Top Five Adventures in Western Australia

November 17, 2014 Genevieve Hathaway

The state of Western Australia (WA), comprising the entire western third of the continent, offers travelers plenty to do and see. With its dramatic landscapes, saltwater crocodiles, all variety of ‘roos (kangaroos, wallaroos, wallabies), classic Aussie bush camping, and plenty of warm welcome, Western Australia is packed with amazing and unusual things to do. Here are just a few to fuel your travel dreams.

1. Explore the Kimberley on the Gibb River Road

Covering a vast corner of northwestern Australia, the Kimberley is a seemingly endless landscape of massive gorges, huge Boab trees, rugged escarpments and horizontal waterfalls. One of the world’s last great wildernesses, the Kimberley is the iconic Australian Outback, peppered with gigantic cattle stations, red hardpack roads that seem to disappear in the distance as if a mirage, fearsome saltwater crocodiles, kangaroos and all their cousins, a strong Aboriginal culture, and a friendly local culture. One of the best ways to experience the Kimberley is to drive the Gibb River Road, which cuts through this massive wilderness. It is where the Outback is most alive.

Driving the Gibb River Road through the Kimberley brings the traveler to Australia’s most wild Outback.

Driving the Gibb River Road through the Kimberley brings the traveler to Australia’s most wild Outback.

Sunrise over Bell Gorge, the Kimberley.

Sunrise over Bell Gorge, the Kimberley.

Early morning and late in the day are the best times to spot wallabies, kangaroos and wallaroos in the bush.

Early morning and late in the day are the best times to spot wallabies, kangaroos and wallaroos in the bush.

2. Sunrise over the Bungle Bungles

A maze of undulating beehive-shaped domes, the Bungle Bungle Range is a stunning spot to watch the sunrise. Located in Purnululu National Park, the Bungle Bungles are comprised of sandstone and conglomerate rock layers creating a tiger-like pattern of alternating golden orange and dark grey bands. Rent a bush plane or take a pre-dawn hike to a lookout to watch the sunrise over this otherworldly landscape. Then spend the day exploring the Bungle Bungles and their networks of well-maintained trails and dayhikes.

Sunrise at the Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park.

Sunrise at the Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park.

Hiking amongst the massive beehive domes is a unique and memorable experience.

Hiking amongst the massive beehive domes is a unique and memorable experience.

3. Sleep out under a boab tree

Referred to by aboriginals as the “upside down tree” for its large, rotund base and network of twisting branches; the boab tree is an iconic symbol of Western Australia. Do yourself a favour and camp out under one some night. With the Milky Way standing out starkly against the inky black sky above you, this experience is incredible for the occasional camper as well as the outdoor enthusiast. Just be ready for the squawking macaws to wake you with the rising sun. (It’s worth it.)

Camping at Mt Barnett Cattle Station under a large boab tree.

Camping at Mt Barnett Cattle Station under a large boab tree.

4. Swim with whale sharks in Exmouth

Larger than school buses, whale sharks are the gentle giants of the sea, surpassing the weight of many of the largest dinosaurs. These large filter feeders cruise through the waters off the coast of the town of Exmouth from April to July, giving snorkelers and divers a rare opportunity to swim with them. There are several dive and boat companies here that run daily whale shark dive and snorkel trips during the peak of their migratory season. Tours often also spot manta rays, humpback whales, dugongs, and spinner dolphins.

A whaleshark swims in the waters off Exmouth.

A whales hark swims in the waters off Exmouth. Photo by NeilsPhotography.

5. Walk in the steps of dinosaurs in Broome

At Gantheaume Point, on Cable Beach in Broome, travelers can walk in the footsteps of 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints. An excellent preserved set of tracks, this rare collection includes the footprints of five known dinosaur species. The best time to see them is during low tide, so check the tides before planning your trip to Broome. Walking amongst these giant footprints in this beautiful and ancient landscape, it’s easy to imagine what Western Australia was like over 130 million years ago.

130-million-year-old tracks at Gantheaume Point on Cable Beach in Broome.

130-million-year-old tracks at Gantheaume Point on Cable Beach in Broome.

Sunset at low tide on Cable Beach.

Sunset at low tide on Cable Beach.


Getting There

Inspired to explore Western Australia? G Adventures runs a number of departures and activities there. Check out the incredible journeys we offer and start planning.

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