Get Off The Beaten Track In Western Australia
Get Off The Beaten Track In Western Australia
Hello Steemit! I'm a real fan of getting off the beaten track when I'm on the road.
I love finding those hidden places, strange locations and quiet areas to enjoy before the rush of tourism. I spent a year travelling around Western Australia, taking it slow and getting off the beaten track in the largest state in Australia.
I found deserted, white sand beaches which stretch for miles along the stunning coastline. I climbed the world's largest rock, explored gorges, drank beer in Outback Pubs and camped out under the stars.
Here's My Guide To Getting Off The Beaten Track In Western Australia!
Enjoy incredible sunsets while drinking a cold beer on the beach in Broome.
In the far north of Western Australia is Broome. This laid back coastal town is a tropical paradise- at least in the dry season anyway. Broome sits on gorgeous white sand beaches, and there's not a whole lot going on except for a lot of relaxing.
There's insane sunsets, the odd crocodile sighting, beautiful scenery and the best part: it's not over run by tourists... not yet anyway.
The Spectacular Gorges Of Karijini National Park
Western Australia's second largest National Park is a hidden secret. That's because it's a long way from anywhere, and on the surface, it looks like it's just one big semi arid desert. Which it is...
But hidden under the red, dusty rock are a network of colourful and lush gorges and waterfalls, holding the key to life for the creatures that call this otherwise arid land home.
And for the traveller there's epic dark night skies, refreshing natural swimming pools and awesome hiking.
Marble Bar, Australia's Hottest Town
Marble Bar is a long way from anywhere. It's remote. It's isolated. And it's hot. Really hot...
Marble Bar has a dubious claim to fame. This small Outback Town of a few hundred residents records some of the most consistently high temperatures in the country. If you want to experience real Aussie heat, then visit here in the summer.
Soaring temperatures aside though, in the cooler months the town is surprisingly lovely to visit. Quirky cafes and pubs cater to the few road trippers that pass through and the Jasper Deposits- once thought to be marble- are a beautful sight.
Ningaloo, Australia's Not So Famous Coral Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a pretty big deal. It's pretty famous. It's also pretty busy.
What they don't tell you, is that on the West Coast, there's an ever better reef. The Ningaloo Reef. This is the world's largest fringing reef and it stretches for hundreds of miles along the coast of WA.
It's a conservation area, perfect for snorkelling and even the scene of huge whale shark migrations at certain times of the year.
Visit The Largest Rock In The World
Mount Augustus- known also as Burringurrah- is the world's largest rock. It's classed as an Inselberg and stands at 1,106 metres high in the Outback.
Like many things in Western Australia, it's also in the absolute middle of nowhere, and it's a challenge even getting here. The long roads can be closed for large parts of the year, and when they are open, they are rocky and remote, with very few supply stops along the way.
Once you make it though, the climb to the top is spectacular, and the view from the top really gives you a sense of the enormity of Australia.
Enjoy The Relaxing Delights Of An Outdoor Hot Tub In Shark Bay
Shark Bay- as the name suggests- is famous for having lots of sharks. This peninsular is north of Perth, and is a haven for marine life. But what it should really be known for, is the outdoor artisan hot tub.
This hot tub is found in the local Francois Peron National Park, ad it's on an old sheep shearing station. It's free to use, there's also free BBQ's nearby and it's at a constant temperature of 40 Degrees, fed by underground bore water from the rock far below.
At night just relax, and enjoy the starry skies above.
Visit The Principality Of Hutt River, An Independent Micro Nation
The Hutt River is a self declared, independent Micro Nation. In the 1970s over taxation disputes Prince Leonard seceded from Australia. This bizarre little country have sort of governed themselves since- even sending the odd diplomatic delegation abroad- and they print stamps, issue visas and sell tshirts. It's a strange little nation, but worth a look to visit this eccentric family.
The Stirling Range National Park
Western Australia is usually very, very flat- apart from the world's largest rock- and mountains are a bit of a rarity in this vast land. Where you do find them, they appear all the more dramatic against the otherwise flat landscape.
In the South West you will find the impressive Stirling Range, an area of prominent peaks and outstanding natural beauty. There's a load of mountains to climb, with the best hike being to the top of Bluff Knoll, the range's highest peak of 1099 metres. It's also one of the only places in the state to have ever recorded snowfall.
Gold Mining In Kalgoorlie
Kalgoorlie is probably the most Australian city ever. It was built on the profits of the Gold Rush days, and today is still the site of a huge Super Pit, an enormous open cut gold mine that has to be seen to be believed.
It was also once a Wild West Town, and it's not really managed to shake that image, in many cases even playing up to this stereotype for the tourists. Beneath this veneer though, it's a surprisingly modern city, with more to it than meets the eye....
Kangaroos On The Beaches In Esperance
On The South Coast is Esperance, home to beautiful beaches and spectacular coastline.
At the Cape Le Grande National Park here, you can camp out on the beaches with the resident population of Kangaroos who will pose for a cheeky photograph with the travellers.
There's acres of National Park to explore, great hiking and even better sunsets in the remote area of Western Australia.
Beautiful photos! Looks like Western Australia should be on my go to list! I'm hoping to start to travel more internationally when the kids get a little older (youngest is only 16 months). When they can all carry their own weight it will be time. Untill then I'll keep following you and other travelers and get inspired by your journey.
Definitely put Western Australia in your list it’s pretty unique!
Cool post @traveltramp. As one of the editors for @steemitworldmap’s daily #traveldigest, I would love to see this post pop up on http://steemitworldmap.com. If you're interested, simply go to the website, search for your location, click on code (down the bottom) and add a short description. It will then generate the code you need to copy and paste into your post (not the comments) to have it show up on steemit worldmap. Then your post will be on the map! There’s also a FAQ section if you need it.
Thanks! I'll take a look!
Perfect! Keep up the good work Please consider looking into my travel/photography posts too: @b2travel
I'll take a look! Thanks for reading!
Great article and fantastic photos! Keep them coming! Any photos of climbing Mount Augustus though?
Thanks mate, yeah I've got another article coming up soon! Plenty from the summit!
Awesome pics. I love my old adopted state, but won't get to see much of it for a while now that I'm on the other side of the country
Whereabouts are you?
I'm in Sydney now. When in WA I was in various parts of the city, but also Narrogin and visiting my partner at the time when she worked in Broome. Mostly did little trips around the South East, but did do a trip across to Adelaide and Back which covered the wheat belt and South coast too
Awesome! I think I drove through Narrogin. I'm guessing you crossed the Nullarbor! I'm hoping to do that one day.
Many times. Drove once each way, Bus at least a few times, Train 4 or 5 times, and Flown many more. Driving it is worth doing, but it's a long way and not a huge amount to see. Was a good trip though
I've explored a fair amount of Australia but not much of the west coast 🌏 I'll go later on this year to see these gems 😊
Do it! The West Coast is the best!
Western Oz looks pretty crazy.
It's pretty awesome!
man those are some pretty locations in western australia! that kangaroo sure does look innocent until someone gets socked in the face! hehe wonderful post! thanks for the tour mate! :)
No worries mate! Luckily the kangaroo didn't go for anyone!
hehe glad to know! :)