Busselton Jetty

Experience the sun, sand and sea at the coastal city of Busselton. Bustling with cafes, restaurants and bars, a neverending stretch of calming, white sandy beach welcomes you at this waterfront paradise. The city’s highlight is a 1.8 kilometre long wooden jetty—the longest wooden pier in the world, and the perfect subject for Instagram-worthy pictures. 

Stroll along the pier and soak in the sweeping sight of the horizon, where the sky meets the sea. Do keep a lookout for playful dolphins swimming around the Geographe Bay and see if you can catch one with your DSLR or smartphone lenses. Between September and early December, you may also spot migrating whales visiting the bay to rest and nurse their young.

For an unusual way to explore the jetty, hop on the adorable red 50-seat train that runs to the end of the pier, and descend a spiral staircase to an underwater observatory. For a dreamlike experience, dine at the observatory while watching (and photographing) the marine life “frolicking” around you. Diners will enjoy produce from Western Australia, such as marron, duck, rock lobster prepared by a private chef. 

Directions to Busselton (200 km (138 miles) south of Perth)

Have a tipple or two at Swan Valley—Western Australia’s oldest winemaking region. While you are at it, grab a snapshot (or three) of the verdant vineyards. 

Swan Valley’s wineries are renowned for producing world-class Verdelho, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc and Petit Verdot. From boutique wineries like Ugly Duckling to more prominent institutions such as Lancaster or Sandalford Wines, the Valley has everything to suit your preference.  

The wineries here are located in rolling vineyards that provide gorgeous backdrops for breathtaking holiday photos. Picture yourself relaxing at the winery, sampling wine while soaking in the stunning sights around you. 

Swan Valley is also known for microbreweries that produce cider and ginger beer, as well as beer and distilleries that bottle vodka and rum. Go on a day-long tour to sample exquisite wine, taste fine chocolate, cheese and beer, and capture your hedonistic sojourn in social -media friendly videos and images. 

Directions to Swan Valley (25 km (15.5) north of Perth)

Nambung National Park

Wish to snap a photo of an “alien” planet—one where you walk on “moonscapes” pockmarked with towering pillars?

Look no further than the otherworldly limestone formations of the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park near Cervantes. 

The desert is home to stunning limestone pillars standing against the backdrop of constantly shifting sand, which makes a surreal sight. Taking a walk here almost feels like you are walking on the red planet Mars. 

The park is open all year round. If you visit in Spring (August to October), you may be treated to an abundance of wildflowers in full bloom. Should you be lucky, you may come across wild emus wandering around—make sure that your cameras are ready for some wildlife photography action! 

To capture striking pictures of the area, visit at dusk, where the setting sun casts changing colours on the landscape. 

Directions to Nambung National Park (250 km (155 miles) north of Perth)

Pick up a York Heritage Trail booklet from the visitor centre and do either a walk or drive around the area. Remember to get your smartphone or DSLR camera ready as you tour the hidden gems of York’s sidestreets and marvel at the town’s architecture. 

The town is also known for its kaleidoscopic wildflowers. Visit the York Bushland Garden, and focus your camera on the more than 300 species of the region’s flowers on display. Equally impressive is York’s Canola fields—fields of golden yellow blooms which make the perfect subject for your shot.  For flower lovers, the ideal time to visit is between August and September (canola season) and September and November (wildflower season).

Directions to York (80.7km (50.14 miles) north-east of Perth)

Shoalwater Islands Marine Park

Marine life enthusiasts would delight in the richness of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. This protected park is home to marine wildlife like fish, sea lions, dolphins and penguins. 

Beyond swimming with the fishes, you can engage in activities such as kayaking, snorkelling and diving. You might want to pack a water-proof casing for your camera so that you can dive under the sea to capture marine life swimming around you. Who knows—curious aquatic beasts may come right next to you.  If you are lucky, you may catch the dolphins in a playful mood, jumping in and out of the water. 

Penguin Island is a must-visit at the park. A short ferry ride away, the island has a penguin habitat housing the largest colony of little penguins in Western Australia. Get up close to them at the Penguin Island Discovery Center during feeding time. For more penguin sightings, take the 1.5 km Penguin Island Nature Walk—look out for these handsome birds while you explore the island’s beaches and caves. 

Directions to Shoalwater Islands Marine Park (58.6 km (36.4 miles) from Perth)

Make Perth your base when you set off to explore Western Australia’s fascinating regions. Check out our latest room offers or speak to our associates today to enquire.