Joanna James
Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are likely to top the travel itinerary of many visitors to Australia. But if you are planning on leaving out the vast WA, you are going to miss out on some of the most spectacular scenery the Land of Down Under has to offer. Spanning over one-third of the country, WA is meant for exploration.
Start off your exploration by immersing yourself in the lively vibe of Perth, the capital city of the state of Western Australia. Adding a multitude of towering skyscrapers, eclectic boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and buzzing entertainment venues to its cityscape in recent years, Perth has taken Australia by storm. Hit the city's beautiful beaches to indulge in a plethora of water sports, hop on a double-decker bus for an enthralling sightseeing tour or unwind at one of the many lush parklands to bask in the glory of the enchanting Perth. Finally, head to a 5-star luxury hotel near Swan River right in the heart of the city, such as Pan Pacific Perth and call it a day.
Extending over a whopping 705,015 hectares, Ningaloo Reef is the world's largest fringing reef. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed fringing reef is also one of the few places on earth where you can freely swim with whale sharks, making for a true one-of-a-kind experience. Aside from the majestic whale sharks, Ningaloo Reef is home to over 500 species of marine life, including manta rays, dugongs, humpback whales, and turtles.
A favourite among Australian 4x4 enthusiasts, Gibb River Road is the place to be to treat yourself to an exciting outback adventure. Double-check your low range mode, diff-locker, winch and cable, snorkel, hill descent control, A-TRC, and crawl control (two privileges you get to enjoy only if you own a mighty Toyota rig ;-) ) and recovery ropes before you hop in your 4WD as you will need them to make it through this 660-kilometres of rugged terrains, river crossings, and muddy swamps.
Nestled in the Nambung National Park, Pinnacles are a collection of bizarre limestone rock formations giving out a peculiar yet remarkable treat for the eyes. Located only a 2 hour's drive away from Perth city, the Pinnacles are guaranteed to make you feel a world away, just as if you've lost yourself in the midst of a dessert from a prehistoric movie scene.
Hop on a ferry and head to the picturesque Rottnest Island sitting just offshore from Perth for some relaxing and rewarding time away. The car-free protected nature reserve makes for a perfect getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of a buzzing metropolis and get back to nature.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
