The Ultimate 2-week Itinerary to Western Australia

From swimming with whale sharks in the Indian Ocean to sipping world-class drops through fabled wine country, Western Australia is a place of diverse landscapes and unforgettable experiences. With two weeks, you can journey from the cosmopolitan charm of Perth (Boorloo) – Qantas flies direct to Perth from Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown via Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane – to the untouched majesty of the Kimberley and have plenty of bucket-list moments in between. Not sure where to start? We’ve created the ultimate two-week itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Australia’s largest state.

Perth (3 Days / 2 Nights)

Cradled by the Indian Ocean and divided by the meandering Swan River, the sun-soaked Western Australian capital is a vibrant hub that’s home to one of the world’s largest inner-city parks as well as some of the country’s most exciting restaurants and buzzy street art-laden neighbourhoods. It’s also moments away from the adorable quokkas of Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) and the award-winning wineries of the Swan Valley (Gidjeejarnup). 

Make your first stop at the interactive WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth’s CBD. Its permanent collections tell powerful stories of the State’s First Nations people and natural history. From 28 June 2025 to 22 February 2026, the museum will host the world-exclusive Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor exhibition, complete with 10 of the ancient sculptures and more than 225 Qin and Han dynasty artefacts. From there, take the 10-minute drive east and learn about the city’s 19th-century gold rush heritage at the Perth Mint. Or stretch your legs and head west to explore Kings Park and the Western Australian Botanic Garden (above), where you’ll find more than 3000 types of native Australian flora and the 15-metre-tall DNA tower, which delivers panoramic views over the city. However you spend your day, don’t miss the quintessential Perth experience of watching the sunset from Cottesloe Beach before settling in at rooftop restaurant Wildflower at COMO the Treasury in the city centre Drawing inspiration from the six seasons of the Whadjuk Noongar calendar, the ever-changing four-, six- and eight-course tasting menus put native Australian ingredients in the spotlight: think Swan River crab with bush tomato and Cone Bay barramundi embellished with citrusy green ants.

Just off the Western Australian coast and a 90-minute ferry ride from Perth lies compact Rottnest Island, where the local population of 300 is overshadowed by the isle’s more famous residents and their signature cheeky grins: quokkas. You don’t have to go out of your way to spot these cute critters – you’re likely to cross paths with them while you’re ambling along the isle’s more than 40 kilometres of hiking trails and 63 beaches, particularly during the morning and early evening – but while quokkas are known to pose for the camera, it’s best to avoid interacting with them directly as they go about their day. One of Rottnest’s other quirks is its almost complete lack of cars, making it ideal for exploring on two wheels. Rent an e-bike from Pedal & Flipper and tackle the four-kilometre Rotto Mini Loop, which takes you past family-friendly Longreach Bay (ideal for a cooling mid-ride dip or snorkel) and the 12 salt lakes that you can explore on foot via the floating boardwalk. To spot wildlife of a different kind, the Cathedral Rocks viewing platform gives you an optimal vantage point to witness a colony of New Zealand fur seals lazing on the sand. When your appetite calls, Sunsets Bar & Dining at newly opened The Lodge Wadjemup – helmed by head chef Matt Powell of Il Lido fame – awaits. Think silky squid ink linguine, Two Rocks octopus and zesty cocktails. Just keep an eye on the time, as the last ferry to Perth departs Rottnest at 4.30pm (except on Fridays, when it leaves at 7pm).

For a daytrip that keeps you firmly on land, take the 25-minute drive north of Perth to the Swan Valley, where the urban setting gives way to lush vineyards renowned for their world-class shiraz. At Sandalford Wines, sample some of the winery’s flagship Prendiville Reserve and let the five-course European-style degustation at the on-site restaurant tempt your tastebuds – the Linley Valley pork cheeks with fermented honey pears are a crowd-pleaser. For a different style of food experience, at nearby Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery you’ll learn all about native bush tucker with a tasting session hosted by owner and Wardandi Bibbulmun Elder Dale Tilbrook (this experience must be pre-booked) while surrounded by artworks, garments and homewares created by local First Nations artists. 

Stay: Housed in a grand heritage building 20 minutes from the airport, COMO The Treasury is one of the city’s most sumptuous retreats. In addition to the award-winning Wildflower on the rooftop, the hotel’s dining options include relaxed Italian-style Post on the ground floor, where you’ll find slow-cooked beef cheek risotto and saffron tagliolini. For indulgence of a different kind, unwind at the COMO Shambhala, The Treasury spa, with a 75-minute deep tissue massage or swim laps in the heated indoor pool.

Margaret River (3 Days / 2 Nights)

The Margaret River region – a three-hour drive south or 45-minute flight into Busselton (Undalup) from Perth – is best known for its full-bodied cabernet sauvignon and sophisticated chardonnay. It has also made a name for itself as a gourmet destination and adventure haven thanks to the restaurants that have opened to complement the area’s cellar doors and the nearby ancient forests and coastline.

The hardest decision to make when exploring this patch of Western Australia is which winery to visit first. Vasse Felix (above) is the region’s founding winery and The Cellar Experience begins with a walking tour, followed by a sampling of rare vintages in the property’s wine museum and a five-course lunch. At Leeuwin Estate, you’ll be able to taste drops from their acclaimed Art Series collection after visiting the onsite art gallery, which displays more than 150 contemporary Australian artworks. At sustainability centric Voyager Estate you can indulge in a flight of organic wines tailored to your tastes while nibbling on matching snacks from the property’s signature restaurant.

After you’ve had your fill of the region’s wines, be immersed in the wild wonderland of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park by taking a scenic drive through Boranup Karri Forest. Here, the endemic karri trees have grown to over 60 metres in height, and in spring the forest floor is blanketed in technicolour wildflowers. To the north, you’ll find Mammoth Cave’s striking crystal formations and ancient fossils, while heading south will bring you to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse – the tallest on mainland Australia and the country’s most south-westerly point – where the viewing platform takes in both the Indian and Southern oceans. 

Wave-riding enthusiasts should rise early to catch the world-class breaks at Surfers Point in Prevelly – site of the annual Margaret River Pro international surfing competition. Castle Rock Bay (above), an hour’s drive north, is beloved by locals for its calm conditions that are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. If you’d prefer to keep your feet dry, the heritage-listed 160-year-old Busselton Jetty – which features an underwater sculpture park that opened in 2024 for divers and snorkellers – extends 1841 metres out over the sea. Tackle the Southern Hemisphere’s longest timber-piled platform on foot or hitch a ride on the solar-powered train – it’s a 45-minute round trip – before stepping eight metres below the water’s surface to watch marine life glide past from the Underwater Observatory. 

Stay: With just 10 adults-only villas overlooking the Indian Ocean, Injidup Spa Retreat dials the decadence of the Margaret River region up a notch. Each retreat comes with its own heated plunge pool, private deck and fireplace, while the spa’s infrared sauna, Swedish massages and calming facials are ideal for resting your body after a day of exploring.

Ningaloo Reef (3 Days / 2 Nights)

A two-hour flight north of Perth brings you to Exmouth, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo (Nyinggulu) Reef – one of the largest fringing reefs on the planet and home to a thriving ecosystem of diverse marine life. Ningaloo's coral gardens begin metres from the shore, making it easily accessible for an otherworldly snorkelling session. 

The bucket list experience here is the opportunity to swim with the gentle giants of the sea: whale sharks and humpback whales. From March to August, spotted whale sharks – which can grow up to 18 metres long – cruise the nutrient-rich waters. Meanwhile, from late June until the end of October, humpback whales glide up the 300-kilometre-long reef to warmer climes. With good timing, you might even spot both. On a Whale Shark Day Tour (March to July) or Life on Ningaloo experience (August to October) with Live Ningaloo, you’ll set sail on the Indian Ocean aboard the Wave Rider, which hosts a maximum of 10 guests, of which only seven are permitted to swim. Throughout the day, the team’s plane spotters survey the sea for local marine life – manta rays, dugongs and sea turtles are frequent guests – while your onboard guides help you slip into the ocean alongside these magnificent creatures. Lunch, snorkelling in the Ningaloo Reef lagoon and a celebratory toast with sparkling are also included.

While the Ningaloo reef often steals the spotlight, Cape Range National Park’s dramatic limestone cliffs, swooping red canyons and more than 50 kilometres of beaches are just as spectacular. The leisurely two-kilometre Yardie Creek Trail – a one-hour drive south of Exmouth – delivers vistas of the gorge, creek mouth and reef below. For a different perspective, you can also join an hour-long Yardie Creek Boat Tour (above) for a guided cruise where you’ll gain insights into the area’s history and geology. Whichever path you choose, keep your eyes focused on the craggy cliff faces in case a rare black-footed wallaby peeps its face out of a crevice. A 20-minute drive north will then bring you to postcard Turquoise Bay – often named one of Australia’s best beaches thanks to its close proximity to the Ningaloo Reef and ‘drift snorkelling’ conditions. Confident swimmers can enter the water at the southern end of the beach, letting the current carry them over the reef as iridescent fish flit between corals below.

For a change of pace, spend some time gaining insights into the diverse ecosystem and history of the region at the Ningaloo Aquarium & Discovery Centre in the laid-back town of Exmouth. When your appetite calls, The Social Society plates up a hearty vegetarian brunch that includes smashed spiced pumpkin with almond feta, chickpeas and sourdough. The rustic brewery-meets-distillery Whalebone Brewing Co has eight beers on tap – spanning the lightly bitter Squid Ink Stout to the fruity Session Ale – as well as a playful pizza menu, including the anchovy, pepperoni and olive-laden Bonechovy. Meanwhile, the Mantaray’s Bar & Brasserie plates up a Western Australian seafood-centric menu comprising Shark Bay spanner crab and Coffin Bay oysters.

Stay: You can’t get closer to nature than sleeping on the sand, with the Ningaloo Reef just 50 metres away and the broad expanse of Cape Range National Park at your back. Glamping has never looked as good as it does at Sal Salis (above), where the 16 luxurious safari-style tents, complete with a shaded deck and hammock, are just as tempting as the all-inclusive outdoor experiences and fine dining.

The Kimberley (3 Days / 2 Nights)

Your next stop is the Kimberley, a largely untouched northern region of Western Australia and traditional home of the Djugun and Yawuru people. Fly into Broome (Rubibi) – a five-and-a-half-hour flight from Exmouth or two-and-a-half hour flight from Perth – where the red pindan soil meets the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, and get ready to discover the Australian outback. 

Begin your Kimberley adventure with a scenic flight over the Buccaneer Archipelago with Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures. Departing from Broome, during the six-hour half-day tour, you'll gain a bird’s-eye view of the dramatic natural phenomenon of Horizontal Falls (above) and rust-orange Cape Leveque below. Once described by David Attenborough as the country’s “most unusual natural wonder”, Horizontal Falls is where tidal movements push vast amounts of water through narrow gorges, creating a sideways waterfall effect. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy breakfast or lunch on a floating pontoon and cruise through the creek systems of Talbot Bay before swimming in its crystalline waters. Back in Broome, reward your exertions at Matso’s, which calls itself “the most remote brewery in Australia”. Treat yourself to a pint of ginger beer or a tasting paddle of five varieties and fuel up with Filipino-style grilled chicken or a classic wagyu beef burger – there’s even a smoked crocodile kebab with pomegranate molasses for the adventurous.

For a deep dive into the region's ancient culture, join proud Yawuru, Karajarri, Nyul Nyul and  Bardi man, Johani Mamid of Mabu Buru Broome Aboriginal Tours, on a 4WD Binba Mayi experience (below). You'll forage for mud crabs, stingrays and fish through mangroves and across mudflats. The reward for your efforts? Digging into a freshly cooked feast of your catch and damper while your hosts share Yawuru traditions, stories and practices. Upon returning to Broome, time your visit to Cable Beach for an unforgettable sunset or, if you’re in town during the full moon, make a beeline for Roebuck Bay to catch the natural phenomena called the ‘Staircase to the Moon’. During low tide, the moon’s brilliance shines off the exposed mudflats, creating a striking optical illusion resembling a glowing staircase climbing into the heavens.

On your final day, rise early and take the scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Broome to Cape Leveque on the Dampier Peninsula, where deep red cliffs, white sand beaches and azure waters collide. At Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm you’ll learn all about the region’s pearling history before popping into the onsite restaurant, where Australian native ingredients meet Asian-inspired flavours in dishes such as Cygnet Bay Pearl Meat garnished with finger lime and wasabi – you may even like to pick up a lustrous pearl keepsake to take with you. Then join Bardi man and fourth-generation pearler Terry Hunter on a Borrgoron Coast to Creek walking tour where you’ll forage for oysters among the tidal flats. For your last dinner in Broome, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa’s Cichetti restaurant dishes up a four- or five- course Italian menu, which could include Esperance scallop crudo with grapefruit and a Margaret River short rib ragu.

Stay: Perched on its namesake beach, the 225-key Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa is a slice of tropical paradise where lush boab trees, frangipanis and palms line the walkways. While there are studios, bungalows, apartments and suites available, check into one of the property’s villas for the ultimate seclusion – each comes with a private courtyard, plunge pool and butler service. In addition to Cichetti, the resort also includes the Thai-inspired Kichi Kichi restaurant and Sunset Bar & Grill steakhouse, two swimming pools and the indulgent Chahoya Spa.

Fremantle and Perth (2 Days / 2 Nights)

Upon returning to Perth, dedicate a full day to Fremantle (Walyalup), the city’s bohemian port town, which is a 25-minute drive south of the capital. Among the heritage and converted industrial buildings you'll find plenty of micro-breweries, sleek bars and fine diners, including the lauded Bread In Common situated inside a former 1898 pharmaceutical warehouse – the woodfired organic bread and Fremantle squid with bitter greens are crowd-pleasers. For a more casual vibe, the original Little Creatures brewery on Mews Road – the site was previously a crocodile farm – slings wood-fired pizzas and ultra-fresh beers. Step back in time at the WA Shipwrecks Museum as you learn about the region’s naval heritage or visit the Fremantle Prison and explore underground tunnels while uncovering the state’s convict history. Rottnest Island is also a 30-minute ferry ride from here, if you’d like to squeeze in one last visit to see the quokkas.

Wrap up your trip with a final stroll along Perth’s Swan River and toast to a holiday well done at Hearth Restaurant and Lounge. The sophisticated restaurant celebrates local produce with a five-course Taste of Hearth menu that includes Shark Bay scallops sprinkled with salted kombu and dry-aged Wagin duck – with matched Western Australian wine, naturally.

Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Perth is a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city that overlooks Elizabeth Quay. The property’s 205 rooms are spacious – the smallest starts at 50-square metres – and feature floor-to-ceiling windows and deep soaking baths, while the infinity pool and rooftop bar deliver front-row seats to Perth’s pastel-hued sunsets.

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