Western Australia is filled with unique adventures. From stunning natural attractions and incredible characters, you’re guaranteed to experience something special on a trip.
But it’s not always the big attractions that truly spark our curiosity. It’s often the hidden treasures and curious tales that really capture our attention and stay with us forever. From the cultured to the kitsch and everything in between, you won't believe how many secrets are waiting to be uncovered in the nooks and crannies of Western Australia.
To help you uncover these incredible stories, the WA Museum has created a new online portal, highlighting the unknown and unexplored museums, cultural centres and collections from across Western Australia.
WAnderland allows you to search through hundreds of unique collections and items from across Western Australia and add them to your bespoke itinerary planner. So, whether you’re heading to the North West, Coral Coast, Golden Outback or South West, you can add these interesting stops to your road trip to-do list!
Here are some of our favourites from across the state… which ones will you explore first?
The Kimberley and North West
The Shunju Matsuri Pearl Queen Crown, Broome Museum.
The highlight of Broome’s annual Shinju Matsuri Festival was the crowning of the Pearl Queen at the ball. Made by jeweller Robert Boyd, this delicate silver crown features eleven sets of Japanese cultured pearls, set against a blue velvet headband. The Museum has an extensive collection of Shinji memorabilia, and you can learn all about the origins of this iconic festival.
The Pearl Queen Crown, Broome Museum
Warlayirti Artists, near Halls Creek
For Christine and the Warlayirti Artists, the act of painting is more than just drawing landscapes or earning a livelihood. It is about connection, remembering and keeping ancient Country and Tjukurrpa (creation stories and lore) alive. At the Warlayirti Artists gallery you can see incredible paintings from a number of talented Aboriginal painters.
For more historic trinkets and treasures in the Kimberley and North West visit the WAnderland website here.
Esperance and the Golden Outback
Wuddi Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Dumbleyung
This is a prominent place to learn about the Noongar history of Dambarling, also known as Lake Dumbleyung. Enjoy Noongar artworks and other collection items – plus you can buy authentic pieces to take home as a souvenir. Anne and Grant Riley also run cultural tours around the lake, where you can learn about traditional foods which once sustained Wilmen Nyoongar people.
Aunty Joan’s Dolly Mix, Esperance
Step inside the vibrant blue building and into a wonderland where dolls come to life. The museum is the passion of the late Aunty Joan (Duncan) Stewart, who started collecting dolls later in life. It was her wish to donate the dolls to the Esperance community to make a permanent doll museum. And if you want to feel like Alice in Wonderland, book a high tea.
Aunty Joans Dolly Mix, Esperance
For more historic trinkets and treasures in Esperance and the Golden Outback visit the WAnderland website here.
Ningaloo Reef and the Coral Coast
Gwoonwardu Mia Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre, Carnarvon
This is a place that celebrates the five language groups of the Gascoyne – telling the rich story of this tapestry of culture and identity. See the award-winning exhibition, Burlganyja Wanggaya, which shares stories of the Gascoyne's Aboriginal people in their own words using text, images, audio and film.
Aboriginal items on display at Gwoonwardu Mia
Cervantes Historical Society, Cervantes
Whilst you’re probably stopping in Cervantes for the crays, be sure to check out the Cervantes Historical Society and hunt for shipwreck treasure! There is a delightful collection of artefacts to explore, telling the story of Cervantes’ rich shipwreck history, its fishing past and the community that rolled up their sleeves and shaped their coastal township through hard work, good times and big doses of community spirit.
For more historic trinkets and treasures in Ningaloo Reef and the Coral Coast visit the WAnderland website here.
Margaret River and the South West
Sam Isaac’s medal, Augusta Historical Museum
This small medal tells a big story. Sam Issacs, a Noongar stockman, was awarded this bronze medal for bravery after rescuing 54 people from the SS Georgette as it floundered off Redgate Beach in 1876. A silver medal was awarded to Grace Bussell, who was 16 years old at the time, and was with Issacs in the desperate rescue mission. Grace Bussell received many accolades for her bravery, including having the town of Gracetown named after her.
Sam Isaac’s media on display at August Historical Society
Wardian Case, Waroona Museum
Learn about the Wardian Case at the Waroona Historical Society and Museum, a little-known invention which completely revolutionised gardening in Australia, but at one time was used as a dog kennel!
For more historic trinkets and treasures in Margaret River and the South West visit the WAnderland website here.