Western Australia

Home to truly magnificent landscapes and rich in history and culture, Western Australia is a vast state well worthy of deeper exploration. Discover world-class beaches and ancient landmarks showcasing nature at its finest, all while enjoying some of the best fresh produce and wine in the country. It’s time to find out why everyone raves about the wild west.

PERTH

Welcome to Perth, Western Australia’s relaxed capital, where city beaches – all 19 of them – and scenic parks meet a buzzing culture of bars, restaurants and art. Using Perth as a base, your Club is spoiled for choice across the state. To get real bang for your travel buck in Perth and beyond, consider Trade Travel’s 11-day WA Discovery Tour that includes some of the highlights of WA, including Perth’s Kings Park and Rottnest Island, the Monkey Mia dolphin experience, Kalbarri National Park Skywalk, the Pinnacles, a Swan Valley winery and so much more (tradetravel.com.au).

Wander around Kings Park

Explore a 400-hectare native park right in the heart of the city. Take in the incredible views of Perth and the Swan River in an urban green space that’s bigger than New York’s Central Park. The WA Botanic Garden sits within the park – enjoy a free walking tour and see one of the park’s main attractions, a 36-tonne boab tree said to be 750 years old. Stroll the bushland trails where the park comes alive with a carpet of flowers during the wildflower season (between late July and early October).

Visit the Perth Cultural Centre

Discover top-class entertainment in this vibrant precinct that houses the Art Gallery of WA (artgallery.wa.gov.au), WA Museum Boola Bardip (visit.museum.wa.gov.au/

1. Around 10 per cent of Rottnest Island’s total area is covered by lakes

2. Toodyay is home to the Free Range Emu Farm, the oldest working emu farm in the world

3. Lake Grace, in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt, is known for its salt-lake-dotted farming landscape

4. A SeaLink ferry docks at Rottnest Island boolabardip), the State Theatre Centre, and Blue Room Theatre – Western Australia’s home of independent theatre and performance (blueroom.org.au).

Take the Rottnest Island ferry

All aboard the modern and eco-friendly SeaLink ferry (sealinkrottnest.com.au) to the unmissable Rottnest Island, only 19km off the coast of Perth and a fast ride from Fremantle. This protected nature reserve offers beaches and secluded coves, as well as walking and cycle trails. But its most notable resident is the quokka, a small wallaby-like marsupial that can be seen hopping around the island. While you’re here, learn about the island’s Indigenous heritage on a Wadjemup (the local Indigenous name for Rottnest Island) guided island tour, and meander along the Lakes Boardwalk. Scattered across the island you’ll also find remnants of Rottnest’s military past from both Word War I and Word War II.

WHEATBELT

The 154,000 square kilometre Wheatbelt wraps around the Perth and Peel regions in the south-west of the state. Experience its historical townships, pioneering history, rich agricultural areas and abundance of wildflowers. It’s a drawcard for world-famous Wave Rock, while Dryandra Woodland National Park is one of Western Australia’s most important wildlife preservation areas.

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Meet emus at Toodyay

Toodyay is one of the oldest inland towns in Western Australia, with much of its colonial and convict heritage preserved. The popular tourist destination is set in the heart of the pretty Avon Valley. Just 14km from town you can visit the Free Range Emu Farm. Walk among the flocks of emus on the oldest working emu farm in the world, and purchase emu products including carved eggs, emu oil, cosmetics, feathers and leather at the farm shop.

Meander around Merredin

There’s plenty to see in Merredin, including the Merredin Railway Museum, located at the original 1895 railway station and recognised as one of the best railway museums in Australia, with exhibits such as a beautifully preserved 1897 G117 steam engine (facebook.com/merredinrailway). See the heritage-listed Art Deco Cummins Theatre (cumminstheatre.com.au), and the Merredin Military Museum with its historic working military vehicles. The CBH Wheat Storage and Transfer Depot houses the largest grain storage bin in the Southern Hemisphere, and the silos have been transformed into artworks by a renowned Perth artist as part of the Public Silo Art Trail.

Look out over Lake Grace

From the township, the Lake Grace Lookout provides spectacular panoramic views over the vast inland salt-lake system of Lake Grace, over 50km in length. When the lake is full, it offers a dazzling display of colour in pink, mauve and green hues. Created by a combination of high salinity and salt-loving algae, the lake is rimmed by samphire and tall paperbark trees. Even in their dry state, there are splendid photo opportunities.

AT A GLANCE

Trade Travel 11-day WA Discovery Tour

1800 034 439 tradetravel.com.au

Art Gallery of WA

08 9492 6600 artgallery.wa.gov.au

WA Museum Boola Bardip

1300 134 081 visit.museum.wa.gov.au/ boolabardip

Blue Room Theatre

08 9227 7005 blueroom.org.au

SeaLink Rottnest Island

1300 786 552 sealinkrottnest.com.au

Free Range Emu Farm Toodyay

08 9574 1415

Merredin Railway Museum

0417 860 046 facebook.com/ merredinrailway

Cummins Theatre

08 9041 3295 cumminstheatre.com.au

Merredin Military Museum

0429 411 204

SOUTH WEST & GREAT SOUTHERN

The South West and Great Southern region has something for everyone. Lovely Margaret River is one of the most popular destinations here, but many wonderful experiences await – from unspoiled coastlines and idyllic seaside towns to sprawling agricultural lands and national parks filled with rare species of flora and fauna.

Admire Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Situated at the most south-westerly point of Australia, where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet, the tallest lighthouse on the mainland is a must-see for your Club. Take a trip through maritime history and learn how this famous limestone landmark was constructed. It still functions as a working lighthouse for vessels navigating the treacherous cape, and at the right time of year you may even spot a whale.

Explore Ngilgi Cave

Explore the ancient wonders of Ngilgi Cave (Aboriginal for ‘good spirit’), located just north of Yallingup. Take a semiguided tour through stunning limestone formations and visit an interpretive area to discover Ngilgi Cave’s interesting history, gaining deeper insight into the early days of cave exploration in the area (margaretriverattractions.com/caves/ngilgi-cave).

Follow the map to Manjimup

Here is one for the foodies. The forested areas surrounding Manjimup may have begun as timber country, but today the town is best known for its fresh produce and fine food experiences. The famous ‘Pink Lady’ apple was developed here, and it’s also home to Australia’s first mainland truffles. Visit during one of the renowned food events, such as the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival, when locals and visitors truly paint the town red (cherryfestival.com.au).

Scale the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk

A 45-minute drive west of picturesque Denmark – located on the banks of the beautiful Denmark River – members can enjoy the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, a 600-metre long circular walkway that reaches up into the tingle forest canopy (valleyofthegiants.com.au/listing/tree-top-walk). See karri, jarrah and tingle trees that are hundreds of years old, and get a magnificent view of the Frankland River at the Mount Frankland Wilderness Lookout.

GOLDFIELDS-ESPERANCE

The Goldfields-Esperance region in the south-east corner of Western Australia boasts coastal zone featuring a range of stunning natural attractions, while inland its mining zone offers a unique experience for visitors.

1. Soak in the views over Murchison River Gorge on the Kalbarri Skywalk

2. See stalagmites, stalactites, helictites and more at Ngilgi Cave

3. Cape Leeuwin is the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia

4. Delicious cherries at the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival

5. The Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk takes you 40 metres above the forest floor

6. Three of the world’s seven marine turtle species can be found at Ningaloo Reef

Walk the Kepwari Wetland Trail

The town of Esperance flourished with the discovery of gold in the late 19th century, and with its access to Cape Le Grand National Park, it’s now a favourite destination. Just a few minutes’ drive from the town is Kepwari Wetland Trail. The interpretive trail runs 3.6km and introduces you to the significance of wetlands and their protection. The trail winds through heathland and banksia, and over dune ridges, with wonderful views of the wetland system and surrounding catchment.

Enjoy the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Audio Walking Tour

This fascinating tour encompasses more than 50 different sites in and around Kalgoorlie and Boulder, including heritage buildings, the WA School of Mines and the Super Pit Lookout, where members can gaze into the biggest gold mines (600 metres deep) in Australia, and one of the largest open-cut mines in the world (superpit.com.au/community/ lookout). Pick up a headset at the Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre and set off on your adventure (kalgoorlietourism.com/ kalgoorlie-boulder-audio-walking-tour).

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MID WEST & GASCOYNE

This region runs from Green Head to Kalbarri and more than 800km inland to Wiluna in the Gibson Desert, encompassing around one-third of Western Australia.

Encounter marine life at Ningaloo Reef

Some 1,200km north of Perth, Ningaloo Reef is considered a highlight of Western Australian travel. At this UNESCO World Heritage Listed site, the whale sharks are the real attraction. One of the world’s largest aggregations can be found here, and they are joined by manta rays, turtles or humpback whales during their migration.

Marvel at Kennedy Range National Park

Just over an hour’s drive east of Carnarvon is Kennedy Range National Park, a highlight for those seeking a unique outdoor experience. The park is accessible by four-wheel drive and a range of tour operators offer camping beneath the stars, exploring the stark sandstone cliffs of the range or checking out the Honeycomb Gorge – named for the unique rock formations carved from the wind and spray of the waterfall above (exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/kennedyrange-national-park).

AT A GLANCE

Ngilgi Caves

08 9757 7411 margaretriverattractions. com/caves/ngilgi-cave

Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival

cherryfestival.com.au

Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk

08 9840 8263 valleyofthegiants.com.au /listing/tree-top-walk

Super Pit Lookout

superpit.com.au/ community/lookout

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Audio Walking Tour

kalgoorlietourism.com/ kalgoorlie-boulder-audiowalking-tour

Kennedy Range National Park

exploreparks.dbca. wa.gov.au/park/kennedyrange-national-park

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Experience the best of the west

On AAT Kings’ 5-day Monkey Mia Dolphins and West Coast tour departing Perth, your Club can take in the West Coast’s many natural attractions including the limestone pillars of the Pinnacles, the Pink Lakes, UNESCO World Heritage site Shark Bay, the wild dolphins of Monkey Mia and the ancient gorges of Kalbarri National Park (aatkings.com).

THE KIMBERLEY & PILBARA

Combining small country towns with UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Kimberley and Pilbara regions present a truly unforgettable remote wilderness experience.

Embark on a journey to El Questro

A wilderness park on a cattle station? Welcome to El Questro, 700,000 acres of ancient landscapes in the heart of the Kimberley that truly showcase the natural wonders of this region. With its ancient gorges and waterfalls, rivers and creeks, this is a breathtaking destination. Take a guided hike, helicopter ride or scenic flight. Soak in the thermal pools at Zebedee Springs, cruise through Chamberlain Gorge and watch the sunset from Saddleback Ridge (elquestro.com.au).

Discover diverse Karratha

Make your way to Karratha, the powerhouse of the Pilbara. A walk along the Yaburara Heritage Trail gives members an introduction to the ancient Jaburara people and their legacy – the largest collection of Aboriginal rock engravings on Earth (karratha.wa.gov.au/yaburara-heritage-trail). Then, a short boat trip brings you to Western Australia’s marine diversity hot spot, the 42 islands comprising the Dampier Archipelago. If your visit happens to coincide with a full moon between the months of April and October, watch the moon rise over exposed mudflats at Hearson Cove, creating the rare natural phenomenon known as the ‘Staircase to the Moon’.

1. The Kimberley Coast is blessed with natural wonders – including these, the spectacular King George Falls

2. Enjoy unmatched serenity on a visit to unforgettable El Questro

3. Feed bottlenose dolphins at the coastal resort of Monkey Mia

Travel the Kimberley Coast and surrounds

Defined by huge tracts of wilderness, dramatic gorges and waterfalls, and semi-arid savannah, the Kimberley Coast and surrounds is a destination like no other. Traverse the red-dirt tracks or cruise the waterways. Learn about Indigenous culture and witness the vast beauty from above on a scenic flight. The town of Broome is the gateway to the region and home to the magnificent South Sea Pearl. Visit Willie Creek Pearl Farm to learn about the history of Broome and the art of culturing pearls from shell to showroom (williecreekpearls.com.au). ■

AT A GLANCE

AAT Kings 5-day Monkey Mia Dolphins and West Coast tour

1300 300 911 aatkings.com/tours

El Questro

08 7210 9600 elquestro.com.au

Willie Creek Pearl Farm

08 9192 0000 williecreekpearls.com.au

Yaburara Heritage Trail

08 9186 8555 karratha.wa.gov.au/ yaburara-heritage-trail