2-Week Itinerary for Western Australia

Hit the white sandy beaches of the Coral Coast, surf its turquoise waters alongside wild dolphins, sandboard in the Pinnacles desert. Or trek the vast, dramatic expanses of Outback wilderness and learn of Aboriginal history, before unwinding with world-class cuisine and wine, in Perth, the sunniest city in Australia.

Here is our ideal journey…

Day 1: Fly from Perth to Exmouth

A 2-hour hop along the Coral coastline to Exmouth, home to Ningaloo Reef, the eco-adventure capital of Australia and a great base for the first leg of your Western Australia odyssey!

Days 2 and 3: Karijini National Park

Best to hire a car, drive across to Karijini and stay overnight to fully appreciate its spectacular natural beauty. Wade through icy water, follow tricky, narrow paths and hold on tight to precarious rock ledges as you explore two billion-year old gorges, waterfalls and the Knox canyon!

Days 4 and 5: Ningaloo Reef

You will need a rest after that, so cruise back to Exmouth and one of the longest fringing coral reefs on the planet, the nearby Ningaloo Reef. Swim with 520 species of fish, including whale sharks and rare turtles, or indulge in fishing, diving, coral viewing via a glass-bottomed boat or a scenic flight over its white sands.

Days 6 and 7: Monkey Mia

Hire a car and road trip your way south to the sunshine paradise of Monkey Mia reserve, where you will need your sun cream for 320 days each year! Here you can have the awesome experience of seeing bottlenose dolphins, as they swim close to the shore.

Days 8 and 9: The Pinnacles

Motor along the Indian Ocean coastline to the Nambung National Park, to view the thousands of limestone pillars defiant amongst the sand dunes of this eerie desert panorama. Sandboard, snorkel or swim at the neighbouring fishing village of Cervantes.

Day 10: Rottnest Island

Search for the wallaby-like quokka, hike up to the Wadjemup lighthouse, catch rock lobster, play golf, ride the island train to see the maze of tunnels underneath the Oliver Hill WWII artillery emplacement. Too energetic? Then glide around the island on your own personalised wheels, with a Segway Tour!

Day 11: Fremantle

Famous for its free-spirited (‘Freo’) attitude to life, handcrafted beers and a thriving music and performing arts scene, Fremantle insists that you unwind on ‘Cappuccino Strip’, where the coffee choice is endless. Check the bustling market for bargains or, if brave, a tour of Fremantle Prison.

Days 12-14: Perth

The state capital of Western Australia, Perth, has a youthful, hip vibe, giving off a sense of energy. Breakfast on ocean sands, drop into Adventure World Theme/Water Park to ‘enjoy’ all 25 rides, before kicking off your flip-flops and watch the sun go down from one of Perth’s rooftop bars. Then go out! Gourmet food, microbreweries and a vibrant nightlife add up to make your last night in Western Australia a memorable one.