Western Australia has one of the most remote coastlines in the world. That’s not a bad thing- from most major cities outside Australia, flights into the capital (Perth) are cheaper those going into better-known destinations like Sydney and Melbourne and being a long way from anywhere means the west Australian coast is wonderfully unspoiled. If your idea of paradise is having a beautiful white sandy beach all to yourself, WA should be your next holiday choice.
There is plenty to see around Perth and further north. Western Australia has world-class wineries, stunning red deserts, ancient rock art, and plenty more, but some of the most exciting things to see are in the water or underneath it.
Monkey Mia, not far from Perth, is one of the best places in the world to swim with dolphins. It’s also a popular pastime with locals and visitors in Rockingham and Bunbury. Go to almost any other dolphin-spotting location in the world and you’ve got a chance of seeing dolphins. They might turn up, and they might not. Come to WA and you will see dolphins. Rockingham Bay alone is home to more than 250 wild dolphins, and days when they are no seen are very rare indeed.
The dolphins in this part of the world have enjoyed protected status and the friendship of local residents for generations. They are friendly, curious, and keen to pick up a free fish or two. Visitors can dive with them, take a boat tour and see them playing off the bow, snorkel with them, or just wade into waist-deep water while the dolphins come in close to shore to join in the fun, as they do almost every day.
Experienced divers will find plenty to do in deep water too. Rottnest Island is close to Perth, and home to a unique underwater attraction. There are no less than 14 wrecks around its tiny coastline. Divers can follow the ‘wreck trail’, complete with information plaques planted on the sea bed, and rest on any one of the spectacular white sand beaches when they’re finished. Turn away from the sea and visitors might catch a glimpse of the quokka, a kangaroo-like animal unique to Rottnest.
For those who’d like to explore the underwater world but aren’t so confident in the water, Busselton Jetty Observatory lets anyone see wild marine life up close. The observation bubble goes down to 8m and is usually surrounded by brightly colored fish as well as tropical corals and sponges. It’s even wheelchair-accessible.
Further up the coast, Ningaloo Reef has just been declared a World Heritage Area. That means it has joined an extremely select group of sites with global significance and special protection. Here, you can get into the water with the world’s largest fish. Whale sharks can grow to more than 40ft in length, but they feed on tiny plankton and aren’t dangerous to people. It’s also possible to swim and dive with manta rays (up to 25ft across), sea turtles, and hundreds of different species of fish.
A tour of the Western Australian coast is the experience of a lifetime for beach lovers, divers and snorkelers, and anyone with an interest in the underwater world. Whether you’ve got your heart set on swimming with dolphins or just want to enjoy beautiful beaches, it’s the place to be.
Jess Spate is an Australian scuba diver and underwater photography enthusiast. She is lucky enough to have swum with the dolphins, although not with a whale shark- yet! Images by kevwhelan
