The largest state in the large country, Western Australia has some of the most dramatic and diverse landscapes in the world ranging from massive monoliths to beautiful beaches and reef – explore our top ten must-see natural wonders in WA… in reverse order.
10. Mount Augustus
Located roughly mid way between Perth and Broome, Mount Augustus National Park is home to the world’s largest monocline, known to the local Aboriginal community as Burringurrah. Twice the size of Uluru and considerably older, Mount Augustus is estimated to be 1,650 million years old. Its solitary peak rises high above the red dusty scrubland of Western Australia’s central outback, while the base stretches over 8kms long and is visible from the air for more than 160kms.
You could include a visit to Mount Augustus National Park as part of a tailor made self-drive in Western Australia.
9. Shell Beach
Located in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area of Western Australia, Shell Beach is famous not for its golden white sand, but instead for the trillions of small cockle shells that replace the sand. Over thousands of years these shells have covered the entire 120km stretch of beach and are nearly 10m deep, one of the only beaches of its kind in the world.
Why not visit this remarkable phenomenon as part of our Ningaloo and Shark Bay Discovery self-drive holiday.
8. Karijini National Park
Sitting in the Hamersley Ranges in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, Karijini National Park has developed over two billion years into one of Western Australia’s least well known but highly impressive national parks. Explore the flowing waterfalls, weathered landscapes and plunging gorges on a network of walking trails without the crowds or join a 4WD excursion, taking you deep into the beating heart of this ancient land.
We’ll work with you to create a tailor made tour taking in Karijini National Park and other natural wonders in Western Australia.
7. Wolfe Creek Crater
Wolfe Creek Crater is a giant meteorite impact crater located 150km south of Halls Creek, in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. Estimated to be around 300,000 years old and nearly 1km in diameter, this incredible phenomenon was not discovered by Europeans until 1947, yet it holds great spiritual significance for the local Aboriginal communities who have been visiting it for thousands of years.
Enjoy a challenging hike to the top of the crater rim or take a scenic flight high above the crater to really grasp its size and significance.
6. Ngilgi Cave
Ngilgi Cave is an underground wonderland located near the town of Yallingup, in the Margaret River region of Western Australia. It is home to a dazzling display of thousand year old stalactites and helicities, including some of the longest cave stalactites anywhere in the world.
You can enjoy an Aboriginal led guided tour of Ngilgi Cave as part of our 12 night Whales and Wine of the South West self-drive holiday.
5. The Bungle Bungle Range
Existing for over 350 million years and celebrated by its Aboriginal custodians for 40,000 years it was not until 1983 that the Bungle Bungle Range in World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park was discovered and introduced to the outside world. Covering over 240,000 hectares and often likened to giant beehives, the Bungle Bungle range is one of the Kimberley’s best loved natural wonders.
Speak to our Travel Specialists about including a sight-seeing flight over this remarkable national park as part of a tailor made holiday.
4. Wave Rock
Wave Rock is one of Australia’s oldest and largest waves, yet it is located nowhere near the ocean. Formed over 2,700 million years ago, this 110 metre long, 14 metre high multi-coloured granite rock is one of the most unusual and striking rock formations in the world.
Located around 350km south of Perth near the town of Hyden, Wave Rock can be visited as part of our 13-day Whales and Wine of the South West self drive holiday.
3. Horizontal Waterfall
Located deep within Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago and undoubtedly the north-wests most remarkable natural wonder – The Horizontal Waterfalls have been described by Sir David Attenborough as “one of the greatest wonders of the natural world”. Flowing horizontally rather than vertically, the waterfalls are best enjoyed on a thrilling boat ride or on a scenic flight from above.
Experience these extraordinary waterfalls on a Cape Leveque and Horizontal Falls scenic flight excursion, departing from the northern hub of Broome.
2. The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles are ancient limestone pillars, several metres tall and scattered across Nambung National Park in their thousands. Created millions of years ago and made up of shells that were once buried in the sea bed, these pointy often jagged rock formations, litter the landscape and rise eerily out of the desert sands of Nambung National Park.
Explore the Pinnacles on a scenic walk around Nambung National Park as part of our Western Reef Adventure self drive itinerary.
1. Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage listed National Park and one of the longest fringing reefs in the world, stretching over 300km from Exmouth to Coral Bay. Ningaloo Reef runs within very close proximity to the shoreline allowing visitors direct access to this diverse marine environment from the beach. A plethora of water-based activities are available to enjoy on Ningaloo Reef, from diving and snorkelling to whale watching excursions, seeing the endemic dugong or “sea cow”, scenic flights high above the reef line or even swimming with the largest fish in the sea, the whale shark.
Experience some of these marine activities from a eco-resort retreat at Sal Salis.
Experience the natural wonders of Western Australia
Browse our collection of Western Australia holidays for inspiration then speak to any of our accredited Aussie Travel Specialists who’ll share their knowledge and personal insights to help you plan the ultimate trip. Send an online enquiry or call on 01737 214 250.
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