Western Australia holiday ideas

Image adapted from: @horizontalfalls, @we_van_around

You’ve set your sights on visiting Western Australia, but planning your own route can be tricky. Plus, there are so many beautiful nature spots to visit that it can get confusing for first-time visitors to narrow down which ones to head to. 

To make the planning easier, we’ve compiled a list of day trips and road trips – with instructions on how to get to each place – so you can focus more on relaxing and less on organising your itinerary. And to top that off, you’ll be able to enjoy an additional 10% off existing deals when you book your accommodation with Agoda from now till 30th June 2019. 

– Day trips –

1. Rottnest Island – cycling, snorkelling and swimming

Little Parakeet Bay
Image credit: @lisayclayton77

Rottnest Island is an idyllic island unmarred by mankind. No cars are allowed here, so expect to take a bus, rent a bicycle, or travel around on foot to explore the plethora of pristine beaches, snorkelling trails and wildlife. 

Keep your eyes peeled and you might spot an adorable Quokka, a nocturnal animal native to Western Australia. 

Head North of the island to Little Parakeet Bay to swim or snorkel in crystal clear waters, or cruise along on a kayak. 

Image credit: @rottnestkayak

Image credit: Agoda

Pinky Beach is your backyard at Discovery Rottnest Island Eco-Resort (from $130/night) where you’ll sleep in a comfortable “tent” surrounded by nature. You can roll the blinds down for more privacy at night. 

Check out the full itinerary here.

2. Fremantle Market and Fishing Boat Harbour – local produce and fresh seafood

Image credit: @effiesmile

Head to Fremantle on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday and swing by Fremantle Market to browse through rows of fresh local produce, delicious street food, and souvenirs. 

Be sure to drop by Muffle for a Daifuku Muffle Cone featuring coconut sesame and pandan pudding wrapped in a waffle
Image credit: @_lingggx

Another site not to be missed is the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour. Grab a seat by the clear blue waters of the port and tuck into freshly caught sea fare. 

Enjoy a massive spread of fresh oysters, tiger prawns and crispy fish and chips. 
Image credit: @zxt_susan

Image credit: Agoda

Spend a night at Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges (from $130/night) to be at the heart of it all – Fremantle Markets is a short 3-minute walk away while the Fishing Boat Harbour is a 10-minute walk away. You can also expect spacious rooms and a large double bed.

For the full itinerary, click here.

3. Swan Valley and Caversham Wildlife Park – pet and feed cute farm animals

Feed and pet baby cows
Image credit: @triniezee

Animal lovers won’t want to miss out on a trip to Swan Valley, with an itinerary filled to the brim with furry critters and animal encounters at the Cuddly Animal Farm.

Pet and bottle feed lambs and meet other furry animals like miniature horses at Swan Valley
Image credit: @lifeatellenbrook

Families with children can scoot over to the kid’s interaction zone where they can learn more about reptiles such as lizards, crocodiles and even pythons.

Cuddle with Koalas
Image credit: @keith_xu023

For more furry fun, visit Caversham Wildlife Park to meet Australia’s native critters like quokkas, kangaroos, koalas and dingos. Don’t miss out on the farm show and interaction opportunities where you’ll be able to feed kangaroos and cuddle koalas as they munch on leaves. 

If you have 2 days to spare, consider dropping by the Perth Zoo at the start of the trip. Check out the full itinerary here. 

4. Pinnacles Desert and Lancelin – snowboarding and quad biking

Image credit: @phredzz

For a breath of fresh air and a chance to explore nature in a different environment, take a scenic drive through Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. Marvel at the naturally occurring rock formations glistening in the sun under clear blue skies. 

Image credit: @halley.jo

On the way back to Perth, drop by Lancelin, Western Australia’s largest sand dunes for sandboarding, or a ride on a quad bike on those seemingly endless sandy hills. 

Sandboarding at Lancelin
Image credit: @the.fletch

Check out the full itinerary here.

– Road trips –

5. Karijini National Park – explore gorges and swim under waterfalls

Dales Gorge
Image credit: @lisha__zls

Embark on a 5 day trip to Karijini, a massive national park to explore gorges and take a refreshing dip under waterfalls – don’t forget your swimsuit! One of the highlights is Dales Gorges, a natural wonder where rocks with intricate patterns and swivels flank you on each side.  

Hamersley Gorge
Image credit: @ros_photography_bred

Drop by Hamersley Gorge for a once in a lifetime experience of swimming under a waterfall set within a gorge. It’s truly a sight to behold, so arrive a little earlier to avoid the crowds and snap some pictures. 

Karijini Eco Retreat
Image credit: Agoda 

Complete your nature experience with a stay at Karijini Eco Retreat (from $290/night) for a backdrop of a starlit sky and greenery.

Check out the full itinerary here.

6. Broome and Kimberly Coast – sunset camel rides and boat rides through a horizontal waterfall

Sunset camel rides at Cable Beach
Image credit: @we_van_around

A short flight from Perth lies Broome, where you can look forward to a sunset camel at Cable Beach, where you’ll be met with scenic sights of the waters and catch a glimpse of a jaw-dropping sunset. 

The world’s only horizontal waterfall
Image credit: @horizontalfalls 

You’ll also be able to visit the world’s only horizontal waterfall at Kimberly Coast, through an adrenaline pumping boat ride that’ll have you fully experiencing the thrills and spills. Be prepared to get wet!

Bedroom view 
Image credit: Agoda

Cable Beach will be your backyard when you book a stay at Cable Beach Resort and Spa (from $289/night). The spacious modern accommodation is fitted with all the necessities you‘ll need for a comfortable stay.

Those interested in visiting Broome and its scenic sights will want to hop on Silkair’s seasonal 4-hour long direct flights on 13th, 17th and 20th June. You’ll essentially be saving about 6.5 hours in travel time, giving you more time to explore Broome. P.S. We heard that Nas Daily will be aboard the 13th June flight, so you might even spot him.

Check out the full itinerary here. 

7. Ningaloo Reef – kayaking, snorkelling and diving amongst marine life

Image credit: @jakewiltonphoto

Those who love being in the water will be thrilled to spend 5 full days snorkelling and diving at Coral Bay in Ningaloo Reef, the world’s largest fringing reef overflowing with vibrant corals and colourful fishes. 

Turtle at Coral Bay
Image credit: @ningalooreefdive

If you’re not a fan of getting wet, you can also kayak or take a glass-bottomed boat to spot marine life such as turtles and even dugongs and dolphins.

Visit within the months of March to July to swim alongside ginormous whale sharks
Image credit: @ningalooreefdive

Image credit: Agoda 

Book a stay at Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort (from $208/night) for an apartment-style accommodation located conveniently at the entrance of Ningaloo Reef, making getting around a breeze. 

Other snorkelling spots within this itinerary include Turquoise Bay. Check out the full itinerary here.

8. Indian Ocean Drive – swim with sea lions and feast on freshly caught lobster

Koalas at Yanchep National Park
Image credit: @petr.pauli

In this 4-day itinerary, take a scenic drive along the ocean and visit places like Yanchep National Park to encounter roaming wildlife like kangaroos and koalas.  

Shack Roll and Half Grilled Barbecued Lobster with Chips and Salad
Image credit: @foodmissive

Drive over to the highly raved Lobster Shack at Cervantes for lunch and feast on the catch of the day. If you’re visiting between November and August, be sure to purchase tickets for the factory tours to find out what exactly goes on behind the scenes. 

Sea lions at Jurien Bay
Image credit: @jurienbaysealions

Visit Jurien Bay and book a sea lion charter in advance for a swim with friendly sea lions. These intelligent animals aren’t shy and will swim and twirl in the water around you. 

There’s a kitchen for some light cooking and a spacious living and dining area
Image credit: Agoda

Make a reservation at a two-bedroom villa at RAC Cervantes Holiday Park (from $184/night), perfect for larger families. The first bedroom has two double-decker beds while the other has a king-sized one.

Check out the full itinerary here.

Get an additional 10% off Western Australia accommodations on Agoda with your DBS/POSB Card

Hangover Bay in Nambung, Australia
Image credit: @kimyehyon

An epic adventure awaits you in Western Australia, offering everything from stunning nature sights, animal encounters, water activities, and fresh seafood. And these itineraries have your activities and routes all planned out for you, so there’s nothing to fret about.

The accommodations we’ve highlighted are based on location and relative affordability, but if you want to get the most bang for your buck, be sure to book your hotel through Agoda to enjoy an additional 10% off Western Australia accommodations from now till 30th June 2019 for holidays before 31st December 2019. Don’t forget to use your DBS/POSB Credit or Debit Card in order to be eligible for the deal.

Find out more about DBS’ Agoda x Western Australia promotion here!

This post was brought to you by DBS in conjunction with Agoda and Tourism Western Australia.