Fremantle (Walyalup), Australia's Top Tourism Town 2025, has a way of drawing you in and making you want to stay forever. Its charm is found in narrow streets lined with historic buildings, a port bobbing with fishing boats, one-off shops, unconventional breweries and quirky buskers. It can be reached from central Perth via a 25-minute train ride, or half hour drive along Stirling Highway. Freo, as the locals call it, has a history as colourful as its buzzing markets. In days gone by, convicts, bushrangers, prison escapees and sailors frequented the postcode and since 1897, hundreds of tiny stalls run by artists, makers and growers have clustered within the Fremantle Markets' limestone walls. Sign up for a walking tour to hear about the port town's characterful past and present. Many roam the heritage-listed West End, where repurposed former pubs, shipping headquarters and warehouses loom with grand architecture, or you can put on overalls and a hard hat to explore the subterranean tunnels of World Heritage Listed Fremantle Prison – by torchlight - as you learn about its inmates.Allow the smells of fresh seafood and hot chips to lure you to Fremantle's Fishing Boat Harbour. Follow the rusted anchors to the WA Shipwrecks Museum, regarded as the foremost maritime archaeology museum in the Southern Hemisphere. The nearby WA Maritime Museum holds treasures such as the Australia II, winner of the 1983 America's Cup and an 89 metre-long submarine you can clamber through. Tucked between the two is Bathers Beach, a secluded sandy stretch loved by locals.View it all from above, on a Ferris Wheel ride at Esplanade Park, then browse the boutiques and galleries along Market Street, a bustling alfresco dining strip. At the top of High Street Mall, find the town square, Walyalup Koort (meaning 'heart of Fremantle' in the Aboriginal Nyoongar language) incorporating FOMO (Fremantle on my own), Walyalup Civic Centre, visitor centre and the historic Fremantle Town Hall and St John's Church. The koort opened in December 2021, completing the largest public-private infrastructure project in Fremantle's history.
The cosmopolitan city of Bunbury is renowned for its wild but friendly bottlenose dolphins which you can meet at the shoreline or out in the bay aboard a dolphin watching and swimming tour. It's also the setting of many maritime legends and the northern gateway to Australia's South West - one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, where world-class wine, pristine beaches and forests of timber giants can all be enjoyed in a single day.Hitting the Kwinana Freeway and Forrest Highway south of Perth, you'll be beside the blue waters of Koombana Bay in under two hours. Regular charter flights from Perth will get you to Bunbury in the blink of an eye. If the idea of arriving by sea appeals, Bunbury is also included in the summer itineraries of many Australian cruise packages. To meet Bunbury's friendliest locals, make a beeline for the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Here, on the shores of Koombana Bay, a dedicated interpretive centre and interaction zone allows visitors to encounter some of the 100 plus bottlenose dolphins who frequent its calm waters. Stand knee-deep in the shallows and wait for them to come to you, or join a tour for a viewing or swimming experience. At nearby Mangrove Cove in the Leschenault Estuary, nature lovers can get a glimpse of what the coast looked like 20,000 years ago with a walk through Western Australia's southern-most mangroves. Golfers can swing by one of three internationally-renowned courses and young families will find more animal encounters in the region's wildlife parks.In the nearby Ferguson Valley lies a veritable feast of award-winning wines, fresh produce, local crafts, dazzling spring wildflowers, beautiful tuart forests, meandering waterways and captivating historic country towns.Those in search of dawn-to-dusk buzz should head for Bunbury's 'cappuccino strip', waterside restaurants and the bright lights of the Entertainment Centre. Earning its reputation as a cultural hub, Bunbury's event-filled calendar features opera, drama, comedy and the work of renowned Australian contemporary artists.The accommodation options offer just as much choice, from well-appointed beachfront resorts to city motels and budget-friendly chalets, caravan parks and backpackers.
In Busselton's calm turquoise bay you can take a 1.8-kilometre stroll or train ride over the Indian Ocean on the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere. And below the waves, Australia's best artificial reef can be viewed by stepping into the Underwater Observatory or getting suited up for a diving tour.Twice voted Western Australia's Top Tourism Town, and just a short hop from the Margaret River wine region, Busselton gives you plenty of reasons to take the 2-hour-and-40-minute drive or 50-minute flight south from Perth.Its iconic, heritage-listed jetty was originally built in 1865, and a ticket to ride with the Busselton Jetty Experience takes you all the way to the end to get a glimpse of the colourful fish and tropical corals that have made it their home, thanks to the warm waters of the Leeuwin current.Along the north-facing shoreline, the tranquil waters, white sands, lush lawns and shady pine trees of the main swimming beach offer the perfect setting for a family day beside the sea. Here, and along a 30-kilometre coastline of immaculate beaches, you can try your hand at fishing, water skiing, snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking or sailing in the calm waters of Geographe Bay.A short walk from the main beach brings you to Busselton's main street, where you can browse boutique fashion, designer homewares, surf gear and antiques. Take a detour down Fig Tree Lane and you'll find yourself in a quaint little retail enclave of fashion, beauty and refreshments.For a spot of culture, step inside the Busselton Museum, Old Courthouse or the beautiful St Mary's Church and be transported back to the 1800s, when Busselton was established as one of Western Australia's first settlements. Housed in the old prison and courtroom, the modern ArtGeo Gallery and Courthouse Arts Complex now celebrates freedom of expression, displaying the works of South West and Western Australian artists.All tastes and budgets are satisfied with a huge array of tours, restaurants and accommodation. And for the best views in the bay, be sure to check out Busselton's string of beachfront resorts.
The breathtaking beauty of Albany's rugged coastline creates a fitting backdrop to a dramatic whaling, convict and settler history and a sensational south coast adventure. The Albany Highway gets you there in just five hours from Perth, while a direct flight from Perth airport will whisk you there in one hour and 15 minutes. Or why not take your time and enjoy one of the world's greatest journeys, walking the Bibbulmun Track that runs from Perth to Albany. This charming city marks the spot where the first European settlers set foot in Western Australia, and much of their legacy remains today with around 50 colonial buildings standing proudly as museums, galleries and restaurants. From convict prisons, whaling ships and taverns to quaint cottages and grand National Trust residences, you can take in almost two centuries of history on a 30-minute self-guided walk, following the Amity Trail.Albany's King George Sound also marks the spot where the first convoy of ANZACs departed for the battlegrounds of the First World War. Today, you can follow their extraordinary stories through the National Anzac Centre's state-of-the-art interactive displays.You'll also find some of the town's biggest tales in the Historic Whaling Station at Discovery Bay, the only museum of its kind to be housed in a former whaling station. The industry met its end in 1978, creating a safe port of call for migrating humpback, southern right and blue whales. Spot them from the shore or join a whale watching cruise for a magical encounter.One of the most scenic areas for whale spotting and cliff-top walks is Torndirrup National Park. Here, the Southern Ocean has sculpted the granite coastline into striking formations known as The Gap and Natural Bridge.For sensational views over King George Sound, head for Middleton Beach boardwalk trail. Or take a drive up to Albany Wind Farm and feel dwarfed by the towering turbines.As well as world-class hiking, you'll also find some top-notch spots for fishing, sailing and diving. A weekend visit also brings the iconic Albany Farmers' Markets. No imports here, just fresh and fabulous, locally-grown flavours.
A beach and nature-lover's dream, Esperance is blessed with squeaky-clean beaches, turquoise waters, untouched islands and colour-filled wildflower country. Among its most famous beauty spots is Australia's whitest beach, Lucky Bay - set against a stunning seascape of 110 islands of the Recherche Archipelago, even the kangaroos can't resist lounging here.It's a one-and-a-half-hour flight or an eight-hour drive south-east from Perth, making Esperance an ideal get-away-from-it-all holiday. Many attractions are easily accessible, with plenty of guided tour options, but a four wheel drive is a must if you want to venture off the beaten track. The calm, clear waters of Blue Haven Beach and Twilight Cove, just a short drive from town, are idyllic spots for swimming and snorkelling. Locals say the lagoon just east of West Beach is worth a snorkel too. If you're seeking waves, hit the surf at West Beach, Fourth Beach or Observatory Beach. To hook dinner, throw in a line at Tanker Jetty and keep a keen eye out for cheeky local, Sammy the seal.Back in town, the adventure continues with four wheel drive beach safaris, Indigenous cultural tours, coach tours, island cruises, diving and fishing charters, abseiling, sand boarding, canoeing, mini golf and steam train rides.Check out the arts centre and galleries, making time to drop into the museum to view what's left of the NASA Skylab after it slammed back down to Earth near Balladonia. On the way to Cape Le Grand, you'll even find a slice of ancient druid history with a full-size replica of Stonehenge.A good choice of hotels, motels, apartments, bed and breakfasts, chalets and backpackers is available in Esperance. For something a little nearer to nature, hop on a ferry to Woody Island and pitch your tent or stay in a safari hut.There's also the chance to bunk down under the stars beside the beach at Lucky Bay. The campsite has solar hot showers, camp kitchens and barbecues, and bush walking trails and spectacular coastal views are just a few steps away.
Geraldton is up there with the top must-see surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, diving, snorkelling, boating and fishing destinations in Australia. It's also ideally situated for exploring one of the greatest displays of spring wildflowers on Earth, with some intriguing Indigenous, maritime and Spanish missionary history to discover along the way.Located on the beautiful Batavia Coast, 419 kilometres north of Perth, a road trip to Geraldton will take you just five hours. A coach will get you there in six hours, or you can fly direct from Perth in just an hour. And during the summer months, you also have the option to arrive in style by cruise ship.All year round, Geraldton's consistent wind and swell make it the perfect playground to indulge in water sports. Just 60 kilometres from the shoreline, the coral-fringed Abrolhos Islands lure you to hop on board a fishing, diving or snorkelling charter, or take it all in from the air on a scenic flight. You can even combine your Abrolhos-by-air adventure with a flight over the marine-life rich Shark Bay World Heritage Area or the spectacular gorges of Kalbarri National Park.From July to October, all eyes turn to the outback as Geraldton becomes the gateway to wildflower country, where everlastings and hundreds of vivid blooming varieties stretch as far as the eye can see.Cultural enlightenment can also be found if you take time to immerse yourself in Geraldton's rich heritage. Learn about the ancient Yamaji culture. Step inside the Western Australian Museum - Geraldton to see the tragic stories revealed by relics of shipwrecks. Have a moment's silence at the magnificent HMAS Sydney II memorial to remember the 645 crew members lost in 1941. Or be transported to the Spanish missionary era by the awe-inspiring architectural work of Monsignor John Hawes at St Francis Xavier Cathedral.Besides a buzzing modern foreshore that offers shopping, dining and lively entertainment, you'll also get to choose from an array of hotels, motels and self-contained houses and apartments through to caravan parks and bed and breakfast accommodation.
Step off the shore near Exmouth, swim a few metres through the clearest turquoise water on Earth, and you'll find yourself drifting over the world's largest fringing reef - the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef. This underwater paradise is a popular spot for all kinds of visitors, from dolphins, manta rays, turtles and humpback whales, to the largest fish in the ocean - the gentle whale shark.A two and a half hour flight from Perth or two day drive will get you to Exmouth, where you can join eco safari trips and game fishing charters or take it in at your own pace on a self-drive holiday. Snorkelling or guided glass-bottom boat tours over the inner reef of Ningaloo reveals some of the 500 species of fish and over 200 varieties of coral that call it home. Keen divers should also take the opportunity to experience one of Australia's top ten dive sites, the Navy Pier.Join an outer reef snorkel or dive tour and you'll encounter some the reef's larger inhabitants, including graceful manta rays and turtles. Venture into the deep blue between mid-March and late July and you can come face-to-fin with the gentle whale shark - it's one of the best places in the world for swimming with the largest fish in the sea.The humpback whales aren't far behind, bringing whale watching season to Exmouth from June to November. Then comes turtle nesting time (November to March) - head for Exmouth's Jurabi Turtle Centre to find out about the vital role Ningaloo plays in protecting these endangered creatures.Year-round delights include scenic flights over Ningaloo Reef and world-class fishing from beach or boat. In contrast to the bright blues of Ningaloo, the rugged red gorges and canyons of Cape Range National Park offer spectacular outback adventures and wildlife encounters just half an hour's drive south of town.Accommodation-wise, Exmouth has everyone catered for, from lodges, resorts and hotels, to chalets, backpackers and campsites, with dining options to suit every taste and budget.
Mother Nature has bestowed Dampier with two extraordinary gifts - the Dampier Archipelago, the most biodiverse marine environment in Western Australia, and the awe-inspiring illusion known as the Staircase to the Moon. Over 30,000 years, the local Indigenous people have added to these treasures, turning the Burrup Peninsula into one of the richest prehistoric art collections on Earth.Located 14 minutes drive from Karratha airport, Dampier is easily reached within a few hours from Perth. Driving west from Port Hedland, it's a three-hour journey, but by far the most enriching way to get there is via the Warlu Way. This 2,480-kilometre drive reveals the mysteries of the Warlu and other Indigenous legends, leading you through the highlights of the Pilbara and Kimberley regions. If you're here between May and October, time your visit to coincide with the full moon and head to Hearson's Cove with sunset drinks ready for a rare spectacle, the Staircase to the Moon. Australia's North West is the only place in the world where you can witness this natural phenomenon, which occurs as the full moon rises over exposed mudflats at low tide, creating the illusion of a staircase reaching the moon.On the horizon lies the 42 islands of the marine-life-rich Dampier Archipelago. Join a guided snorkelling tour and discover incredible biodiversity comparable to the Great Barrier Reef, all within 45 kilometres of Dampier.Follow the road to Burrup Peninsula and you'll enter one of the greatest man-made marvels of the prehistoric age - a fine collection of more than 20,000 Indigenous rock engravings, some of which are believed to be 40,000 years old.In more recent times, Dampier has established itself as a major shipping port with massive export facilities. Guided tours and lookouts offer you a window to its mammoth port facilities, immense stockpiles of salt and iron ore and epic 2.3-kilometre trains.Accommodation-wise, there's a caravan park across the road from the town beach and a pub offering motel-style rooms - once frequented by the famous 'Pilbara Wanderer', Red Dog, whose statue stands guard over the town.
Port Hedland sits at the heart of a region that's as rich in Indigenous culture and history as it is natural wonders, including the spectacle of the Staircase to the Moon.To take the direct route, you can fly to Port Hedland from Perth in just over two hours. Or to make the journey half of the adventure, why not fly to Broome or Exmouth and discover the mysteries of local legends driving the Warlu Way interpretive trail.Following the path of the warlu, or Dreamtime sea serpent, the Warlu Way traverses 2,480 kilometre through the ancient landscapes of the Pilbara and Kimberley. From sapphire seas to lush oases and soaring gorges to ancient Aboriginal art, it will take you back to the Dreamtime when the warlu emerged from the sea and travelled through the red heart of the outback, forming magnificent waterways as he moved.While you're in Port Hedland, be sure to enjoy another natural spectacle that's unique to the North West - the Staircase to the Moon. Best viewed from Cooke Point between March and October, this natural phenomenon occurs when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats at extremely low tide, creating the optical illusion of a staircase reaching to the moon.As a bustling Indian Ocean port, Port Hedland is home to enormous ships and huge trains. It's also a great base for ocean-based activities, including fishing, crabbing and whale watching (in season). Visit during turtle nesting season, and you may even catch a glimpse of females laying eggs or babies making their maiden voyage.To find out more about Port Hedland's history, hit the award-winning Cultural and Heritage Trail, which maps out the early times of European settlement. Or visit Dalgety House Museum, Don Rhodes Open Air Train Museum and the Courthouse Arts Centre and Gallery.Port Hedland is a place of contrasts, with an equally diverse range of accommodation options, from backpackers and self-catering chalets to motels and hotel rooms. Bookings are essential, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance.
The pearling capital of Australia, Broome is the western gateway to the Kimberley wilderness - home to world famous Cable Beach sunsets and the natural phenomenon of the Staircase to the Moon. Just a two and a half hour flight from Perth transports you to this tropical oasis of striking contrasts in colour and culture, where the vibe is very relaxed but there's so much to engage the senses.Affectionately known as the 'pearl of the north', it's the home of South Sea pearls - among the largest and most coveted commercially harvested cultured pearls in the world. Their discovery in the 1800s fuelled a mass migration almost as epic as the gold rush. Japanese, Filipino and Malay pearl divers arrived in droves seeking their fortune, creating a melting pot of cultures that makes Broome the multicultural town it is today.You can witness first-hand how Broome pearls are cultured on a cruise to a local pearl farm, then immerse yourself in the romantic tales of the original pearl luggers, or pick up a memento of your trip in the dazzling pearl showrooms of Chinatown.This is also where you'll find another of Broome's gems - Sun Pictures, the oldest operating outdoor cinema in the world. Be sure to wander into the neighbouring galleries and admire the works of some of the Kimberley's most celebrated contemporary and Aboriginal artists.Not to be upstaged, Mother Nature has blessed Broome with 22 kilometres of beautiful white sand and turquoise water at Cable Beach and striking rust-red cliffs and ancient dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point. What's more, on certain dates from March to October when the full moon coincides with low tide at Roebuck Bay, she performs the most awe-inspiring illusion known as the Staircase to the Moon. Accommodation-wise, there are plenty of indulgent eco retreats, up-market hotels and chic resorts. There's just as much choice for the budget traveller too, with a good selection of hostels, caravan and camping grounds. Be sure to book ahead during peak season, from June to August.