Why Western Australia is fast becoming my favourite place in the world

By Rachel Pedreschi, aka Global Roaming

Western Australia, particularly the northern coast, holds great beauty – with highlights including the Ningaloo Reef sanctuary, scores of white sandy beaches and plenty of hiking trails that lead to secret lagoons. In fact, Western Australia is rapidly becoming my favourite place on earth.

Here are some highlights from the Adventure Tours Australia ‘Perth to Exmouth’ trip I just returned from. What a week it was!

Ningaloo Reef Sanctuary and Coral Bay

Ever wanted to swim with turtles, manta rays, thousands of colourful fish and possibly a (harmless) shark? Well, Ningaloo Reef is your dreamland. Like something from a movie, the reef is full of colour, dancing fish, crystal clear water and so many places to dive. Coral Bay, my favourite West Coast beach area, is the perfect spot. Personally, I think this place is better than the Great Barrier Reef – there’s just so much more going on.

Kalbarri National Park

Four hours or so from Perth lies Kalbarri National Park – the ideal place to hike, explore the outback and see some real Aussie landscapes. Kalbarri Gorge has some pretty tough hiking trails, the Z-bend River trail being the hardest (and best). Get out there, bring at LEAST 2 litres of water, a hat and sunscreen and go wild – literally.

Natures Window is also a must see while in the park, boasting breathtaking views and photo opportunities, the walk is very short and easy.

The best part? The Kalbarri Abseil. Now the #1 on Tripadvisor for the Kalbarri region, you will have two chances to literally walk backwards off a cliff. It’s a memory you won’t forget!

Exmouth

Image c/o Eugene Regis, Flickr

The first choice of any beach bum or fisherman, Exmouth is a little isolated but well worth the trip. The Adventure Tours WA Trips will get you here with a two night stay, you can snorkel the shallow reef, lie on the beach or relax in the campsite that has a real Australian Outback feel- with Kangaroos and Emu’s too!

Turquoise Bay is the best of the many beaches that can be found off Exmouth, with warm waters, a fringing reef only about 20m offshore and picture perfect white sand, you won’t want to leave. Tip: Bring yourself some form of shade, even a small esky or frozen water – it gets upwards of 45 degrees Celsius up on the beaches, with no shops in site!

Monkey Mia Dolphin Sanctuary

A small resort-style beach area, any avid dolphin lover will be in paradise in Monkey Mia! It gets very busy in summer, so make sure you get down early (about 7.30am) for the first feedings. About 30 dolphins reside in the bay and we were lucky enough to see 12 during our visit.

Feedings take place in the morning and if you’re lucky enough you’ll get to feed these beauties. If not – sit back, relax and take in the pretty coast line whilst watching the dolphin’s frolic in the shallows. Bliss.

Embark on an adventure from Perth to Exmouth with Adventure Tours Australia – you won’t be disappointed.

Feature image c/o Don Pugh, Flickr