14 Unmissable Bucket List Experiences in Western Australia

Spanning nearly a third of the country, Western Australia is as vast as it is varied. Overflowing with natural goodness, this expansive state is nothing short of spectacular with its colourful coastlines, exotic and native wildlife, a thriving capital city and world-class wine regions.

Whether you’re just visiting or a long-time local, there’s always something new to discover. From the mainstream to the roads less travelled, our roundup of bucket list experiences in Western Australia will have you wining and dining through wine country, riding camels along the coast, and sipping Champagne in the sky. The only thing left to do is to decide where you’re going first!

Conquer the sand dunes at Lancelin

Fancy some surfing of a different kind? Head to the quaint fishing village of Lancelin. Located 2-and-a bit hours north of Perth, here you can rent a sandboard and try sliding down some of Australia’s biggest dunes! Alternatively join a quad bike or 4WD tour. But the must-see highlight of this area is the Pinnacles. These ancient natural limestone structures rising eerily from the golden sand of Nambung National Park, give the landscape an other-worldly feel.

Sitchu Tip: Don’t forget your camera.  

Get a Selfie with the Quokkas at Rottnest Island

No Western Australia bucket list would be complete without paying a visit to Perth’s favourite playground, ‘Rotto’. Just a short ferry ride away from the city, this marine paradise has a lot going for it besides its beautiful white-sand beaches, coral reefs and turquoise bays – although they don’t hurt. While Quokkas can be found all around the island, your best chance of snapping a selfie with one is to head to the Thomson Bay Settlement or the area around Wadjemup Lighthouse. Naturally curious and always happy to hang out with humans, these insanely cute critters are more than willing to crack a cheeky smile for a photo. Just be sure not to touch or feed them.

Wander through Kings Park in Perth

As one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, Kings Park offers a sanctuary of lush greenery, vibrant native flora, and the most breathtaking views of the city skyline. With stunning botanical gardens, bushland trails, and manicured lawns, the park is popular with nature enthusiasts, hikers, picnickers, and anyone looking for a little urban serenity. Beyond its natural beauty, Kings Park holds deep cultural significance for the indigenous Noongar people, evident in the park's art installations and interpretive centres. Whether you're enjoying a tranquil walk among the treetops on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, exploring the endemic plant species, or simply taking in the panoramic vistas of the Swan River and the city skyline, Kings Park is a place where nature and city life harmoniously meet, making it an essential stop for anyone visiting Perth.

Experience the Horizontal Falls

Western Australia is home to a unique natural phenomenon, the Horizontal Falls in the Kimberley. The falls occur in the Buccaneer Archipelago, a remote and rugged region characterised by towering cliffs, deep-blue waters, and narrow cliff passages. As the tide shifts, water rushes in and out through these narrow channels, creating an awe-inspiring natural spectacle. It's as if the ocean itself is responding to some unseen force, surging through the gaps with immense power, creating horizontal waterfalls that defy the laws of gravity. Take a high-speed boat ride through the falls for an adrenaline-pumping experience, or get a bird’s-eye view as you soar above the falls on a scenic flight. 

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Wine & Dine at Margaret River

Well-worth the 3.5-hour-drive from Perth is WA’s most famous wine region, Margaret River. Internationally renowned for its organic, biodynamic, and natural winemaking, the area is also home to some of the country’s best farm-fresh produce. Lunch at award-winning restaurants like Leeuwin Estate or Vasse Felix, then treat yourself at Margaret River Chocolate Factory or Simmo’s Ice Creamery. There’s more than 200 vineyards and almost 100 cellar doors you can visit, with highlights including Voyager Estate and the historic Moss Wood. 

Soar over the Broome Peninsula

Now, this is a solid bucket list experience in Western Australia. Close your eyes and picture flying high over the beautiful Broome Peninsula with its crystal-clear turquoise water, stunning reef systems and kilometres of pristine white sand beaches. Offering a variety of tours and private flights along the coast, Scenic Helicopters feature everything from short joyrides to longer scenic tours soaring above some of the region’s most breath-taking enclaves like Port Jetty, Gantheaume Point, Chinatown and Dampier Creek. 

Explore Karijini National Park

Karijini National Park, located in the remote, rugged heart of Western Australia, is known for its deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and natural swimming holes. Hike through narrow chasms, cool off in natural pools fed by crystal-clear water, and marvel at the vivid red landscapes that make this park a true gem of Western Australia. It's a place where nature has sculpted the terrain over millions of years, and where each trail and lookout unveils a new facet of its breathtaking, untouched beauty.

Ride Camels on Cable Beach

For the experience of a lifetime, saddle up for a sunset safari and explore Cable Beach from the back of a camel! Upon arrival, staff will take you over to meet your companion so you can snap some pictures before heading out. Following your guide along the breath-taking golden sands, watch in awe as the sun slowly sets on the beautiful ocean revealing a cocktail of colours across the sky. Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera.

Glamping and Underwater Adventures in Cape Range National Park

Forget hotel rooms, when it comes to bucket list experiences in Western Australia, it’s all about glamping baby. Where the outback meets the reef, Sal Salis really takes the experience up a notch. Their off-grid, luxury safari tents are kitted out with a handcrafted queen-sized bed and an eco-ensuite bathroom stocked with organic shampoo, native herb soap and drinking water. Then there is the shaded deck offering uninterrupted coastal views. Levelling up the luxury, this charming coastal retreat is all-inclusive. Bundled into your nightly rate are all your meals, alcoholic (and non-alcoholic) drinks and national park fees. Honestly, it feels more like a hotel than camping.

Hot Air Ballooning Avon Valley

What do you get when you combine a hot air balloon ride with champagne and a sumptuous breakfast? An absolutely unforgettable gourmet experience, that’s what. With its immaculate landscape of rolling hills, lush green fields and meandering streams, drifting above Western Australia’s Avon Valley in a hot air balloon is just about one of the most romantic things you can do. Throughout this magical morning, you’ll float high and low across the sky as the sunrises, before finishing your journey with Champagne and cooked local breakfast. You’ll literally be floating on cloud nine.

Road Trip Along the Indian Ocean Drive

Sitting at around 1200km, this drive is epic in every sense of the word. It follows WA’s Coral Coast from Perth to Ningaloo – a stretch of coastline that’s Mother Nature’s finest work. After setting off from the city, you’ll weave your way through the dazzling beach towns of Cervantes, Geraldton, Monkey Mia and Carnavon. Beyond beautiful beaches, you can stop at the surreal desert towers called The Pinnacles (at Nambung National Park), feed the dolphins at Monkey Mia and swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, a colourful underwater playground that’s home to over 500 tropical fish species. You can admire the wildflowers and dramatic rock canyons of Kalbarri National Park, and tick off its many hiking trails. Or get snap-happy at Shell Beach, which is carpeted with billions of tiny white shells.

Treat Yourself to a Stunning Staycation

The Ritz-Carlton’s first Australian hotel sits in prime position at Elizabeth Quay. Towering over the waterfront precinct, the glittering hotel demands attention. 205 elegant rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, offering guests unbeatable views over the river, parkland and city. Spend sunset sipping on exquisite cocktails at the alfresco terrace bar, Songbird before snagging a table at the award-winning signature restaurant, Hearth. And no luxury staycation would be complete without a cheeky dip in the heated infinity pool which overlooks the city.

Eat Your Way Through the Fremantle Market

In the midst of one of Perth’s buzzing arts, culture and dining precincts is a true culinary icon. A foodie destination, a place to meet friends over fresh pressed juices and the perfect morning outing - Fremantle Markets has been serving the city for more than a century. A mecca for gourmands, this Freo stronghold is home to a wide range of exquisite produce. Whether it’s exotic fruits and veggies (as well as those of the garden variety), sizzling Brazilian BBQ by the plateful or gluten-free doughnuts – you dream it, they’ve got it.

Explore Shark Bay Marine Park

Dotted with enchanting bays and inlets, the world heritage-protected Shark Bay Marine Park is synonymous with world-class diving and snorkelling. Meet the famous Monkey Mia bottlenose dolphins and take a deep dive into an ocean paradise where you can explore vast seagrass meadows and more than 80 species of vibrant coral. The easiest way to experience the grandeur of this underwater wonderland is by swimming, snorkelling, or diving. Among the coral beds and clear waters, you’ll find turtles, hundreds of different species of fish and the world’s largest population of dugongs.

Loved our list of bucket experiences in Western Australia and looking for more one-of-kind adventures around the country? Check out our edit of must-do experiences in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia as well!