How do the experts of About Australia know so much about this vast country?
They see it for themselves!
Our Product and Sales Manager, Melanie, recently returned from a whirlwind adventure in Western Australia as part of her trip to the annual Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) in Perth.
ATE allows travel agents and tourism companies like About Australia to meet directly with Australia’s finest tourism businesses, hotel managers and tour operators.
But there’s no better way to ensure the experiences we include in our vacation packages are the best than by testing them out!
Check out Melanie’s incredible adventures in Western Australia. Perhaps you’ll find something new to add to your Australia bucket list!
Perth, the Capital of Western Australia
Elizabeth Quay, Perth. Photo: Tourism Australia
Perth is rapidly becoming a must-see destination for foodie, art, and beach lovers.
One of the best ways to experience Perth is through its local food and drink scene. For one week in April, the annual Perth Noodle Markets awaken the city nights with sizzling stalls of signature Asian and noodle dishes.
For a breath of fresh air, Kings Park and Botanic Garden is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. With over 988 acres of tranquil parklands, Kings Park is one of the biggest parks in the world – bigger than Central Park in New York City!
Melanie explored the many walking tracks strewn across the park, including the formidable Jacob’s Ladder. This twisting staircase is popular with locals and tourists alike, running up and down its 242 spiraling steps.
Making New Friends in Rottnest Island
Perth is also the perfect base for many of Western Australia’s coastal adventures. Rottnest Island, a haven of white sand beaches and amazing wildlife, is just an hour and a half away by ferry.
With no paved roads to disrupt its natural beauty, the island is a popular destination for sunny beach days. The best way to explore its beaches, lakes, snorkeling sites and lighthouses is by bike.
But perhaps the best way to experience the island is by meeting the locals! Rottnest Island is famous for its quokkas, absolutely adorable creatures that roam the island. Their curious smiles have earned them the title of “The Happiest Animal on Earth.” Quokkas are only found on Rottnest Island, drawing visitors from around the world on a quest to capture the iconic “Quokka selfie.”
Melanie befriended a curious quokka on her Rottnest Island adventure – even posed with her for a couple of photos!
Glamping at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef Safari Camp
There’s nothing better than surrounding yourself in extraordinary landscapes, and Sal Salis does exactly that. This incredible eco-resort puts you right on the beachfront of Western Australia’s gorgeous white sand beaches in Cape Range National Park.
This luxury camping experience allows you to totally disconnect from the world and unwind in a magical setting. The open bar and exquisite three-course meals set against uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean also help!
Guided wilderness activities such as snorkeling on Ningaloo Reef, kayaking and walks among the red terrain of Cape Range National Park are also included. During her stay, Melanie’s group walked through a secluded gorge to spot elusive black-footed wallabies, and even saw a few dingoes.
Waking up to the sounds of wallaroos thumping by and the gentle waves of the beach were some of Melanie’s highlights during her stay.
Swimming with Whale Sharks at Exmouth
Another highlight destination in Western Australia is Exmouth. This port town is known as the gateway to Ningaloo Reef, with natural beauty rivaling the Great Barrier Reef.
It’s also famous for swimming with whale sharks! Despite their name, whale sharks are actually fish – the world’s biggest fish, in fact. As filter feeders, whale sharks pose no threat to humans. The best time to swim with whale sharks is between April and July.
Melanie joined a whale shark swimming and snorkeling expedition out on Ningaloo Reef, and even saw sea turtles and a hammerhead shark! Check out her video of swimming with whale sharks.
Sailing Ningaloo Reef and Coral Bay
Undeniably, the best way to explore Ningaloo Reef and the sparkling coasts of Western Australia is by catamaran.
Sailing tours allow you to see and explore hidden gems no one else can see. Melanie enjoyed a luxury sailing expedition across the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef, complete with fine Western Australian wines and dishes featuring local produce.
On her sailing expedition, Melanie soaked up the sun at the best Western Australia beaches of Coral Bay, named due to the breathtaking coral gardens beneath its waters. The group also witnessed a ‘shark cleaning station’ where dozens of gray reef sharks swam below them.
This sailing expedition also offers liveaboard trips for those who want a unique experience staying overnight on a luxury catamaran. Ask an About Australia Destination Specialist about adding this experience to your trip!
Want to See Western Australia?
U.S. travelers are just now beginning to discover all Western Australia has to offer.
White sand beaches with crystal clear waters and no international crowds? Check. Unique wildlife experiences both on land and under the sea? You bet.
And if you want to explore world-class cities or get lost in untouched bush wilderness, Western Australia is the perfect destination.
Let your wanderlust take you to Western Australia – we’ll guide you with the must-see’s and do’s along the way.
Let’s Plan My Trip to Australia!
In Western Australia, you’ll have the chance to truly get outdoors, explore some of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes and at the same time acquire the highly sought-after “Aussie cultural experience”, all without compromising on your creature comforts from home . Western Australia’s expansive terrains fall nothing short of breathtaking. They have so much to offer with captivating views, exquisite dining opportunities, charming boutiques, thrilling Aboriginal history, pristine golf courses, and unique wildlife indigenous to the area. There are a variety of things to do and see during your stay. We recommend taking several days to drive or fly across the state to truly capture the essence of Western Australia and get fully acclimated with the area.
Western Australia takes luxury camping to a whole new extreme with ‘glamping’ – glamorous camping. There are several “eco-tent” glamping resorts that offer the perfect luxury escape to the outdoors, catering to both the lavish and back-to-nature enthusiasts. We have compiled a list of our favorite glamping resort destinations in Western Australia. For families and groups, we would highly suggest the Ramada Eco Beach, Bungle Bungle Bush Camp, Karijini Eco Retreat, or Soul Camping due to the larger number of tours and activities. Kimberley Coastal Camp, Sal Salis, and Faraway Bay Retreat are catered to intimate, quiet, and relaxing settings. Guided tours are the best way to ensure you don’t miss a single moment of what Western Australia has to offer!
The Ramada Eco Beach Resort is located in Broome, Western Australia and rests along gorgeous, white sandy beaches with the most magnificent views and scenery.
Photo By: Ramada Eco Beach Resort
The resort runs solely on sustainable energy; the ecologically friendly camp offers a wide variety of unique tours that cater to the interests of many different people. For the romantics, Ramada offers a drop off at the secluded beach and neighboring caves that allow you to explore the fascinating culture and reconnect. The salty Australia beach waters in Broome are home to the humpback whale and the endangered sea turtle. You may cruise the waves to watch the outstanding humpback whales during their migration to the Antarctic (seasonal) or volunteer during the months of November – January to monitor the endangered species and assist the locals in nurturing the turtles. For the adventurous you should find the nearest tour guide for exciting deep-sea fishing, land and beach fishing, and even helicopter fishing. There are an unlimited amount of activities for families, couples, and groups!
The Bungle Bungle Bush Camp is nestled in the World Heritage Listed Purnulu National Park, in East Kimberley Australia and is surrounded by the most captivating scenic views.
Photo By: East Kimberley Tours
The multi award winning camp spoils its guests with hot showers, impressive dining facilities, a homey campfire area, and a swimming pool. The camp embodies the beauty of the surrounding nature. You can disconnect from the world and explore the Purnulu National Park while hiking on any of the trails provided. You will find gorgeous beehive shaped towers, ginormous boulders, creek beds, towering cliffs, gorges, and waterholes surrounded by lush wildlife. There’s no shortage of tours and adventures to embark on while you visit the Bungle Bungle! Each tour includes afternoon tea and either breakfast or a picnic lunch. Plus, you are transported to and from the accommodation on a scenic helicopter ride with stunning views over the Ord River, Lake Argyle, Lissadell Station, and Texas Downs Stations. For the diamond lovers, spoil yourself on the Argyle Diamond Mine Tour! The Argyle Diamond Mine is the world’s largest single producer of diamonds, you may purchase jewelry and diamonds as well as enjoy a delicious buffet.
Karijini Eco Retreat is found in the Karijini National Park surrounded by bushland, near the Joffre Gorge.
Photo By: Karijini Eco Retreat
The Karijini Eco Retreat is the only glamping resort found in the national park; all cabins, eco-tents, and campgrounds are semi-permanent to preserve the natural environment, wildlife, and habitats of the animals that call Karijini home. This is the perfect getaway for families and groups! The Retreat offers a variety of options including 82 individual campsites for RV camping, 5 caravan park group campsites, 40 eco-tents, 10 “dorm-style” eco-tents, and 8 “dorm-style” cabins. On site there are BBQ grills, wifi, a payphone, gift shops, the Alfresco Restaurant and Bar – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – and an amphitheater. The gorges and tours are a brisk walk from the shared, luxury accommodations of the retreat. There are a number of self-drive tours that take you along the depths of the Karijini National Park.
Photo By: Soul Camping
Soul Camping is the closest to traditional camping in WA without all of the hassle!
You are able to customize your entire experience – you pick the spot near Margaret River, Australia and they do the rest. They will pack and unpack the tent, supply you with a comfortable queen sized bed, warm blankets & comfortable pillows, and serve you gourmet meals for the duration of your stay – it doesn’t get any simpler than that. You will be staying in your own personal wilderness haven customized just for you. This is the perfect mix of nature and luxury. Glamping trips are the perfect opportunity for families or groups to truly bond and create a deeper connection with the wilderness and Australia. Soul Camping is perfect for large groups and properties, remote locations, or events.
Kimberley Coastal Camp is another hidden treasure of Western Australia that is not accessible by road, its remote location is alongside the Admiralty Gulf across from the Mitchell Plateau and Mitchell Falls.
Photo By: Kimberley Coastal Camp
There are two means of arrival: helicopter landing right on the beach, or an impressive float plane landing directly on the waterfront of the secluded highway. Kimberley Coastal Camp has two seasons – wet and dry – which are both equally incredible. The camp is open from March – October, catering the attractions to the seasons. The hub of the camp is simply known as “the shed”, a beautiful pavilion which serves as a gathering point for guests to unwind, have a delicious, gourmet meal, listen to music, or revel in the beauty of the ocean and wildlife. The guides are knowledgeable, experienced, and cultured and will assist you on all of your fishing endeavors. There are several guided walking trails that let you experience the wildlife and culture firsthand. Walking, flying, or boating are your only means of transportation which leaves the land virtually untouched and a safe-haven from pollution.
Sal Salis is found near the World Heritage Listed, Ningaloo Reef, hidden by the dunes in a private oasis of beauty and wilderness.
Photo By: Sal Salis
Each eco-tent has an incredibly stunning view of the ocean and a functional restroom. This is one of the more quiet and intimate of the glamping resorts, allowing a maximum of 18 guests at the resort at a time. It is the ideal place to relax, dip in the crystal clear waters, and unwind. The Ningaloo Reef is only a short swim from the beach and unveils some of the ocean’s greatest wonders. If you plan on traveling between the months April – July you can witness the whale sharks, the world’s largest fish, migrate with one of several whale watching packages catered to this event. Sal Salis also offers snorkeling, kayaking, guided gorge walks, and fishing. The breathtaking sunsets and million-star sky will leave you absolutely breathless. This is the perfect place for weddings, honeymoons, and couples looking to get away. It is intimate, romantic, and secluded. It is truly believed to be Western Australia’s best kept natural secret.
Faraway Bay Retreat is hidden along the Diamond Coast of Australia, accessible only by air, you will be on an isolated island near King George Falls, Western Australia’s largest waterfall.
Photo By: Faraway Bay Retreat
The season runs from March 1st – October 31st every year. The land is unexplored and a great way to really experience Australia in its natural habitat; the marine and wildlife will astound you. A trip to King George Falls is an exclusive trip for every guest. The Retreat focuses mainly on simplicities: private cabins equipped with single or king sized beds and flushing toilets, outdoor showers that overlook the ocean, exquisite food, and the sound and smell of the ocean to wake you up in the morning. The campsite is surrounded by cascading waterfalls, great fishing spots, spring pools, and gorgeous Faraway Bay. With a maximum of 16 guests on the island at a time, you’re guaranteed a perfectly private getaway. The serenity and tranquility of Faraway Bay will leave you with moments you’ll be able to cherish forever.
For more information on Glamping Western Australia, please contact us and we’d love to help you plan your next trip to Australia.
Page topics: Western Australia, Glamping Western Australia, Nature, Travel, Tourism, Camping
