11 Best Sights in Western Australia, Australia

Locals boast that this is one of the few inner-city parks to dwarf New York City's Central Park; it covers 1,000 acres and grants eye-popping views of downtown Perth and its riverfront at sunrise, sunset, and all times in between. Once a gathering place for Aboriginal people, and established as a public space in 1890, it's favored for picnics, parties, and weddings, as well as regular musical and theater presentations, plus the excellent summer Moonlight Cinema (in Synergy Parkland, on the western side). Each September, when spring arrives, the park holds a wildflower festival and the gardens blaze with orchids, kangaroo paw, banksias, and other native wildflowers, making it ideal for a walk in the curated bushland. The steel-and-glass Lotterywest Federation Walkway takes you into the treetops and the 17-acre botanic garden of Australian flora. The Lotterywest Family Area has a shaded playground for youngsters ages one to five, and a café for parents. The Rio Tinto Naturescape is fun for bigger kids who enjoy climbing and exploring in nature. Free 90-minute walking tours depart from Aspects Gift Shop on Fraser Avenue daily. 

Make sure you pack your snorkeling gear for this one—due to Rottnest's warmer waters, created by the passing Leeuwin Current, there's a fascinating mix of tropical and temperate fish species in the clear waters. Aim to go at low tide and look out for bream, red-lipped morwong, zebrafish, and king wrasse, plus plenty of little colored fish. There are underwater plaques that guide you along a great snorkel trail and the waters are calm so you can enjoy flipping about. Coral reefs are about 330 feet out but worth checking out if you're a confident swimmer. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

If it's overcrowded, head to the next, bigger beach, Salmon Bay.

Founded in 1895, the Art Gallery of Western Australia is home to more than 17,500 treasures and numerous free exhibitions of Indigenous and modern art, which makes it worth an afternoon's devotion. The collection of Indigenous art is impressive, while other works include Australian and international paintings, sculptures, prints, crafts, and decorative arts. In 2021, major renovations were undertaken to improve the rooftop galleries and bar and create a new foyer. See the website for special exhibitions and be prepared to pay a fee to gain entry. 

Bunbury's art scene starts here at the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, affectionately known as BRAG to the locals. This former convent is easy to find, just look for the pretty pink Gothic-style building. Inside, you'll find six gallery spaces filled with traveling exhibitions, local artworks, and the original 20 paintings donated by Claude Hotchin in 1949. Be sure to visit the third floor and check out the stained-glass windows and stunning floor tiles, remnants of its nunnery past. Entry to the gallery is free of charge and open daily 10--4. Check the website for current exhibitions and events.

Like most of Fremantle, the Gothic-looking Fremantle Arts Centre (FAC) was built by convicts in the 19th century. First used as a lunatic asylum, by 1900 it was overcrowded and nearly shut down. It became a home for elderly women until 1942, when the U.S. Navy turned it into its local submarine base in WWII.

As one of Australia's leading arts organizations, FAC has an engaging, year-round cultural program. There are also dynamic exhibitions, a gift shop, and an expansive live music and special events program, which includes free live music on Sunday afternoon from October to March; people like to bring picnics and blankets but there's also an on-site bar-café. 

This eco display center at Lake Cave gives a good introduction to the whole cave system and how it was formed. There's a simulated cave tunnel called a cave crawl for kids to safely experience tight spaces.

In a state of extraordinary beaches, this one rates high on the list. Bookended by rounded granite boulders, the caramel-hue sand sinks beneath your feet and the gentle, rolling waves beckon, daring you to cool off in the clean ocean. Edged by native bush, this beach that is 12 km (7 miles) from Dunsborough is quiet and secluded. Smiths Beach Resort and Lamont's Restaurant (at resort) are nearby. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets. Best for: solitude; sunset; surfing; walking.

North of the creek has strong waves and rips (undertows) and can be hazardous.

This pool-like bay is one of Rottnest's most popular, both for its safe, shallow waters and proximity to the main settlement. Protected by an outer reef, the ocean is crystal clear, the waves are gentle, and little fish dart about. Major renovations in 2021 saw improvements to toilet blocks, shelters, barbecue facilities, and play spaces. Amenities: lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

This surprising artisanal producer smack dab in the middle of vineyards and olive trees is an aromatherapy feast. Inside a converted machinery shed (the soap factory), you'll find a chemical-free range of soaps and body care products hand blended with natural organic ingredients, as well as yummy olives, tapenades, dukkahs, and pestos all without preservatives or artificial additives. This is a place for gastronomes and purists. Sniff, rub, scrub, pamper, and taste to your heart's content!