Some of us are programmed to explore, others are programmed to dream. Regardless of which category you fall into, there is a whole world out there just waiting to be discovered.
Her.ie’s new weekly travel guide brings you to some of the most inspiring places in the world and dares you to turn those dreams into an adventure of a lifetime.
As the saying goes, ‘home is where your passport is’ – so where will your passport end up next?
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From Darwin to Perth with love
If you have all of the time in the world, then road tripping down the west coast of Australia is certainly the way to go. However, bear in mind the size and scale of the country and if you’re that bit more restricted on time, you can still cover most of these destinations and fit in a flight or two to cut down on days spent on the road.
A discovery of the west coast starts in Darwin in the Northern Territory and weaves its way down through a number of towns and villages that are far off the beaten track to finish in Perth.
Here’s just a taster of what you can discover.
Darwin
Capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin is famous for its laid back atmosphere. Head to Smith Street, take in the lively part of the waterfront and explore Kakadu National Park.
Handy hint: Take a trip to Mindil Beach, see if you can take in the deckchair cinema and book yourself in for a sunset cruise.
Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle)
The park, which is on the National and World Heritage list, is home to the Bungle Bungle Range of Western Australia’s Kimberly region. The range remained hidden from the world until its discovery in 1983.
Over 350 million years in the making, take a scenic flight from Broome or an open-door helicopter tour within the park itself.
Handy hint: Stay overnight and hike into the range to Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm. Be sure to take a four-wheel drive safari.
Broome
With so many places to visit in Broome and surrounding areas, give yourself plenty of time to explore. Head to Roebuck Bay, one of the most fascinating natural attractions and watch the changing colours of the water.
Handy hint: If you are there during colder weather, you will spot the famous Staircase to the Moon. It’s also a great spot for bird watching.
Cable Beach
Cable Beach in Broome is one of the most famous beaches in the world, mainly thanks to its 22 kilometres of dazzling white sand and spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Fly directly from Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, then hop on a bus out of Broome.
Handy hint: Experience the beauty of the jaw-dropping scenery from a camel train and book into one of the many fabulous resorts nearby.
Ningaloo Reef
Home to whale sharks in stunning clear waters, there are tours to Ningaloo Reef from Coral Bay or Exmouth. Whale sharks will be there between April and July and you can also swim with manta rays, tropical fish, rare turtles and even dolphins.
Handy hint: Book onto one of the many whale shark tours who boast a hugely impressive success rate of 95 per cent.
Pinnacles
One of the most unique and fascinating aspects of the Australian landscape, the Pinnacles were formed over millions of years and are tall limestone spires that rise out of the desert sands.
Located in Nambung National Park, just outside the town of Cervantes, you can reach them in two hours from Perth by following the Indian Ocean Drive.
Handy hint: Explore the route at your own pace or take a tour – either way, you will be amazed at the stunning scenery. Visit the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre to find out how it all came about.
Valley of the Giants
A breath-taking view of some of the tallest timber trees in the world, the Valley of the Giants tree top walk will see you climbing 40 metres high into the forest to meander along the treetops for 600 metres. Located about 15 minutes east of Walpole, it takes just over four hours to get here from Perth.
Handy hint: Nestled in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park and Walpole Wilderness Area, don’t forget to explore the Ancient Empire Walk in the midst of the old tingle trees – found nowhere else in the world and standing for over 400 years.
Karijini National Park
A place that will take your breath away, Karijini National Park has some of the oldest rocks on the planet, with 100 metre chasms, stunning gorges and inviting pools located at the bottom of cascading waterfalls. Take your time and climb Western Australia’s second highest peak – Mount Bruce.
Handy hint: There are a number of camping and glamping options available so make the most of everything Mother Nature has to offer and spend a night under the stars.
Monkey Mia
One of the most famous whale watching destinations in Western Australia, the calm bay is famous for the friendly dolphins that visit to be hand fed. Located approximately 25 kilometres away from Denham, Monkey Mia is in the Shark Bay World Heritage area.
Handy hint: Dolphin watching is not the only thing on offer here, there are also four wheel drive trips, Aboriginal cultural tours and camel rides. Fly here from Perth in two hours or take a day to do it on the road.
Lucky Bay
Known as Australia’s whitest beach, Lucky Bay is an idyllic haven located in the midst of stunning beaches on the coast of Cape Le Grand National Park and Esperance. With amazing views, the bay spans over five kilometres.
Handy hint: Go a bit further away from the beach to find some beautiful walking trails. You may be even catch a glimpse of migrating whales between July and October.
Margaret River
Enjoy some wine in the region of Margaret River. Take a tour of the wineries before eating at some of the mouth-watering restaurants and taking a trip down to the stunning beaches.
Handy hint: There’s lots to see and do in the area – explore the forests, catch some waves and take a trip around the ancient caves.
Perth
Famed for its hours of sunshine, Perth mixes urban cool with stunning scenery, and does so in style. With a brilliant nightlife, fantastic restaurants and brilliant cultural offerings, Perth is certainly worth a few days of your time.
Handy hint: Pay a trip to King’s Park one of the world’s largest inner city parks.
Kalgoorlie
The biggest city in the Australian outback, you can reach Kalgoorlie from Perth by air or rail, or hit the road for a seven-hour trip. Steeped in history with beautiful buildings, the city was built in the 1880s during the gold rush.
Handy hint: Head to Hannan Street (named after Irish man Paddy Hannan) where you’ll find all the nightlife and restaurants.
Insider’s tips: There’s so much to see and do be sure to visit Eighty Mile Beach and Coral Bay too.
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