9 Best Natural Wonders To Visit In Western Australia This Year

When it comes to dramatic landscapes, Western Australia has it all, including monoclines, coral reefs, and waterfalls. This vast part of Australia comprises coastline, bushland, desert, tall forest, and caves, with an incredible range of flora and fauna. There are even some species here not found anywhere else in the world, such as the critically endangered western ringtail possum and the red-capped parrot. In Western Australia, you can stand below the granite face of Serpentine Falls or brave the heat of the Pila Nature Reserve in the Gibson Desert. You can also dive into the underwater world of the Ningaloo Reef or walk among the limestone pinnacles of the Pinnacles Desert. Read on to discover nine natural wonders across the state.

Gibson Desert, Pila Nature Reserve

The 60,000-square-mile Gibson Desert, specifically the Pila Nature Reserve, is home to red kangaroos, nocturnal bilbies, and the non-venomous woma python. Not only that, but centenarian mulga trees and plenty of porcupine grass and other plants that make up the arid shrub steppe here. The sandy plains and dune fields here contribute to the dry climate far out in the barren Australian desert, where human life is sparse, aside from tourist trips and groups of Indigenous peoples.

Summers here are scorching hot, so if you are going then, be sure to bring plenty of water, sun protection, and take it easy. A trip in the spring or fall might be better when conditions are less intense. If you want to experience the rain, go in summer, though there's no guarantee it will rain while you are there.

The Pinnacles Desert

Another great chunk of the Western Australian desert, The Pinnacles Desert presents the triangular or rounded limestone structures, called pinnacles, in a drier part of the coastal land. The pinnacles themselves began forming during the Pleistocene epoch, later evolving into these cool desert rocks composed of calcium carbonate. This is where western grey kangaroos and even singing honeyeaters roam freely in the parched landscape, and tourists can witness these unique rock formations from the comfort of their own car or on a hiking exploration on Indigenous land belonging to the local Yued tribe. Since it is the desert, plan ahead before going here, as the heat and dryness can be intense. Wildflower season is in full bloom from July to October. Maybe plan for a trip from August to October, as temperatures should hopefully be a bit lower than in the summer.

Mount Augustus, Mount Augustus National Park

Mount Augustus, or in the Indigenous language, Burringurrah, is a massive monocline in Western Australia in Mount Augustus National Park. In fact, it is widely promoted as the largest in the world and is quite a sight to behold, with its rich reddish and purplish tones that almost turn maroon at certain times of day, as the giant rock towers over you and the landscape. Try to spot a Mount Augustus striped gecko or a blue-winged kookaburra here, as this is a great spot for birdwatching on your treks through the rugged land.

Take the Mount Augustus Summit Trail to the top of the monocline, which is a journey of around 8 miles. Be warned that this hike is particularly strenuous and requires a high level of fitness, although it rewards you with incredible views of Mount Augustus National Park. But try going during the more temperate times of year, in fall and winter, unless you are happy to be like a gecko in the hot desert sun and are fully equipped with the proper gear.

Mount Meharry, Karijini National Park

The highest peak in all of Western Australia is Mount Meharry in Karijini National Park, reaching almost 4,100 feet and featuring a vivid display of orange, red, and green hues blending together. Mount Meharry is part of the Hamersley Range, many of whose mountains were historically used for iron ore mining. Now, this is a place to hike and brave the truly remote parts of deserted Australia with low levels of human habitation.

Whether beginning your ascent on foot or by a rather rough and bumpy four-wheel drive, Mount Meharry requires a certain kind of grit and resilience to get to the top, particularly with the extreme heat exposure in warmer months. Try going at a milder time of year to stave off any unwarranted physical reactions you might have, and do prepare well, as it is incredibly remote here.

Sugarloaf Rock, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

On the northern end of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, just south of Cape Naturaliste, dramatic granite Sugarloaf Rock overlooks the Indian Ocean as part of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Have a picnic in the parking lot, and afterwards, go on a short walk while taking in the crash of the waves against the rocky coastline.

This is a fantastic spot for birdwatching, specifically for identifying the red-tailed tropic bird that nests from September to February, which is a restricted species, so unfortunately no pets are allowed here. You might also see humpback whales in the water from June to October, or maybe an elusive bottlenose dolphin. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is nearby, too, which makes for a great hour-long trek or a 10-minute car drive. Stay late for sunset, and watch the glow of warm colors come up over the blue horizon.

Serpentine Falls, Serpentine National Park

Take in the falls at Western Australia's Serpentine National Park at Serpentine Falls, a prime place to watch the water when the pool at the base of Serpentine Falls is full in the spring months, due to the steady flow of rainfall at that time of year. The huge rust-colored granite rock wall it pours out of makes for a dramatic sight, too, and is well worth the photo opportunity, though swimming at the falls has been closed over water quality, so check with Parks and Wildlife before you go. Be sure to arrive before mid-morning because the parking lot fills up fast.

Visitors should specifically go around September to see the native wildflowers and the bright viridescent foliage light up Serpentine National Park, like the fuchsia grevilleas and milkmaids, although many of the wildflowers are on full display from July until November. And maybe catch a glimpse of the red-capped parrots and Australian magpies, two of the many bird species here.

Quinninup Falls

Quinninup Falls is on the coastline of Western Australia, as part of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, an area primarily made up of Australian bushland, forests, and caves. The view of Quinninup Falls is all downhill and all uphill going back, estimated to be from around one to three hours.

The best time to go is when the water is running, which will be in late winter or spring, unless there has been enough heavy rainfall in summer or fall. On your hike, watch out for the sand dunes, which can be fun to go down, but require dexterity and a certain level of fitness going up. There is also a viewing platform boardwalk at the entrance, if not wanting to do the longer hike and only to see the Indian Ocean. If you are lucky, you might see an Australian peregrine falcon fly overhead, or a western ringtail possum. Maybe even a western grey kangaroo.

Beedelup Falls, Greater Beedelup National Park

Greater Beedelup National Park is where cascading Beedelup Falls flows amongst the native Karri and Jarrah trees in Western Australia's Karri Valley, on Indigenous Bibbulmun or Piblemen land. Winter or the early days of spring are the best times to go, for Beedelup Falls will be at its fullest flow; however, be careful of flooding after rain and bring sturdy waterproof shoes.

A path can be taken from the parking lot onto the suspension bridge above the body of water known as Beedelup Brook, connecting visitors to Beedelup Falls, where a trail goes onward to the Karri Valley Resort. This is part of an almost three-mile loop trail that takes about an hour and a half to two hours. And be sure to check out the cool Walk Through Tree and get your photo taken while in it, certainly a good idea for a family trip.

Ningaloo Reef

Western Australia's Ningaloo Reef on the beautiful Ningaloo Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site, where whale sharks swim in the turquoise waters from March to August, and humpback whales pass through from August to October, so consider visiting around then. There are also plenty of manta rays and sea turtles that live here, making this a wonderful aquatic trip to an incredibly diverse oceanic wonder of Australia.

Ningaloo Reef is where visitors are allowed to enter the coral underwater world through a swimming, snorkeling, or diving experience and become one with the sea life, although care and discretion are to be used so as not to damage the fragile reef. There are many underground cave and karst systems that are adjacent to Ningaloo Reef, too, and primarily serve as the abodes for spineless invertebrates, providing a wealth of abundant tropical flora and fauna.

Adventure In Western Australia

Experience the bushland and the raging waterfalls of Western Australia through trips to places like Quinninup Falls and Beedelup Falls. Get acquainted with the Australian Indigenous culture, the hundreds of different bird species, and the diversity in the flora and fauna. Wander in The Pinnacles Desert and marvel at the spectacular rock formations, or settle down for the night watching the sun set over Sugarloaf Rock. Make a plan to hit up a few of these destinations in one go, and make a trip out of it to see some of the best of Australia's wildlife and natural wonders.