10 Reasons to fall in love with Western Australia

On account of Western Australia’s enormous size, we’ve rounded up a mighty 10 reasons to check out it’s major attractions.
Sometimes overlooked in favour of the rival East Coast, WA is a state brimming with the weird and wonderful, in fact there are some unique sights you simply won't find anywhere else! Here are our 10 reasons to fall in love with Western Australia…

1. Western Australia IS one third of Australia

Welcome to the largest state in the largest island on the planet.
Western Australia occupies the entire western third of Australia - more than one million square miles! With just 2.4 million inhabitants, the vast majority of whom live in or around Perth, one thing you are guaranteed is plenty of space. The empty roads are perfect for exploring by campervan like the Perth to Broome route. Plan your route carefully beforehand, as if you’re heading to remote areas like the Kimberley you’ll more than likely need a 4WD vehicle. Having your accommodation with you means you can stay over in some really remote spots, whether it’s along the beautiful Coral Coast or out in the wilds of the Great Outback.

2. State capital Perth is nearer to Indonesia than Sydney

Nothing beats getting away from it all and in Western Australia you’ll get away from, well, everywhere! Perth is the most remote capital city in the world and is closer to the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, than it is to Canberra, capital city of Australia. So remote is Perth that the original American astronauts named it the ‘City of Lights’ - due to the lack of any significant light interference within thousands of miles of the city, from outer space it stood out as the brightest spot on the planet!
If you want to sample the incredible remoteness of Western Australia without compromising on creature comforts, treat yourself to a few days at El Questro Wilderness Park or Emma Gorge Resort at El Questro in the awe-inspiring Kimberley. If you’re looking for an adventure, check out these small group tour ideas running out of Perth.

3. It’s full of hidden gems. Quite literally.

Western Australia is the richest area in the world for natural mineral wealth – quite a claim to fame. The Argyle mine to the north of the state is the largest producer of diamonds in the world while the eccentric town of Kalgoorlie remains Australia’s largest producer of gold.
Take a step back to the days of the gold rush on a full day tour of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, where you’ll see striking 1890’s architecture along the infamous Hay Street and explore the Hannans North Tourist Mine, where you’ll learn all about the history of this famous boom and bust town. There are also treasures to be found beneath the seas – tropical Broome, situated on the beautiful and undeveloped north coast, is the pearl capital of the world.

4. The sun always shines on Western Australia

Well, almost always. Perth averages 8 hours sunshine every day, 365 days a year. And because Western Australia is so vast, it’s always a good time to visit! In Australia’s winter from June to September the tropical north is the place to be – not that it ever gets really cold further south.

5. It’s home to the largest fringing coral reef in the world

The virtually untouched Ningaloo Reef, located approximately midway between Perth and Broome stretches for some 260km. It’s the largest fringing reef in the world and nowhere else on the planet can a reef of this size be accessed so easily – in many places, it’s just a short swim from the shore.
Its remarkable biodiversity, with more than 500 species of fish and 300 varieties of coral has given it World Heritage listed status. It’s arguably most famous for being one of the few places in the world where you can swim with the world’s largest fish. Whale sharks, which can grow up to 15 metres in length are visitors to Ningaloo every year between late March and mid July.
At the southern end of the reef, the Bayview Coral Bay makes a great base to explore from. Or, if you really want to push the boat out, the Sal Salis in the Cape Range National Park offers exclusive wild bush luxury just metres from the water’s edge.

6. It’s home to the biggest rock in the entire world

The Northern Territory’s Uluru (Ayers Rock) may be the most famous rock in Australia, but it’s actually  not the biggest: that honour belongs to WA's Mount Augustus, known as Burringurrah by the local Wadjari Aboriginal people.
900km north of Perth, it’s not only the largest rock in Australia, it’s the largest in the whole world! This sandstone monocline is more than twice the size of Uluru and measures a staggering 8km long, by 3km wide and 377 metres high. There are a couple of climbing trails leading to the rock’s summit – the climb takes 2-3 hours and you should allow 4-5 hours for the return trip. The heat can be fierce so make sure you wear a hat, take plenty of water and avoid the hottest part of the day. It’s a tough climb but the stunning views across the desert from the summit are more than ample reward!

7. More Aboriginal art than anywhere else in Australia

Western Australia has the greatest concentration of Aboriginal art to be found anywhere. At the Burrup Peninsula, Dampier, there are estimated to be between 500,000 – 1 million Aboriginal petroglyphs, or ancient rock engravings, some of which are said to date back to the last ice age some 10,000 years ago.
The Burrup Peninsula, also home to pristine white beaches, is located between Exmouth and Broome on Western Australia's beautiful north coast. It’s free to explore the area but its well worth joining an organised tour from the nearest town of Karratha, around 30km away. Much of the area is only accessible by 4WD and you’ll also gain a fascinating insight into the history of this area.

8. It’s a total mecca for surfers

Forget the east coast – as far as surf goes, west is best. Margaret River, 170 miles or so south of Perth, draws surfers in from all over the globe. Some of the largest and best surfing waves in the world can be found along this beautiful and unspoilt stretch of coastline. Spend a few days in Margaret River and when you’re all surfed out, you could also relax by taking a tour of one of the region’s many outstanding wineries.

9. Earth’s oldest living thing lives here

Stromatolites, living fossils which can take the form of rock like structures, can trace their history back some 3.5 billion years! Shark Bay, on Western Australia’s west coast 800 km north of Perth, has the planet’s most abundant and diverse examples of living marine stromatolites, leading to it being declared a World Heritage Area. These dome shaped structures can be seen along the shoreline and in the shallow waters of the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve. There’s no entrance fee to the marine reserve and a timber boardwalk allows visitors to get a close up view of these natural phenomena.

10. Perth has the biggest city centre park in the entire world

Yes, even bigger than Central Park in New York. At 1,003 acres, Kings Park in Perth is the largest inner city park anywhere in the world. This green space at the heart of the city was the first park in Australia to be designated for public use in 1872. A great vantage point from which to survey the magnificent surroundings is the top of the DNA Tower, so called because it is shaped like a DNA molecule. The spiral staircase is 15m high and there are 101 steps to the top, but the sweeping views across the park, Swan River and city skyline make it well worth the effort of the short climb.

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Best places in the world to go skydiving

Falling through the clouds before floating back down to earth is an experience like no other. A skydive gives you an eye-popping chance to see some of the world’s most magnificent landscapes from above, taking in the changing panorama as you drift towards the ground. Skydiving is far more rewarding than it is terrifying, so if you can muster up the nerve to give it a try, you won’t regret it for a minute. Suit up, steel up and go for it!
Jumping out of a plane is completely beyond the realms of the everyday, defying both logic and instinct. So, if you’re understandably a little twitchy about the idea of skydiving, you’ll be relieved to learn that during free-fall, skydivers rarely experience a cheek-wobbling, stomach-dropping "falling" sensation. This is because the resistance of the air to the body at speeds above about 80 km/h (50 mph) provides a comforting feeling of weight and direction.
There’s a generous sprinkling of jump zones across the planet, so when it comes to skydiving, the world is there for the taking. Tumble towards the bright orange dunes of the vast Namib Desert, get a bird’s eye view of Sugarloaf Mountain, catch a coast-to-coast vista of Hawaii or float down towards the snowy peaks of the Alps - whatever floats your proverbial boat. If you’re looking for the extreme supreme, you can even skydive over Everest, landing in the world’s highest drop zone.
Our hardy consultants have tried skydiving in all manner of destinations, and here’s our pick of the bunch:

1. New Zealand, Fox Glacier

Image courtesy of: www.yha.co.nz
Second only to Everest in terms of skydiving scenery, Fox Glacier in New Zealand really does have it all. Floating peacefully with your canopy back down towards the ground, you’ll see rainforest, lakes, mountains and the wild Tasman Sea, not to mention the awe-inspiring Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers. The sheer variety of the landscape puts this firmly at the top of our list. From miles above, the Fox Glacier does actually look like a glacier mint!

• Height: The most popular jump takes place at 12,000ft with a whopping 65 second free-fall
• Cost: The 12,000ft dive costs $299 NZD or £150
• www.skydivingnz.co.nz/

2. Namib Desert, Namibia

Image courtesy of: www.namibiatourguide.com
With an epically empty landscape like part of a sci-fi set, the Namib Desert is a great place for a truly surreal skydive. With burnt orange dunes swept by the wind into all kinds of bizarre formations set against an impossibly blue sky, there’s nowhere like it in the world. Think no cities, no wildlife, no greenery - just a silent world of orange and blue.

• Height: 10,000ft
• Cost: $270 USD/ £135.
• www.skydiveswakop.com.na/

Our consultants say:

Stacey: You might think that a desert isn't the most scenic of locations for a skydive, but at 10,000 feet I can promise you that it's absolutely spectacular! Swakopmund is located right on the coast so there's miles of desert stretching out in one direction and the ocean as far as you can see in the other and because view is completely uninterrupted it seems to takes ages to reach the ground! I was told that Namibia is actually the only place in the world that the air gets cooler the closer you get to land, and it seemed to be true, although I can't say I was the most reliable source - I was trying to take it all in! Skydiving here still remains one of my highlights and I'd recommend it to anyone - if you can do it just in time for sunset, you'll get an even more magical experience!
Chris: You get an amazing adrenalin rush as you jump from a perfectly good aeroplane 13000 feet in the air. Not only do you experience the fear and excitement of a skydive but you do it in one of the most picturesque places on earth. The blue waters of the Atlantic ocean contrast with the orange sunlit glow of the desert and huge rolling dunes. An incredible highlight of a stunning country.

3. Hawaii

Image courtesy of: www.skydivehawaii.com
Skydiving, tropical style! Taking the jump over Hawaii will give you a panoramic vista across almost the entire island, including Pearl Harbor, Diamond Point and Keana Point. It’s a brilliant way to get a bird’s eye view of paradise and even better, it’s energy efficient! When you dive here, you’ll reduce your skydiving footprint by almost 40%, as the local companies use energy efficient planes. Student discounts are also available, making it even harder to resist!

• Height: 12,000ft
• Cost: A tandem 12,000ft skydive costs USD $225, but if you’re a student it’s much cheaper at $125 USD. That’s £138 for a tandem and only £76 for students.
• www.skydivehawaii.com/

4. Wollongong, Sydney, Australia

Image courtesy of: www.visitnsw.com
Falling through the sky towards an exotic beach, where dolphins play in the surf and pods of whales splash in the water, is an experience of a lifetime. Plunging from a plane over Wollongong will give you a breathtaking view of the Australian coastline for up to 7 minutes as you swoop leisurely towards the ground under your parachute. It’s also Australia’s highest altitude skydive, which is bound to buy you bragging rights.

• Height: 14,000ft
• Cost: During the week, a tandem skydive will set you back $289 AUD (£160) and on weekends this rises to $339 AUD (£190).
• www.skydivethebeach.com.au/

5. Mount Everest

Image courtesy of: www.dropzone.com
This is the big daddy of skydiving - the extremest of the extreme. Skydiving over Everest is exclusive, expensive and totally exhilarating. With only four diving trips per year, the highest drop zone in the world and a deposit that stacks up to a total of USD 15,000 (!!!), this isn’t for the light of pocket or the faint of heart. However, if you’ve got a mountain of cash and a penchant for the Nepalese mountains, there’s nothing to compare.

Our consultant says:

Obviously, I can’t afford it!

• Height: You’ll jump from a (quite literally) breathtaking 29,500ft. Eek!
• Cost: You may need to sit down around now. One tandem skydive and an Observation Visit to Ama Dablam Base Camp costs USD $35,000, the equivalent of £21,320. Gulp. Or you put down a deposit on a house!
• www.everest-skydive.com/price/

6. Interlaken, Switzerland

Usually, we would stop at our Top 5, but as Everest is prohibitively pricey we’ve added a bonus spot to the list. If, like 99.9% of people on the planet, an Everest skydive is out of your price universe, this is another way to plummet towards snowy peaks. Sandwiched between two Alpine lakes, jumping from a helicopter over Interlaken in the Swiss Alps is spectacular. Float over lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, valleys and villages, taking in the picturesque scenery of Alpine Europe. In winter, it’s like hurtling down towards a huge Christmas cake!

New Zealand: Best things to see by campervan in the North Island

Oh New Zealand... One of my favorite countries! Such an amazing and beautiful place, and there is no doubt about it, travelling around in a campervan is the best way to see it all. I’m lucky to have been to New Zealand before as my boyfriend is a Kiwi, but this was my first time on the North Island. We spent a couple of weeks in a campervan, travelling from Auckland to Wellington, sightseeing and visiting family here and there. I loved every minute of it! The North Island has so much to offer in terms of landscapes, culture and activities.
Hiring a campervan is definitely the best way to do it if there are at least two of you. Distances in New Zealand are not too big so the most you will need to drive to get from one place to the other is roughly 3 hours. There's not much traffic and it’s quite hard to get lost as there aren’t that many roads... Remember there are only 4 million people in the whole country!


Campervans are really good value and give more of a sense of adventure. Your campervan is not just your transport, it’s also your “hotel and your restaurant”! Travelling in a campervan means you don’t have to stick to strict bus timetables, you’re free to stop wherever and whenever you want and for however long you want. And it’s just really fun! If like me, you’re just travelling in the North Island. Jucy is your only option as they are the only suppliers who have a depot in Wellington. Jucy campers are cool and will get you noticed with their bright green flashy color!

Auckland and around

You will probably enter or leave the country here so why not spend a couple of days checking out the local attractions like the the Skytower (NZD $25) for amazing views over the city and harbor; have food and drinks in the Viaduct area, take a ferry to Waiheke Island and Rangitoto for some walks. We decided to also head out of the city to Piha Beach, west of Auckland, a beautiful beach which has good waves for surfing. This is where a campervan comes in handy because no buses go there. A nice little getaway from the city.

Coromandel Peninsula

From Auckland we set off to Coromandel Peninsula. It’s a great area to drive around with beautiful scenery. Make sure you stop off in the town of Coromandel and try the green lipped mussels, the local specialty. Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach are the two main attractions. Hot Water Beach has a layer of warm water under the sand so bring a spade and start digging your own private spa pool! However this will only be possible in the 2 hours before and after low tide. Make sure you also stop at Hahei beach on the way to Cathedral Cove, it’s absolutely stunning.

Waitomo

The only reason you would go to Waitomo is to discover the world famous glow warm caves. You can do walking tours in the dry caves but the main attraction for the thrill seekers, is black water rafting with The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company. There are various tours you can choose from, ranging from $125 to $225, some more adventurous than others including abseiling and climbing. Fortunately my boyfriend’s cousin is a black water rafting guide so we were able to get in for free! We opted for the Black Labyrinth Tour which consists of down through the cave tunnels. It’s pitch black and the only bit of light comes from the hundreds of glow worms. It’s quite spectacular, a lot of fun and scary if you feel a bit claustrophobic in the dark like me!

Rotorua

Rotorua, the egg smelling town! It’s definitely worth stopping here to see and experience all the steaming natural hot springs, mud pools and geysers. A big part of the population is Maori so it makes it culturally very interesting.
We went on a tour in one of the only thermal living villages, Whakarewarewa ($30) where Maoris have lived for centuries. Included in this tour, they will show you how they cook in their underground ovens (‘hangis’) and there is also a short cultural performance. I would also recommend you go to the impressive which are located 20 minutes South of Rotorua. It takes about an hour and a half to walk around all the different colorful geothermal pools.
Before you leave Rotorua, make sure you treat yourself to a nice spa at the Polynesian Spa.

Taupo and Tongariro National Park

Taupo was probably my favourite place. The lake is absolutely stunning with a backdrop of volcanic mountains. If you’re travelling with a campervan, there is a great free campsite called Reids farm, along the Waikato River just a few minutes from town.
Taupo is also a famous place to try out skydiving! There is a beautiful walk to Huka Falls which takes about 2 hours from town (one way). The path follows the Waikato River; why not stop along the way for a bungee jump or swing? There’s even a free local hidden hot stream along the walk, so take your swimming gear. The water is so clear; I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it before. The falls are really impressive too. You can also experience the falls on the water by getting really close to the base in a jetboat.
The highlight of the trip was doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It’s a 19.4km day walk in Tongariro National Park, known as the finest day walk in the world. The scenery is breathtaking and like no other. This national park is composed of three active volcanoes, Mount Ngauruhoe (otherwise known as Mount Doom for you Lord of the Rings fans!), Tongariro and Ruapehu. The last eruption was in 2011, we were told to run if we felt the ground moving!

The first two hours are quite tough but well worth the effort when you get your first glimpse of the stunning blue emerald crater lakes. Words can’t quite describe how great this trek is, so experience it for yourself, it’s free!
Again, having a campervan or a car makes it a lot easier as you can park it at the finish point and take the shuttle bus from there in the morning to the start point ($30 one way). There are free DOC campsites dotted around in the National Park. This means that when you finish the trek you don’t have to wait around for a shuttle bus. You should definitely aim to start the trek as early as possible in the morning to try avoid the crowds, the afternoon heat and to make it back in time before dark! It’s a proper trek so make sure you have all the right gear and information before heading off.

Napier and around

Napier is an art deco coastal town, completely rebuilt after a massive earthquake in 1931. Napier is situated in Hawks Bay, a famous wine region so there are plenty of vineyards and wine tours to choose from. Go to Te Mata Peak, the landscape is breathtaking! Because we were staying with family we went to lesser known places like this really cool farmers market just on the outskirts of Hastings and we also went to Ocean Beach. This is an amazing beach tucked away, with good surf, white sand and warm water. You will need your own vehicle to go there.

Wellington

I’m not much of a city person, but I loved Wellington as soon as we got there. It has it all, a bustling city, a harbor, beach and lush countryside on its doorstep! Make sure you visit the Te Papa museum, probably the best museum I have ever been to. It goes through the history of New Zealand, the Maori people and culture and the country's geology. Walk along Cuba Street, the alternative and arty side of town. Take the cable car up the hill for an amazing view and meander your way back through the botanical gardens. Having your campervan means you can take a drive around the bay starting at Evans Bay and all around to Lyall Bay. Stop off in Shelly Bay and relax in the sun on beanbags for a BBQ lunch at Chocolate Fish Cafe looking out onto the harbor and city.
If you are a solo traveller, another great way to travel around is by bus.

5 reasons to fall in love with New South Wales

Beyond the slick city life of Sydney, (which itself offers many more than 5 reasons to visit!) New South Wales offers unspoilt beaches in Port Macquarie, Jervis Bay and Yuraygir National Park contrasted with the striking mountain ranges of the Blue Mountains and Snowy Mountains. Sip the best from the vines in some world-class Hunter Valley wineries and you’ll soon realize that sun, sea, sand and snow of this ensure there is much to keep you occupied! Here are our top 5 reasons to fall in love with New South Wales…

1. The world’s most southern most coral reef: Lord Howe Island

Regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific, Lord Howe Island is surrounded by the world’s southernmost coral reef and it’s the nearest reef to Sydney. Hop on a 2 hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane and you’ll soon be exploring the crystal clear waters teeming with rare coral and marine life surrounded by the island’s endemic species.
The mountainous terrain of Mt Gower ranks amongst Australia’s best day walks and it’s easy to see why. Here you can hike amongst misty forest with panoramic and breathtaking 360-degree views.
Acquaint yourself with the underwater world of an extinct volcano which is a snorkeling, scuba-diving and fishing paradise. Head to Ned’s Beach or Ball’s Pyramid or take a boat trip to the neighbouring Admiralty Islands, an intriguing group of volcanic formations with another 25 or so great dive spots.

2. Head into the hills: explore the Blue Mountains

An easy and short drive from the city, head into the Blue Mountains which take their name from the blueish hue that seems to shroud the hills as sunlight blends with drops of eucalyptus oil from the trees that blanket this area.
Photograph the legendary rock formations known as The Three Sisters - said to be three sisters who were turned to stone to prevent them marrying some neighbouring tribesman, who then couldn’t be turned back. In Katoomba, experience one of the world’s steepest railways (formerly used by miners) as you explore the Jamison Valley.
Here you’ll find plenty ofbush walks, natural retreats and the internationally recognized Jenolan Caves. If music and entertainment appeals, Oktoberfest and the Blue Mountains Music Festival in Katoomba and the Garden Festival at Leura transform these small, outback towns to a buzzing hive of entertainment.

3. Get into the Outback

Sun-baked sand dunes meet national parks and lush wetlands teeming with wildlife in over 120,000 hectares of remote and stark landscape. Lunar landscapes and red-stained sand, make this a unique and colourful area to explore. You can houseboat holiday in Wentworth, embark on a caravan fishing trip in Brewarrina or bushwalk in Cobar.
Head to the ruggedly beautiful Mutawintji National Park for astonishing Aboriginal rock art; paintings, stencils and engravings that are thought to be some 30,000 years old.
Mungo National Park, part of the Willandra Lakes Region is a World Heritage Area comprised of dried up lakes and sand dunes. This area is where some key archaeological treasures were uncovered; the remains of Mungo Man, the oldest human skeleton discovered in Australia, and Mungo Woman, the oldest ritually-cremated remains ever found.
Check out some of the remote townships and their landmarks; the Mundi Mundi plains and Living Desert sculptures of Broken Hill or take a dip in the warm artesian waters of the bore baths of the opal mining town Lightning Ridge

4. Drive through the Border Ranges and stop for an impromptu swim

Border Ranges National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and is a wilderness of untouched ancient rainforest and unique plants. This is a great area for self-drive – if you follow the Border Ranges Loop, you could picnic at Antarctic Beech picnic area and swim in any of the gorgeous swimming holes made by surrounding rivers.
On the rim of an ancient volcano, ranges and plateaus, this region is dotted with small towns and little centres full of markets, handicrafts, cafes and local produce. South of Mt Warning (Wollumbin) you’ll encounter picturesque hinterland villages including Lismore and Nimbin. These little towns offer art trails and festivals, and you’ll find alternative living and organics are all in abundance here. Check out the markets at Channon or the gallery at Blue Knob.

5. Restore your Zen in Byron Bay

There’s much more to this hip Northen Beaches town than just surfing and swimming! Byron Bay’s packed calendar of festivals, concerts, music and theatre and vibrant nightlife makes this cosmopolitan yet alternative town a welcoming stay and it’s easy to see why visitors flock taste their piece of the pie.
Explore any of the town’s 15 great beaches or take a drive out into the countryside through quaint curvy hallows and wooded avenues to the historic heritage of small town Bangalow. The majestic camphor laurel trees host a canopy of shade for the delightful markets.
Treat yourself to some wellness with one of the many health spas, workshops, courses or therapies. From Ayurvedic exfoliation, floatation tanks to hot yoga, there’s plenty on offer in this boho haven of counter-culture!