There's a lot to see and do in Australia's largest state. The natural beauty of the state can be breathtaking.
Wildflowers
WA’s wildflower season begins in September and sweeps south until end of November. Wildflowers are already blooming on WA’s mid-north coast. South-west WA boasts 8000 unique varieties of wildflowers. One of the best places to see them is the Margaret River region, particularly along the 135-kilometre Cape to Cape Track.
Stirling Range National Park, Albany and the Fitzgerald River National Park near Esperance also have great wildflower displays. Kings Park Botanic Garden in Perth showcases 3000 of WA’s 12,000 species of native flora. If you can only make it to Perth – you should stop here for a walk.
Waterfalls
WA doesn’t do ordinary waterfalls. It has the only two horizontal waterfalls in the world. Both can be found in Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago.
Tidal fluctuations force an extraordinary amount of water through two narrow cliff passages. This creates a discrepancy with the ocean level of up to four meters and a unique waterfall effect. To see it for yourself head to the Kimberley Towns of Broome or Derby. From there you can take a tour of the falls by boat or plane.
Tidal fluctuations force an extraordinary amount of water through two narrow cliff passages. This creates a discrepancy with the ocean level of up to four meters and a unique waterfall effect. To see it for yourself head to the Kimberley Towns of Broome or Derby. From there you can take a tour of the falls by boat or plane.
The world’s largest outdoor gallery
The white salt plains of Lake Ballard in WA house a collection of 51 individually cast black chromium steel sculptures designed by artist Antony Gormley. This incredible gallery is 10km long. Each sculpture represents a local resident of Menzies, a town 45 minutes drive away from Lake Ballard.
The best times to visit the gallery are early morning or late afternoon. That’s when the shadows are long and stretch across the lake. Allow at least two hours to fully appreciate Lake Ballard. WA tourism also recommends you walk with a friend and always carry water with you.
Quokkas
WA is the only place in the world where you can take a quokka selfie. The cheerful-looking marsupials are mainly found on Rottnest Island near Perth. Quokkas have round compact bodies and tend to be about the same size as a cat. They are herbivores and they tend to be most active at night. But you will still see plenty around in the day to take photos with.
The Margaret River
The Margaret River is WA’s premium wine region. It has more than 100 wineries as well as boutique breweries, art galleries and fine restaurants. The region produces about 15 per cent of Australia’s premium wine including Cape Mentelle, Voyager Estate and Moss Wood.
The Margaret River is WA’s premium wine region. It has more than 100 wineries as well as boutique breweries, art galleries and fine restaurants. The region produces about 15 per cent of Australia’s premium wine including Cape Mentelle, Voyager Estate and Moss Wood.
It’s not just about the wine. In the Margaret River, you can easily go from award-winning wineries to stunning beaches, tall-timber forests and ancient caves. The region is also known for big wave surfing, rock climbing canoeing and whale watching tours.
Have you been to Western Australia? What was it like? Let us know in the comments.
Republished with permission of MyDiscoveries.