5 Day Itinerary: Exploring Western Australia’s Best Attractions
Are you planning a trip to Western Australia and wondering how to make the most of your time there? Look no further than this 5-day itinerary that will take you on a road trip through some of the most stunning landscapes and attractions that the region has to offer. From the vibrant city of Perth to the breathtaking Coral Coast, this itinerary has something for everyone.
Welcome to Western Australia! Your first day in Perth and Fremantle will be filled with exciting experiences and unforgettable memories. Here are some must-see places and activities to add to your itinerary:
Fremantle Prison
Take a guided tour of Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant convict-era buildings in Australia.
Learn about the history of the prison, the daily life of prisoners, and the daring escape attempts that took place here.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the underground tunnels and see the prison’s original gallows.
Fremantle Markets
Visit the iconic Fremantle Markets, which have been operating since 1897.
Browse through over 150 stalls selling fresh produce, crafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
Enjoy live music and street performers as you soak up the lively atmosphere of this historic market.
Fish and Chips
Treat yourself to some delicious fish and chips from one of the many seafood restaurants in Fremantle.
Enjoy your meal with a stunning view of the Indian Ocean and the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.
Don’t forget to try some local favorites like barramundi, snapper, or whiting.
Local Musicians
Catch a live music performance at one of Fremantle’s many music venues.
Experience the vibrant local music scene and discover new artists and bands.
Check out some of the popular venues like Mojo’s Bar, The Odd Fellow, or The Aardvark.
With so much to see and do, your first day in Perth and Fremantle will be full of excitement and adventure. Don’t forget to take some time to relax and enjoy the beautiful Swan River views.
Margaret River Vineyard. Credit: canva
Day 2: Margaret River and Wineries
If you are a wine lover, then Day 2 of your Western Australia itinerary is going to be a treat. Margaret River is famous for its wineries, and you will have the opportunity to visit some of the best ones in the region. Here are some places you should definitely check out:
Vasse Felix
Vasse Felix is one of the oldest wineries in Margaret River, established in 1967. It is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which is considered one of the best in the region. The winery has a beautiful restaurant that overlooks the vineyards, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch paired with their award-winning wines.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
After visiting Vasse Felix, head to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, which is located at the southernmost tip of the Margaret River region. The lighthouse offers stunning views of the Indian and Southern Oceans, and you can take a tour to learn about its history and the role it played in the development of the region.
Cape to Cape Track
If you’re up for a little adventure, then the Cape to Cape Track is a must-do. It is a 135-kilometer trail that runs along the coast, from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. You can choose to do a shorter section of the trail, or if you’re feeling ambitious, you can do the entire thing. The trail offers breathtaking views of the coastline, and you might even spot some dolphins or whales along the way.
Vineyards
After a day of exploring, it’s time to relax and enjoy some more wine. There are many vineyards in Margaret River, and each one has its own unique charm. Here are some of our favorites:
Leeuwin Estate: Known for its Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, Leeuwin Estate has a beautiful art gallery and a restaurant that serves delicious food.
Cullen Wines: Cullen Wines is a biodynamic winery that produces some of the best wines in the region. They have a lovely restaurant that serves organic and locally sourced food.
Voyager Estate: Voyager Estate is a stunning winery with beautiful gardens and a restaurant that offers a degustation menu paired with their wines.
Ningaloo Reef. Credit: canva
Day 3: Beaches and Marine Life
Yallingup
Yallingup is a small town located in the South West region of Western Australia. It is known for its stunning beaches and world-class surf breaks. Some of the best beaches in Yallingup include:
Yallingup Beach: This is the main beach in Yallingup and is a great spot for swimming and surfing.
Smiths Beach: This beach is popular with surfers and is known for its powerful waves.
Injidup Beach: This secluded beach is perfect for those looking for a quiet spot to relax and unwind.
Ningaloo Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the north-west of Western Australia. It is one of the largest fringing reefs in the world and is home to an incredible array of marine life. Some of the highlights of Ningaloo Reef include:
Snorkeling: Ningaloo Reef is one of the best places in the world to go snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters are home to a variety of colorful fish, turtles, and even reef sharks.
Whales: Ningaloo Reef is also a great place to go whale watching. From June to November, humpback whales migrate through the area and can often be seen from the shore.
Dolphins: Bottlenose dolphins are a common sight in the waters around Ningaloo Reef. Visitors can take a dolphin watching tour or even swim with these intelligent creatures.
Quokkas: While not strictly a marine animal, quokkas are a unique and adorable marsupial that can be found on nearby Rottnest Island.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the best ways to experience the incredible marine life of Western Australia. Some of the best places to go snorkeling include:
Ningaloo Reef: As mentioned above, Ningaloo Reef is one of the best places in the world to go snorkeling.
Turquoise Bay: This stunning beach in the Cape Range National Park is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of marine life.
Rottnest Island: This island paradise is home to a variety of colorful fish, coral, and even shipwrecks that are perfect for exploring.
Whales and Dolphins
Western Australia is home to a variety of whales and dolphins that can be seen throughout the year. Some of the best places to go whale and dolphin watching include:
Ningaloo Reef: From June to November, humpback whales migrate through the area and can often be seen from the shore. Bottlenose dolphins are also a common sight in the waters around Ningaloo Reef.
Albany: This coastal town is known as one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. From May to October, southern right whales can often be seen from the shore.
Perth: While not as common as in other parts of Western Australia, dolphins can often be seen swimming in the waters around Perth. Visitors can take a dolphin watching tour or even swim with these intelligent creatures.
Quokkas
Quokkas are a unique and adorable marsupial that can only be found in Western Australia. The best place to see quokkas is on Rottnest Island, where they are abundant and unafraid of humans. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and spend the day exploring the beaches and meeting these friendly creatures.
Pinnacles Desert. Credit: canva
Day 4: National Parks and Caves
On day four of your Western Australia itinerary, it’s time to explore some of the state’s stunning national parks and caves. Here are some of the highlights you won’t want to miss:
Nambung National Park and Pinnacles Desert
Located just a few hours north of Perth, Nambung National Park is home to the otherworldly Pinnacles Desert. These towering limestone pillars rise up from the desert floor, creating a surreal and unforgettable landscape. Take a walk among the Pinnacles and marvel at their unique shapes and textures.
Limestone Caves
Western Australia is home to a number of incredible limestone caves, and day four of your itinerary is the perfect time to explore them. Head to one of the many caves in the Margaret River region, such as Lake Cave or Jewel Cave, and descend into their depths to discover stunning rock formations, underground rivers, and more.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
For a stunning view of the Western Australian coastline, head to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse has been in operation since 1904 and offers sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. Take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about its fascinating history, then enjoy a picnic on the nearby grassy cliffs.
Jewel Cave
One of the most impressive limestone caves in Western Australia, Jewel Cave is a must-visit destination for any nature lover. Take a guided tour of the cave and marvel at its incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique rock formations. Don’t forget to bring your camera – the cave’s natural beauty is truly breathtaking.
If you have extra time, consider exploring some of Western Australia’s other stunning national parks. Cape Le Grand National Park, for example, is home to some of the state’s most beautiful beaches, while Kalbarri National Park boasts towering red cliffs and gorges. No matter which park you choose to visit, you’re sure to be blown away by Western Australia’s natural beauty.
That wraps up day four of your Western Australia itinerary. Get a good night’s sleep – there’s still plenty to see and do on day five!
Pink Salt Lake at Gregory in Western Australia
Day 5: Coral Coast and Seafood
Cervantes
Start your day off in the charming coastal town of Cervantes, located just two hours north of Perth. This town is the gateway to the famous Pinnacles Desert, but it also has plenty to offer in terms of seafood. Visit the Lobster Shack, where you can take a tour of the lobster processing factory and even enjoy a fresh lobster lunch.
Pink Lake
After lunch, head to the nearby Pink Lake. This stunning natural wonder gets its pink hue from the presence of algae and is a must-see on any trip to Western Australia. Take a stroll around the lake or snap some photos to capture the unique beauty of this natural phenomenon.
Lobster and Prawns
As you make your way back down the coast, be sure to stop at some of the local seafood shops and restaurants. Western Australia is known for its fresh seafood, and you won’t want to miss out on the chance to try some of the local specialties. Look out for dishes featuring lobster and prawns, which are abundant in this region.
Reefs
Continue your journey down the Coral Coast and take some time to explore the stunning reefs that line the shore. You can go snorkeling or diving to see the vibrant marine life up close, or simply take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Fishing
If you’re a fishing enthusiast, the Coral Coast is the perfect place to cast a line. There are plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish, including snapper, mackerel, and tuna. You can join a fishing charter or simply find a quiet spot along the shore to try your luck.
Make the most of your final day in Western Australia by exploring the Coral Coast and indulging in some of the region’s delicious seafood. From the charming town of Cervantes to the stunning Pink Lake and vibrant reefs, there’s plenty to see and do along this beautiful stretch of coastline.
Getting There
Perth Central Train Station. Credit: canva
Flights
The easiest way to get to Western Australia is by plane. There are several airlines that fly to Perth from major cities in Australia and around the world. Some of the airlines that fly to Perth include:
Qantas
Virgin Australia
Jetstar
Emirates
Singapore Airlines
British Airways
If you’re flying from Sydney, Melbourne, or Adelaide, there are several direct flights per day to Perth. The flight time is around 4-5 hours. If you’re flying from London, there are several airlines that offer connecting flights to Perth. The flight time is around 17-18 hours with a stopover.
When booking your flights, be sure to check for deals and promotions that may be available. You can often find cheaper flights by booking in advance or by traveling during off-peak seasons.
Perth Airport
Perth Airport is the main airport in Western Australia and is located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center. The airport has four terminals, with Terminal 1 being the international terminal.
Once you arrive at the airport, there are several options for getting to your accommodation. These include:
Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal and will take you directly to your accommodation. The cost will depend on your destination, but expect to pay around $40-$50 AUD for a taxi to the city center.
Public Transport: The airport is well connected to the city by public transport. You can take the bus or train to the city center for around $5-$10 AUD.
Car Rental: If you plan on exploring Western Australia, renting a car is a great option. There are several car rental companies located at the airport, and you can book in advance to get the best deals.
Overall, getting to Western Australia is easy and convenient. By following these tips, you can ensure a stress-free journey and start enjoying your 5-day itinerary as soon as possible.
Accommodation
When planning your 5-day itinerary in Western Australia, it is important to consider where you will be staying. There are a variety of options available, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. Here are some recommendations for accommodation in each of the destinations on your itinerary.
We hope you enjoyed your time in Western Australia and made unforgettable memories. Don’t forget to share your experiences with your friends and family and come back soon for more adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need to see Western Australia?
Western Australia is a vast state with many attractions, so the length of your visit will depend on your interests and how much time you have. If you want to see the highlights of Western Australia, we recommend spending at least 10 days. However, if you have limited time, you can still see some of the best sights in just five days.
Is 5 days enough for Perth?
Five days is enough time to explore the city of Perth and its surroundings. You can visit the city’s top attractions, such as Kings Park, the Perth Mint, and the Swan River, and take a day trip to nearby destinations like Rottnest Island and Fremantle.
How many days do you need in Perth Australia?
To see Perth and its surroundings at a relaxed pace, we recommend spending at least three to four days in the city. This will give you enough time to explore the city’s top attractions and take a day trip or two to nearby destinations.
What are the top attractions in Margaret River?
Margaret River is a popular destination in Western Australia known for its wineries, beaches, and natural attractions. Some of the top attractions in Margaret River include:
Visiting wineries and vineyards
Exploring the caves, such as Mammoth Cave and Lake Cave
Enjoying the beaches, such as Surfers Point and Prevelly Beach
Going on a whale-watching tour
Taking a scenic drive through the countryside
What can you do in Fremantle?
Fremantle is a port city located south of Perth. It’s known for its historic architecture, markets, and seafood. Some of the top things to do in Fremantle include:
Visiting the Fremantle Markets
Exploring the Fremantle Prison
Taking a stroll along the Fishing Boat Harbour
Visiting the Round House, the oldest building in Western Australia
Enjoying the seafood at one of the many restaurants and cafes
What are the best things to do in Swan Valley?
Swan Valley is a wine region located east of Perth. It’s known for its wineries, breweries, and gourmet food. Some of the best things to do in Swan Valley include:
