Best Winter Holiday Destinations in Western Australia 2024
If you are wondering what you need for a Western Australia road trip during the winter months, we have a complete guide! These are our top travel tips for getting a van to travel in Western Australia in the winter:
Regarding where to go, these are Wanneroo Rentals list of the most loved road trips around Western Australia.
Here are 10 best winter holiday destinations in Western Australia
1. Perth to Shark Bay
Leave the great city of Perth behind as you wind along the coast to Shark Bay. On the way, you will see the limestone formations of the Pinnacles and the great geological wonder of Kalbarri National Park. When you arrive at Shark Bay, do not miss the opportunity to see the whale migrations and get up close to wild dolphins around Monkey Mia. A lot of customers at Wanneroo Rental come to rent out Prados for this epic trip of a lifetime.
Distance: 1,869km
Recommended trip length: 8-10 days
Where to stop: Going up the coast you will come across amazing views. Stop at Southern Beekeepers Nature Reserve.
What to do: Marvel at the wild dolphins at the Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience
Where to stay: You may need to divide the travel by staying one night in Dongara, or, park up at Shark Bay Caravan Park when you arrive.
2. Perth to Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park is all about adventure. Wander amidst the ancient rocky crevices, swim in crystal-clear gorges and be enchanted with the geological layers on show in this pristine landscape. Karijini is the perfect mix of oasis and desert. As it is not as hot during the winter time, so it is a lot more comfortable to visit.
Distance: 1,353km
Where to stop: Take a break at Mount Magnet and see the Mining and Pastoral Museum. You will pass many gold mines on this trip, and this museum can provide a bit of background.
Where to stay: You will need to allow at least a few nights to get there. A great idea is to stay in Cue along the way. Once you get there, park up at Dales Campground.
Recommended trip length: 4-5 days
What to do: Swim in a waterfall pool in Karijini National Park or take a hike.
3. Perth to Exmouth
Winter in Exmouth is nothing short of bliss. The days are warm and sunny, begging for you to go fishing in the fringing reef or swimming with the sweet giant whale sharks. In the evenings, the temperature goes down, so you can cozy up and unwind by the fire toasting marshmallows. On the way north, you will wind your way through some of this area’s most iconic attractions, including Nature’s Window, a wonderful lookout in Kalbarri, the great pink of Hutt Lagoon, the wildflowers in Geraldton, and much more.
Where to get a room: Haven Devon Cliffs Holiday Park
What to do: Swim with humpback whales!
Distance: 2,848km
Recommended trip length: 10 days
Where to stop: Stop by at Kalbarri and see the Pelicans
4. Perth to Jurien Bay
Starting in July, the coastline glows with the great pinks, yellows, and purples of wildflower season. As one winds your way north toward these wild treasures, one will pass some of Western Australia’s greatest and most iconic natural attractions, including Lancelin sand dunes and the pinnacles. When you reach Jurien Bay, book yourself a tour to go swimming. These ‘puppies of the sea’ are as pretty as they are playful.
Distance: 218 km
Recommended trip length: 4 days
Where to stay: Slide down Lancelin Sand Dunes
Things to do: Sea Spray Art and go swimming with sea lions
Where to stay: Jurien Bay Caravan Park
5. Perth to Hamelin Bay
Australia’s Southwest is a major point for summer lovers, with laidback beach areas to explore and a great culinary scene. This route goes past the Margaret River wineries, high-end stores and once-in-a-lifetime nature experiences. Hamelin Bay is one great place – known for its abundance of curious stingrays that come near the shore to greet visitors.
Distance: 309 km
Recommended trip length: 2 days
Where to stop: See all of the street art in Bunbury
What to do: Even in winter, there are a couple of stingrays around so keep an eye out. Alternatively, grab a fishing road and have a go at catching your dinner!
Where to stay: Hamelin Bay Holiday Park
6. Perth to Esperance
This Western Australia road trip moves across Australia’s Southwest and the Great Southern region. In this jam-packed part of the state, you will have the chance to enjoy some of the nicest experiences and attractions in Australia. Take a stroll along the Southern Hemisphere’s longest jetty in Busselton, check out the surfing town of Margaret River, go to the forested town of Pemberton, and see wallabies moving on the beach in Lucky Bay.
Travel Tip: The weather is somewhat more variable during winter, and you might expect a cloudy day here and there. The upside? You will get to see these super pretty locations and enjoy these delights without the summer crowds.
Distance: 697 km
Recommended trip length: 5-6 days
Where to stop: Pit stop at Lake Grace and follow the Lake Grace Story Trail
What to do: Get up close with the kangaroos at Lucky Bay
Where to crash: Esperance Bay Holiday Park
7. Perth to Kimberley
Step into one of the world’s final truly wild places with this Western Australia road trip to the Kimberley area. While many of the best attractions in Western Australia are found along the coast, this road trip takes you to the beauty of the Aussie outback. Here, one can go on a 4WD tour to check out the Bungle Bungles, swim with 30,000 freshwater crocodiles (the safe variety in Lake Argyle, check out a giant baobab tree, and lose ourselves in the beauty of the many gorges and hikes hidden away in this region. In the winter, temperatures dropping down to under 30°C, making it much more comfortable to experience the wonderful outdoors in this desert area.
Distance: 2,538km
Recommended trip length: 10-12 days
Where to stop: Stay at Port Hedland and have an eye out for turtles at Cemetery Beach Park
What to do: Hop on a flight over the bizarre Bungle Bungles
Where to stay: You will need to break up the trip and stay at a couple of places along the way. The final destination, though, is Kimberley Caravan Park.
8. Perth to The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles make for the best day trip from the city. Just a couple of hours north of Perth, you will fall in love with this unique landscape. Check out the 17,000+ hectares of National Park and stroll amongst the natural limestone structures jutting from the sandy desert terrain. Recommended trip length: 1 day
Where to stop: Check out the views at Lake Thetis
What to do: Check out the stunning limestone formations in Nambung National Park
9. Perth to Broome
This drive is for the adventurous and enthusiastic road tripper. Running from the most southern city to the northernmost city in Western Australia, it encompasses the beauty and diversity of this state. In the winter times, you can enjoy nice warm days and balmy nights as one watches the coastline come to life. From wildlife and wildflowers in the southern areas to red dirt beaches in the north, this is easily among the most stunning winter escapes in Australia.
Recommended trip length: 7-9 days
Distance: 2,047km
What to do: Go hunting for dinosaur footprints!
Where to stop: Stop in at Wubin and check out the Heritage Wheatbin Museum
Where to stay: Broome Caravan Park
10. Perth to Katanning
Get off the tried and tested path with a road trip along the Wheatbelt route to Katanning. This tiny town is a rural cultural hotspot best known for its multicultural community and great annual events. As many of the annual events run during the summer months, this is a great, quiet time to explore this region.
Distance: 286 km
Best trip length: 3 days
What to do: Visit the playground for all ages.
Where to stop: Stop over at Cohunu Koala Park just as you leave Perth
Conclusion
These are just some of the lovely places to visit in Western Australia based on our experiences with customers. At Wanneroo Rentals we would like to emphasize that no list about great places to visit in Western Australia can ever be truly complete. What are your favorite places to visit in our great State?