Take in views of Perth from Kings Park © Ronan O'Connell/Lonely Planet

© Ronan O'Connell/Lonely Planet

Western Australia

If the vast expanse of Western Australia (WA) was a separate nation, it would be the world's 10th-largest (bigger than Algeria, smaller than Kazakhstan). Most of WA's population clings to the coast, yet you can wander along a beach here without seeing another footprint, or be one of a few scattered campers stargazing in a national park.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Wave Rock in Western Australia.

    Wave Rock

    West Coast Australia

    The multicolored cresting swell of Wave Rock, 209 miles (336km) east of Perth, formed some 60 million years ago by weathering and water erosion. Streaked…

  • 1166499525 Aerial perspective of Hutt lagoon shoreline, Australia

    Pink Lake

    West Coast Australia

    The most arresting sight in the Horrocks/Port Gregory area is Hutt Lagoon, which is more commonly referred to as 'Pink Lake'. Yes, the saltwater here is…

  • Camels walking on Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia during sunset

    Cable Beach

    Broome

    WA's most famous landmark offers turquoise waters and beautiful white sand curving away to the sunset. Clothing is optional north of the rocks, while…

  • kangaroos standing at Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park, near Esperance in Western Australia. Lucky Bay is one of Australia's most well-known beaches known for pristine white sand and kangaroos

    Lucky Bay

    Southern WA

    One of Australia's top beaches, Lucky Bay has sand so white and so fine that is squeaks underfoot like rubber. Good for kite- and windsurfing. Tame…

  • Murujuga National Park

    Murujuga National Park

    West Coast Australia

    Murujuga is home to the world's largest concentration of rock art (dating back more than 30,000 years), stretched out along the rocky hills of the heavily…

  • Turquoise Bay

    Turquoise Bay

    West Coast Australia

    This perfect sweep of powdery-white sand, lapped at by cerulean waters, is considered one of the top beaches in Australia. If snorkelling at the reef near…

  • Hamelin Pool

    Hamelin Pool

    West Coast Australia

    Twenty-nine kilometres along Shark Bay Rd from the Overlander Roadhouse is the turn-off for Hamelin Pool, a marine reserve with the world's best-known…

  • Walga Rock

    Walga Rock

    Western Australia

    Some 48km west of Cue via unsealed road, this granite monolith is Australia's second largest after Uluru (Ayers Rock). The shallow cave here is the…

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Articles

Latest stories from Western Australia

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Take in views of Perth from Kings Park © Ronan O'Connell/Lonely Planet

Best in Travel - 2023

7 days for the ultimate journey in Western Australia

Nov 15, 2022 • 11 min read

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Go Beyond

Western Australia and beyond

Beyond Western Australia
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