Bells Rapids
Bells Rapids is a hidden gem located in Perth’s Swan Valley. It’s a great place to get in touch with nature, share a picnic with family/friends, let your dogs run loose, and (if you have any) to let the kids play in the water. There’s good walking trails on either side of the river, with plenty of vegetation and wildlife around.
Bicentennial Tree
At over 60 meters high, the Bicentennial Tree lookout is the tallest in the world. Previously used as a wildfire lookout. The first platform is about 25 meters high. Make it to the top, and you will be rewarded with spectacular views across southwestern Australia.
Compare with the Diamond Tree and Gloucester Tree.
Busselton Jetty
The Busselton Jetty is the longest timber piled jetty in the southern hemisphere. At 1.84km in length, it is over 1 mile long! So long in fact it has its own map. At the end of the jetty you will find it’s home to one of only six operating Underwater Observatories in the world.
Diamond Tree
The Diamond Tree lookout is 52 meters tall serving as both a fire lookout tower and tourist attraction. Built in 1939, the wooden viewing platform is the oldest in the world still in use. It provides awesome panoramic views of the area around Manjimup. Not tall enough for you?
Compare with the Bicentennial Tree and the Gloucester Tree.
Castle Cove & Natural Bridge
Castle Cove & Natural Bridge are located within Kalbarri National Park. They provide awesome views to the multitude of coastal gorges carved away by the constant hammering of the Indian Ocean.
Castle Rock Granite Skywalk
Castle Rock Granite Skywalk in Porongurup National Park is a steep ascent through a forest filled with Yate, Karri, Marri, and Jarrah trees. Be warned! It is UPHILL the entire way!At the peak, you have to use steel handholds, mounted in the rocks, to get to a 6-meter ladder that takes you up to the Skywalk itself known as Castle Rock Summit.
The steel walkway wraps around the face of Castle Rock allowing the landscape to unfold before you. If it’s too high or scary, hikers can still enjoy good views around the base at the Karri Lookout.
- Karri Lookout:
The Karri Lookout is at the base of Castle Rock. It affords the dedicated hiker a great view of the surrounding ranges. From the base of Castle Rock it’s no more than an easy 50 meter walk.
- Castle Rock Summit:
If you are agile, and capable enough, to pull yourself up by your arms and legs over and under large rocks, you’ll get halfway to the summit from where you’ll be afforded good views. Just follow the arrows and steel rods (there’s no yellow brick road here)
Once you find your way, summon the courage to climb up an encaged vertical ladder, where you can access the Skywalk at the summit of Castle Rock. Enjoy the panoramic views en route during your climb!
Eagle’s Bluff
Part of the Shark Bay World Heritage area, Eagle’s Bluff is a remote location where people can easily watch reef sharks swimming in the waters below, or just gaze out across the mini islands in the bay. There is a great boardwalk to take a stroll on, with plenty of plaques to learn about the area and its history.
Gap & Natural Bridge
An easy walk from the carpark, The Gap & The Natural Bridge are the results of wind and wave erosion from when Australia was once connected to Antarctica. These two awe inspiring natural features are located in Torndirrup National Park, Albany – the first in Western Australia. Note with sudden wind gusts and unexpected waves, this coastline is dangerous!
Gloucester Tree
The Gloucester Tree lookout, located near Pemberton in Gloucester National Park, is over 60 meters tall. To get to the top involves climbing approximately 150 spikes that spiral the tree — most visitors don’t make it. Plenty of wild parrots will be around to watch and laugh at the spectacle.
Compare with the Bicentennial Tree and the Diamond Tree.
Gnomesville
Gnomesville is a little place for little people that’s a little bit quirky yet a little bit magical. It’s a hidden gem located next to a tiny town in this huge land. What began as a silent protest over a roundabout has mushroomed into a quirky collection of thousands of garden gnomes – worth a detour if you like things out of the ordinary!
There are over 3,000 Gnomes that have migrated here. It began with one gnome, proving one tiny individual can make a huge difference! They have formed groups, communities, and even their own suburbs. Take your time wandering the gnomes and spot the imaginative arrangements, including the gnome nudist beach.
Hawk’s Head
Hawk’s Head Lookout is a spectacular vantage point located within the Kalbarri National Park. It provides stunning views of the Kalbarri Gorges and Murchison River. Named in honor of a hawk shaped rock formation visible from the lookout!Hutt River Province
Few people, and even fewer Australians, know that within Western Australia is an independent state: Hutt River Province. Prince Leonard welcomed Dave with a tour of the official government buildings, a chance to sit in the Prince’s Royal Chair, and entry/exit stamps within Dave’s passport. 
John Forrest National Park
John Forrest National Park was the first national park in Western Australia and the second in Australia after Royal National Park. A 30 minute drive from Perth City, it makes for a great day trip with plenty of hiking trails, picnic areas, fauna, and wildlife.
Best time to visit is winter to early spring when there’s plenty of water running through the park and Perth’s temperatures are more conducive for the many hikes, some of which are below:
- Eagle View Walk Trail:
The Eagle View Walk Trail is a 15 kilometer bushwalking circuit through John Forrest National Park. It takes about 4-5 hours to complete. The hike isn’t difficult, but there are some rough spots. Reigstration is required at the Ranger Station before starting and after completing the hike.There are a variety of habitats along the trail, with a pristine lookout in which Perth City is visible! If you’re lucky you may also see Australia’s largest bird of prey, the Wedge Tailed Eagle, soaring high over the park as you make your way along the trail.
- Hovea Falls:
Hovea Falls is one of the many natural attractions within the park. It is very easy to walk to, and even easier to climb down to and walk over/through. The falls themselves seem more like a gigantic amusement park waterslide — just sit in the middle and be prepared to be whisked away! - National Park Falls:
National Park Falls is another major attraction within the park. It’s an easy walk to get to. Climbing down to the base of the falls requires a bit more effort, but on a warm day, is well worth it! Best time to visit is winter through to early spring before the falls dries to a trickle with the lack of rain.
Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park, situated just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, has a climate like a semi-tropical desert. The banded iron formations exposed in the gorges originated more than 2500 million years ago.
No matter how many pictures are taken, they simply can’t do Karijini any justice. Relax quietly and enjoy these unique areas.
- Dales Recreational Area:
Dales Recreational Area contains the magnificent Fern Pool, Fortescue Falls, and Circular Pool. Be warned that after a rainfall you will have to either walk through water or climb along narrow rock ledges along the Class 3 & 4 walkways! Make sure you have good walking shoes and clothes that can get wet!
- Joffre and Kalamina Falls:
The Joffre and Kalamina walks are an excellent introduction to the Karijini Gorge system. The walks are easy, but caution must still be taken.
- Oxer Lookout and Junction Pool Lookout:
Both provide breath-taking views from atop the gorges.
- Weano Recreational Area:
The Weano Recreational Area has several gorgeous pools ideal for swimming. These include Handrail Pool, Kermits Pool, and the waterway Spider Walk. Flash floods are not uncommon, so all hikers should immediately exit the gorges at the first sign of rain!
Kings Park
Kings Park, established in 1872, overlooks the Swan River, and gives spectacular views of Perth. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Western Australia, a full day is needed to fully explore and appreciate all King’s Park has to offer!
Lesmurdie Falls
Lesmurdie Falls is located in Lesmurdie Falls National Park. Approximately 22km east of Perth in the Perth Hills, the falls are a spectacular attraction. For a 30 minute drive there, you have easy walking trails, great picnic areas, and a fantastic variety of scenery and fauna.
The best part of the park though is the waterfall and sweeping view of the city and beyond! The easiest and most popular walk in the park is to the head of the falls. It’s mostly paved and can even be done in flip-flops, so not even the most lazy have an excuse.
Continuing on, the main trail passes numerous lookout points with amazing views westward, lush vegetation, and seasonal wildflowers.
The best time to visit is late winter / easily spring fresh after the rainy season — the falls will be gushing, temperatures will be cool, the landscape will be green, and you’ll also enjoy the beauty of thousands of wildflowers. In the middle of summer the falls will be reduced to a trickle and the landscape a bit moer brown.
Longest Waterslide – Kulin
Western Australia’s longest waterslide can be found at the Kulin Aquatic Centre in Kulin, WA. It is 182 meters in length and great fun to ride.Marrinup Falls
Marrinup Falls is a hidden gem located a short drive from the old Marrinup Town site. During the wet season, best to only drive an off-road vehicle as the roadto get there is unsealed, full of holes, and full of water from all the rain. It is accessed from the Pinjarra/Williams Road via Grey Road.
The hike is easy and will take approximately 1 hour round trip depending on how long you stop to enjoy the serenity along the way. Although the road there is a bit rough, it makes for the perfect side trip when the falls are flowing if you’re near the Dwellingup area. Bring along a picnic lunch and if you’re game, your bathing suit.
Marrinup P.O.W. Camp
The Marrinup P.O.W. Camp was constructed in the bush near Dwellingup in July 1943. It essentially becamse “a cage in the bush”. The prisoners were used to provide labour on farms and for cutting timber. The camp could hold up to 1,200 prisoners and began operation in August 1943. There was one area for German prisoners and two separate areas for Italians (one for Fascists and other for Royalists).
The camp was surrounded by high barbed wire, low barbed wire, powerful floodlights, and 6 guard towers. Escapes were rare, with most occurring in the last months before repatriation as many did not wish to return home.
After the last prisoners were repatriated in 1946, the camp ceased operations and was dismantled in September 1946.
It is accessed from the Pinjarra/Williams Road via Grey Road, which is unsealed. Follow Grey Road across the railway line and then bear right. Note that phone and data reception is spotty (if you get any at all), so make sure you have your maps downloaded before going or you could get lost out in the bush!
Nature’s Window
Nature’s Window is a wind-blown hollow that frames the view of the Murchison River on its ways towards Kalbarri. This hike is fantastic for people of all ages and abilities.
- The Loop:
See the map of the area, then go for a walk. The entire loop is a relatively easy hike, and one worth taking. Carry plenty of water and sun protection! - Overview of the Gorge:
Not quite a bird’s eye view, but you can see the gorge, the path of the Murchison River, and the “bushwalking trail” to “Nature’s Window”. - Sitting on the “Window Sill”:
It’s amazing to think this formed on its own! It provides a perfect view into the gorge. The other side is a shear straight drop, so be careful not to fall off the window sill!
Nobel Falls
Just 50 kilometres north east of Perth is a sweet little picnic area just past the town of Gidgegannup and opposite the Noble Falls Tavern on Toodyay Road. The walk adjoins a reserve, which is home to many birds and other wildlife.
There’s plenty of wildflowers during the spring months; the waterfall is most stunning during the later winter months.
The falls themselves aren’t huge, but awfully refreshing. Best of all, it’s easy to navigate your way into the stream for a nice cool down during the summer months! Lay across the rocks and have the water whisk around you. Ahhhh… so nice!
Nullarbor Plain
The Nullarbor is one of Australia’s essential touring experiences! People don’t cross the Nullarbor to prove they can, but for the experience of doing so. The 250,000 square kilometer treeless limestone slab is riddled with sinkholes, caverns, and caves (including one of the longest underwater caves in the world at Cocklebiddy).
Even though it can seem featureless, it’s far from monotonous, especially when Australia’s longest, straightest road veers towards the dramatic cliffs of the Great Australian Bight.
Perth
Perth, which lies on the Swan River, is the capital of Western Australia and the most isolated capital city in the world. Perth is closer to southeast Asia than to any other Australian capital city, and arguably one of the greatest cities on earth to live: all public transportation (buses, trains etc) within the city are free; there are parks everywhere; there’s sunshine 9 months of the year; the white beaches are non-commercialized and extravagant.
Perth’s Oldest Building
Perth’s Oldest Building is located next to Western Australia’s Supreme Court in the heart of the city. Currently used for offices, entry is free. While here make sure to walk through the fabulous Stirling and Supreme Court gardens!Pinnacles Desert at Nambung National Park
Approximately 245 km north of Perth is Nambung National Park. Located on the Swan Coastal Plain is home to the Pinnacles Desert. Out of shifting yellow sands rise thousands of huge pillars, standing in stark contrast to the low heathlands. Some are jagged, sharp edged columns, rising to a point; others resemble tombstones.
Click here to learn how the Pinnacels formed.
The Pinnacles are only part of the 17,491 ha national park. Beautiful beaches, coastal dune systems, and trees and flowering plants are all part of this park. From September onwards the weather is still mild and all the glorious wild flowers start their blooming. This is the best time of year to explore the park.
Serpentine Falls
Serpentine Falls is located in Serpentine National Park. The park, established in the late 1800’s, has half-a-dozen waterfalls and multiple rock pools, which provide great locations to cool off during Perth’s hot summer months.
There are 3 main trails in the park: the Serpentine Falls trail, Kitty Gorge Trail, and Baldwin’s Bluff. Anyone can access Serpentine Falls as the entrance is paved and is easily graded. Kitty Gorge trail is a 7km one way hike (14km return) along the Serpentine River. This is where you will find numerous other falls, great picnic locations, and private areas to reconnect with your inner zen.
If you plan to walk the entirety of Kitty Gorge trail return, it’s best to arrive at the park by 10am, giving you plenty of time to casually hike and return before the park’s gate promptly closes at 5pm.
Shell Beach
Shell Beach is lined with endless coquina shells which are soft to walk on. Water is clear, pristine, and blue. If you’re looking for a private beach to spend the day, this is it!
Sixty Foot Falls
Ellis Brook is home to Sixty Foot Falls — a neighborhood’s hidden gem. Along with the falls, there are a few lookouts with amazing views across a valley, and another un-named falls that flows into the abandoned quarry after Perth’s winter rains.The hike up to the falls is steep and a bit challenging as there’s rocky steps and loose gravel. There are at least two lookouts along the way where you can rest and take in the valley’s scenery.
Once at the top, it’s a gradual descent back down an easy walking path. There’s plenty of room to sit atop the falls as well, enjoying one of the many views to Perth and beyond.
Walkers paying attention will notice distinct changes in the vegetation along the Sixty Foot Falls trail. That’s because the Ellis Brook Valley is part of one of only two international biodiversity hotspots in Australia; 1 of 35 in the world.
There are over 550 species of flowering plants, of which the majority probably come out after the winter rains. So put on some sturdy walking shoes and enjoy nature at its finest!
Southwestern most point – Cape Leeuwin
The town of Agusta is where the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse stands guard over Australia’s Southwestern most point. The location is approximately 2 – 3 hours south of Perth.
It is here where the “two oceans meet” — the Southern and Indian oceans. The water is rough, but you are able to stand in both oceans at once.
SUPER Pit
Located in Kalgoorlie, the SUPER Pit measured 3.5 kilometers long, 1.5 kilometers wide, and 360 meters deep as of January 2009! The SUPER Pit has been producing gold since 1893. Currently, it is mined 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Affectionately known as the “Golden Mile”, it is probably the richest square mile of land in the world, producing up to 850,000 ounces of gold every year. It ensures Australia remains the 3rd biggest gold producer in the world behind South Africa and the USA.
Valley of the GIANTS Tree Top Walk
Between Walpole and Denmark, Western Australia, you can explore a forest filled with enormous tingle-trees from over 40 meters (120 feet) high along the tree-top walk! Go for a walk along the Valley of the GIANTS Tree Top Walk!One of the biggest trees in Western Australia, the red tingle is known to live up to 400 years. They can measure up to 16 meters around the base and grow over 60 meters tall. Large buttressed bases are a feature to support themselves as they have small root systems and grow in shallow soils.
Compare with the Lamington National Park Treetop Walk, Otway Fly Treetop Walk, and the Tahune Airwalk.
Wave Rock
Located in Hyden, Western Australia, Wave Rock is a 15 meter (approximately 48 feet) high granite cliff. Its 110 meters long shape has been caused by weathering and water erosion which have undercut the base. Water running down the rock during wetter months dissolves minerals adding to the color of the rock. In the 1960s, crystals from the rock were dated as being 2700 million years old, amongst the oldest in Australia.
During Spring, over a dozen varieties of wildflowers and more than 40 different species of birds from the smallest wren to the large wedgetail eagle can be seen.
Wellington National Park
Established in the year 2000, Wellington National Park is located approximately 2.5 hours southeast of Perth. It has everything a national park should — camping, hiking, swimming, wildlife, barbeque areas, picnic tables, natural toilets (no running water), and no wifi coverage — making it the perfect escape from every day city life.
- Honeymoon Pool:
Honeymoon Pool is in a secluded area, a short drive from the town of Collie. Its name is thought to originate from World War II, where newly married soldiers took their wives to escape the stress of enlisted life. Regardless, it’s a nice place to escape the heat of the West Australian summer, and to share a few memorable moments with any loved ones in your life.
- King Jarrah Tree:
This is the park’s largest Jarrah tree. And perhaps the oldest too, estimated to be between 300-500 years old. It’s roughly 36 meters tall, and has survived a multitude of bush fires, storms, lightning, and insect attacks. It’s easy to get to with a short walk leading to a nice viewing platform.
Z-Bend Gorge
The hike into the Z-Bend Gorge is spectacular and well worth the effort! However, this is NOT a casual walk. Wear closed shoes, be able to navigate yourself over rocks, and carry plenty of water. Keep an eye out because there will be wildlife watching your every step!
Western Australia’s Oldest Grapevine
Nestled in with the Art Gallery and Museum of Western Australia, any wine lover will appreciate bearing witness to this amazing vine! As you marvel in its history, try to imagine the taste of the muscat wine from the grapes this vine produces.