Visiting Western Australia for a long weekend

Australia is famous for its diverse landscapes, stunning cities and endless opportunity for adventure. When you only have a long weekend to travel, Australia might seem out of reach. But with no less than seven daily flights to Perth and only five hours of flying from Singapore, you can explore Western Australia in just a few days.

Perth

With fantastic beaches and vibrant nightlife, Perth is an ideal destination to spend a long weekend. From breweries and cideries to eclectic festivals, the city’s must-do list is endless. Just a 20-minute drive from Perth you’ll find Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region, which regularly serves up more than its top drops. Savour award-winning wines, snack on local gourmet delights and meet native Australian wildlife. If you’d rather sip on cider, Core Cider offers tastings as well as tractor tours of the apple orchards and the opportunity to pick fruit straight from the tree during harvest season. Beyond food and wine, Perth is home to world-famous festivals such as Fringe World, the third largest in the world, and Perth Festival, the oldest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere.

Rottnest Island

Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Fremantle lies an island paradise brimming with picturesque scenery and wildlife including the island’s most famous attraction, the quokkas, often referred to as the world’s happiest animal.  Rottnests’ friendly and furry residents roam around freely on the island and are always ready to smile for a perfect selfie. The island is car-free, so after you’ve snapped your #quokkaselfie, explore the island’s secluded beaches, bays and grassy hills by bus, bike, jet boat or segways. With only 300 permanent residents and plenty of beaches to discover, Rottnest Island is the perfect day trip and an idyllic escape from the city.

The Pinnacles and Cervantes

Australia might be big, but there are plenty of short trips within Western Australia to discover.  Just 2½ hours from Perth you’ll find the Pinnacles Desert, which is home to other-worldly limestone formations that are widely regarded as one of Australia’s most unique landscapes. Not only can you walk through the moonscape of the Pinnacles, but you can also sand-board on the vast golden dunes at the nearby township of Lancelin. Alternatively, wander through fields of wildflowers in spring in what is often dubbed as the greatest wildflower show on earth. Just a short drive from the Pinnacles you’ll find Cervantes, a coastal town famous for fresh lobsters from the Lobster Shack, sweeping ocean views, and rare Australian seals.

Margaret River

You might think that Western Australia’s Margaret River region is all about beautiful food and wine, but beyond the vines, you’ll find a range of unexpected activities. Head to Hamelin Bay to say g’day to friendly stingrays, some measuring as wide as two metres. In Yallingup, you’ll find the Injidup Natural Spa, where saltwater gushes through narrow gaps to turn the rock pool into a natural jacuzzi. Adventure lovers are also spoiled for choice with several coastal walking tracks to choose from. Hike part of the Cape to Cape Track along the rugged coastline as the waves crash below or explore one of five different cave systems in the region.  For an unforgettable dining experience unlike any other, visit in November to be part of the world renowned Margaret River Gourmet Escape - one of the most enticing events on the Aussie food culture calendar.