Best Weekend Breaks in WA | Australian Traveller

WA boasts more than 20,000 kilometres of coastline, so where else would you want to end the week than relaxing on some of its sandy shores? Here, the best weekends away in WA for your hit list.

Rottnest Island (Wadjemup)

A quick trip across the water to Rottnest Island is the quintessential short break from Perth, espousing the kind of timeless appeal that makes worries melt away the moment you step off the ferry for a few days of leisurely cycle rides to bays and beaches, swimming, snorkelling and quokka-spotting.

And the recent opening of a squeaky new resort expands the accommodation offering: Samphire Rottnest on Thompson Bay blends the island’s signature relaxed coastal style with a little luxury; rooms are chic, natural and understated and the spoils of lagoon-style pools, beachfront cocktails and more are just a towel’s flick away.

Also, for the first time in November, Gourmet Escape brings its fine foodie events to the island.

The new Samphire Rottnest resort on Thompson Bay.

Broome

The beguiling beach resort and pearling town of Broome, which sits pretty where red-rock Kimberley meets the turquoise Indian Ocean, is famous for its unique history and cultural diversity. And it’s perfectly proportioned for exploring in a weekend.

For a taste (read: sensory explosion) of what it’s all about, time your visit for Shinju Matsuri. The Festival of the Pearl (22 August – 5 September) marks the end of the pearl harvest season with a series of events including the Floating Lantern Matsuri, Mardi Gras, Chinatown Feast and Sunset Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach.

The Sunset Long Table Dinner at Cable Beach. (Image: Julia Rau Photography)

Margaret River Region

Known for having vineyards for days, pale sandy shores and sunshine in spades, the Margaret River is the WA weekend getaway that needs no introduction. This world-class wine region three hours’ drive south of Perth invites you to meander between its cellar doors, many with laid-back cafes or fine diners making good use of regional produce and invariably with views out to farmland, wine country and coast. Not sure where to start? Put this year’s Western Australia Gourmet Escape in your diary (17–21 November) to get a taste of it all at festival favourites such as gourmet beach barbecues.

In the vines at Vasse Felix, Margaret River. (Image: Tourism WA)

Kalbarri National Park

With two cantilevered viewing platforms that hang 100 metres mid-air above Murchison River Gorge, Kalbarri Skywalk opened in 2020 to provide jaw-dropping views of Kalbarri National Park and insight into its Aboriginal heritage through interpretive signage and artwork by local Nanda artists.

It provides another compelling reason to head to this spectacular region on the Coral Coast that also encompasses a majestic coastline, heavenly beaches, pink lakes and wildflowers that bloom into full colour and fragrance from July each year.

Kalbarri has been significantly impacted by Cyclone Seroja and the national park is closed at the time of writing, so plan your trip when the time is right to return.

Avon Valley

The picturesque Avon Valley, just an hour’s drive east of Perth and WA’s first inland settlement, is a quintessential weekend away: a patchwork of rolling hills and winding streams made for scenic country drives and ambling around historic towns like Northam, Toodyay, York and New Norcia.

Curl up by a cosy pub fireplace in winter, spot colourful murals and public artworks and rise at the crack of dawn in Northam for a hot-air balloon ride to take in the landscape.

Here in town you’ll also find the impressive Bilya Koort Boodja Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge and the newly renovated Farmers’ Home Hotel.

hot-air balloon ride Avon Valley — Rise at the crack of dawn in Northam for a hot-air balloon ride.

Exmouth

For a dose of vitamin D and sea head to Exmouth – blessedly situated at the northern gateway to the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, where the lush and colourful underwater world of Ningaloo Reef contrasts against the rugged terrestrial landscape of Cape Range National Park.

Don’t miss the chance to explore Cape Range’s spectacular rocky gorges carved by ancient rivers and cruise, kayak or SUP down the deep canyon of Yardie Creek.

But the big-ticket attraction – swimming with whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world – is every bit as thrilling as it promises to be.

Southern Forests And Valleys

Disconnect from the stressors of urban life by spending a few days in the Southern Forests and Valleys of WA.

Base yourself at the RAC Karri Valley Resort, set on the banks of Lake Beedelup and flanked by the sky scraping karri trees the region is known for, to immerse yourself in nature.

Nourish yourself in other ways too: the region is considered a food bowl of WA where you’ll find farm-fresh epicurean treats like chestnuts, finger limes, cherries, ginseng and black truffles, and cool-climate Wines from the Pemberton and Manjimup Regions.

Perth

For a weekend of urban activities mingled with sand in the toes, look no further than Perth – a cosmopolitan capital that stacks up in the cultural stakes while remaining steadfastly laid-back.

For a taste of the former, check out hip neighbourhoods like Northbridge and Fremantle as well as brand-new WA Museum Boola Bardip – whose name means ‘many stories’ in Noongar language and which bridges striking contemporary architecture with existing heritage buildings.

And for a taste of the latter head straight for sunset cocktails at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel.

Swan Valley

Just 25 minutes from Perth, the Swan Valley is ripe for weekend exploration: packed with wineries (it’s WA’s oldest wine region), breweries and distilleries and artisans producing delicious goods like chocolate, nougat and honey, as well as artist studios and galleries to visit.

Take an Aboriginal cultural workshop led by Dale Tilbrook of the Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery; pick a trail to follow, from Fresh Seasonal Produce to Fine Wine to Cider and Ale to Sweet Temptations; or book a masterclass such as cheesemaking, and bed down for a night or two at a cute bed and breakfast, farm stay or boutique hotel.

Albany

Head to the port town of Albany, set within the Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound, for a weekend of history served up with some epic scenery.

Called Kinjarling (meaning ‘the place of the rain’) by the Menang Noongar people, this was the site of both WA’s first European settlement and the last port of call for troopships departing Australia in the First World War; visit the National Anzac Centre for an immersive experience of Anzac legend and take a Kurrah Mia cultural tour to experience the rich and ancient history of the land.

National Anzac Centre Albany — Visit the National Anzac Centre for an immersive experience of Anzac legend. (Image: National Anzac Centre).

Also check out the old whaling station at Discovery Bay, which serves as a fascinating museum, and encounter migrating humpback and southern right whales between June and August as they chart their course along the dramatic coastline here.

From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

Why Silversea?

Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

silversea cruise ship pool deck — Take a dip in the pool deck.

1. Koolama Bay

Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise — Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise — Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise. — Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

4. Horizontal Falls

Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

With each tidal shift, the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley ’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide. — Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

5. Montgomery Reef

As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel, turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef — Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions , guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion — See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys — Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com

Ultimate weekends away in WA