Things to Do in Western Australia: 10 Unforgettable Experiences (and Where to Find the Best Souvenirs)
Western Australia is big, bold and beautiful. It covers a third of the country, with turquoise bays, red-earth deserts, world-class wine country and the friendliest wildlife you'll ever meet. Spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner, so there's no better time to plan your WA adventure. Here are our favourite things to do, from a family that has called Perth home for over 30 years.
WA at a glance
- Best time to visit: Spring (Sep–Nov) for wildflowers and mild days; summer (Dec–Feb) for beaches. The far north is best in the dry season, roughly May to October.
- Getting around: Perth, Fremantle and Rottnest are easy without a car. For everything else, hire a car or fly north.
- Don't leave without: a quokka selfie, a sunset over the Indian Ocean, and a souvenir from Megabes, WA's leading one-stop souvenir shop.
1. Perth: sunshine, river views and city sparkle
Start in Perth, one of the sunniest capital cities in the world. Stroll around Elizabeth Quay and the Bell Tower, then head up to Kings Park for sweeping views over the Swan River and city skyline. It's one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, and in spring it's bursting with native wildflowers.
New to the city? Read our Perth Travel Guide for first-time visitors and our list of top things to do in Perth.
2. Fremantle: heritage streets, maritime history and fish & chips
Just 30 minutes from the city, "Freo" is full of character. Wander the heritage streets of the West End, step back in time at the World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison, explore the WA Maritime Museum, and finish the day with fish and chips by the harbour as the sun sets. See our full visitor's guide to Fremantle.
3. Rottnest Island: meet the quokkas
A short ferry ride from Fremantle, Perth or Hillarys brings you to Rottnest Island, home of the quokka, the world's happiest-looking animal. Hire a bike, snorkel the crystal-clear bays and grab that famous quokka selfie. Just remember to look and never touch or feed them.
Bring Perth home
Our new fridge magnet collection is flying off the shelves. Light, packable and perfect for your suitcase.
4. Swan Valley: wine, chocolate and long lunches
Only about 25 minutes from the CBD, the Swan Valley is Western Australia's oldest wine region. Spend a lazy afternoon on the food and wine trail, with cellar doors, craft breweries, chocolate, cheese and nougat along the way. Local tip: Megabes in Malaga is just a short drive away, so it's an easy stop on your way in or out.
5. The Pinnacles: a desert from another planet
About two and a half hours north of Perth, thousands of limestone spires rise out of golden sand in Nambung National Park. Visit at sunset when the pillars glow orange, or stay after dark for some of the best stargazing in the state. Spring is a lovely time to go, with wildflowers lining the drive up the coast.
6. Kalbarri: gorges, skywalks and coastal cliffs
Kalbarri National Park is a showstopper. Walk out onto the Kalbarri Skywalk, two platforms hanging out over the Murchison River gorge, frame the view through Nature's Window, then watch the waves crash against the dramatic red coastal cliffs.
7. Ningaloo Reef and the Coral Coast
World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef sits so close to shore that you can snorkel straight off the beach at Coral Bay and Turquoise Bay. Swim with whale sharks from around March to July, or join a humpback whale tour later in the year. It's a long drive, so many visitors fly to Exmouth.
8. Broome: camels, Cable Beach and red-dirt sunsets
Way up in the Kimberley, Broome is famous for its sunset camel rides along 22 kilometres of Cable Beach. Time your visit with a full moon in the dry season to catch the Staircase to the Moon over Roebuck Bay. Pearls, dinosaur footprints and warm evenings are thrown in for free.
9. Margaret River: surf, wine and towering forests
Three hours south of Perth, the Margaret River region mixes world-famous wineries with world-class surf breaks, limestone caves and giant karri forests. Book a long lunch, explore Mammoth Cave or Lake Cave, and catch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
10. Esperance: kangaroos on the whitest beaches
Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park is often named one of Australia's whitest beaches, and the kangaroos that lounge on the sand make it unforgettable. Don't miss the Great Ocean Drive and, if you're lucky, a glimpse of the famous Pink Lake.
Our best-selling totes
Light, reusable and full of Aussie charm. A tote is the souvenir you'll actually use every day, and it folds flat in your luggage.
Visit Megabes: WA's leading one-stop souvenir shop
However you explore WA, finish your trip with us. For over 30 years our family has helped visitors take a little piece of Western Australia home. Under one roof you'll find fridge magnets, tote bags, plush koalas and kangaroos, tea towels, mugs, caps, pins, Australian-made gifts and Aboriginal art designs. That means one stop and everyone on your list is sorted.
Come and see us
Megabes Souvenirs
Address: Unit 2/9 Exchange Road, Malaga WA
Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30am to 4:30pm (closed Mondays)
Getting here: about 20 minutes' drive north-east of the Perth CBD, close to the Swan Valley.
Get directionsSmart souvenir tips from the locals
- Shop at the end of your trip. You'll know exactly who you're buying for, and you won't be carrying gifts across the state.
- Magnets and totes pack flat. They're ideal if you're flying with a tight baggage allowance.
- Buying for the whole office? Our multi-packs of magnets, keyrings and clip-on koalas make sharing easy.
- Already home? No worries. Shop online and we'll post to you anywhere in Australia or overseas.
From quokkas to camel rides, WA will steal your heart. When it's time to take a piece of it home, Megabes is WA's leading one-stop souvenir shop. We can't wait to welcome you.