The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park, Coral Coast, Western Australia
Backpacker's guide to the west coast
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Backpacker's guide to the West Coast
How to enjoy the delights of Australia’s west coast on a budget
By Jessica Wilkinson
Western Australia is filled with a pretty diverse range of delights. Probs because it’s so big. But the best part is that you can experience most of it for less than AUD$20. From a badd-ass cliff overhang platform to a huge outback moonscape, here are our top picks.
Check Out The Pinnacles Because They're Weird AF
What: Pinnacles
Why: Because walking through these dandelion yellow, limestone spires is like walking on the moon. Epic.
How: Nambung National Park is just outside the coastal town of Cervantes, about a two and a half hour drive north of Perth.
Visit Rottnest Island Because You Haven't Been to WA Unless You've Been Here
Rottnest Island, near Perth, Western Australia
What: Rottnest Island
Why: Quokkas. Plus, Rottnest is seriously beautiful. It’s white sandy beaches and clear blue water makes it a pretty clear must-do.
How: Catch a ferry from Perth or Fremantle.
Terrify Yourself by Spending a Night in Prison in Fremantle
Fremantle Prison, Fremantle, Western Australia
What: Fremantle Prison
Why: Because being terrified is fun, right? Nah, the prison is now backpacker accommodation so it’s legit safe. Unless you do the night-time underground tunnel tour. We can’t guarantee those tunnels aren’t haunted.
How: Book a tour and take a spare change of undies.
Dance Underwater with Manta Rays
Swimming with manta rays, near Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef, Coral Coast, Western Australia
What: Swim with the Mantas in Coral Bay
Why: Because it’s less scary than swimming with sharks and way cooler than swimming by yourself.
How: Suit up and book yourself a tour.
Hit up the Breweries in Margaret River
Bootleg Brewery, Wilyabrup, Margaret River region, Western Australia
What: Margaret River Brewery Tours and Margaret River Cider Tours
Why: Because beer and surf go so well together.
How: Hit up a tour or pick a designated driver and choose your brew.
Swim in the Kimberley's Most Famous Infinity Pool because, Life
Lake Argyle Resort, East Kimberley, Western Australia
What: Infinity pool at Lake Argyle Resort (campground)
Why: Have you seen the picture?
How: Simply choose whether you want to camp, stay in a cabin or shack up in a caravan.
Walk Off the Edge of a Cliff in Albany
Torndirrup National Park, Albany, Western Australia
What: Skywalk
Why: It’s like cliff-jumping without the risk of death. The steel platform extends 10 metres (33 feet) past the edge of the granite cliff at The Gap, and 40 metres (131 feet) above sea level.
How: National park entry costs AU$12 per person.
Walking the Tree Tops Gives you Better Wings than Red Bull
Tree Top Walk, Nornalup, Western Australia
What: Tree Top Walk
Why: Not only are you walking through the tree-tops, you can feel the bridges swaying with the wind. As close as you’ll get to flying with your feet still on the ground.
How: Walpole-Nornalup National Park's Valley of the Giants is five hours drive south from Perth.
Camp, Surf and Snorkel at Gnaraloo Station
FSurfing at Gnaraloo Station, near Carnarvon, Coral Coast, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia