From riding on camels to “surfing” on granite rocks, this is the ultimate Western Australia bucket list with unique experiences you never knew!
Island Rock, Kalbarri National Park.
I used to think that Western Australia was just about exploring Perth / Boorloo and the famous Rottnest Island / Wadjemup, so a short trip would suffice to cover everything. Biggest mistake ever.
On my five-day trip with my family, we only covered the capital city, Rottnest Island and a little of the north (till Kalbarri/ Wurdimarlu) — entirely missing out on the south.
Cable Beach, Broome / Walmanyjun. Photo credit: Tourism Australia
After more research, I realised that there were plenty of exciting things to see and do in Western Australia. For instance, “surfing” a giant wave rock in the south and riding on camels or even swimming with whale sharks further up north!
To avoid making the same mistake as me, here are some epic bucket list experiences that’ll make a long trip worthwhile. And don’t worry if you can’t drive — some of these are accessible by public transport, private charters and tours so you won’t miss out 😉
North
1) Stargaze among unique rock formations at the Pinnacles
This is a must-add to your Western Australia bucket list — stargaze amidst a 190-hectare desert filled with unique limestone formations!
The Pinnacles are shaped naturally by water and wind over millions of years, and no two are the same. While you can drive or walk through these ancient sculptures during the day, it looks even more amazing at night against the shimmering Milky Way.
For non-drivers or those not confident in driving 2 hours back to Perth at night, you can book a tour! Perks include dinner under the stars, a knowledgeable guide teaching you about Indigenous Australian astronomy, telescopes to see the constellations clearly and of course, return transfers back to your hotel in Perth.
Entrance fee: AU$17/vehicle, up to 12 pax (~S$14)
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Nambung WA 6521, Australia
How to get there: 2hr drive from Perth city (Google Maps)
2) Admire a beautiful pink lake at Hutt Lagoon
It′s pink, good enough to drink! Or… maybe not
Famous for its bubblegum hue 🦩, Hutt Lagoon is a 5.5-hour drive from Perth.
Don’t let the long journey deter you from visiting though — based on personal experience, we’re happy to announce that the colours are as vibrant as the pictures and worth the drive 😆
Its high level of salinity gives it its distinct colour, but the best part is that it changes according to the seasons and time of day. So it could be lilac or even orange/red, depending on when you visit!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs (best visited at mid-morning or sunset)
Address: Yallabatharra WA 6535, Australia
How to get there: 5.5hr drive from Perth city (Google Maps)
3) Swim with sea lions and whale sharks at Jurien Bay and Ningaloo Reef
Booop!
Australian sea lions are one of the rarest species in the world, but you can get up close to them through a tour at Jurien Bay!
They live on several islands within the Jurien Bay Marine Park, one of the largest marine parks in Western Australia. To get there, you’ll need to take a 15 to 30-minute boat ride from the harbour. Since the islands are off-limits to humans, you’ll only be dropped off nearby to swim with these adorable “sea puppies” 🦭.
They’ll play and chase you around in the waters so you gotta work hard for that selfie! Good news is that there are tours all year round, but remember to book in advance as slots are limited!
And if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, head further up north to Exmouth. It’s the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef / Nyinggulu — home to beautiful corals, colourful fish and migratory whale sharks!
To catch the amazing whale sharks in action, book a diving tour to swim alongside these gentle giants. On our previous trip, we went with Exmouth Dive, where we managed a total of seven dives with them during our 8-hour tour!
Bookmark this on your Western Australia bucket list as sightings are 💯 guaranteed. Or in the unlikely event you don’t see any, you’ll get a return tour at half-price (valid within three years).
Sea Lion Tour
Cost: From AU$165/pax for 2hrs (~S$139)
Tour timings: 7AM – 9AM and 9:30AM – 11:30AM (Summer: 16 Sep – 14 May), 7:30AM – 9:30AM (Winter: 15 May – 15 Sep)
Meeting point: Boat Harbour, Harbour Dr, Jurien Bay WA 6516, Australia
How to get there: 5min drive from Jurien Bay Tourist Park (Google Maps)
Whale Shark Tour
Cost: AU$575/pax for 8hrs (~S$486)
Tour timing: 7AM
Meeting point: 3 Kennedy St, Exmouth WA 6707, Australia
How to get there: Hotel pick-up (Google Maps)
Read also: 11D Western Australia Itinerary — Coastal Road Trip From Perth To Ningaloo
4) Peek through Nature’s Window at Kalbarri National Park
Located in Kalbarri National Park / Wurdimarlu, Nature’s Window is an iconic landmark of Western Australia!
It’s a natural rock arch formed from layers of Tumblagooda Sandstone. As for its name, don’t you feel like it’s looking through a window into the vast landscape?
From the carpark, go down the stairs and follow the yellow brick road to the formation, passing by lookout points over green forests and wide canyons.
*Pro-tip: If you want to hit up several famous attractions in northern Western Australia and don’t want to bother with transport logistics, KKday has a fuss-free 2-day tour package. It covers Hutt Lagoon, Lancelin Sand Dunes, the Pinnacles and Nature’s Window with a local guide — including pick-up/drop-off from your Perth hotel and an overnight stay on day one.
And here’s a bonus: enter the promo code <KKWA25>* before checkout and get AU$54 (~S$46) off the tour! It’s valid for bookings before 31 May 2025, with a minimum spend of AU$300 (~S$253).
Entrance fee: AU$17/vehicle, up to 12 pax (~S$14)
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Kalbarri National Park WA 6536, Australia
How to get there: 40min drive from Red Bluff Lookout (Google Maps)
5) Ride a camel at Cable Beach
Photo credit: Tourism Australia
You don’t have to travel to the desert to ride on camels. You can experience it right here in Broome / Rubibi instead 🐫.
Spanning 22km of white sand along the Indian Ocean, Cable Beach / Walmanyjun serves as the perfect backdrop for riding on these gentle creatures. There are multiple operators with different tour timings throughout the day, but the best experience is during sunset.
Watch as the colours of the horizon change into shades of pink, orange and purple as the sun goes down. Plus, if the tide is low, it also makes for a great photo-op to capture your reflection on the sunlit beach!
Cost: From AU$60/adult (~S$51), depending on the operator and tour timing
Tour timings: Varies
Meeting point: North Of The Rocks, Cable Beach, Broome WA 6725, Australia
How to get there: 8min walk from Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa (Google Maps)
6) Sandboard or ride an ATV at Lancelin Sand Dunes
Explore the famed Lancelin Sand Dunes by either sandboarding or hopping on an exciting ATV ride!
For sandboarding, beginners can start slow by sitting on the board and gliding down smaller hills. Braver ones can attempt to stand up while going down steeper hills. The sand is pillow-soft so it’s okay to fall and try again 😂
To venture deeper into the dunes, head off-road on a quad bike, led by an experienced guide! The tour will last an hour, and halfway through there’ll be stops to take 0.5x selfies in the middle of the vast desert.
If you’re only in Western Australia for a short trip and aren’t renting a car, consider taking a day tour to experience Lancelin Sand Dunes and the nearby Pinnacles. It includes complimentary hotel pick-up, lunch, and even extra stops at Hillarys Boat Harbour (for souvenir shopping) and Lancelin Beach.
Cost of sandboard rental: From AU$10/pax for 1hr (~S$8)
Cost of ATV: From AU$139/pax for 1hr (~S$117)
Opening hours: 8AM – 7PM
Address: Beacon Rd, Lancelin WA 6044, Australia
How to get there: 1.5hr drive from Perth Station (Google Maps)
7) Fly above the Horizontal Falls
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
The Horizontal Falls / Garaan-ngaddim are a unique phenomenon that is literally what it’s named after — huge tidal movements flowing through narrow gorges, creating a “horizontal waterfall”.
Fun fact: It’s even been described by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest wonders of the natural world”!
Photo credit: Tourism Australia
The best way to view it in its entire glory is via scenic flights, with various options from seaplane tours to helicopter flights.
For those who have a hard time deciding, we recommend taking a tour with Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures! After flying over the Falls at low levels, you’ll land on the waters of Talbot Bay and transfer to a power boat. Then, it’s a cruise around the powerful tides and a snorkel session where you might spot a local tawny nurse shark!
Cost: From AU$1,195/pax (~S$1,009) — incl. round-trip from Broome
Tour timings: 5AM – 11AM, 11AM – 5PM
Meeting point: Hangar, 14 Gus Winckel Rd, Djugun WA 6725, Australia
How to get there: Hotel pick-up (Google Maps)
Read also: New Direct Flight to Broome — Idyllic Australian Beach Getaway Now 4.5 Hours Away
South
8) Explore the famous Margaret River region
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
With over 200 vineyards, an iconic chocolate factory, and unique caves, Margaret River region is one of Western Australia’s best gems down south!
The region is famous for producing rich Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, which you can try at premium wineries like Cullen Wines and Moss Wood. Taste award-winning biodynamic wines (organic farming with no pesticides) at the former, and wine straight from the barrel at the latter 🍷.
Photo credit: Frances Andrijich and Ben Delfs via Moss Wood
PSA: Wine connoisseurs who are feeling more boujee can go for a wine-tasting tour in a private group! Highlights include a seaplane flight with scenic views and a 3.5-hour journey across local wineries with complimentary cheese platters and premium wines 😎.
Photo credit: Margaret River Chocolate Company via Facebook
Besides visiting vineyards, indulge in sweet treats at Margaret River Chocolate Company. It’s been around since 1999 and has over 200 chocolate products to choose from like bars, nougats and truffles! Not to mention, chocolate-tastings are free~
Photo credit: Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association
Other notable attractions within the area include Mammoth Cave — huge chambers filled with ancient fossils, and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse — see the merging point of two oceans!
While self-driving gives you more flexibility over your itinerary, drivers who want to indulge in drinking or take a break can consider these options. Book a full-day tour from Perth with a local guide or hire a private charter car service via KKday. Prices start from ~S$667/vehicle for a 5-seater for 10 hours. Just tell the driver where you want to go!
Cost: ~S$204/adult via KKday for the full-day tour
Tour timings: 8AM − 9:30PM
Meeting point: Northbridge Coach Bay, 180 William Street, Northbridge, WA 6003, Australia
How to get there: 4min walk from The Art Gallery of Western Australia (Google Maps)
9) Stroll through the Valley of the Giants
Photo credit: Valley of the Giants
Situated along the south coast of Western Australia between Denmark and Walpole, the Valley of the Giants is home to red tingle trees, which can grow to over 50m!
Stroll among the towering “giants” on the Tree Top Walk — a 600m-long walkway connected by steel bridges through the vast forest, suspended 40m above ground. It gives visitors panoramic views of the scenic landscape and nature!
Photo credit: Valley of the Giants
You can even stand inside a hollow, living red tingle tree that’s 400 years old at The Ancient Empire. It’s a separate boardwalk that meanders around the forest floor, with free guided tours to learn more about the history of these unique trees.
Entrance fee: AU$21/adult (~S$18) for Tree Top Walk, Free for The Ancient Empire
Opening hours: 9AM − 5PM
Address: Valley of the Giants Rd, Tingledale WA 6333, Australia
How to get there: 43min drive from Denmark Thrills Adventure Park (Google Maps)
10) Snap photos of impressive granite cliffs at Wave Rock
Photo credit: Tourism Australia
Surfs up at the 15m-high and 100m-long granite cliff, aptly named Wave Rock / Katter Kich. It’s one of the oldest rocks in the world, around 2.7 billion years old!
Follow the short 325m trail from the carpark to the rock and pretend to “catch a wave” in your photos or just stand in awe at the impressive wave-like formation created by wind and rainwater erosion.
Photo credit: Tourism Australia
Once you’re done, tackle other walking trails around the area like the Hippo’s Yawn Loop. It branches off from the Wave Rock trail to the Hippo’s Yawn — no prizes for guessing how it got its name 🤣
Entrance fee: AU$12/vehicle (~S$12)
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Hyden WA 6359, Australia
How to get there: 4min walk from Wave Rock Caravan Park (Google Maps)
11) Enjoy a train ride down Busselton Jetty
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
Fun fact: Busselton Jetty / Undalup is Australia’s longest wooden jetty, spanning 1.8km! Rather than walking, a unique way to explore it is by hopping onto the Jetty Train.
What’s interesting is that the Stocker Preston Express train runs on solar energy so it’s environmentally friendly! Throughout the journey, there’ll be an audio commentary of the jetty’s 152-year history and panoramic views of the surrounding waters — with the occasional dolphin pods passing by if you’re lucky!
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
After the ride, visitors can head to the Underwater Observatory. It’s one of only six active underwater observatories in the world, connected by a spiral staircase 8m down to the ocean floor. While there, revel in the sight of 300 marine species such as tropical corals, sponges and fish through large viewing windows.
Psst, KKday has a package option which includes a 40-minute guided tour of the Underwater Observatory, a return train journey, and Jetty Day Pass (access to the jetty) for only ~S$34!
Entrance fee: AU$4/pax (~S$3)
Cost of jetty train: ~S$14/pax for return trip
Opening hours: 8:30AM − 5PM
Address: 17 Foreshore Parade, Busselton WA 6280, Australia
How to get there: 11min drive from Busselton Margaret River Airport (Google Maps)
12) Sunbathe with kangaroos at Lucky Bay
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
Situated within Cape Le Grand National Park / Mandoowernup, Lucky Bay is said to have one of the whitest sands in Australia! But that’s not the main point. This is: sunbathing with wild kangaroos 🦘
Hang around the beach long enough and you might see some roaming roos soaking in the sun and lazing about. Just be careful not to get too close or feed them as they are wild animals after all!
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
Once you’re done, explore the rest of the park via bushwalking trails or hiking tracks. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of the rugged coast and beautiful landscapes of the Recherche Archipelago.
Entrance fee: AU$17/vehicle, up to 12 pax (~S$14)
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Lucky Bay Rd, Cape Le Grand WA 6450, Australia
How to get there: 50min drive from Esperance Visitor Centre (Google Maps)
Perth and Surrounds
13) Snap selfies with adorable quokkas on Rottnest Island
Just look at this cutie!
Home to the “Happiest Animal in the World”, Rottnest Island is a must-visit on your Western Australia bucket list! To get there, you’ll need to hop on a ferry from either Perth or Fremantle — it’ll take around 90 minutes and 30 minutes respectively.
Quokkas are known for their “smiling” faces and friendly personalities, and there’s plenty of them roaming around the island. But do resist the urge to touch or feed them as they’re an endangered species!
Speaking from experience, selfies are pretty hard to catch but you just gotta be patient and let them come to you for a picture, then snap from a low angle to get that million-dollar smile ✨
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
Besides spotting adorable critters, there are other fun things to do on Rottnest Island too! Thrillseekers can try tandem skydiving from up to 15,000ft and freefall for 66 seconds over scenic views of the WA coastline, before landing on the beach.
Or rent a bike to explore the 63 beaches and 20 bays on the island to soak up the sun and sand. Not forgetting snorkelling at spots like Parakeet Bay and Little Salmon Bay to see tropical fish, green turtles, stingrays and colourful corals!
*Pro-tip: Book your ferry tickets on KKday to skip the queues — with departure points from Perth or Fremantle / Walyalup, so you can choose depending on where you stay. Then all you need to do is scan the QR code and bon voyage!
For those who want to cycle and snorkel, KKday also has a combo package which includes ferry tickets, bike and snorkelling gear which will be given to you on arrival so you can immediately start your journey.
Need help planning your Rottnest Island trip? Check out our detailed guide on the best things to see and do!
Cost of ferry: From ~S$72/pax for round-trip
Ferry schedule to Rottnest: 7:30AM – 4PM (for Rottnest Express)
Departure point: Perth WA 6000, Australia (Perth Barrack Street Jetty) or Victoria Quay, 1 Peter Hughes Dr, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia (Fremantle B Shed)
How to get there: 8min walk from Elizabeth Quay Station (Google Maps) or 8min walk from Fremantle Station (Google Maps)
14) Hop on a hot air balloon flight over Avon Valley
Photo credit: Tourism Australia
Watch an epic Australian sunrise over the picturesque Avon Valley by soaring high above the clouds in a hot air balloon!
As the first sun rays hit the ground, you’ll get an amazing view of green valleys, deep streams and yellow canola fields (in the right season). You might even see some kangaroos hopping about! Then, enjoy a post-flight breakfast with a glass of wine to “officially” start your morning.
We recommend getting a tour inclusive of return transfers, so you won’t need to drive an hour down to Northam at ungodly hours!
Cost: ~S$342/adult via KKday for 1hr flight — incl breakfast and transfers
Tour timing: 3:30AM (exact timing will be confirmed a day before the flight)
Meeting point: Crown Casino, Park Rd, Burswood WA, Australia (in the car park across the street)
How to get there: 8min drive from Elizabeth Quay (Google Maps)
15) Visit the iconic Blue Boat House
You’ve probably seen this on your social media feeds when looking for things to do in Perth — after all, it’s one of the city’s main attractions!
Situated right in the middle of Swan Lake next to a bustling road, the Crawley Edge Boatshed is a famous landmark built in the 1930s. However, many may not know that it was only painted its iconic vibrant blue in 2001, dubbing it the Blue Boat House!
Unfortunately, you can’t enter it but it makes for a gorgeous photo spot, especially closer to sunset with beautiful pink hues as a backdrop.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: 1 Kings Park Ave, Crawley WA 6009, Australia
How to get there: From Elizabeth Quay, take Bus 950/995 and alight at Mounts Bay Rd Before Wingfield Av bus stop. Walk 1min (Google Maps)
16) Go on a whale-watching tour
Photo credit: Western Australia
Every autumn, around 40,000 humpback whales leave Antarctica to travel to Australia’s North West, to breed and give birth in warmer waters.
Watch these majestic mammals in their natural habitat by going on a whale-watching tour from Perth! There’ll be a local guide onboard who will share interesting facts about the whales, as well as big screen TVs with a live underwater camera feed so you can see these creatures beneath the sea.
Whale sightings are 100% guaranteed, but if not, you’ll receive a free return voucher (with no expiry date) for your next trip.
*Pro-tip: The best season to see humpback whales is from September to November, so plan your visit well.
Cost: ~S$80/adult via KKday for 2hrs
Tour timings: 9AM, 12PM, 3PM
Meeting point: Sardine Jetty, Mews Road, Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour
How to get there: 10min walk from Fremantle Markets (Google Maps)
17) Step into the Fremantle Prison
Don’t worry, you don’t have to break any laws to enter the Fremantle Prison 😉 This is Western Australia’s only world heritage-listed building, with a 136-year-old history till it closed in 1991.
Visitors can learn more about prison life through five different tours — where you’ll explore the actual prisons, the 1km-long tunnels beneath it and even a torchlight tour with eerie stories 👻
Apart from guided tours, drop by the Visitor Centre which showcases archived footage and punishment artefacts from the old days. Or head to the Convict Depot to search for your convict ancestors 👀 There’s also an onsite cafe and gift shop if you need a break from the tours!
Entrance fee: Free
Cost of tour: From AU$23/pax (~S$20), depending on the tour
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM
Tour timings: Varies, depending on the tour
Address: 1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
How to get there: From Fremantle Station, take Bus 915 and alight at High St After Parry St. Then walk 6mins (Google Maps)
18) Take a day trip to Swan Valley
Photo credit: Tourism Australia
The Swan Valley is Western Australia’s oldest wine region, with its first grapevines planted back in the 1800s! Visit local wineries like Sandalford Wines and Mandoon Estate, where you can sip fine wine with a breathtaking vineyard view.
Mandoon Estate is also home to Homestead Brewery, a fine craft brewery. It has a custom-built Schulz brewing system, imported from Germany, which gives its beers an authentic and uniform taste!
Photo credit: Caversham Wildlife Park via Facebook
While here, don’t forget to check out Caversham Wildlife Park. The park houses over 200 species of animals, with opportunities to take pictures with cute koalas and hand-feed kangaroos.
In the heart of Swan Valley, there’s even a honey farm! See live bees at work and learn how honey is extracted at The House of Honey. There’s even a tasting station where visitors can sample different types of honey, from wildflower honey to bush honey.
Photo credit: Swan Valley Tours via Facebook
To explore Swan Valley, either drive or take a coach tour from Perth (so you can indulge without worrying about driving back), and hit up the various wineries in one go.
Alternatively, book a scenic cruise for a different kind of scenery. You’ll sail along the Swan River / Derbarl Yerrigan, then hop off at Lancaster Winery for some wine-tasting and delicious cheeseboards. Finally, end off with a chocolate experience at Margaret River Chocolate Company.
Cost: ~S$196/adult for 6.5hrs (cruise tour)
Tour timing: 10:30AM
Meeting point: Barrack Street Jetty, Pier 3 Riverside Dr, Perth WA 6000
How to get there: 4min walk from Elizabeth Quay (Google Maps)
19) Spot dolphins in Mandurah
Photo credit: Mandurah Cruises
Mandurah / Mandjoogordap is just under an hour’s drive from Perth, but many may not know that this unassuming quaint town was actually crowned Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2023!
It’s known for its stunning waterways, coastline, and rich wildlife experiences — one being, dolphin-spotting 🐬 The town has healthy waterways with plenty of fish, making it a great home for over 100 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.
Fun fact: It’s the largest residential dolphin population in Western Australia! Catch them feeding or playing in the waters on a 1-hour cruise, as well as spot other animals like pelicans and black swans along the way.
Cost: ~S$33/adult via KKday for 1hr 15mins
Tour timings: Multiple slots between 10AM – 3PM
Meeting point: Mandurah Boardwalk Jetty, 73 Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah WA 6210, Australia
How to get there: 1min walk from Mandurah Visitor Centre (Google Maps)
Read also: 4D3N Perth Itinerary Under S$500 — A Relaxing Getaway to Australia on a Budget
Getting around Western Australia
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
Having only personally explored Perth and its surrounds, I’m truly amazed at the unique experiences that Western Australia has to offer. I haven’t even scratched the surface of this list but I’ll definitely be ticking more of them off on my next trip and I hope you will too!
While the most convenient way to get around would be renting a car, there are other options if you can’t drive! Most attractions within the city areas are accessible by public transport (trains or buses), like travelling to the Blue Boat House and Fremantle Prison.
Photo credit: Tourism Australia
Platforms like KKday also have tours from Perth for specific experiences, such as hot air balloon rides and whale-watching. Plus, multi-day tours exploring places like Lancelin Sand Dunes, Hutt Lagoon and Pinnacles too!
Then, there’s the option of a 10-hour private charter car service. It’ll take you anywhere in Western Australia from ~S$667/vehicle for a 5-seater! While it might seem pricey, you’ll get to curate your own itinerary without worrying about transport logistics. Psst, you can even go all-out on your wine-tasting with no cap 😂
Before you start planning, here’s a tip on how to save a little for your Western Australia trip. Get AU$54 (~S$46) off Western Australia activities and tours with the promo code <KKWA25>*, valid for bookings before 31 May 2025!
Did we miss out on anything in our Western Australia bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!
This post was brought to you in partnership with KKday.
*Applicable to all Western Australia activities and experiences with min. spend of AUD 300 (~S$253), except for products in Promotion Exclusion List.
– Not applicable for Shopback users.
– Standard product terms and conditions apply.
– KKday reserves the right to amend or modify the terms and conditions without prior notice
