So you’ve already sipped and sampled your way through Margaret River, clomped on the back of a camel across Cable Beach, had the obligatory snap with a quokka in Rotto and now you’re looking for the next brilliant WA location to head off to. Well the beauty of our home is that the list is never-ending head in any direction and you’ll stumble across world-class beaches, amazing natural landscapes and characters you won’t find anywhere else. Here are 7 places you should absolutel put on the Bucket List for 2018. Don’t forget to send us a snap!
1 Denmark.
45 mins drive from Albany, Denmark is WA’s answer to Byron Bay and a must-do on the Bucket List. It’s a beautiful laidback town, surrounded by giant Karri trees, incredible local food and wine and some of the most amazing coasts in WA. Don’t miss visiting Elephant Rocks and Greens pool.
2 Kalbarri.
6 hours north of Perth, Kalbarri’s the spot where the red outback meets the white beach. Bristling with marine life and boasting one of the world’s most spectacular wildflower displays in Jul-Oct, it’s a spot worth visiting any time of the year so pop it onto your Bucket List. Don’t miss Nature’s Window.
3 Esperance.
If it’s solitude and nature you’re after then plot a course 7 hours south east of Perth to Esperance. It has some of the whitest beaches in Australia (scientifically proven!), dozens of pristine, untouched islands off the coast, great 4WDing and even a full sized Stonehenge replica (if you make it, please send us a snap.) Don’t miss the bright pink Lake Hillier.
4 Shark Bay.
8 hours north of Perth, this region is so amazing it’s been titled a UNESCO World Heritage site – what other reason do you need to throw it onto your Bucket List: Fishing, snorkelling, 4WDing and camping abound, and the completely unique and unspoilt flora and fauna make it unforgettable. Don’t miss the 3.5 million year old Stromatolites of Hamelin Pool.
5 Karijini National Park.
Take your time and definitely take your hiking boots when you visit Karijini National Park, 2 hours north-east of Newman. No matter your fitness level, you’ll be able to visit crystal clear rock pools, spectacular gorges and waterfall galore, all while camping under a ridiculously beautiful sky. Don’t miss Hancock Gorge.
6 Bibbulmun Track.
Okay, so it’s not a destination, but a world famous 1000km walking trail stretching from Kalamunda to Albany. Any section is worth visiting either for an afternoon hike or a few days camping, watching the landscape change around you and staying in the huts along the route. Don’t miss the Cape to Cape section from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. You’ll be very pleased – admittedly, a bit tired as well – to tick this one off the Bucket List.
7 Swan Valley.
If it’s been a while since you drove the half hour into the Perth Hills to visit the Swan Valley, it’s time to revisit. The area is going nuts with restaurants, breweries, distilleries, gourmet food shops, crafts and heaps more. Spend an arvo or stay the week. Don’t miss grabbing a bite at Mandoon Estate.
*Images sourced from WA Tourism and featured in our latest edition of Thrive in ‘The 2018 WA Bucket List’ which you can download here.