Centre, which houses the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Western Australian Museum, and the State Library of Western Australia.
Underwater off the coast of Western Australia, archaeologists have discovered ancient Aboriginal archaeological sites with nearly 300 stone artefacts. These sites were once home to hundreds of generations of people before they were submerged by the sea.
