Western Australia Travelers Recommend

The isolation of Western Australia—synonymous with tropical beaches and the rugged outdoors—has served Broome well, helping to preserve the town’s frontier feel despite a well-developed tourist industry. Gourmet restaurants and luxe resorts may have arrived, but you’ll still find outback appeal. Here’s how to spend three days in Broome.

Day 1: Beautiful Broome

Start the day on a guided tour of Broome’s top landmarks, checking out restored pearling luggers in Chinatown and passing by old pearling masters’ homes. Browse the Historical Museum to understand how the pearl industry has evolved since the late 1800s, when Japanese, Aboriginal, and Malay pearl divers risked their lives in pursuit of the valuable treasure. For a deeper look, visit a nearby pearl farm. 

In the afternoon, see dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point before heading to Cable Beach. With its white sands and turquoise waters, the beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing—and sunset camel rides. Finally, unwind with a movie under the stars at the Sun Pictures outdoor theater.

Day 2: Gorgeous gorges

The Kimberley region is renowned for its gorges, and Broome is the ideal base from which to explore them. Accessible only during the dry season, prehistoric Geikie Gorge is one of the area’s beloved icons. Whether you’re exchanging toothy grins with freshwater crocodiles from the safety of your boat, marveling at the variety of birdlife, or learning about the local Aboriginal culture on a river cruise, you’ll never forget this natural wonder. Alternatively, take a tour to Windjana Gorge, with the prospect of wading Tunnel Creek.

If you’re there between June and September, hop aboard a catamaran at sunset and look for humpback whales at the end of their journey from Antarctica.

Day 3: Something wild

Like your wilderness remote? About 135 miles (220 kilometers) northeast of Broome lies the unspoiled coastline of Cape Leveque. Traverse the landscape on a 4WD tour and admire the white-sand beaches, red cliffs, and turquoise Indian Ocean—splashing around in the pristine waters, you’ll feel like you’re on a desert island. Nearby Lombadina Aboriginal community makes for a worthy detour, with mud-crabbing tours available. Buccaneer Archipelago (aka the Thousand Islands) is best appreciated from the air—embark on a scenic flight for a panorama of beaches, cliffs, and a horizontal waterfall. 

Back in town, cap off your trip with dinner at one of Broome’s many international restaurants.

Three days in Perth means you’re lucky enough to fully experience it, especially if your itinerary includes tours that combine the sights, culture, and adventures of the city plus Western Australia’s southwest coast. Here’s how to spend a fun-filled 72 hours in Perth, replete with a day trip to the wine country or the Pinnacles.

Day 1: City Sightseeing

Start today getting oriented with a walking tour of Perth’s art, cultural sights, coffee scene, and chocolate industry, and then explore the city independently on a leisurely hop-on hop-off bus tour. Wildlife lovers will want to check out the Perth Zoo or Aquarium of Western Australia, while those looking for a more relaxing way to see the city should opt for a cruise on the Swan River, the flowing heart of the city that separates central and western Perth from the southern suburbs. Lunch and sightseeing cruises are available to admire the riverfront scenery, which includes King’s Park, yacht clubs, and upscale homes. The evening offers another chance to get out on the river with a dinner cruise, where you can admire the lights of the city while enjoying a full meal and sipping Australian wines. Or perhaps discover the local bar scene on a walking tour of Perth watering holes.

Day 2: Surrounding Experiences

After breakfast, head out onto the Indian Ocean with a ferry ride from either Perth or Fremantle to Rottnest Island, where you can relish a day of outdoor activities such as snorkeling, bike riding, and looking for the resident quokkas. If you don’t want to leave the city for the whole day, opt for a whale-watching cruise from Hillarys Boat Harbour. For something more gourmet, book a half-day tour to the Swan Valley for wine tasting as well as samplings of beer, cheese, and chocolate. If you’re more of a history buff, you’ll enjoy a tour to the port town of Fremantle, known for its café scene and historical attractions—particularly Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When evening rolls around, explore Perth’s dining establishments with a restaurant and bar discount pass, which offers savings at participating businesses.

Day 3: Day Tripping

Perth’s top two day trip destinations lie along the coast of Western Australia—one north of the city and one south. Outdoor lovers will want to go north to the Pinnacles, a group of limestone rock formations that create an otherworldly landscape inside Nambung National Park. Tours often include stops at Caversham Wildlife Park to see koalas and the town of Lancelin, known for its large sand dunes where you can try your hand at sandboarding. South of Perth lies the Margaret River wine region, where you can go wine tasting at a local winery, plus visit attractions such as the Busselton Jetty and Mammoth Cave. If you have time for more than one day trip, consider the Perth Sightseeing Pass to save on multiple tours that suit your interests.

With two days in Broome, you’ll be able to fully explore the sights of this historic Western Australian town, get out into the surrounding nature, and maybe even go whale watching. From learning about the pearl industry to riding a camel at sunset, here’s how to make the most of your time.

Day 1: See the Town

**Morning:**Get your bearings and see Broome’s top attractions on a morning sightseeing tour. Explore historical landmarks and natural wonders, including Town Beach, the Japanese Cemetery, Gantheaume Point, and Cable Beach. Alternatively, wander at your own pace on a self-guided audio tour.

**Afternoon:**Get a whole new perspective on the town by embarking on a scenic airplane or helicopter flight. You’ll get an excellent view of the coastline, comprising Cable Beach, Willie Creek Pearl Farm, Gantheaume Point, and the rugged red Pindan Cliffs.

**Night:**If you’re visiting between June and September, you have the chance to see humpback whales. A sunset cruise aboard a catamaran lets you get up-close, uninterrupted views of the magnificent mammals. Afterward, check out the sophisticated dining scene—downtown is home to a variety of restaurants, from Japanese to Indian and Italian.

Day 2: Have an Adventure

**Morning:**Kick off your second day with some thrills. Ride a jet seaplane to Talbot Bay. Then, take an exhilarating speedboat trip through the Horizontal Falls—the area’s famed narrow, cliff-wrapped cataracts—before cruising through the surrounding bays and creeks. These tours typically include an onboard breakfast or lunch.

**Afternoon:**Discover Broome’s pearl industry with a trip to Willie Creek Pearl Farm or Paspaley Pearl Farm. Visitors typically participate in a pearling master class, take a boat cruise, and learn how to identify and care for different types of pearls.

**Night:**Cap off two perfect days in Broome with a relaxing sunset camel ride over the flat white sands of Cable Beach. Some sightseeing tours of Broome offer sunset camel rides as an optional add-on, but you can also book a stand-alone tour.

With attractions highlighting the history and laid-back lifestyle of the area, plus a sublime setting on the Indian Ocean coast, Fremantle is an ideal place to spend a day. Here are some of our favorite ways to get the most out of 24 hours in this port town south of Perth.

Morning: Get oriented

Get your bearings on a hop-on hop-off tram tour or a self-guided audio tour, both of which allow for independent exploration with the convenience of transportation or narration. Find your morning caffeine fix on Fremantle’s bustling “Cappuccino Strip,” then make your way to the Fremantle Tourist Wheel for a bird’s-eye look at the harbor below. The 130-foot-high (40-meter-high) Ferris wheel holds six people per gondola for the 8-minute rotation. If you’re interested in the city’s maritime heritage, check out the WA Maritime Museum or Shipwrecks Museum.

Afternoon: Discover more

Learn about the region’s convict past, Aboriginal heritage, and present-day lifestyle. A biking or walking excursion is a refreshing way to take in the sights at a leisurely pace. Many tours stop by landmarks such as the UNESCO-listed Fremantle Prison, the Fremantle Markets, the 19th-century Round House, and Esplanade Park.

Night: Enjoy the evening scenery

Fremantle boasts a lively after-hours scene, with bars and restaurants that draw locals and Perth residents to the town center and waterfront. A bar crawl is a fun way to meet other travelers and mingle with locals. Or, opt for a photography tour and learn how to capture the sights in the evening light. Alternatively, head out to sea on an evening cruise for tranquil views of the sunset and a new perspective on the city.

With the turquoise Indian Ocean on one side and the Swan River on another, Perth has plenty of natural beauty to be discovered. It’s also home to walkable neighborhoods, cultural sights, and family-friendly attractions that provide many ways to spend a lovely day. Here are some ways to spend 24 fabulous hours in Perth.

Morning: Visit Local Attractions

Get oriented with Perth on a morning walking tour—replete with coffee and chocolate—to see the art and cultural sights of the city center. Then explore more of Perth on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which allows you to get off at any of the designated stops to visit attractions independently at your leisure. If you’re interested in wildlife, don’t miss a visit to the Perth Zoo or Aquarium of Western Australia; if you’re more of a history buff, head to the Perth Mint for a guided tour.  

Afternoon: Explore the Swan River

Running along the edge of the Central Business District and separating Perth from the historical town of Fremantle, the Swan River is the flowing heart of the city, with several options for cruising. Traveling by boat is a relaxing way to enjoy lunch, get to Fremantle, or simply admire the scenery along the riverbanks: King’s Park, yacht clubs, quiet bays, and impressive homes. Many boats depart near the Bell Tower, where you can visit the observation deck and learn about the Swan Bells. Alternatively, see Perth from above on a helicopter tour for views of the river, white-sand beaches, and the Indian Ocean.

Night: Dine Out

If you’d rather check out the Swan River during the more romantic evening hours, opt for a dinner cruise to admire the lights of the city from the water while you enjoy a full meal and Australian wines. Or discover the local wine and cocktail scene on a twilight tour to the Swan Valley wine region or a walking tour of Perth’s watering holes. If you’d rather eat and drink on your own, consider a Perth restaurant and bar discount pass to receive savings at participating establishments.

With two days in Perth, you can spend one day exploring the top sights and cultural attractions in the city, and another relishing an activity that highlights the region’s natural beauty, history, or winemaking. Here are a few ways to create a 48-hour itinerary in Perth, Australia’s 4th-most populous city.

Day 1: City Sightseeing

**Morning:**Get an introduction to Perth on a morning walking tour of the city center’s cultural sights while enjoying a cup of coffee. Then explore independently on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, or perhaps check out attractions such as the Perth Zoo, Aquarium of Western Australia, or Perth Mint.  

**Afternoon:**Separating central and western Perth from the southern suburbs, the Swan River is the flowing heart of the city. Take a lunch or sightseeing cruise to admire the riverfront scenery, which includes King’s Park, yacht clubs, and impressive homes. Many boats depart near the Bell Tower, where you can visit the observation deck.

**Night:**You have another chance to experience the Swan River on a dinner cruise, when the more romantic evening hours allow you to admire the twinkling city lights while enjoying a full meal and sipping Australian wines. Alternatively, discover the local bar scene on a walking tour of Perth watering holes.

Day 2: Surrounding Activities

**Morning:**Hop on the ferry from either Perth or Fremantle to spend the day on Rottnest Island, known for its outdoor activities, including swimming at white-sand beaches, bike riding, and looking for resident quokkas. If you don’t have all day, you can still get out on the water with a morning whale-watching cruise from Hillarys Boat Harbour.

**Afternoon:**Head to the Swan Valley wine region on a half-day tour of culinary delights such as wine, beer, cheese, and chocolate. If you’re more of a history buff, opt for a tour to the port town of Fremantle, known for its café scene and historical attractions—particularly Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

**Night:**You have another chance to check out the Swan Valley on a twilight winery experience with dinner. Alternatively, explore Perth’s dining establishments on your own with a restaurant and bar discount pass, which offers savings at participating businesses.

Although it's impossible to see all that Western Australia has to offer—it takes up a massive third of the continent—there are some things shouldn’t be missed, especially those relating to the beauty and diversity of the natural environment. See below for our list of must-do experiences in Australia’s largest state.

Visit the Pinnacles Desert

A little more than two hours north of Perth sits the Pinnacles, a group of limestone rock formations that create an otherworldly landscape inside Nambung National Park. With its large sand dunes, the Pinnacles Desert has also become popular a location to try sandboarding. Day trips from Perth often include a stop at Caversham Wildlife Park to see koalas, kangaroos, and other Aussie fauna. 

Hit the Water from Perth

With the Indian Ocean on one side and the Swan River on another, Perth has plenty of opportunities for boating. To escape the city for a day, hop on the ferry from Fremantle or Perth to Rottnest Island, a favorite local destination known for its outdoor activities such as wildlife cruises, snorkeling off white-sand beaches, and bike riding. Alternatively, explore the scenery along the Swan River and enjoy the culinary delights of the region on a lunch cruise or wine cruise.

Go Whale Watching

There’s plenty of marine life in the warm waters off the coast of Western Australia. In Perth, head out on a whale-watching cruise from Hillarys Boat Harbour; if you have more time, go south to Penguin Island for a dolphin and sea lion cruise. The most exciting adventure, however, can be found 800 miles (1,280 kilometers) north of Perth in Exmouth, where can swim with whales sharks along the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ningaloo Coast.

Adventure through the Kimberley

In the far northern corner of Western Australia, the Kimberley region wows with its limestone gorges, sandstone domes, and beautiful coastline along the Indian Ocean. One of the top destinations is Purnululu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s more easily accessed by air than by land. Tours from Kununurra will often fly over Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungle Range and land in the park, where you can see Cathedral Gorge.

Surrounded by the shimmering Indian Ocean and the creeks, mangroves, and mudflats of Roebuck Bay, the charming, laid-back town of Broome marks the westernmost point of the rugged, remote Kimberley region. From historic sites to camel rides, it’s possible to see the best of Broome in 24 hours. Here’s how.

Morning: See the Sights

Kick off your day in Broome with a morning orientation tour to get your bearings and see the top attractions. Explore historical landmarks and natural wonders, including Town Beach, the Japanese Cemetery, Gantheaume Point, and Cable Beach. Tours typically include morning tea and round-trip transfers from your hotel. 

For a different perspective on the town and its coastline, hop on an airplane or helicopter—scenic flights of various lengths depart throughout the day. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, head out on a self-guided audio tour.

Afternoon: Dive Into the Pearl Industry

Broome began life as a pearling town and was shaped by the lucrative but dangerous industry of pearl diving. Discover the history and legacy of the pearl industry on a half-day tour of Willie Creek Pearl Farm or Paspaley Pearl Farm, and see firsthand how pearls are produced. Visitors typically participate in a pearling master class, take a boat cruise, and learn how to identify and care for different types of pearls. Tours usually include refreshments and round-trip hotel transfers, and some also include lunch.

Night: Go Whale Watching or Camel Riding

If you’re visiting between June and September (Australia’s winter), you have the chance to see humpback whales as they journey from the cold waters of Antarctica to Broome, where they spend the season mating, calving, and nursing their young. A sunset cruise aboard a catamaran lets you get up-close, uninterrupted views of the magnificent mammals. Alternatively, enjoy a sunset camel ride along Cable Beach’s long, flat stretch of white sand. Some sightseeing tours of Broome offer sunset camel rides as an optional add-on, but you can also book a stand-alone tour.

With three days in Margaret River, you can take a deep dive into wine making (and tasting),  go surfing or whale watching, and maybe even glimpse a woylie. Here are our favorite ways to spend 72 hours in this Western Australia hot spot.

Day 1: Intro to wine country

Get oriented with the Margaret River wine region on a half- or full-day tasting excursion that covers a few wineries and other culinary attractions. Some tours include lunch; others stop at breweries or beaches as well as wineries. If you’re a coffee lover, join the “coffee safari” at  Yahava KoffeeWorks to learn all about the roasting process.

Day 2: Outdoor adventures

Margaret River boasts a prime setting on the southwestern coast of Australia, where the Indian and Southern oceans meet—so take your pick of white-sand beaches and rugged coastal scenery. Go whale watching during migration season (typically May to September—cruises depart from Augusta and Dunsborough), learn how to surf, or explore the river in a canoe. At night, keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos, woylies, and other marsupials on a wildlife tour, when the animals tend to be most active.

Day 3: More wine

Gain more insight into the local wine and food scene at a winery like Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, or Voyager Estate. Besides tastings, you might get a behind-the-scenes tour of the property, check out grape varietals in the vineyard, indulge in a multicourse lunch, meet the winemakers, or watch a cooking demo. In the evening, relax over dinner—and maybe another glass of wine—in downtown Margaret River or nearby Dunsborough.

A little more than two hours north of Perth, the Pinnacles limestone formations are located inside Nambung National Park. The surrounding Pinnacles Desert provides the chance to see more of Western Australia outside the city and discover the sport of sandboarding. Here are a few ideas for choosing a day trip that suits your interests.

Highlights

• Sandboarding typically takes place on the large sand dunes of Lancelin, a coastal town just south of Nambung National Park.

• Some day trips include a stop at Caversham Wildlife Park where you can see Aussie animals like koalas and kangaroos.

• Combine your desert adventure with wine tasting by selecting a day trip that includes the Swan Valley wine region just outside Perth.

• To explore native bushland and wildlife, opt for a tour that includes Yanchep National Park.

With a mind-boggling 12,000 species of wildflower blanketing the hills, valleys, and coastal cliffs, Western Australia boasts the world’s largest collection of wildflowers—many of which are native species that you won’t find anywhere else on earth. Here are the best ways to experience Australia’s spectacular wildflower displays.

When to Go

Western Australia’s wildflower season begins as early as June in the north of the state, and moves south as the season progresses, with the final blooms dying out along the southwest coast in December. From Perth, the best time for wildflower tours are between July and November, with August and early September offering the most magnificent photo opportunities.

Where to Go

In the north, wildflower hotspots include the Cape Range National Park, Millstream Chichester National Park, the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Kalbarri National Park, and along the northwest Coral Coast. Around Perth, the wildflower trails of the Swan Valley, the Darling Ranges, Rottnest Island, and Nambung National Park are the most popular choices for a day trip viewing, while the Perth Botanic Gardens in Kings Park are in full bloom throughout September. Farther south, add the Warren National Park, Peaceful Bay, and the Stirling Range National Park to your list of viewing options. 

How to Go

Unless you have your own transportation, the easiest way to admire WA’s wildflower plains is on a day trip from Perth. Most full-day tours make a number of stops to see and photograph the wildflowers, and to visit natural wonders such as the Pinnacles Desert, Wave Rock, and Mulka’s Cave. Generally tours are run by a botanist guide who can point out wildflower species such as orchids, red and green kangaroo paws, banksias, and bottlebrushes.

With two days in Margaret River, you can savor the region’s wine and culinary attractions—and get out into nature and do some surfing or whale watching. Here are a few ways to make the most of 48 hours in one of Western Australia’s top destinations.

Day 1: Wine country

**Morning:**A wine-tasting tour is the ideal way to get to know Margaret River (without having to worry about driving). Half- and full-day options are available; some tours also include visits to breweries or beaches. Alternatively, begin your day at Yahava KoffeeWorks, learning the ins and outs of coffee roasting.

**Afternoon:**If you’re not already on a full-day tour, make your way to a local winery, such as Leeuwin Estate. Besides tastings, activities might include a gourmet meal, a cooking demo, or a behind-the-scenes tour. 

**Night:**Enjoy a relaxing meal in downtown Margaret River, Dunsborough, or Augusta. Margaret River is the biggest of the three towns and has the most dining options.

Day 2: The great outdoors

**Morning:**Margaret River’s location on Australia’s southwest coast—where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean—provides whale-watching opportunities during the migration season, typically May to September. Start your day on a cruise departing from Augusta or Dunsborough.

**Afternoon:**Do as the locals do, and head to the beach. Take a surfing lesson, go canoeing on the river, or just chill on the soft white sand. Alternatively, learn about the region’s natural environment on a coastal tour.

**Night:**If you’ve always wanted to see possums, kangaroos, woylies, or other marsupials, you might have to wait till evening, when they’re normally more active. Nocturnal wildlife tours usually teach you about the animals while taking you to the locations where they’re likely to be glimpsed.

With three days in Fremantle, you can check off all the top local sights, wander over to Perth or Rottnest, and even fit in some wine tasting, wildlife spotting, or sandboarding farther afield. Here’s how to make the most of your time in and around this Western Australian port town.

Day 1: Check out the local happenings

Get to know Freo, as the locals call it, on a hop-on hop-off tram tour or self-guided audio tour, either of which can help you navigate the city while exploring on your own. For a bird’s-eye perspective, go for a ride on the Fremantle Tourist Wheel near the waterfront. Or, opt for a biking or walking tour of cultural attractions such as the Fremantle Markets, the 19th-century Round House, the UNESCO-listed Fremantle Prison, and Esplanade Park. Later, hit the bars with the locals and other travelers, and find out why Freo’s nightlife is so popular. Alternatively, get some tips on capturing sights in the sunset light on an evening photography tour.

Day 2: Discover island activities or big-city sights

Head just across the Swan River to Fremantle’s sister city Perth—the capital of Western Australia—and spend the day browsing a museum or two, relaxing in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, and walking along the riverfront. Alternatively, take the ferry to idyllic Rottnest Island, home to white-sand beaches, water perfect for snorkeling, gentle hills, and historic landmarks.  (Day trips to the island are popular, so be sure to book your ticket in advance.) In the evening, watch the sunset from the water aboard a catamaran.  

Day 3: Explore wine country or venture off-road

Wine aficionados shouldn’t leave southwestern Australia without visiting the Swan Valley or Margaret River. Swan Valley is much closer to Perth, so you won’t spend hours to get there; however, Margaret River is bigger and more prestigious, and also known for its beaches, caves, and other natural attractions. For something more adventurous, journey north to the Pinnacles, limestone rock formations that create an otherworldly landscape inside Nambung National Park. Tours often include stops at Caversham Wildlife Park (to see koalas) and the town of Lancelin (where you can try your hand at sandboarding the large dunes). Most day trips depart from Perth, not Freo—verify before booking.

Despite being Australia’s largest state, Western Australia produces just a tiny percentage of the country’s wine. However, there are still some excellent wineries to explore and the top wine-growing areas are all within easy reach of Perth. Here are some of the must-try varietals and wine tours in and around Perth.

Must-Try Varietals

There are three main wine regions close to Perth—the Swan Valley, Margaret River and the Great Southern wine region. The Swan Valley is the hottest wine region in Australia, with an early grape harvest (in January) that produces grapes such as verdelho, chenin blanc, and chardonnay. Further south, the Margaret River wine region is known for its cabernet sauvignon, merlot, sémillion, sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc and chardonnay. Finally, the Great Southern is Australia’s largest wine region—encompassing the Porongurups, Mount Barker, Albany, Denmark, and Frankland River regions—and produces a diverse selection of red, white, rose, and sparkling wines including Riesling, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, Shiraz, and malbec.

Must-Do Experiences

• Sip wine and dine on gourmet cuisine as you float along the Swan River on a Swan Valley wine cruise.

• Combine wine tasting in the Margaret River with regional sights such as Busselton Jetty, Mammoth Cave, and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse on a day or multi-day tour from Perth.

• Pair delicious cuisine with carefully selected wines at the Sandalford Winery.

• Visit boutique wineries, whiskey distilleries, and cider houses on a tour of Perth Hills.

• Learn more about the winemaking process as you stroll the vineyards and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Upper Reach Winery.

• Feel like a VIP with a scenic flight to the prestigious Leeuwin Estate, where you can enjoy a romantic lunch and private wine tasting.

• Master the art of wine tasting and sample Western Australian wines without leaving Perth by taking an introductory wine class.

The UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Marine Park and adjacent Cape Range National Park are Exmouth’s claim to fame. With a coral reef so close to the mainland, wildlife sightings are pretty much guaranteed, even if you miss the whale sharks—aka the largest fish in the sea. Here are some options for a 3-day stay.

Day 1: Marine Sanctuaries

With so many offerings around Exmouth, it’s impossible to go wrong, whether you spend a few hours or a full day on the water. If you have your own snorkeling gear, set off to Turquoise Bay and its coral gardens at the Cape Range. Ningaloo’s fringe reef is home to more than 500 fish species, and drift snorkeling is popular here, with easy access from the shore. 

Kayaking tours are suitable for adventurers with all levels of experience, and scuba guides know the best spots for certified divers and novices alike. Cruise out to the Tantabiddi or Bundegi sanctuary zone from Exmouth Gulf and get a view of Vlamingh Head Lighthouse from the water, or check out the Mildura Wreck or the Muiron Islands.

Day 2: A Whale (Shark) of a Time

Whale sharks are the star of Exmouth. From April to August, these slow-moving filter feeders visit the Ningaloo Reef to eat plankton attracted by spawning coral. Don’t pass up the opportunity to swim within safe proximity.

If it’s late in the season, you’re still in luck. Manta rays and migrating humpback whales hang around from August to November—this is one of the few places in the world where you can both observe them from the deck of a boat and snorkel in their natural habitat.

Day 3: More Ningaloo Adventures

On your last day, step aboard a luxury vessel for a chartered exploration tailored to the interests of your private party. A smaller boat delivers you to exclusive snorkel or dive sites that bigger groups can’t reach, away from the crowds. Or, if you’re an experienced angler or scuba diver, rent a lightweight dinghy and head out from Tantabiddi Beach for a self-guided tour of the reef.

Alternatively, book a multi-day excursion to the far reaches of Ningaloo Reef. Some tours include wreck sites and pristine beaches rarely visited by other tourists. Snorkel among manta rays and reef sharks, and savor sunsets over the Indian Ocean.

Replete with beaches, caves, and vineyards, Western Australia’s beautiful Margaret River is popular with foodies and outdoors enthusiasts. Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in and around this little town south of Perth.

Morning: Culinary attractions

If it’s your first time in Margaret River, a wine-themed day trip is a must. Along with the region’s top varietals, most tours showcase cheese, chocolate, and other local food items—and some include stops at nearby beaches or caves. Alternatively, start the day with a caffeine buzz at Yahava KoffeeWorks, and learn about the coffee-making process. 

Afternoon: Nature—or wine

If you’re not already on an all-day wine tour, head to a local winery—such as Leeuwin Estate or Voyager Estate—before or after lunch. Wander the vineyards, check out some local art, savor a multicourse meal—or just taste all the wine. If you’re looking for something a bit more active, take a surfing lesson, go canoeing on the river, or explore the region’s natural environment and wildlife.

Night: Aussie animals

Like many animals, some Australian species are more active in the evening, and a night tour might be your best chance to see possums, kangaroos, and other marsupials. Your guide will know where the animals hang out, and you’ll learn a bit about their native habitats as well. If you’re simply looking for an evening out, enjoy a nice dinner and glass of wine in Margaret River or another nearby town, such as Dunsborough or Augusta.

Exmouth is home to Ningaloo Marine Park, a UNESCO-listed area teeming with sea life. In addition to hundreds of species of coral and tropical fish, there are sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and manta rays. But it’s the whale sharks and migrating humpbacks that draw most visitors. Here are some ways to enjoy it all in just one day.

Morning: Snorkel with Whale Sharks or Dolphins

Set off from the tropical turquoise waters of Exmouth Gulf for a wildlife adventure cruise on a powerboat or catamaran. The crew, sometimes helped by a spotter plane, will know where to find whale sharks, so you can swim alongside the animals but at a safe distance. These 13- to 60-foot-long (4- to 18-meter) filter feeders are world’s largest fish and are drawn to the area’s plankton-rich waters from March to August. On the off-season, go looking for dolphins and manatee-like dugong instead.

Afternoon: Explore by Kayak or Glass-Bottom Boat

If you didn’t opt for a full-day tour, get into the water this afternoon with a scuba diving guide who can show certified divers the best sites on the reef. Alternatively, take a half-day tour by kayak or glass-bottom boat to observe marine life. The placid, crystal-clear lagoons around Bundegi Beach and Tantabiddi are both ideal places to try both kayaking and snorkeling, and many tour operators allow you to do both. You can learn basic skills and rely on a guide’s expertise to help you spot turtles, reef sharks, dolphins, mantas, and more. 

Night: Search for Wildlife at Sunset

Spend your evening admiring some of the many animals who travel through the area’s waters. From August through October, you can look for Humpback whales on a sunset cruise that offers as chance to see these gentle giants—and their calves—breaching and bubble-net feeding. You can also take a sightseeing flight to spot whales, whale sharks, or other sea creatures from above. Alternatively, take a scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view of Ningaloo Reef or head to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, a historic monument at the northernmost tip of the Cape Range that offers stunning views.

Exmouth is the hub of the World Heritage–listed Ningaloo Coast, home to the world’s largest fringing reef and numerous wildlife sanctuaries. Two marine giants—whale sharks and humpback whales—are the highlight here, along with activities like sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Here are some ways to spend two days in Exmouth.

Day 1: Whale Sharks and Humpbacks Galore

**Morning:**Start your day with the gentle giants of the sea. In warm months, you’ll be able to see whale sharks and humpbacks; in winter you can still look out for dolphins and dugong. Day trips by on sailboat or sightseeing ship often include snorkeling expeditions and activities like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. 

**Afternoon:**Head out to the nearly 200-mile-long (320-kilometer) coral reef, which supports some 500 species of tropical fish. Ningaloo’s sheltered lagoons, including the wildlife-rich Bundegi Sanctuary, boast crystal-clear but relatively water ideal for novice snorkelers and kayakers. 

**Night:**See tail slaps and breaching behavior on a whale-watching cruise at sunset, or stroll along the sand to admire the sunset. You can also head to Cape Range National Park’s Turquoise Bay or Sandy Bay and look for dolphins and dugongs as well as loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles.

Day 2: Scuba or Snorkel Getaway

**Morning:**Charter a private boat and plan your own itinerary so that you can explore the coral reefs of Ningaloo Marine Park at your own pace. Get the VIP treatment from a full crew, or go unguided if you’re already a strong snorkeler or a certified diver. 

**Afternoon:**The waters around the uninhabited Muiron Islands are also full of coral. Book a guide to show you the area’s best snorkeling and scuba diving sites, and look for potato cod, manta rays, and pilot whales. You can also explore the Mildura Wreck, a cattle transport that foundered on nearby reefs in 1907.

**Night:**Spend your last night on an overnight boat trip so that you can spend the entire evening alongside migrating whales, stingrays, moray eels, and octopus and enjoy more diving or snorkeling in the morning. Most excursions include catered meals and depart from nearby Coral Bay. 

With two days in Fremantle, you can spend one day immersed in the local scene, and another checking out nearby Perth or Rottnest Island. Here are a few ways to create a 48-hour itinerary in this port town on the southwestern coast.

Day 1: Explore local attractions

**Morning:**Get your bearings in Fremantle—aka Freo—on a self-guided audio tour or hop-on hop-off tram tour, both of which allow for independent sightseeing with the added convenience of narration or transportation. For an aerial perspective, go for a spin on the Fremantle Tourist Wheel, near the waterfront.

**Afternoon:**Gain insight into Fremantle’s convict history and Aboriginal heritage—and get some fresh air—on a walking or biking tour of historic and cultural landmarks, such as the UNESCO-listed Fremantle Prison, the Fremantle Markets, the 19th-century Round House, and Esplanade Park.

**Night:**Meet locals and other travelers on a bar crawl—your guide will know which hot spots to hit. Alternatively, sign up for an evening photography tour and learn how to capture the sights in the sunset light.

Day 2: Discover island activities or big-city sights

**Morning and afternoon:**Just off the coast of Fremantle, Rottnest Island is the Perth area’s crown jewel—a car-free oasis with white-sand beaches, turquoise water made for snorkeling, and gentle hills. Day trips by ferry from Fremantle are popular, so be sure to book in advance. Otherwise, head just north across the Swan River to Perth, Freo’s big sister and Western Australia’s capital. A hop-on hop-off bus whisks you around to main attractions like Kings Park and Botanic Garden, the Perth Cultural Centre, and the Bell Tower and Elizabeth Quay.

**Night:**Back in Freo, spend your last evening on a catamaran sail or twilight cruise. Savor the peaceful view of the sunset, and look back at Freo as it lights up for the night. Some excursions include drinks and snacks.