Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is a gateway to an abundance of breathtaking landscapes and interesting attractions. Nestled in the southwestern corner of Australia, this vibrant city offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and access to some of the most jaw-dropping destinations in the region.
When you arrive in Western Australia, the easiest way to get around is to organize a campervan hire in Perth. It will allow you the ability to get to each destination, but also, a place to spend the night, without the hassle of hotel bookings!
If you’re travelling to experience nature, seek adventure, or are just in search of some awe-inspiring beauty, these seven superb places to visit from Perth are bound to leave you captivated.
Rottnest Island
When you visit Rottnest Island, you’ll be amazed by its sheer beauty. This little piece of paradise is situated just off the coast of Perth, making it a convenient escape from the city. The island features stunning clear water that shimmers in shades of blue, inviting you to take a dip and cool off from the warm Australian sun.
The white sandy beaches are a gentle reminder of the island’s pristine nature. It’s a perfect spot to lay down your towel, soak up some sunshine, and relax to the calming sound of waves lapping against the shore.
One of the main attractions on Rottnest Island is its adorable inhabitants, the quokkas. These cute little marsupials have become the island’s unofficial mascots and are known for their friendly and curious nature. You will undoubtedly come across one or two, as they often hop around, seemingly posing for photos with visitors. It makes for an unforgettable island animal encounter.
The island’s waters contain a thriving marine ecosystem. Snorkelling or diving in Rottnest’s clear depths reveals a colourful underwater world teeming with vibrant coral reefs and a variety of fish species. If you’re lucky, you might even come across playful dolphins or graceful sea turtles gliding through the ocean.
Pinnacles Desert
The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is a truly surreal landscape, sure to leave you in awe. The desert is unlike anything you’ve seen on Earth, with limestone formations emerging from the golden sand, creating an otherworldly sight.
Walking through this unique natural wonder, you’ll be surrounded by towering pillars that reach several meters in height. The shape and size of each formation varies, creating a unique display of nature’s artistic handiwork. Some pinnacles stand tall and slender, while others are more rounded or jagged, adding to the diverse scenery.
To fully appreciate the magic of the Pinnacles Desert, plan your visit around sunset. As the day draws to a close, the setting sun casts a warm and golden light over the region, transforming the landscape into a photographer’s delight. The pinnacles seem to glow, creating dramatic shadows that dance across the sand.
Serpentine Falls
Serpentine Falls are nestled within Serpentine National Park, which is a picturesque oasis of natural beauty. This superb destination offers an enchanting escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, where you can indulge in swimming, picnicking, and bushwalking amidst a serene and lush environment.
The magnificent Serpentine Falls gracefully tumble down rocks, creating a hypnotic display of nature’s power. The cool, clear water plunges into a natural rock pool below, inviting you to take a refreshing dip and escape the heat of Western Australia’s summer.
The pool at the base of Serpentine Falls forms a natural oasis, surrounded by lush greenery and native flora. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a picnic with family or friends, spreading out your blanket on the grassy banks.
The Valley of the Giants
Inside the delightful Walpole-Nornalup National Park, prepare to be humbled by the towering presence of ancient tingle trees in the Valley of the Giants. These majestic trees, some over 400 years old, soar to incredible heights of up to 75 meters, creating an awe-inspiring sight.
This ancient forest surrounds you in a serene and magical atmosphere. The air is filled with the earthy scent of moss and the gentle rustling of leaves, transporting you to a world untouched by time. Walking among these ancient trees, you’ll feel a sense of reverence for their immense age and the stories they hold within their knotted trunks.
One of the best ways to experience the Valley of the Giants is by exploring the Tree Top Walk. This incredible accomplishment of engineering takes you high above the forest floor, allowing you to stroll through the canopy and experience the forest from a unique perspective. As you make your way along the suspended walkway, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the lush green expanse below, peppered by the towering tingle trees rising towards the sky.
Shark Bay
Shark Bay is a captivating place on the westernmost point of Australia. It is a World Heritage Listed Site, famous for its incredible biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes. When you visit Shark Bay, you will be amazed by its unique combination of marine life, remarkable coastal formations, and cultural significance.
One of the highlights of Shark Bay is the famous Monkey Mia, a beach where wild bottlenose dolphins regularly come close to the shore to interact with visitors. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to encounter these intelligent creatures up close and you may even have the opportunity to hand-feed them – under the supervision of marine experts of course.
Another remarkable feature of Shark Bay is its splendid coastal scenery. The Francois Peron National Park is a must-do, with rugged red cliffs, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Explore the region by scenic drives and hiking trails to discover hidden bays, panoramic lookouts, and an abundance of wildlife, including emus, kangaroos, and a variety of bird species.
Shark Bay is also home to the Hamelin Pool Stromatolites, which are one of the world’s oldest living organisms. These structures are formed by layers of cyanobacteria and provide insight into the Earth’s early history. Walking along the boardwalks that wind through the area, you can observe and learn about these living fossils.
Kalgoorlie Super Pit
The Kalgoorlie Super Pit is an open-pit gold mine of mammoth proportions, located in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. It holds the distinction of being one of the largest and most significant gold mines on the planet and showcases the capabilities of modern mining operations.
Spanning an area of over 3.5 kilometres by 1.5 kilometres, and a depth reaching around 600 meters, the Super Pit is a testament to the human pursuit of resources. Its immense scale is truly grand, an enormous excavation site that has reshaped the landscape.
To fully appreciate the magnitude of the Super Pit, you need to use designated lookout points that provide panoramic views of the entire open mine. From these vantage points, you can witness the intricate machinery and trucks in motion, resembling ants against the gigantic backdrop.
Over its long history, the Kalgoorlie Super Pit has been a large contributor to the local economy and the global gold industry. It has yielded significant amounts of gold, establishing its reputation as a fundamental gold-producing site.
Hutt Lagoon
Hutt Lagoon, also known as the Pink Lake, is a natural wonder located in Port Gregory, north of Perth. This enchanting lake is a vibrant pink colour and a stunning spectacle for visitors.
The unique pink hue of Hutt Lagoon is caused by the presence of a particular type of algae, which produces a pigment that reacts with the sunlight. The result is the lake’s extraordinary pink coloration. The intensity of the pink colour varies according to factors such as time of day, cloud cover, and season.
One of the best ways to experience Hutt Lagoon is by taking a walk along the shoreline. The contrast between the pink lake and the blue sky creates a picture-perfect scene that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
To fully witness the magnitude of Hutt Lagoon and its stunning pink hues, you should consider viewing it from above. There are lookout areas and viewpoints along the lake where you can take in the panoramic vistas and capture breathtaking photographs.
