An Outdoor Guide to Western Australia

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WRITTEN BY BIANCA HALL

As a travel-obsessed Aussie, I spend most of my disposable income hitting as many bucket list destinations as possible.

If you’re someone who loves the outdoors, WA is paradise.

Big skies, untouched landscapes, pristine islands, and rugged cliffs.

The real thing beats anything you see on IG, and there’s a seemingly endless list of outdoor options. 

Planning Your Western Austrailia Outdoor Adventure 

Let’s start with the practical side, before you book your trip: 

Know Your Distances

If you’re Australian, you already know this, but WA is massive. Planning a ‘quick’ trip to Broome? That’s over 2,000km!

Don’t be too ambitious, leave time to rest and recoup, or you’ll spend most of the time tired and just going from A to B. 

Budget for the Essentials 

Fuel can be super expensive in more remote areas, and if you’re roadtripping, you will cover huge distances,  so budget accordingly.

Also, pre-book national park passes ahead of time via Explore Parks WA (yes, this is essential!). 

Travel Insurance 

The outdoors are amazing, but things can change fast — a sprained ankle on a hike, a flat tyre on a back road, or adverse weather throwing your plans off course.

The best way to stay covered? Book your travel insurance with a trusted provider, especially when you’ve got family or pricey gear in tow.  

Weather Watch 

The summers in WA are unforgiving, especially in the north.

Carry plenty of water, and seek shade for the hottest part of the day, as temperatures can easily reach dangerous levels.

For hiking and camping, the shoulder seasons are best (April-May, Sept-Oct). 

If you’re looking for wildlife experiences, plan accordingly. June to December are the months to pick for humpback, southern right, and blue whales, for example.

Be equally mindful of wildlife below eye-level. Snakes, spiders, and bull ants are all risks in certain areas, so it pays to consult locals or look for signage.  

Outdoor Things to Do in Western Australia

Perth and Swan Valley

Hold up, hold up. We’re starting this list from a city?

Yes, Perth and its backyard offer fantastic outdoor adventures, many within the city or just a short trip away: 

Kings Park

Hollywood gives NYC’s Central Park an outsized reputation, but Perth’s very own Kings Park is larger than its American cousin.

Plus, you have bush trails, gorgeous skyline views, and guided walks focusing on local Noongar history. 

Pinnacles Desert

Pinnacles Desert is a day trip, two hours north of Perth, but the drive is well worth it. Sunrise or sunset make for some stunning photo ops. 

Swan River activities

So much outdoorsy stuff to do, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and of course scenic cruises for a calmer experience! 

Matagarup Bridge

This bridge is Perth’s answer to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and also offers breathtaking city views. 

Caversham Wildlife Park

Get up close with kangaroos, wombats, and koalas.

The farm show demonstrations are brilliant for seeing sheep shearing and meeting working farm animals, plus they’ve got Tasmanian devils that you won’t see in the wild on the mainland. 

Lancelin dunes

The Lancelin Dunes are great for sandboarding and 4WD and are just north of Perth.

Sunset sessions here are absolutely magical with the dunes glowing orange against the blue Indian Ocean. 

Beach hopping

Perth has a reputation for its quality beaches, including Cottesloe, Scarborough, and Trigg Beach for surfing and swimming.

You’ll get that soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and those dreamy sunsets. For snorkelling, check out Mettams Pool.

Meet the Quokkas on Rottnest Island

Just a short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island (known as Wadjemup to the Noongar people) is where you’ll meet Australia’s most cheerful residents: the quokkas!

Even the most grumpy person will melt meeting one…! 

With over 10,000 quokkas calling this place home, you’re practically guaranteed a personal experience.

Here’s what you need to know about this car-free island: 

• Ferry to Wadjemup (Rottnest Island). 90-minute journey from Perth/Fremantle that sets the adventure tone. 
• Quokka encounters at Garden Lake. Early morning/late afternoon is best for wildlife photography opportunities (check out this Australia Bucket List for more Aussie wildlife experiences).
• Snorkelling at the Basin. Crystal clear waters are perfect for underwater adventures. These will change your meaning of the word ‘clear’. 
• Free walking tours. Learn about Noongar culture and island conservation efforts. 
• Lighthouse tours and coastal walks. Stunning panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Again, another IG op that will have your DMs exploding. 
• Safety reminder. Never feed or touch quokkas, just don’t. They’re vulnerable and protected species, and you might just end up with a hefty fine.

Final Thoughts

From city sunsets and sand dunes to quokka selfies and rugged coastlines, Western Australia is an outdoor playground that actually lives up to the hype.

But it’s not the kind of place you just wing – WA rewards those who plan smart and travel mindfully.

So prep your playlists, pack that SPF, and leave space on your camera roll – because WA doesn’t just deliver adventure, it delivers jaw-dropping, soul-refreshing, brag-worthy adventure.

Now all that’s left to do? Get out there and tick it before you kick it.

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