The best bell tents in Western Australia

Hemmed in by beaches and turquoise waters, Western Australia is known for its coast, but the sprawling state has much more to offer. Venture inland to see deserts dotted with ancient monoliths and sun-baked vineyards; discover 19th-century gold rush towns; or hike through red rock gorges. Spring and fall bring the best weather for wine tasting or hiking through the national parks, while the summer heat is best enjoyed on the beach. Winter temperatures are still balmy enough to explore outdoors, with wildflowers blooming along the coast.

Perched along the Swan River and blessed with year-round sunshine, Perth brings the good life. In the city, wine tasting cruises, riverside barbecues, and parks will keep you outdoors, while the neighboring port town of Fremantle serves up beaches and ocean-fresh seafood. Holiday parks and camping sites dot the surrounding countryside, providing easy access for campers and caravans.

The Coral Coast stretches north of Perth, from Kalbarri and Shark Bay to Coral Bay and Exmouth. Sand melts into turquoise waters; bands of coral teem with tropical fish, manta rays, and whale sharks; and Cape Range National Park’s rocky gorges snake down to the ocean. Outdoor adventures abound, from snorkeling and kayaking the Ningaloo Reef to bushwalking and beach camping.

From Esperance on the south coast all the way up to Newman, the Golden Outback rolls out white-sand beaches, kaleidoscopic salt lakes, and rocky canyons. Whether off-roading in a four-wheel drive or winding through the outback in a caravan, there are ample opportunities for road tripping, with camping sites and holiday parks dotted throughout. Along the way, dive into Aussie’s gold rush heritage in Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields, walk Lucky Bay, and keep an eye out for wildflowers.

Rolling headlands, sloping vineyards, and seaside towns provide the perfect backdrop for wine tasting and coastal walks in the Margaret River region. Albany, Bunbury, and Bussleton are among the most popular places to stay, with access to the region’s many beaches, wineries, and camping spots.

Dusty red desert tracks wind their way through the Kimberley region to Broome and Kununurra, where the vast outback is home to otherworldly scenery and rich Aboriginal heritage. Get a taste of Australia’s wild west out here—drive the Gibbs River Road, stopping to hike through ancient gorges, swim in remote waterholes, and enjoy campfires under the stars.