-
Perth, Australia
-
Nambung National Park, Australia
Get up close to the Pinnacles on a scenic drive or on the walk trail that includes an amazing lookout over the park. Nambung National Park also features secluded white sandy beaches perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Hangover Bay is one the best known with picnic tables, gas barbecues and a boat launch.
-
Geraldton, Australia
-
Hutt Lagoon, Australia
The waters of Hutt Lagoon can be an extraordinary sight on the drive between Port Gregory and Kalbarri. Head out before sunset and watch the colours transform.
-
Kalbarri National Park, Australia
Over 183,000 hectares of outback adventures, dramatic gorges and dazzling wildflowers make Kalbarri National Park one of Western Australia's most popular places to visit. The seaside town of Kalbarri is a 6.5-hour drive north of Perth. There are many activities for families in Kalbarri including Pelican Feeding which is run by volunteers daily at 8.45am, mini golf, snorkeling and swimming at Blue Holes. We have a great skate park and a couple of awesome playgrounds. Paddle boats and dinghy hire is also available on the foreshore.
-
Shell Beach, Australia
In Shell Beach, beautiful sights and aquatic wonders are the gold sandy standard. Rub fins with migrating whales and huge pods of dolphins. Keep your eyes peeled for native seabird sightings and some of the most beautiful sunsets on the left coast. Formed from billions of tiny shells, aptly named Shell Beach in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area is popular for swimming, beach combing and relaxing in the sunshine. Shell Beach is one of only a handful of places on earth where shells replace beach sand in such a dramatic and picturesque way.
The beach stretches for more than 100 kilometres with shells between seven and ten metres deep.
A walk on Shell Beach is like no other. Incredibly, the beach is made up of shells from just one type of animal, making it truly unique.
In years gone by, the shells were hard packed, cut into blocks and used to construct a number of historic buildings in the nearby town of Denham.
To get there, drive about 45 minutes from Denham - it's accessible to all vehicles. You can fly to Denham from Perth or it takes about a day to drive there from Perth.
-
Denham, Australia
Denham is the ideal base for discovering all that has earned Shark Bay its World Heritage status. The natural beauty and rare native flora and fauna, the oldest living fossil on Earth - the Stromatolites of Hamelin Pool - the world's largest dugong population and Monkey Mia's famous pod of friendly dolphins.
Getting to Denham from Perth is a 10-hour drive by road or a two-hour 15-minute flight from Perth. You'll also find a stay in Shark Bay is scheduled in the itineraries of many extended tours from Perth.
Since Captain Henry Mangles Denham first charted the bay in 1858 aboard the HMS Herald, scientists and biologists have come to recognise the area for its significant evolutionary and biological history and the abundance of rare wildlife species that thrive here. It's one of only a handful of sites worldwide that satisfy all criteria for World Heritage listing.
A leisurely drive to the Hamelin Pool Stromatolites transports you back over 3,500 million years for a glimpse of early life on Earth. It's one of only two places in the world where you can view these ancient living fossils. Just north of here, you'll also stumble upon another natural phenomenon - a beach formed of billions of tiny shells from a single species - one of just two beaches of its kind on the planet.
Head north-east of Denham and in just 30 minutes you can find yourself in the company of Monkey Mia's friendly wild dolphins. For over 40 years, these curious creatures have been delighting visitors and researchers by swimming to the shoreline virtually every day.
A cruise around the bay may also bring you face-to-face with some of the 10,000-plus dugongs that call Shark Bay home, not to mention loggerhead turtles, whales, manta rays and sharks. Or take a four-wheel drive to remote Francois Peron National Park - home to the unique Project Eden and a haven for rare reptiles, marsupials and birds.
-
Monkey Mia, Australia
Apart from dolphins you may see dugongs, sharks, rays, turtles and a variety of fish in the water. Beside the water you are likely to meet pelicans and emus. Western grasswrens are often seen near the carpark.
While at Monkey Mia, step away from the water to explore the area’s natural and cultural history along the Wulyibidi Yaninyina trail, a 1.5 km loop walk over dunes and along the beach. The walk is best done when the birds are most active just after sunrise or late in the afternoon.
Entry fees apply – see the fees and bookings page for details.
Like the Monkey Mia dolphin experience Facebook page to keep up with what’s happening at Monkey Mia, and see below for more information about the dolphins and the experience. The road to Monkey Mia is sealed and suitable for caravans. It is on the eastern coast of Peron Peninsula, 24km from Denham. There are regular flights from Perth to Shark Bay Airport, a ten minute drive from either Monkey Mia or Denham. Monkey Mia Resort has most of the facilities and services you are likely to need.
-
Carnarvon, Australia
Carnarvon lies just south of the Tropic of Capricorn - a palm-fringed coastal oasis offering a platter of fresh tropical flavours and a good base for exploring World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef and the largest monocline on Earth - Mount Augustus.
It takes two days to drive the 904 kilometres from Perth to Carnarvon on the North West Coastal Highway, or just a couple of hours aboard a flight from Perth airport.
From Carnarvon, you have access to some of the State's best year-round fishing, surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, snorkelling and swimming spots, all dotted along a beautifully rugged stretch of coastline. Stand atop the cliffs at Cape Cuvier to drink in the ocean views - from June to November you might even spot humpback whales on their annual migration.
It was Carnarvon's potential as a port that drew the early settlers here in 1876, and today The Carnarvon Heritage Precinct lives to tell many of its tales, offering museum insights and an interpretative centre where you can see wonderful historic Carnarvon moments captured in time.
The Gascoyne River and aquifer support Carnarvon's thriving agricultural industry, inviting you to feast on a bounty of fresh bananas, mangoes, papaya, carambola melons, grapes and a huge variety of vegetables, direct from local plantations.
Between May and October, there's also a smorgasbord of prawns, scallops, crab and local fish to select from, hauled in by the town's own fishing fleet.
Fill up your picnic basket and venture inland to enjoy a lazy day beside the iconic Australian waterholes of Rocky Pool - the ideal spot to watch day turn into night and gaze up into clear, star-filled skies.
In Carnarvon itself, there is a good choice of accommodation options including hotels, motels, holiday parks, backpackers, camping facilities and caravan parks.
Looking for something on the wilder side? Then blaze a trail up the coast and take your pick from a string of authentic coastal outback station stays.
Activities
What's nearby
Accommodation (29)
Tours (56)
Events (2)
Attractions (26)
Food and Drink (2)
Destinations (3)
Visitor Centres (2)
Itineraries (4)
Carnarvon
Accommodation
Coral Coast Tourist Park
For the ultimate holiday experience in Carnarvon, look no further than the Coral Coast Tourist Park. Nestled at a prime location in the heart of Carnarvon, this park offers unbeatable proximity to the town centre, shops, restaurants, and stunning waterways. Accommodating various traveller preferences, they provide a diverse range of lodging options. From self-contained family and spa suites to economical cabins, and even facilities catering to those with vans, motorhomes, or tents, such as en suite spots and grassed areas with annex pads. The park's amenities are top-notch, featuring cutting-edge bathroom facilities with private en suites, a tropical pool, a modern campers' kitchen, a car wash bay, recreational areas, bike rentals, special dinner events, outdoor theatre during school holidays, and many more.
Price
$39 - $315
Carnarvon
Accommodation
Carnarvon Central Apartments
Carnarvon Central Apartments offers a range of amenities, such as a strategic location, free undercover parking, an in-room kitchenette, and LCD Televisions. The units are designed to be fully functional, catering to those seeking a peaceful retreat at an affordable cost. Guests can experience a homely environment within the self-contained units, ensuring a relaxing getaway at Carnarvon Central Apartments. Visitors can utilise the coffee/tea facilities, ceiling fans, washing machines, and irons/ironing boards, available in all the 20 self-contained Two-bedroom Units. In-room dining is facilitated with well-equipped kitchens featuring refrigerators, microwaves, and stove tops, providing a fully functional setting for a tranquil and comfortable night's stay. Conveniently located just a 10-minute walk or a two-minute drive from the town's centre, Carnarvon Central Apartments offers easy access to the Carnarvon waterfront (The Fascine), restaurants, fuel stations, and more.
Price
$180 - $200
Carnarvon
Accommodation
Hospitality Carnarvon, SureStay Collection by Best Western
Hospitality Carnarvon is a fantastic place to base yourself when exploring the local Carnarvon sights, just a short drive from the brilliant Ningaloo Reef and the Gascoyne Murchison Outback Pathway. With comfortable, well-appointed accommodation to suit any needs, the friendly staff look forward to welcoming you. After a long day of exploring, take a refreshing dip in the pool, enjoy a drink at the bar or dine in the fully licensed à la carte Sails Restaurant offering delicious high-quality food at affordable prices, with a special children's menu available for 12 years and under.
Price
$139 - $189
Carnarvon
Accommodation
BIG4 Plantation Caravan Park
This family-owned and operated classic caravan park is ideally located amidst three tropical fruit plantations, surrounded by mature trees and lush grasses for their sites and chalets, just eight kilometers from town. A beautiful bougainvillea hedge encircles the park, and each morning, the air is filled with the songs of beautiful birds. Amenities include a coin-operated freshly ground coffee machine, coin-operated washing machines and dryers, spacious clotheslines, an open-plan camp kitchen, a saltwater pool, and freshly renovated ablution facilities.
Price
$42.30 - $210.00
Brown Range
Accommodation
Carnarvon Capricorn Holiday Park
Capricorn Holiday Park is located on the highest ground in Carnarvon, just a six minute drive from the centre of town. With a swimming pool, woodfired pizza nights in the busy season, massive games room and bowling green, there’s plenty to keep you entertained here. The park boasts clean and well-maintained amenities, pet-friendly caravan and camping sites and spacious deluxe, family and two bedroom chalets as well as cosy cabins to suit all travellers including solo travellers, couples, families and large groups. Situated amongst shady trees, the caravan park also offers a range of powered and unpowered sites, including drive-through sites and sites for big rigs. Find the park at the intersection of North West Coastal Highway and Robinson Street, and just under the OTC dish. Capricorn Holiday Park is your central Carnarvon location. Capricorn Holiday Park is part of Summerstar Tourist Parks, a group of WA-local family owned and operated caravan, holiday and tourist parks across Western and South Australia.
Price
$27 - $249
Babbage Island
Accommodation
Pelican Point Waterfront Resort
Welcome to the Pelican Point Waterfront Resort (Formerly known as Carnarvon Beach Retreat) - Carnarvon’s best-kept secret! The only accommodation in Carnarvon on its own Island! This hidden gem has luxury, budget and long-stay accommodations and is great for families, groups, solo visitors, boating, kite boarding, windsurfing and of course, especially for fishing enthusiasts. Set sail straight out to the Indian Ocean for your adventure and the magnificent fishing grounds that Western Australia is famous for. All you have to bring with you is your food and drinks, a boat and fishing gear. With the private canal out front of the apartment which is great for swimming, kayaking and mooring your boat and the bay and beach out back you won't want to leave! All apartments are fully self-contained with their own private kitchens, bathrooms, large fridges/freezers and living areas also all linen/towels are provided. They have a really unique outdoor area with a large undercover barbeque area, tables and lounges for all guests to use. Lawns gardens and outdoor tables provide a great spot to unwind at the end of the day and see the sunset at the end of the canal.
-
Coral Bay, Australia
With pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, Coral Bay is an idyllic introduction to the breathtaking beauty of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. It’s one of the few places on earth where you can come face-to-face with fascinating marine creatures like whale sharks. Or if landing a big one is more your thing, set off on a fishing charter to land your dream catch. It’s all here in the aquatic adventure of a lifetime.
Just steps from the world’s largest fringing reef, Coral Bay is a coastal paradise for nature lovers, packed with adventure and relaxed beach holiday vibes. Put on a snorkel to see fish shimmering among coral gardens just metres from the shore, and get up close to some of the ocean’s most mesmerising creatures. To get there, it’s a 12-hour drive to Coral Bay, or take a two-hour flight from Perth and drive 1.5 hours.
Depending on the season, you’ll be accompanied by whale sharks (March to June) and humpback whales (June to November) as these gentle giants of the ocean glide over the Ningaloo Reef during their seasonal migration. Year-round, spot manta rays, dugongs and turtles. The marine adventures continue onboard a charter boat, as one of Western Australia’s premier fishing destinations invites you to reel in bream, tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi and sailfish.
When it’s time to wave goodbye to the underwater world, Coral Bay’s walking trails weave through parks and pristine beaches, past tidal pools and turtle-nesting spots. Seeking a faster-paced adventure? A four-by-four beach buggy tour or a scenic flight above the clifftops offer exhilarating ways to soak up the southern coastline.
As the sun sets and the sky shimmers with shades of orange, pink and purple, immerse yourself in Coral Bay’s laid-back atmosphere with something cold to drink and a platter of locally caught seafood.
-
Ningaloo Coast, Australia
Some 1,200km (745mi) north of Perth, the fringing Ningaloo Reef is a sparkling gem in Western Australia’s crown. Right on the coast, the reef is UNESCO World Heritage-listed and offers a slew of outdoor adventures. Ningaloo’s most notable visitors are the whale sharks. This is one of the world’s largest aggregations, making it a great place to swim with them, along with manta rays, turtles or humpback whales during their migration.
-
Exmouth, Australia
-
Karijini National Park, Australia
You can get to Karijini National Park from Tom Price, Roebourne, Port Hedland or Newman. Be aware that distances travelled can add up quickly when touring this park. The nearest fuel is over 80km from Dales Campground at Munjina Roadhouse or Tom Price and, around 70km from the Karijini Eco Retreat to Tom Price. A trip from Dales to Weano via the shortest route is about 112km return. Plan your visit carefully. The southern half of the park is inaccessible. Take a journey back in time to discover Western Australia’s second largest national park. Erosion has slowly carved this stunning red landscape out of rock that is over 2.5 billion years old.
Before you start to explore this ancient part of the planet, stop in at the Karijini Visitor Centre where locals can advise you of the best places to see and things to do.
Wander down into ancient deep gorges of layered red rock and swim through crystal-clear waters. We are sure you’ll ‘waterfall’ in love with the freshwater falls and secluded swimming holes surrounded by lush green ferns.
To get the most out of your experience we recommend staying a couple of nights. Set up camp and as the sun goes down, get lost in a sky full of stars. If you prefer a comfier stay, go glamping at the Karijini Eco Retreat. They also offer guided adventure tours.
After the rains, see the landscape covered in yellow flowering cassias and wattles, northern bluebells and purple mulla-mullas.
Look for the large termite mounds scattered throughout the grasslands as well as a variety of birds, rock wallabies, echidnas, red kangaroos, goannas, dragons and snakes.
-
Karratha, Australia
The region is well-known for its adventure holidays and activities. Guests can explore Karratha's unique untouched beaches and gorges and discover Australia's northwest coast with activities such as sports fishing in close-by Nickol Bay.
-
Port Headland Weather Radar, Australia
-
Eighty mile beach, Australia
Eighty Mile Beach also spelled Eighty-mile Beach or 80-mile Beach, and formerly called 90-mile Beach, lies along the north-west coast of Western Australia about half-way between the towns of Broome and Port Hedland. Despite its name, it is some 220 kilometres (140 miles) in length,[2] forming the coastline where the Great Sandy Desert approaches the Indian Ocean; this makes it arguably the longest beach in the world, although the coastline paradox makes this practically impossible to determine for sure, with Praia do Cassino in Brazil possibly being longer.[3] It is one of the most important sites for migratory shorebirds, or waders, in Australia, and is recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.[2]
-
Broome, Australia
Broome is all about the Pearl, once the largest Pearling Port in the world, Broome's history is steeped in stories of luggers, skulduggery, pearl diving and the infamous pearl masters of Broome.
During the wet season (November to April) the beaches are inhabited with stingers, so it's safest to stay out of the water or take proper precautions including wearing stinger suits and speaking with beach authorities.
-
Fitzroy Crossing, Australia
Set on the banks of the mighty Fitzroy River, Fitzroy Crossing is a true outback town, and a great base for exploration of the nearby Devonian National Parks – Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge and Geikie Gorge.
North east of Fitzroy Crossing, the Mimbi Caves are also part of the 350 million year old Devonian Reef system.
The Fitzroy Valley is home to five language groups – the Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Nyikina, Wangkatjunka and Walmajarri, each with their own distinctive language and customs. Aboriginal art and culture is strong in the area, with several galleries open to visitors.
How to get to Fitzroy Crossing
Fitzroy Crossing is on the Great Northern Highway, 391 kilometres east of Broome and 647 kilometres west of Kununurra. The closest town to Fitzroy Crossing is Halls Creek, 298 kilometres to the east. Domestic flights from Perth to Broome depart year round, and direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne are available during Dry season. Direct flights from Perth to Kununurra are available year round. Car hire is available in Broome and Kununurra.
Heritage
Crossing the Fitzroy River before the bridge was built was no small undertaking – particularly during the wet season when the river level rises. The original Fitzroy Crossing town site sprung up around the river’s narrowest point in this area and soon became a hub for travellers. The Crossing Inn, still in operation today, was opened on 5th July 1897 by Joseph Blythe as a store and inn to serve drovers, pastoralists and prospectors in the area. The original causeway was built in 1935, and the Old Fitzroy Crossing Post Office and Police Station Group buildings followed in the 1940’s.
With the construction of the new bridge in the 1970’s, the town’s focus shifted south to its current location, but many travellers make the short journey towards the Crossing Inn to see the town’s early beginnings and its pioneer cemetery, as well as the old concrete crossing, which kept the Kimberley accessible in the dry seasons from 1935 until the new high clearance bridge was built in 1974. The old post office building and the memorial to for the Australia Inland Mission Hospital also tells the story of the town's early days.
-
Halls Creek, Australia
Travel the spectacular Australian outback along the Tanami and Duncan Roads, and the Canning Stock Route. Visit the World Heritage listed Bungle Bungle ranges of Purnululu National Park and Wolfe Creek Crater.
How to get to Halls Creek
Halls Creek is on the Great Northern Highway, 683km from Broome and 359km from Kununurra. The closest town to Halls Creek is Fitzroy Crossing, 290km to the west. Domestic flights from Perth to Broome and Kununurra depart year round, and direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Broome are available during the summer months. Car Hire is available in Broome and Kununurra.
Heritage
Halls Creek was the site of Western Australia’s first gold discovery in 1885, for a brief period it became prospecting grounds to more than 15,000 people from all over the world.
In 1885 a prospector named Charles Hall struck gold at the edges of the Great Sandy and Tanami Deserts in remote North West Australia – a huge 28 ounce gold nugget. It was the first discovery of payable gold in WA and the beginning of a short lived but important gold rush, leading to the development of a small centre for commerce and trade just 15 km from the current site of Halls Creek.
By 1954, old Halls Creek was all but abandoned as people moved to the new town site, and now stands in ruins. Today you can see the foundations of the old mine shaft, sections of the old post-office and the cemetery, where many Kimberley pioneers were buried.
Halls Creek is home to successful farming and mining industries and is a great base for exploring the area’s natural and historical attractions. Halls Creek was also the last stop for farmers driving cattle along the legendary Canning Stock Route.
Explore
Take a tour or scenic flight from Halls Creek to the World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park and Bungle Bungle Range. Visit the second largest meteorite crater in the world at Wolfe Creek Crater National Park. Marvel at the China Wall, a six-metre high wall of quartz rock believed to be part of the longest single fault of its type in the world. Check out the old Halls Creek town site, a reminder of the town’s mining history. Enjoy the peace and beauty of the fresh water springs at Palm Springs or Caroline’s Pool. Head out to Sawpit Gorge for a swim, picnic and a spot of fishing.
-
Kununurra, Australia
As the eastern gateway to the Kimberley, the town of Kununurra offers unparalleled opportunities for adventure seekers. Lose yourself in this rugged red landscape, getting off the beaten track to explore ancient national parks and one of the largest lakes in the southern hemisphere, the spectacular Lake Argyle. Embark on the outback adventure of a lifetime along the iconic Gibb River Road, with all the romance of the wide-open road stretching before you.
Kununurra is famous for its wildlife-rich waterways and wetlands. Start your exploration with a three-hour flight direct from Perth, or fly to Broome and follow the sealed road that leads to this welcoming outback town.
The scenic Ord River is a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts and watersport fans alike, so chart a course by boat and immerse yourself in nature. Spot freshwater crocodiles, rock wallabies, and hundreds of species of migratory and native birds. Take in Ivanhoe Crossing, and join a fishing cruise or canoe tour of Lake Argyle, the largest artificial lake on this side of the planet.
Step back in time at the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, where you can explore the towering 350-million-year-old domes of the Bungle Bungle Range by foot or scenic flight. Gaze at more geological wonders in Mirima National Park, whose wonders include the mysterious mineral phenomenon known as ‘zebra rock’ and the serene summer swimming hole Black Rock Falls. As night descends, watch the sky sink below the horizon from Kelly's Knob lookout.
For a journey that’s just as mesmerising as the destination, tackle one of Australia’s best-loved four-wheel-drive adventures. Spanning 660 kilometres from Kununurra to Derby, the Gibb River Road’s epic route takes in crystal-clear waterfalls and stunning red-orange canyons. Make a pit stop at El Questro to immerse yourself in the area’s untamed natural beauty, then settle in by a roaring camp fire before spending the night in luxurious style at the homestead.
-
Katherine, Australia
Katherine is the third largest town in the Northern Territory after Darwin and Alice Springs. Situated on the banks of the Katherine River it is the service centre for the Gulf Savannah region of the Territory and a popular stopping point on the Stuart Highway. Its primary appeal is tourism with both the Katherine Gorge, in the Nitmiluk National Park, and the Cutta Cutta Caves being the most popular drawcards. It has a stable, permanent population of around 6,000 and the strategically important RAAF base, RAAF Tindal, is nearby. Katherine Railway Station
The Katherine Railway Station at 998 Railway Terrace was built in 1926 and is currently owned and operated by the National Trust. An historic railway station, it was the only one on the North Australian railway line built out of concrete. It is open Tuesday to Thursday 10.00 am - Noon and Friday and Saturday 10.00 am - 2.00 pm. Tel: (08) 8972 1686 or check out http://www.travelnt.com/katherine-and-surrounds/things-to-do/old-katherine-railway-station.
Katherine Museum
The Katherine Museum is located in the old passenger terminal of the Katherine Aerodrome which is located 3 km out of town on the Katherine Gorge Road. Special interest in the museum focuses on the Dr. Clyde Fenton Gypsy Moth (an original Flying Doctor plane); a room dedicated to the history of the Overland Telegraph Line; a room exploring the role of the Chinese in the Territory; the actual punt which took Jeannie Gunn across the Katherine River; interesting and significant local Aboriginal artefacts; a detailed history of the changes which have occurred to the town from the first settlement at Knots Crossing to the modern settlement. Tel: (08) 8972 3945 or check out http://www.katherinemuseum.com.
Katherine Hot Springs
Most visitors tend to head towards Mataranka, with its famous hot springs, without realising that on Riverbank Drive, just off the Victoria Highway south of the town centre, are the Katherine Hot Springs which are a constant 32°C, are crystal clear, and are surrounded by trees. An ideal place to swim and have a picnic.
-
Darwin, Australia
With everything from Asian food markets and crocodile encounters to open-air movies and sunset cruises, Darwin is as easy going as it is exciting.
If balmy nights, colourful characters and outdoor adventures are on your bucket list, you'll want to visit Darwin, located in the Northern Territory. Along with its crocodiles and cruises, you'll find rich Aboriginal cultures here, evident through the vibrant Aboriginal art that fills the city's galleries, museums and streetscapes. The city's proximity to Asia means you'll also find strong Asian influences, especially in the energetic food scene and buzzing night markets.