13 incredible wonders in Western Australia to explore

Australia is full of wonders, from icons to the lesser known. Here, we’ve curated 13 wonders from our 100 list that Western Australia gets to call its very own.

This article is part of our 100 Australian Wonders series. Throughout the series, we explore our nation’s wonders across culture, nature, food, islands and many more. We hope it inspires your own exploration of Australia’s many wonders.

1. Lake Argyle

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

Classified as an inland sea, Lake Argyle is one of the largest man-made lakes in the southern hemisphere: a vast oasis in the heart of the rugged red Kimberley outback 75 kilometres south of Kununurra.

It was created in the 1970s by the damming of the Ord River as part of the mighty Ord River Irrigation Scheme: an engineering feat that harnessed the water of this fast-flowing river during wet season in order to develop this area of the tropical north for agriculture. In peak green season, Lake Argyle holds more than 18 times as much water as Sydney Harbour.

Travellers come here to refresh and reflect on their outback journeys, soaking it all in through nature tours, sunset cruises, scenic flights with the likes of HeliSpirit , fishing, freshwater swimming and taking a dip at its famous Discovery Resorts infinity pool .

a helicopter above lAKE Argyle — Fly above Lake Argyle with HeliSpirit. (Image: Tourism Australia)

2. Outback wildflowers

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

WA’s Golden Outback is famous for its wildflower season, which turns its typically bronzed landscapes a kaleidoscope of colour come spring.

Top petal-peeping spots include Mt Augustus and the blooming beautiful journey along the 309-kilometre Wildflower Way, which shimmies from Dalwallinu to Geraldton. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the state’s 12,000-plus species such as wattle, orchids, wreath flowers and everlastings.

wildflowers in Mt Augustus — Wildflowers bloom at Mt Augustus. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Rowley Shoals, WA

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Look down on Rowley Shoals from above and you might find sunlight catching on the somewhat-secret ecological treasure, scattering sequins over the sea.

Some 300 kilometres north-west of Broome, Rowley Shoals Marine Park is characterised by spectacular intertidal and subtidal coral reefs, exceptionally rich and diverse marine fauna and pristine waters.

The intertidal reefs, which comprise Clere, Imperieuse and Mermaid, are set about 30 to 40 kilometres apart. Pack your bathers: the shallow sparkling lagoons are popular with snorkellers thanks to the clarity of the water, colourful coral and abundant marine life.

an aerial view of the Rowley Shoals Marine Park — Rowley Shoals Marine Park is characterised by spectacular intertidal and subtidal coral reefs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

4. Swan River Trails, WA

Travelling with: Fleur Bainger

Sometimes, wonders are right under our noses. Take Western Australia’s Swan River Walk Trail , an 11-kilometre loop that circles both sides of the river in Perth’s CBD and its bookending bridges.

It’s packed with surprises, like how many waterbirds call from various nature ponds. Or the way you can spot jellyfish while cycling over the Causeway Bridge (a new, dedicated pedestrian and cycle bridge is set to open later this year) and how much public art dots the landscape.

Look out for the building-sized frillneck lizard and towering silver bird depicting first European contact by Noongar artist, Laurel Nannup.

Other eye-opening tracks include the two-kilometre-long Jenna Biddi Yorga loop in riverside Bicton, which follows an Aboriginal Dreaming trail. Or the Wadjemup Bidi, which traverses all of Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), itself known to Whadjuk Noongar people as a resting place of the spirits.

the Swan River Walk Trail in Western Australia — Take Western Australia’s Swan River Walk Trail. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Bungle Bungle Range, WA

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

Purnululu National Park’s World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle Range erupts 300 metres out of grassy plains and is unlike anything you’ve ever seen: a cohort of bizarre beehive-shaped karst sandstone domes striped in black and orange, thanks to age-old stains, iron oxidisation and black algae.

exploring Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park — Purnululu National Park’s World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle Range. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The ancient range was carved into shape more than 20 million years ago (from deposits that date back some 360 million years).

an aerial view of the karst sandstone domes in the Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park — The Bungle Bungle Range is dotted with bizarre beehive-shaped karst sandstone domes. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

And while seeing it from above on a scenic flight is a must-do, getting up close at ground level with a Gija guide from Kingfisher Tours is to truly feel and understand this remarkable living landscape.

exploring the Cathedral Gorge in Purnululu National Park — Get up close to Cathedral Gorge, a natural amphitheatre of red rock within the Bungle Bungle Ranges. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

6. Kimberley Coast, WA

Travelling with: Fleur Bainger

A cruise taking in the Kimberley’s cinnamon-red cliffs, crocodile-dotted rivers and diamond-scatter of islands remains one of life’s great trips.

The combination of incomprehensible age, beauty and wonder on water is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially when reaching name-drop destinations like Horizontal Falls, the rising-from-the-ocean Montgomery Reef and the 80-metre-plummet of King George Falls.

It’s not the only way to reach the Kimberley’s extremities, of course. With the Broome to Cape Leveque Road now fully sealed, remote coastal escapes can be accessed via 4WD and in some cases, 2WD.

Aboriginal-owned Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat , which maxes out at 18 guests, beckons with clifftop safari tents.

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm’s new safari tent circle is hotel-standard and lures with Aboriginal-led tours of the tidal flats and otherwise-inaccessible islands.

an aerial view of the Roebuck Bay coastline in Broome — The red sands of the Kimberley contrast with the cerulean seas at Broome’s Roebuck Bay. (Image: Tourism Western Australia/From Miles Away)

7. Cable Beach, WA

Travelling with: Fleur Bainger

Broome’s 22-kilometre-long stretch of pale, blonde sand is synonymous with camel trains throwing shadows at day’s end.

But it’s so much more than that. Flat as a tack and lapped by water the hue of Chris Hemsworth’s eyes, Cable Beach harbours the imprints of dinosaur footprints in its rocks, hosts light-strung, long-table dinners in balmy air and grants citrus-hued sunsets that linger in the memory like a lost love. It represents escape, freedom and happiness; children delight in pearls of sand deposited by beach crabs darting between burrows, while adults relax in beach chairs with their 4WDs parked on the sand.

Above the dunes, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa grants the closest access to the iconic beach – arrive early for seats at its Sunset Bar.

Further back, the newly opened, Aboriginal co-owned Spinifex Brewing Co. adds another lure, with its native produce-infused, low-alcohol craft brews, Indigenous botanical food forest and family-friendly vibes.

a drone shot of Cable Beach — Ride a camel on the pristine Cable Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

8. Esperance from the air, WA

Travelling with: Celeste Mitchell

There’s beauty in isolation. In the untouched, lurid blue coastline of Kepa Kurl/Esperance, where you can play I-spy with dozens of white-sand beaches just an hour after take-off with Fly Esperance .

an aerial shot of Esperance with Fly Esperance — Experience Esperance from the air.

This coastal wonderland, almost an eight-hour drive from Perth, takes on an altogether more mesmerising form from the air as you fly over the peaks of Cape Le Grand National Park and the mostly uninhabited islands of the Recherche Archipelago.

Get acquainted with the emerald and sapphire swirls from above then drive along the sands to Lucky Bay. If you spot a kangaroo, you’ve got yourself the Esperance trifecta.

an aerial view of a beach in Esperance — Esperance’s emerald and sapphire swirls are stunning from above.

9. Orcas of Bremer Bay, WA

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Budding marine biologists can sign up for a marine expedition to Bremer Bay for a bucket-list encounter to see killer whales in the wild. Bremer Bay Canyon is 70 clicks offshore from the township of Bremer Bay and it’s where the largest pod of orcas in the southern hemisphere gathers each year.

While the prime time for spotting orcas in Bremer Bay is from late January through to April, it’s likely you’ll encounter other marine species such as sperm whales, giant squid, sharks and shoals of tuna, too.

Hit the water with Naturaliste Charters , part of the diverse Australian Wildlife Journeys portfolio.

an orca spotted swimming in Bremer Bay — Spot orcas in Bremer Bay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

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10. WA Museum Boola Bardip

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Boola Bardip means ‘many stories’ in Whadjuk Nyoongar, the Country on which WA’s arts and culture hub sits. And indeed, it’s those First Nations stories and perspectives that wash over you from the minute you step into the museum, which rises above the heritage buildings of Perth CBD (Boorloo).

view of WA Museum Boola Bardip at night — The arts and culture hub explores the places, people and cultures that make Western Australia unique. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The visionary $400 million museum aims to educate visitors through an array of themes such as the beauty of the state’s rugged landscape, the diversity and spirit of Western Australians and the state’s impact on the world.

an Aboriginal art at WA Museum Boola Bardip — The museum showcases First Nations stories and perspectives through art. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

11. Gibb River Road, WA

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Far from the humdrum of the highway, the 660-kilometre Gibb River Road beckons as one of Australia’s great four-wheel-drive routes.

Start creating your #roadtripping playlist, as joining the dots between Derby and Kununurra through the captivating Kimberley wilderness can take up to three weeks to complete.

driving the Gibb River Road — Take your four-wheel drive to the next level on Gibb River Road. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The ragged ribbon of mostly unsealed road is one small section of the Savannah Way, which crosses the country from the north of WA to Queensland.

Time your outback odyssey with wildflower season when bursts of colour are knitted to the earth.

the Gibb River Road in WA — Go roadtrippin’ on the iconic Gibb River Road. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

12. Ningaloo/Nyinggulu, WA

Travelling with: Christine Aldred

While Ningaloo/Nyinggulu is rightly known for its coast-hugging reefs and stunning ocean blues, the adjoining desert landscapes and nearby gulf are more than worthy counterpoints.

The superlatives used to describe life-spawning reef that hugs the north-west coast of Australia – the remarkable sea creatures that live there including the famous whale sharks, and the vibrance of its colours – are all accurate.

Charles Knife Gorge, Cape Range National Park — Views of Charles Knife Gorge in Cape Range National Park.

But the other two arms of this triple treat of nature also deserve attention: the rugged wilderness of Cape Range National Park; and Exmouth Gulf, the reef nursery where whales, dugongs and turtles go to rest and play, and the home of ancient life forms. Book into tented eco-luxury resort Sal Salis, the only serviced accommodation within the national park, for the awe of the landscape to be really revealed.

13. Quokkas of Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), WA

Travelling with: Kassia Byrnes

The vibrant blue ocean, white-sand beaches and abundant marine life entice many to make the 30-minute ferry trip from Fremantle to Rottnest Island/Wadjemup Here, a lucky few can stay long after the day-trippers have departed, spending afternoons exploring the island or lazing on picturesque beaches.

a Quokka on Rottnest Island — Be greeted by a friendly Quokka on Rottnest Island. (Image: Tourism Western Australia/James Vodicka)

The small, permanent human population is friendly, but none can match the enthusiasm of the island’s friendliest locals: the quokkas. This adorable relative of the wallaby first caused an international stir in 2019 when actor Chris Hemsworth shared a selfie with these happy little creatures that went viral. Australians, however, have long been charmed by their permanent smiles.

Keep reading our 100 Australian Wonders series; from road trips, outback and cultural wonders to foodie wonders and many more.

Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Wine, world-class produce, surf, sun and beaches: it’s an alluring combination. And the reason so many pin the Margaret River region high on their travel hit-lists. There’s drawcard after drawcard to the southwestern corner of Western Australia, and the Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover food and wine festival showcases the best of it over the course of one weekend in November. It’s never been easier to sip, see and savour the Margaret River region.

In partnership with Pair’d Margaret River Region, Range Rover invites you on a seven-day itinerary of refined adventure, where luxury and exploration go hand in hand. It’s the perfect WA road trip, and there’s no better way to do it than in a Range Rover.

Day 1

the pool at Pullman Bunker Bay — Check into Pullman Bunker Bay.

There’s no more popular West Australian road trip route than that between Perth and the Margaret River Region. It’s an easily digestible, three-hour drive, with worthy pit stops along the way.

Make the first of them one hour and 15 minutes in, at Lake Clifton. Here, find a 2000-year-old living thrombolite reef. Drive for a further 40 minutes and chance meeting some of Bunbury’s dolphin population at Koombana Bay.

Pullman Bunker Bay is the final stop, just over three hours south of Perth. This beachfront, five-star resort is the ultimate base for exploring the Margaret River Wine region.

Day 2

After a leisurely morning breakfast with an ocean view, start your Range Rover and head towards the Dunsborough town centre. Browsing the decidedly coastal-themed goods of the town’s many independent boutiques is a great way to while away the hours, breaking up the sartorial with an artisan gelato snack stop, or some good old-fashioned Australian bakery fare.

Leave room; you’ll need it for the Good Natured Gathering dinner at Wayfinder. Indulge in a four-course feast by chef Felipe Montiel, which uses produce from the winery’s market garden to enhance a selection of sustainably sourced seafood and meat. But food is just the support act. It’s organic wine that’s the star of the show, generously poured and expertly paired to each dish.

Day 3

Settle in for cabernet at Cape Mentelle Winery.

With a grand total of 20 wines from vintage 2022 to try, it’s a good thing Cape Mentelle’s International Cabernet Tasting kicks off early. Make your way to the estate for a 10:00 AM start, where a global selection of wines will be poured blind, before a long lunch by Tiller Dining is served.

Given that the Margaret River is responsible for more than 20 per cent of Australia’s fine wine production, it’s only right to delve into it while in the area.

Continue exploring the region via taste and terroir aboard Alison Maree, a whale-watching catamaran, as you cruise Geographe Bay . Admire the rolling green hills and crisp white beaches of Quindalup in sunset’s golden light, all the while sipping through the Clairault Streicker catalogue and dining on canapes.

For a more substantial dinner, venture into Busselton for a seven-course British x Australian mash-up , courtesy of Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion) and Oliver Kent (Updown Farmhouse, UK). They’ll be putting their rustic yet refined spin on the likes of local marron, wagyu and abalone – championing the simple beauty of the world-class ingredients.

Day 4

Wrap your fingers around a wine glass and wiggle your toes into the sand at Pair’d Beach Club x Range Rover on Meelup Beach. Sit down to an intimate wine session with sommelier Cyndal Petty – or a four-course feast by Aaron Carr of Yarri – and revel in the open-air beach club, bar and restaurant’s laidback coastal vibe. It’s a whole new way to experience one of the region’s most renowned beaches.

Follow up a day in the sun with a casual Italian party at Mr Barvel Wines . Purchase wines –including the elusive, sold-out Nebbia – by the glass and enjoy canapes with the towering Karri forest as a backdrop.

If you’d prefer to keep it local, head to Skigh Wines for the New Wave Gathering , where the region’s independent wine makers and their boundary-pushing wines will be on show. Street-style eats, a DJ and complimentary wine masterclasses complete the experience.

Day 5

pair'd Grand Tasting — Taste your way through Howard Park Wines. (Image: C J Maddock)

Spend the morning at your leisure, driving the winding roads through the Boranup Karri forest in your Range Rover. Soak in the views at Contos Beach, and call into the small cheese, chocolate and preserve producers along the way.

Make your next stop Howard Park Wines for The Grand Tasting presented by Singapore Airlines . Numerous wine labels will be pouring their catalogues over four hours, accompanied by food from chefs Matt Moran and Silvia Colloca, with live opera providing the soundtrack.

Cap off a big weekend with one last hurrah at Busselton Pavilion. Six ‘local legends’ – chefs Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion), Mal Chow (Chow’s Table), Aaron Carr (Yarri), Ben Jacob (Lagoon Yallingup), Corey Rozario (Dahl Daddies) and Laura Koentjoro (Banksia Tavern) – will be preparing a dish each. Dance the night away as vinyl spins and the sun sets on another day.

Day 6

Ngilgi Cave western australia — Head underground. (Image: Tourism WA)

After a busy few days of wining and dining, it’s wise to observe a rest day. There’s no easier task than unwinding in the Margaret River Region, also famous for its high concentration of world-class beaches.

Relax on the grassy knoll as you watch the region’s most experienced surfers braving the World Surf League break at Surfer’s Point, or don your own wetsuit and try out one of Gracetown’s more beginner-friendly waves. Swimmers will find their Eden at Meelup Beach, Eagle Bay, or Point Piquet, where the sand is brilliantly white and the water as still as a backyard swimming pool.

Not into sun, sand, and surf? Head underground at Mammoth Cave, just one of the region’s many stalactite-filled caves.

Day 7

Burnt Ends event at Pair'd — Farewell the Margaret River.

Pack up your Range Rover with new favourite wines and newfound memories, ready for the three-hour journey back to Perth.

Prebook your discovery journey through the south-west corner of Western Australia with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

13 incredible wonders in Western Australia to explore

Australia is full of wonders, from icons to the lesser known. Here, we’ve curated 13 wonders from our 100 list that Western Australia gets to call its very own.

1. Lake Argyle

2. Outback wildflowers

3. Rowley Shoals, WA

4. Swan River Trails, WA

5. Bungle Bungle Range, WA

6. Kimberley Coast, WA

7. Cable Beach, WA

8. Esperance from the air, WA

9. Orcas of Bremer Bay, WA

10. WA Museum Boola Bardip

11. Gibb River Road, WA

12. Ningaloo/Nyinggulu, WA

13. Quokkas of Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), WA

Keep reading our 100 Australian Wonders series; from road trips, outback and cultural wonders to foodie wonders and many more.

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This magical outback feast is hidden amid boab trees and red cliffs

The ultimate Margaret River road trip itinerary for food & wine lovers

Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Pair’d Margaret River Region is proudly owned by the Western Australian Government, through Tourism WA.

Australia is full of wonders, from icons to the lesser known. Here, we’ve curated 13 wonders from our 100 list that Western Australia gets to call its very own.

1. Lake Argyle

2. Outback wildflowers

3. Rowley Shoals, WA

4. Swan River Trails, WA

5. Bungle Bungle Range, WA

AI Prompt

6. Kimberley Coast, WA

7. Cable Beach, WA

8. Esperance from the air, WA

9. Orcas of Bremer Bay, WA

10. WA Museum Boola Bardip

11. Gibb River Road, WA

12. Ningaloo/Nyinggulu, WA

13. Quokkas of Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), WA

Keep reading our 100 Australian Wonders series; from road trips, outback and cultural wonders to foodie wonders and many more.

It’s official: these are WA’s top town finalists for 2026

This Fremantle boutique hotel is your shortcut to Italy

Hunt for some of Australia’s best truffles on this dog-led adventure in WA

This magical outback feast is hidden amid boab trees and red cliffs

Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Pair’d Margaret River Region is proudly owned by the Western Australian Government, through Tourism WA.