Western Australia’s amazing beauty will keep you thrilled

Margaret River is spectacular in so many ways it can be hard to leave, but if you venture further in the region, you will find hidden gems of equal beauty. Western Australia’s southwest has phenomenal views and exhilarating drives. While out enjoying all that natural beauty, you can also indulge at world-class spas and restaurants, explore colourful towns and celebrate at regional festivals. Or just find your own slice of secluded heaven in ancient forests and along dramatic coast.

While out enjoying all that natural beauty, you can also indulge at world-class spas and restaurants, explore colourful towns and celebrate at regional festivals. Or just find your own slice of secluded heaven in ancient forests and along the dramatic coast.

Head into the stunning beachside town of Denmark, a haven for spas, with more wellness operators per capita than anywhere else in the state. Sample the local drops at nearby wineries such as Single file and Howard Park.

Whale Watching, Albany, Western Australia

Join Naturaliste Charters in the hope of seeing Orcas ( killer whales) in the deep southern waters around Bremer Canyon, a rich feeding ground that draws more than 100 Orcas to the wilderness hot spot from January to April. Naturaliste Charters is the only tour operator to follow them, thanks to an exclusive collaboration with research body, the Bremer Canyon Killer Whale project. Join a tour at Bremer Bay, northeast of Albany. Giant squid, sperm whales and large flocks of sea birds have also been seen in this isolated part of the ocean.

Birdwatch in Fitzgerald National Park

While at Bremer Bay, swim at the stunning Point Ann beach in the Fitzgerald National Park. At the right time of year, you’ll see carpets of wildflowers and the whole area is great for birdwatchers. Stay at the environmentally-friendly Quaalup Homestead Wilderness Retreat on 40 acres of bushland close to Bremmer Bay to experience generous local hospitality.

Between Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste, Hamelin Bay is a quiet little settlement with a few shops, a small local population and the kind of perfectly beautiful white-sand beach that’s characteristic of the area. But come here for something completely out of the ordinary. You’re almost guaranteed to squeal with delight when curious, tame and gentle stingrays come right to the water’s edge and swim over your feet. They hover around the boat ramp and the ruins of the old jetty once used when Hamelin Bay was a major timber port. It’s an astonishing spectacle, all the more because it’s free and uncrowded.

While in the area, stay at Hamelin Bay Holiday Park, where you’re right on the beach. Climb up nearby Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse at the most south-westerly tip of Australia.

If you’ve ever seen the photos of reclining ‘roos basking in the sun on a white-sand beach fringing sparkling clear ocean, you might be tempted to think it’s  a trick, but it’s not. See the real thing at Lucky Bay where you’ll often find kangaroos lazing on the sand, seemingly admiring a view that stretches out from the nearby town of Esperance. The beach itself is simply stunning, and it’s within Cape Le Grande National Park, which includes a string of 110 islands dotting crystal clear water.

See the Pink Lake from Frenchman’s Peak

All this is in vivid contrast to the red outback earth of the area; it’s another world, and a very beautiful one. In spring, the area bursts with wildflowers. Go rock climbing at Frenchman’s Peak and seek out the salt Pink Lake that appears bright pink at times, most likely thanks to algae in the water. Stop by Wave Rock, a spectacular prehistoric granite formation reaching 15 metres (50 feet) high in a curving wonder.

(With inputs from Australia.com)

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