When in Western Australia, Where to Go? (A Bucket List)

Hello again! For me, Western Australia is the best pick when you want to balance between natural, historical, and modern tourist destinations. I went there with my big family for one week in September 2010 (yup, exactly a decade ago!), and still leaves us a very good impression about the place. We prepared the visa months before and went there via JetStar airline (it’s the well-known not-very-pricey airline). I remembered encountering this sweet old couple in their 50s who were going to Amsterdam to visit their son. Just the two of them. Very romantic.

Perth City (Photo credit: Holiday Travel)

We were a total of 15 people and that was my biggest and most exciting vacation so far. It was lucky enough not to spend our money on hotel accommodation or a tour guide because we have a relative living there. We had most of our time spent in Perth. For the transportation, we mostly took a city bus in the Perth area, then continued taking a walk for kilometers. To go to Albany and other a bit far destinations, we rented an Elf minibus without a driver.

Pedestrian friendly, clean places, nice weather, amazing stuff... These were what I was dazzled by throughout my trip there. Public transportations were certainly neat. What I was amazed of too was, in Perth downtown area, there were many people who did the #biketowork thing and it was so cool! Wearing white shirt, black trousers, backpack, and helmet for safety, and you are ready to go! Feel like a boss, really, riding on these bikes—going through that hustle and bustle traffic in the downtown.

About Western Australia:

The largest state of Australia, Western Australia (WA) is occupied by 2,6m of people as of 2020; with about 90% of it taking a living in the city’s capital–Perth. The state is famous for its nice climate, even though it varies from north to south and east to west. Land of a never-ending exploration, WA invites you into its white sandy beaches, radiant sea, and panoramic scenery. It’s safe to say that the gold mining industry in Western Australia is very huge and advanced. It all started in the late 1890s when the first discovery of gold took place. Some of the world’s leading mining operations originate here: Super Pit Mine and Argyle Diamond Mine (the world’s largest diamond producer).

Perth, the state’s largest city as well as its most isolated city, is considered one of the most live-able cities in the world. It’s also the richest city for it’s being the headquarters of large mining operations located throughout the state. What’s interesting is, Perth stands closer to Singapore and Jakarta, than to Australia’s capital Canberra.

Alright, here is the list of places you should visit in Western Australia (Note: this is not a ranking from best to worse. It’s our visiting order from the 1st day until last day):

1. London Court

Website: http://www.londoncourt.com.au/

Address: 647 Hay St, Perth WA 6000, Australia

London Court (Photo credit: perthtouristcentre.com.au)

Interested in feeling the distinctive flavor of British Empire in this city? Yes, you actually can feel it throughout its corners, but this site offers you the real atmosphere of it. Once ruled by British Empire, Australia has become a fully independent country since ‘The Australia Act’ in 1986. The London Court is a shopping area in Perth which has the historical vibes from its Tudor style architecture. Built in 1937, it remains as one of the famous tourist destinations in Perth today.

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/u9KWciEPGsfgoFBt8

2. The Perth Mint

Website: http://www.perthmint.com/

Address: 310 Hay St, East Perth WA 6004, Australia

Perth Mint (Photo credit: smallcaps.com.au)

Witness Australia’s largest collection of natural gold nuggets here, where it also houses the 2nd largest nugget specimen in the world: Newmont’s Normandy Nugget. As Australia’s oldest operating mint, this company makes you experience the story during British colonization in Western Australia, mainly in gold mining. This popular Perth’s attraction owns its traditional mintmark symbol “P”–reflecting the Western Australia’s icon of minting history and heritage. Have your ‘golden’ experience here, including gold pouring performance, international gold bar exhibition, coin manufacturing, and still some more. 

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/MmR5zcpZwJHjx7uk6

3. St Mary's Cathedral

Website: https://stmaryscathedralperth.com.au/

Address: Victoria Square, Perth WA 6000, Australia

St Mary's Cathedral (Photo credit: museumofperth.com.au)

St Mary’s Cathedral is the cathedral of Perth, sited in the centre of Victoria Square. First completed in 1865, it has undergone three main phases of constructions. In 2009, the cathedral was reopened after reconstructing the architectural style to be a collegiate gothic style, taking the vision of architect Michael Cavanagh. Up to now, St Mary’s Cathedral continues as a crucial center for Roman Catholic community in Perth. It opens for public prayer every day.

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/MLbtQciALJqVEjfu5

4. Bell Tower

Website: https://www.thebelltower.com.au/

Address: Riverside Dr, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Bell Tower (Photo credit: goodfreephotos.com)

Looming at 82,5 meters high at the heart of Perth city, the Bell Tower (also known as Swan Bells) has lived on as the iconic landmark of the city since 1999. The eccentric rocket-shaped-like glass spire tower with a set of 18 bells is designed by architect Hames Sharley. It is located in the city’s redevelopment area–Elizabeth Quay, and was once seen as a “waste of money”. The must-see attraction offers you the 360° view of Perth city from its observation deck at the 6th floor, which is a nice opportunity to take.

Google Maps: https://g.page/thebelltower?share

5. Swan River

Swan River featuring the black swan (Photo credit: Flickr.com)

In need to freshen up your mind? Whether your answer is a "yes" or "no", this breezy river is still a must-see. Flowing through the core of Perth, Swan River is one of the best picks to have the refreshing and beautiful view of the metropolitan city. There is this one spot where you can enjoy the fresh air and blue river while cherishing the best moment of your life (#wise). If you are lucky enough, you will encounter a black swan, Australia's native swan and Western Australia's state bird.

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/MTPQAun5Bd2gkVua9

6. Kings Park

Website: http://www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/kings-park

Address: Fraser Ave, Perth WA 6005, Australia

Kings Park (Photo credit: freeimages.com)

Kings Park is a home to several Western Australia’s diverse flora. With the large of 1,000 acres, this public place takes the record as the largest city park in the world, even larger than New York’s Central Park–which is awesome. Here, you can fancy Australia’s largest outdoor exhibition of wild flowers throughout its friendly botanic gardens. According to National Geographic magazine (Vol. 161 no 5, May 1982), the area of Perth is “a variegated garden of such curious plants; 2,400 species of flora are native only to southwest Australia”, where many of them are displayed at Kings Park. Being a very must-visit destination for spotting the scenic view of Perth’s downtown and skyline, Kings Park records 5 million visitors every year.

Western Australia's state flower: hued banksia (left) and kangaroo pow (right)

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/EWzxtXzccXSWbtk87

7. Margaret River Chocolate Factory

Website: http://www.chocolatefactory.com.au/

Address: 5123 W Swan Rd, West Swan WA 6055, Australia

Margaret River Chocolate Factory (Photo Credit: tripadvisor.com)

Are you a massive chocolate and sweet eater? I bet you are! This place is one of the most popular destinations in Western Australia. Established in 1999, Margaret River Chocolate Factory is a chocolate manufacturer offering you various kinds of chocolate. They certainly come with different shapes and sizes filled with authentic and premium taste. Also, it’s free entry and free tasting! The company has three branches across WA, including the one I visited which was situated at West Swan Road (near Caversham Wildlife Park).

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/61pYxJWfjwwscVgFA

8. Caversham Wildlife Park

Website: https://www.cavershamwildlife.com.au/

Address: 233B Drumpellier Dr, Whiteman WA 6068, Australia

Caversham Wildlife Park (Photo credit: letsgokids.com.au)

For animal lovers and maniacs, well, this is the very right place for you. Caversham Wildlife Park is a park conserving wide range of animals (200 species of animals and over 2000 heads of animals, birds, and reptiles), including Australia’s native animals: koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, kookaburra, Tasmanian devils. Located in Whiteman Park (16km far from Perth), this conservation site provides you the cool interaction and experience with those cute animals. Moreover, Caversham Wildlife Park is one of the largest collections of native fauna in Western Australia.

Google Maps: https://g.page/cavershamwildlifepark?share

9. Albany’s Whale World

Website: http://www.discoverybay.com.au/

Address: 81 Whaling Station Rd, Frenchman Bay WA 6330, Australia

Albany's Whale World (Photo credit: theroadtoanywhere.com)

An Award-winning heritage attraction, this tourist destination is the most must-visit place in my opinion. Aside from having you explore its last whaling station, Albany’s Whale World also offers you its own great adventure story to tell. “You don’t know Albany, until you’ve visited Whale World.”—that’s their slogan and I couldn’t agree more of that. Last, don’t forget to take your moment to enjoy the stunning scenic view of the blue sea here on top of a sailing ship.

The sailing ship (Photo credit: Albany Getaway)

Google Maps: https://g.page/albanyshistoricwhalingstation?share

10. The Gap and Natural Bridge (Albany)

Website: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/site/gap-natural-bridge

Address: The Gap Rd, Torndirrup WA 6330, Australia

The Gap (Photo credit: architectureau.com)

As Albany's top-tier nature destination, both The Gap and Natural Bridge are sited in the same area: Torndirrup National Park. However, they have their own 'spectacle' to offer. The Gap is a 40m high coastal granite (technically, it's a cliff) that gives you the exclusive and terrific sea breeze view of the Southern Ocean via its lookout (safety guaranteed within its barriers). Meanwhile Natural Bridge, as what the name is saying, is indeed a natural bridge; a large span of granite forming a bridge. At last, be prepared for its very powerful and forceful moody wind ready to sweep you off.

Natural Bridge (Photo credit: lesterlost.com)

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/wqf21c5zMyDSYwh1A

11. Albany Wind Farm

Address: LOT 8141 Sand Patch Rd, Sandpatch WA 6330, Australia

Wind Farm (Photo credit: abc.net.au)

Albany Wind Farm is a wind power station operating near Albany. Initially consisting of 12 wind turbines, it was later installed of 6 extra turbines in 2011. The wind farm produces the 80% of the electricity requirement in Albany with its 80-meters-tall turbines. This site is actually not an official tourist destination or whatsoever, but it gives you the opportunity to capture the wonderful and captivating view from 80m above the Southern Ocean while enjoying the wind turbines. It is open publicly for 24 hours. Best view: in the morning until noon.

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/LHZMiRB359mY1emc6

12. Valley of the Giants – Tree Top Walk

Website: https://www.treetopwalk.com.au/

Address: Valley of the Giants Rd, Tingledale WA 6333, Australia

Tree Top Walk (Photo credit: valleyofthegiants.com.au)

The Tree Top Walk provides you the best moment to explore the magnificent giant tingle forest from the 40-meters-high bridge walk. It gives you the enormous nature view of the southern forest with its wilderness. Additionally, this forest site offers you the “Forest by Night” experience, in which you will be guided onto the Tree Top Walk under the pouring moonlight. And noted: your safety is guaranteed here with a suitable place for children and wheelchairs. Another highlight in this attraction is the “Ancient Empire”, where veteran trees (some more than 400 years) are located.

The 'door' to Ancient Empire (Photo credit: trailswa.com.au)

Google Maps: https://g.page/ValleyoftheGiantsTreeTopWalk?share

13. Gloucester Tree

Website: https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/gloucester-tree

Address: Burma Rd, Pemberton WA 6260, Australia (Gloucester National Park)

Gloucester Tree (Photo credit: dreamingofdownunder.com)

Standing in the height of more than 60 meters, the giant Karri tree is a perfect attraction for those who are a fan of climbing stuff. The Gloucester Tree is the world’s second tallest fire lookout tree that offers you the breathtaking bird-view of Gloucester National Park from the top through a cabin after climbing its 153 rungs. With the age of around 250 years old, the tree records only 20% of the visitors can climb until the top. So, will you become a part of its 20%? Sure, it’s a challenging activity, but why don’t you give it a try?

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/TjSbPdHHj7RVp2v19

14. Fremantle Market

Website: http://www.fremantlemarkets.com.au/

Address: South Terrace &, Henderson St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

Fremantle Market (Photo credit: dreamstime.com)

This renowned public market located in Fremantle is one of popular tourist destinations in Western Australia. Opened in 1897, Fremantle Market has its reputation for attracting visitors with its various goods (crafts, souvenirs, fresh vegetables, and still many more) coming at an affordable price, both to locals and tourists. The historic place is open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and also on most public holidays.

Google Maps: https://g.page/fremantlemarkets?share

15. Fremantle Prison

Website: https://fremantleprison.com.au/

Address: 1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

Fremantle Prison (Photo credit: architectureanddesign.com.au)

Fremantle Prison is Western Australia’s legendary place. Originally a prison for convicts in the 19th century, it was officially closed in 1991. Since then, this six-hectare site built of limestone wall has evolved as a heritage site and tourist destination, now holds the name as one of the “World Heritage List”. What can you discover here? Aside from learning its story, Fremantle Prison comes up with numerous prison tours you’d like to try: Prison Day Tour, Tunnels Tour, Convict Prison Tour, Behind Bars Tour, and True Crime Tour, and Torchlight Tour (nights only, for those who love spookiness).

Google Maps: https://g.page/fremantleprison?share

16. The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park

Address: Nambung WA 6521, Australia

The Pinnacles (Photo credit: traveler.com.au)

This is another natural attraction in Western Australia that will brighten up your eyes. The Pinnacles is a desert park located in Cervantes, almost 200km far drive from Perth. The leading landscape is beautified with its thousand of 3,5m-tall limestone pillar rocks standing elegantly in the vast yellow sand desert, which are believed to be formed over millions of years. Besides becoming a principal destination for tourists, The Pinnacles keeps living on as a natural habitat for its native animals and birds.

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/3LmtWETiNvyeh5B39

17. Araluen Botanic Park

Website: http://www.araluenbotanicpark.com.au/

Address: 362 Croyden Rd, Roleystone WA 6111, Australia

Araluen Botanic Park (Photo credit: mapio.net)

Visit this one natural attraction based in Roleystone, approximately 30mins drive from Perth. The gorgeous bushland, popularly known for its tulips collection, is an absolute must visit destination when you are visiting Western Australia. Within its 54-hectares park, Araluen Botanical Park enchants you with over 270 varieties of plant, including its internationally famed Camellia flower–thanks to the cool micro-climate of the Roleystone Perth Hills. The word "Araluen" itself derives from an Eastern States Aboriginal word which means "singing water" or "running water". Own your stunning encounter here, especially in the spring time when it holds a spring annual event: Araluen Tulip Festival (August-September), where you can enjoy its spotlight: the 100,000 colorful tulips blooming.

Araluen's tulips (Photo credit: thehideaway.net.au)

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/4Ew61VHM13bwWW2D6

-Additional informations-

1) Some tourist destinations in Western Australia manage to give you some worthy and ‘golden’ souvenirs to keep you remembering the good times: a souvenir coin. Here is mine. I forget how much it cost at that time, but yes I still keep it until now and they are in the good hands.

Souvenir coins (L-R): The Pinnacles (2), Perth Mint (1), Tree Top Walk (2)

2) While having a one-day-trip in Albany area, we stayed in this one cottage located in the woods on the riverside. It was very nice and cozy.

3) Spend your last day strolling around in Perth city on foot. It would be a very exciting activity seeing the busy downtown area while walking calmly.

Hay Street, a famous major road and a central business district in Perth
(Photo credit: lease-equity.com.au)