Perth makes for a perfect base for exploring Western Australia, as there are plenty of destinations which offer extraordinary experiences within easy reach.
Here are some short trips that you can take from Perth, ones that you will never forget :
Pinnacles Desert
Pinnacles Desert (2 hours drive from Perth)
Located in the heart of the Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles Desert is considered one of Australia’s most unique landscapes, featuring thousands of limestone spires up to five metres tall. Explore the desert on the designated four-kilometre driving trail or stroll through them at your leisure on the 1.2-kilometre walking trail. Learn more about the Nambung National Park’s fascinating geology, flora and fauna at the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre.
The Lobster Shack (2 hours drive from Perth)
A stroll past the jetties in Cervantes will take you to the Indian Ocean Rock Lobster Factory, where you can take a Lobster Shack tour and learn how the prized Western Rock Lobster is processed and exported around the world. Be sure to pick up some delicious seafood to take away or enjoy in the picnic area outside. The Lobster Shack is also now offering visitors a half-day boat tour, departing at 8.30am from the Lobster Shack jetty (seasonal). Passengers will experience the real life adventures of a lobster fisherman and can opt to select a lobster from the day’s catch, which can be taken back to the Lobster Shack and cooked for lunch. The 68-foot vessel, Shack Attack, also operates fishing charters and seasonal whale watching expeditions. (For more: lobstershack.com.au)
Coral Spawning Tours in Exmouth or Coral Bay (2.5 hour flight from Perth)
The pristine waters of Ningaloo Reef transform into colourful clouds each year during the Coral Spawning season. Catch this nightly amazing natural phenomenon which happens between seven and 10 days after the full moon in March and April.
The annual coral spawning cycle is an incredible sight which is part of the regeneration of Ningaloo Reef. The coral spawn is also a major factor in the arrival of the world’s biggest fish, the whale-shark. Krill and plankton are drawn to the reef by the coral spawn, which are then in turn eaten by whale-sharks which arrive each year to feed. www.exmouthwa.com.au
Swim with whale sharks (2.5 hour flight from Perth)
Whale sharks visit the Ningaloo Reef between March and July annually following the mass spawning of coral. Ningaloo is considered one of the most reliable and easily accessible places on Earth to swim with whale sharks that grow up to 18 metres in length. Swim with whale sharks, snorkel with manta rays or go scuba diving with new Exmouth boat operator Ocean Eco Adventures. Live aboard for a couple of nights and really experience sea life at Ningaloo Reef. Ocean Eco Adventures run adventure tours from April to October each year from Coral Bay and Exmouth. During the summer months (November to February), the company offers Humpback whale, seal and dolphin tours from Margaret River. (For more: www.oceanecoadventures.com.au)
Swim with whale sharks at the Ningaloo Reef.
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Marine life in spectacular abundance
