Top 5 Tourist Destinations in Western Australia

1. Perth – The Sun-Soaked Capital of Western Australia

Perth is one of the most isolated capital cities in the world, yet it is also one of the most livable and visually stunning. Set along the winding Swan River and bordered by the Indian Ocean, Perth offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. With more sunshine than any other Australian capital, the city invites visitors to enjoy outdoor living year-round.

The heart of the city features modern skyscrapers, historic buildings, and lively cultural precincts. Kings Park, one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, provides sweeping views of the skyline and river while showcasing native Western Australian flora. It is a favorite spot for picnics, walking trails, and sunset photography.

Perth’s beaches are a major highlight. Cottesloe Beach, Scarborough Beach, and City Beach are famous for golden sands, turquoise waters, and spectacular sunsets. These beaches are ideal for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, or simply relaxing with ocean views. Beachside cafés and restaurants add to the laid-back coastal vibe.

Food lovers will find Perth’s dining scene diverse and exciting. From riverside restaurants at Elizabeth Quay to trendy eateries in Northbridge and Fremantle, the city offers fresh seafood, multicultural cuisine, and innovative fine dining. Local wines from nearby regions pair beautifully with Western Australia’s fresh produce.

Cultural attractions include the Art Gallery of Western Australia, Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip, and year-round festivals celebrating music, art, and food. With easy access to beaches, wine regions, islands, and nature reserves, Perth serves as both a destination and a gateway to Western Australia’s incredible diversity.

2. Rottnest Island – Quokkas and Crystal-Clear Waters

Rottnest Island is one of Western Australia’s most beloved destinations, located just a short ferry ride from Perth. The island is famous worldwide for its friendly quokkas, small marsupials known for their cheerful appearance and photogenic smiles. Seeing these unique animals in their natural habitat is a highlight for visitors of all ages.

The island is car-free, making cycling the most popular way to explore. Well-maintained bike paths lead travelers past salt lakes, historic lighthouses, and stunning coastal views. Rottnest Island boasts over 60 pristine beaches and bays, many with crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Marine life thrives around the island, with coral reefs, colorful fish, and shipwrecks attracting snorkelers and scuba divers. The Basin and Parker Point are particularly popular snorkeling spots. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are also common activities for adventure seekers.

Beyond nature, Rottnest Island has a fascinating history, including Indigenous heritage and colonial landmarks. Historic buildings, museums, and guided tours provide insight into the island’s past. Dining options range from casual beach cafés to seaside restaurants offering fresh seafood and sunset views.

Rottnest Island perfectly combines wildlife encounters, outdoor adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re cycling around the island, swimming in turquoise waters, or enjoying a quokka selfie, Rottnest offers an unforgettable island escape.

3. Margaret River – Wine, Waves, and Natural Beauty

Margaret River is one of Australia’s premier wine regions and a dream destination for food lovers, surfers, and nature enthusiasts. Located south of Perth, the region is renowned for its world-class vineyards, gourmet dining, and stunning coastal scenery.

Wine is at the heart of Margaret River’s identity. The region produces some of Australia’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Visitors can enjoy cellar-door tastings, vineyard tours, and elegant winery restaurants set among rolling hills and lush vineyards.

Beyond wine, Margaret River’s coastline is famous for powerful surf breaks and pristine beaches. Surfers from around the world visit spots like Surfers Point and Prevelly Beach, while calmer beaches offer swimming and scenic walks. The Cape to Cape Track provides spectacular coastal hiking experiences.

The region is also known for its underground wonders. Ancient limestone caves such as Jewel Cave, Lake Cave, and Mammoth Cave feature impressive stalactites and chambers, offering guided tours through fascinating geological formations.

Local produce shines in Margaret River’s food scene, with artisan cheese makers, chocolate factories, olive farms, and farmers’ markets. Combined with luxury lodges, boutique accommodations, and eco-retreats, Margaret River delivers a perfect balance of indulgence and nature.

4. Pinnacles Desert – A Surreal Natural Wonder

The Pinnacles Desert, located in Nambung National Park, is one of Western Australia’s most surreal and photogenic landscapes. Rising from golden sands are thousands of limestone pillars, some standing several meters tall, creating an otherworldly environment unlike anywhere else in Australia.

Scientists believe the Pinnacles were formed over thousands of years from ancient seashell deposits shaped by wind and erosion. Walking or driving through the desert feels like stepping onto another planet, especially during sunrise or sunset when shadows stretch dramatically across the sand.

Visitors can explore the area via walking trails or a designated driving loop that winds through the formations. Interpretive signs explain the geology and cultural significance of the region. Wildlife such as kangaroos, emus, and native birds can often be seen roaming the park.

Nearby coastal towns like Cervantes offer fresh seafood, particularly rock lobster, making a visit to the Pinnacles an easy and rewarding day trip from Perth. Clear night skies also make the desert a popular location for stargazing and astrophotography.

The Pinnacles Desert is a must-see destination for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking unique landscapes that showcase Western Australia’s geological diversity.

5. Broome – Outback Meets the Indian Ocean

Broome is a remote coastal town in northern Western Australia, famous for its stunning beaches, dramatic sunsets, and rich cultural history. The town’s most iconic location, Cable Beach, stretches for over 22 kilometers with white sand and turquoise waters, offering unforgettable sunset views.

One of Broome’s most popular experiences is a camel ride along Cable Beach, especially at sunset. The combination of golden light, gentle waves, and camels silhouetted against the horizon creates one of Australia’s most iconic travel images.

Broome has a deep pearling heritage, once serving as a global center for pearl production. Museums, galleries, and tours provide insight into the town’s multicultural past and the role of Indigenous and Asian communities in shaping its identity.

The surrounding region offers dramatic natural attractions, including red cliffs, tidal phenomena, and outback landscapes. Visitors can explore dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point or take guided tours into the Kimberley region.

With its relaxed atmosphere, cultural depth, and striking natural beauty, Broome delivers a truly unique Australian experience where the outback meets the ocean.