Western Australia

Western Australia stretches from one end of the continent to the other – from towering karri and jarrah forests in the south, to the fantastical mountains and gorges of the Kimberley in the north, with huge deserts and spectacular reef systems lying in-between. In the remote state capital, Perth, enjoy the great outdoors on wonderful beaches and the great indoors in grand old pubs. Offshore is car-free Rottnest Island, a beautiful retreat for the indigenous quokka and carefree cyclists. South of Perth is the Margaret River region, where surfers ride famous swells and wine-lovers savor exquisite Chardonnays and Cabernets. The state’s ...

Western Australia stretches from one end of the continent to the other – from towering karri and jarrah forests in the south, to the fantastical mountains and gorges of the Kimberley in the north, with huge deserts and spectacular reef systems lying in-between. In the remote state capital, Perth, enjoy the great outdoors on wonderful beaches and the great indoors in grand old pubs. Offshore is car-free Rottnest Island, a beautiful retreat for the indigenous quokka and carefree cyclists. South of Perth is the Margaret River region, where surfers ride famous swells and wine-lovers savor exquisite Chardonnays and Cabernets. The state’s southwest also contains the majestic forests of Walpole-Nornalup National Park, known as the Valley of the Giants, where you can stroll along a platform hung in the soaring canopy. Halfway up Australia’s western coastline is the marine paradise of Ningaloo Reef, replete with whales and dugongs, while to the south you can swim with wild dolphins at Shark Bay. Topping off this extraordinary state is the rugged Kimberley plateau, a simply magnificent wilderness.

About the Expert

Paul Smitz has coauthored a dozen guidebooks for Lonely Planet on places such as Australia, New Zealand, Malaysian Borneo, Brunei, various Pacific Islands, Prague, and Brussels.