Western Australia

Enjoy the best of both worlds in this unique corner of the globe where golden fields of wheat and vast desert give way to lush, green terrain bordered by azure seas. The largest of all Australian states, Western Australia has a wealth of unique experiences for you to enjoy. Swim with the gentle giant of the sea, the whale shark, at Australia’s second Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo Marine Park. Explore Margaret River’s acclaimed wineries on horseback or unwind on one of Perth’s picture-perfect beaches and enjoy the plentiful Western Australian sun.

As the capital of Western Australia, Perth is an intriguing destination known for its Mediterranean climate and ideal location overlooking both the gentle Swan River and the sparkling Indian Ocean. Perth enjoys a relaxed, coastal cosmopolitan atmosphere, well-complemented by the more bohemian neighboring city of Fremantle just 12 miles away. The Kimberley region is a vast and wild “last frontier” of Australia, unknown to non-Aboriginals until the early 1980’s. Although the awe-inspiring landscape may be well appreciated by plane, the sparsely populated region is also known for its history and its warm and unpretentious locals.

Locations

Broome

The pearling port of Broome is as proud of its pioneering past as it is of its party throwing present. Pagoda peaked restaurants and homes trimmed with Chinese-red paint, pay homage to Broome’s Asian population whose descendants came to the region in the 1880s to work the pearling boats. The pinnacle of Broome’s pride is the population swelling Shinju Matsuri (Pearl Festival), which occurs each August.

Wander through Chinatown for a firsthand look at Broome’s Asian/Aussie fusion. Take in a movie at Sun Pictures Gardens and watch the latest blockbuster as fruit bats flutter across the screen or escape the heat with a sunset cocktail at Broome’s blissful Cable Beach.

Margaret River

The center of “Australia’s prettiest corner,” Margaret River is a relaxing three and a half hours’ drive from Perth. Set amongst lush forest and sapphire seas, world-class wineries and cozy arts and craft stores, Margaret River is a magnet for good living and great sightseeing. Sample boutique beer or creative cheeses at roadside stalls, watch surfers straddle massive waves at Rocky Point, or find fossils in limestone caves.

Ningaloo Reef

No one is exactly sure why a pod of bottle-nosed dolphins started coming to Monkey Mia to frolic in the crystal clear Australian waters with their two-legged friends, but this daily occurrence is an experience like none other for visitors to the region.

Another unforgettable experience awaits you at Ningaloo Reef. Here, you can swim with whale sharks and “fly” with manta rays. Western Australia’s very own Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo Reef is much more accessible than its eastern sister and can often be reached with a short swim from shore.

Perth

Bordered by the Indian Ocean and built overlooking the gentle Swan River, Perth, San Diego's sister city and the capital of Western Australia, is a contemporary city in an aquatic wonderland. With a Mediterranean climate and an average of eight hours of sunlight per day (the highest average in urban Australia), Perth is sure to please. Glide the Swan’s glittering waters in a kayak, or surf at some of Australia’s best beaches. Test your yachting skills by sailing to colorful Rottnest Island, home of the cuddly Quokka, and dive down to the isle's coral caves.

Those who prefer to keep their feet dry can bushwalk through the ancient Darling Ranges. At 4.3 billion years old, the rocks in Western Australia are among the oldest found anywhere on the planet!

No trip to Perth is complete without viewing some of the state's 13,000 species of wildflowers, 80 percent of them occurring nowhere else on Earth. Visit Kings Park, the largest city garden in the world and perfect place to enjoy waves of wildflowers situated above the stunning city skyline. With the state's agreeable climate and abundant sunlight, you can view these brilliant blooms from June to December.

The Kimberley

Australia’s “last frontier,” the Kimberley region is as big as California and has a population of less than 15,000 people. A testament to the region’s isolation is the fact that one of its most famous symbols, the beehive shaped Bungle was unknown to non-aboriginal Australians until the early 1980’s.

Eroding winds and merciless summer monsoons have left their mark on the landscape with its deep gorges and towering cliffs, and it is little wonder that the best and often only way, to travel to this rebellious Australian region is by plane.