Western Australia is a huge state and is jam-packed full of natural landmarks just waiting to be explored. Mainly known for its pristine beaches, the vast WA landscape has so much to offer! From incredible rock formations to amazing landscapes and even a pink lake, there’s so much to see.
Man made landmarks can be impressive, but there’s nothing quite as spectacular as the raw and natural wonders of mother nature. Join us as we explore the breathtaking natural beauty of this remarkable corner of the world.
Image Credit: Tourism WA
Bungle Bungle – Purnululu National Park
Located in the Kimberley region, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed park is famous for its beehive-shaped rock formations, known as the Bungle Bungle Range. These unique sandstone domes are a sight to behold and are best explored on foot.
Hiking through narrow, winding gorges allows you to get up close and personal with these ancient sandstone giants, their size becoming even more apparent as you get closer. This is one of the most unique natural landmarks in Western Australia and should definitely be on your bucket list!
Where to stay: Broome Caravan Park
Ningaloo Reef
Western Australia’s answer to the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo Reef is the world’s largest fringing reef. Its unique feature is its proximity to the shore, making it perfect for snorkelers and beachgoers.
Snorkelling and diving here offer opportunities to see a diverse range of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and colourful coral formations. Glass-bottom boat tours and scenic flights offer non-swimmers a chance to marvel at this underwater wonder. Ningaloo Reef is an amazing natural landmark that invites all to explore its vibrant world beneath the waves.
Where to stay: Carnarvon Capricorn Holiday Park for water activities. Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park for turtle hatching season.
Image Credit: Annabel Claire Photography
Wave Rock
Found near the town of Hyden, Wave Rock is a natural granite formation that resembles a giant breaking wave. It’s a popular spot for photographers and offers a fascinating geological spectacle. Wave rock is one of the many famous Australian landmarks you must visit!
Visitors can easily access this natural wonder, and a short walk takes you to the base of the rock, allowing for an up-close encounter with its textured surface. The rock’s distinct wave-like shape makes it ideal for excellent photos, particularly during sunrise and sunset when the hues come alive.
Where to stay: Esperance Bay Holiday Park
Image Credit: Annabel Claire Photography
Karijini National Park
This park is known for its deep gorges, stunning waterfalls, and unique rock formations. Hiking through the park allows visitors to appreciate the ancient landscapes and cool off in refreshing rock pools.
Visitors can explore these remarkable natural landmarks on a network of well-maintained walking trails that cater to various skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual walker, there’s a trail that allows you to delve into the heart of Karijini’s geological wonders.
Where to stay: Tom Price Tourist Park
Shark Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shark Bay is a famous landmark home to unique marine life, including the famous Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins of Monkey Mia. The stunning landscapes of the bay also include vast seagrass beds and the striking red cliffs of Francois Peron National Park.
Another fascinating attraction is the Hamelin Pool stromatolites, living fossils that provide insight into the Earth’s ancient history. These microbial structures are among the oldest life forms on the planet.
Where to stay: Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park, Carnarvon Capricorn Holiday Park
Image Credit: Annabel Claire Photography
The Pinnacles
Located in Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles are eerie limestone formations that rise from the desert sands. Sunset or sunrise visits offer particularly breathtaking views.
The Pinnacles themselves are comprised of thousands of limestone pillars, some towering as high as five metres, while others are just a fraction of that size. The precise origin of these formations remains a subject of geological debate, but they are believed to have formed over thousands of years through a combination of natural factors, including wind erosion and the dissolution of ancient seashells.
Where to stay: Jurien Bay Tourist Park
Elephant Rocks
Nestled along the southern coast of Western Australia, near Denmark, Elephant Rocks is a natural wonder that truly lives up to its name. This captivating formation consists of large, smooth, and elephant-sized granite boulders that seem to have been strategically placed by nature.
These massive rocks, weathered by centuries of coastal winds and waves, form a surreal landscape that invites exploration and admiration.
Visitors can clamber over these mammoth stones, enjoy picnics on the pristine sandy beach, or simply bask in the breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean.
Where to stay: Walpole Rest Point Caravan Park
Image Credit: Annabel Claire Photography
The Gap and Natural Bridge
Perched on the edge of Albany’s rugged coastline, The Gap and Natural Bridge are awe-inspiring geological formations. The Gap is a deep chasm in the granite cliffs, where visitors can stand on a platform, marvelling at the raw power of the surging waves below.
Nearby, the Natural Bridge arches gracefully over the water, showcasing the incredible forces of nature that have sculpted this coastline over millions of years.
Where to stay: Walpole Rest Point Caravan Park
Giant Tingle Tree
Within the Walpole-Nornalup National Park stands a living giant, the Giant Tingle Tree. This ancient red tingle tree, affectionately known as “Grandis,” is one of the largest eucalypts on the planet. Its towering height makes it a living testament to the resilience and longevity of Australia’s unique flora.
Visitors can wander along a raised boardwalk that winds through the forest, providing an up-close encounter with these colossal trees and the lush undergrowth that thrives beneath their canopy.
Where to stay: Walpole Rest Point Caravan Park
Image Credit: Annabel Claire Photography