10 best things to see and do in Western Australia
In this guide, we’ll list the top things to do and places to go in WA, highlighting must-visit destinations such as the Margaret River, Rottnest Island, the Swan Valley and destinations further afield, including Turquoise Bay on the Coral Coast.
So pack the sunscreen and grab the kids, WA’s family-friendly attractions are waiting for you!
Margaret River Is More Than Just Wine
Of all the places to go in WA, this one is a vacation favourite. But there’s more to the Margaret River Wine Region than the world-famous wine, making it a superb WA tourist attraction for adults and kids alike.
That’s especially true when you stay at Discovery Parks – Margaret River because the range of rustic, country-style cabins and spacious sites are actually located on a working beef and sheep property. Your children will love you as they wake up to the sounds of the countryside and get to enjoy a farm animal feeding session.
Looking to take your children to local beaches? You’re spoilt for choice but Castle Rock Bay at Dunsborough has plenty of amenities, while Granny’s Pool on the Augusta shoreline is perfect for toddlers.
Or you might want to fill your water bottles and enjoy the native bushland. The Chimney Trail Loop is about 3km in length and very family friendly.
But when the wineries beckon, there’s a long list of some of Australia’s best wineries to tempt your tastebuds. And many of them offer unique experiences beyond traditional tastings. Cullen Wines provides biodynamic tours, while Aravina Estate caters to families and has great outdoor dining on the lawns. For those seeking minimal intervention wines, check out Walsh & Sons who craft some cracking drops.
Discover the Coral Coast
The Coral Coast offers paradise for nature lovers heading for a West Coast Australia holiday.
Turquoise Bay, located 65km from Exmouth, is one of the best beaches in Australia – or so the locals claim! Its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches make it perfect for swimming and snorkelling (but always take care of the local warnings). Highlights are the coral fish and – drum roll, please – the simply amazing sea turtles.
Ningaloo Reef gives you the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays. Excited? You should be! People come from all around the world for these experiences, with most tours generally starting from Coral Bay and Exmouth.
Want more options? Shark Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many dugongs. Shell Beach stretches for 120 kilometers. Monkey Mia is famous for its friendly wild dolphins that regularly visit the shore.
Discovery Parks – Carnarvon makes a wonderful base for the Coral Coast. With a swimming pool in the park, adventure playground, BBQ areas and games room – there’s plenty to do for the whole family.
Even better, you can bring the family pooch as selected sites and cabins are pet friendly. Btw, Discovery Parks – Carnarvon also has an off-leash dog park. When the puppies are playing, it’s a WA tourist attraction all by itself!
Rottnest Island – Australia’s Quokka Kingdom
Rottnest Island, Wadjemup in Noongar, is easy to get to from Perth or Fremantle. Highlights on this car-free island include 63 beaches and 20 bays, a snorkelling trail, surfing, hiking along the Wadjemup Bidi… and of course, the cute little quokkas. Everything you need to know is available from the Visitor Information Centre, which also has volunteer guides.
To stay and play, look no further than Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island. Pinky Beach with its white sands and sparkling blue water is just a few steps away. So, too, is The Basin, one of island’s most popular beaches and it is ideal for snorkelling. Families will love the fact that it has beach shelters, toilet and shower facilities, and is directly accessible from Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island.
All that activity is sure to stoke your appetite. For locally-inspired food, cocktails and a wonderful West Australian wines, Pinky's Rottnest Island sits on the ocean side of the property. Across breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, the menu boasts an abundance of local seafood (crayfish anyone?), all your favourite café classics and a great kids menu.
Accommodation centres on the first eco-tent experience on Rottnest Island, with a Deluxe Oceanside Tent sleeping five, ceiling fan, kitchenette and an outdoor deck with furniture. The setting alone makes “Rotto” one of the great places to go in WA.
Beautiful Bunbury Foreshore
The Bunbury foreshore offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and family-focussed attractions on the west coast of Australia. Top of the l will be the shipwreck-themed splash park that is co-owned by Discovery Parks - Bunbury Foreshore and the local council. It’s right next door! Cycle paths wind along the shoreline, and there are opportunities to swim, dive, fish and snorkel among bottlenose dolphins, making this an awesome WA tourist attraction. The area also features several lookouts, the Mangrove Boardwalk and the largest skate park in the region.
When it comes to quality accommodation and the perfect location, you can’t go past Discovery Parks – Bunbury Foreshore. The Deluxe 2 Bedroom and 3 Bedroom Cabins are ideal for families, allowing parents to stay up and relax after their youngsters have gone to bed. With modern amenities, reverse cycle air-conditioning and a spacious balcony, you’ll unwind in no time! (And did we mention that you can park ‘underneath’ the cabins, making unloading a breeze?) Discovery Parks – Bunbury Foreshore is close to secluded sandy bays and long white beaches such as the Koombana Bay Beach, known for its calm water and only three minutes from the park.
Perth, Fremantle and the Swan Valley
Perth is Western Australia's capital, located on the Swan River and overlooked by Kings Park, one of the world's largest inner-city parks. Naturally it’s near the top of the list for places to go in WA. Cruise on the river, visit the museum and Bell Tower, Perth Zoo, Adventure World and AQWA - The Aquarium Of Western Australia.
Nearby, Fremantle captivates with its historic charm and lively atmosphere. Known for its bustling markets, street art and vibrant café culture, Fremantle offers a unique blend of history and contemporary flair.
Further afield, the Swan Valley is renowned for its wineries and gourmet food producers. It’s an easy 30-minute drive from the city and as an added bonus, if you choose to stay at Discovery Parks – Swan Valley you can plan a visit to Caversham Wildlife Park, where the penguin feeding at midday is always great fun.
For the grown-ups, the iconic Houghton Winery is a 10-minute drive from the park, Sandalford Wines with its premium wines is 15 minutes away, and Mandoon Estate (20 minutes) has fine wines and an excellent restaurant. For lovers of hops and froth, the Bailey Brewing Co. boasts a range of craft beers and a welcoming atmosphere.
Why not buy a bottle or two and enjoy a tipple back at Discovery Parks – Swan Valley, taking in the majestic views of neighbouring vineyards.
Image Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Unwind in the Coastal Town of Broome
Broome is covered in the Kimberley region, further on in this list, but it warrants a mention all of its own. This beach township produces some of the world's finest cultured South Sea Pearls. Travellers can explore the pearling industry’s heritage on guided tours, self-guided walks and by visiting the Broome Historical Society Museum. The town's stunning Cable Beach, stretching 22 kilometers, provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable sunsets. Visitors can experience these magical evenings on a sunset camel ride along the shore. But for guests at Discovery Parks – Broome you can watch the sublime sunsets over Roebuck Bay from the comfort of your oceanview cabin. In fact, it’s the only park in the area with direct beachfront access.
Venture Inland To Kalgoorlie
What list of the best things to do and see in Western Australia could ignore the glorious goldfields! Kalgoorlie is the epicentre of the WA goldfields and is the outback’s biggest city. Walk the streets and soak up the history, or join a tour of the Super Pit, the largest open-cut mine on the planet. Kids can enjoy the Kalgoorlie Boulder Tram Tour, experience history hands-on at the Hannans North Tourist Mine or ride their bikes on the paths in Karlkurla Bushland Park. But when it’s time to cool off, The Oasis swimming complex is a lot of fun – as is the pool at Discovery Parks – Kalgoorlie Goldfields. The park’s cabins sleep up to six people in air-conditioned comfort, or choose from a powered or unpowered site.
Billions of Years Old - Wave Rock
It’s far from the west coast of Australia but another wonderful thing to do in Western Australia is journeying to Wave Rock, which is 15 meters high and 110 meters long and can be seen on a drive to Kalgoorlie. This granite cliff, shaped like a breaking ocean wave, is over 2.7 billion years old. And not a drop of water in sight! The vibrant colours on its surface result from rainwater dissolving minerals as it runs down the rock. Visitors can explore this ancient formation through various walking trails, including the Wave Rock Walk. The surrounding area offers additional attractions like Hippo's Yawn, Mulka's Cave and Lake Magic, known for its changing colours at sunrise and sunset. Located in WA’s wheatbelt, it is a five-minute drive from Hyden.
Image Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Explore the Rugged Beauty of the Kimberley Region
There are so many places to go in WA and did you know Kimberley region is larger than many countries? It is also rich in First Nations heritage. Visitors can explore ancient rock formations like the Bungle Bungles, witness the unique Horizontal Falls, and discover 120-million-year-old dinosaur footprints near Broome. As you would expect with such a vast area, the Kimberley boasts diverse attractions including canyons, freshwater swimming holes and prolific wildlife. Adventure seekers can embark on the epic 600-kilometer Gibb River Road journey or take scenic flights over the beehive-shaped rocks of Purnululu National Park. The Kimberley also provides opportunities to experience Aboriginal culture through guided tours and visits to rock art sites.
Pondering where to stay? Here are two great options:
- Kununurra is often described as the “gateway town to the East Kimberley”, so Discovery Parks – Lake Kununurra is a logical choice. The park consists of – drumroll please – an incredible 10 hectares of bushland right at the edge of the lake! When you’ve finished swimming, wakeboarding and fishing, retire to your cabin or waterfront site; on the other hand, you keep the fun going with a family visit to the pool and playground.
- Feeling fancy? Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle has its own restaurant/café, infinity pool, store and tour desk. Accommodation ranges from a Deluxe 4 Bedroom Cabin to unpowered sites, with many choices in between. Lake Argyle is Australia’s second largest human-made freshwater lake and the resort itself is surrounded by some of the Kimberley’s most celebrated views and attractions.
Image Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Discover the Coastal Charm of Esperance
Put Esperance high on your list of “family things to do in Western Australia”. The town's Aboriginal name, Kepa Kurl, means "where the water lies like a boomerang". Visitors can explore the historic town centre, enjoy the Esperance foreshore area with its Whale Tail icon, or embark on the scenic Great Ocean Drive. For nature enthusiasts, nearby Cape Le Grand National Park is a highlight in the area’s spectacular coastal scenery, while the Recherche Archipelago, consisting of over 100 islands, offers world-class diving and snorkelling.
Image Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Book Early
Now it’s over to you to plan your family holiday to the West - but because some accommodation and WA tourist attractions sell out fast, it’s wise to book soon.
