Travel - Page 3

Despite (or because of) the bushfire tragedy in Australia, Tourism Australia has been fighting to get its tourism industry back on its feet.

One of the ways it’s been doing that is launching its Holiday Here This Year campaign, where they’re encouraging Australians to support their fellow countrymen and plan a local holiday to show that they are open for business and welcome visitors.

Here’s a list of the best activities you can dive into in Western Australia in 2020.

Easily accessible via a 5.5-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur, Western Australia is perfect for all types of travellers – from those looking for a quick getaway to those embarking on a sabbatical.

For inspiration, here’s a list of fun-filled things you can do in Western Australia in 2020.

1.Spend some time frolicking in the sun

With plenty of sunny days, you’ll be sure to enjoy a day out in the sun at the many white, sandy beaches in Western Australia during any time of the year.

Along its 12,500 km coastline, you’ll find some of the most stunning World Heritage scenery and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters for a truly unforgettable beach holiday.

For those looking to get in some good old Vitamin Sea, head to Greens Pool in the South West region – one of Western Australia’s most iconic beaches.

The beach is truly an Insta-worthy spot with a view of clear emerald waters, pure white sand and sculpted rocks, making it the perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling and diving.

You can also check out the many other beaches in Western Australia in 2020, including those located along Perth’s 80km coastline. It offers an endless supply of sun, sea and sand.

Popular destinations among the 19 beaches situated in Perth include Cottesloe Beach, Scarborough Beach and City Beach which offers the best beach-front activities for travellers all over the globe.

2.Enjoy the best seasonal food of Western Australia in 2020

No matter the time of year, there’s sure to be plenty of gastronomical experiences awaiting you across the five regions of Western Australia.

If you’re curious to know the stories behind Western Australia’s produce, take the Swan Valley Fresh Seasonal Produce Trail where you can meet the people behind the produce that adorn the amazing dishes throughout the four seasons.

If you’re looking to “hunt” your food, the annual Truffle Kerfuffle is a weekend long celebration of Manjimup’s famous black truffles.

Held at the beginning of truffle season in June, festival goers can join truffle hunters and their truffle dogs to sniff out prized truffles, visit the festival village to meet the producers and get a taste of the region, or get a truffle fix at a multitude of exclusive dining events.

3.Go on an exciting road trip

Another great perk of Western Australia’s sunny weather is that you can plan to go on a road trip during any long weekend or public holiday throughout the year – earning it its title as the road trip state.

Western Australia offers some of the most gorgeous coast-hugging scenic drives along the Coral Coast.

If you can’t stay away from the crystal clear waters of the sea, try going on an adventure along the Coral Coast Highway where you will be brought to the two wonders that put Ningaloo and Shark Bay on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

For those looking to go off the beaten track and enjoy longer drives, try planning for a road trip to the South West and Golden Outback where you’ll witness the landscape changing right in front of you as you travel south from the city skylines of Perth to witness the spectacularly diverse landscape as you take an adventure to the great South West Edge.

4.Be one with nature

Western Australia boasts an amazing line up of natural events and attractions, many of which are found only in a handful of locations on Earth.

Regularly occurring during different seasons of the year, these events offer unique opportunities for you to immerse yourself in nature.

For starters, there’s the collection of wildflowers in Western Australia, which is one of the largest on Earth. More than 12,000 species, over 60% of which are found nowhere else on Earth, call Western Australia home.

Beginning from the north in June, the flowering season moves south by September to reach Perth and moves on to the South West by October.

Another event you ought to bookmark for your trip to Western Australia is the whale migration season.

Between May and December, the Humpback, Southern Right and Blue Whales make their way along the coast, often coming close to shore where you can see them with binoculars or even the naked eye from coastal vantage points.

Besides, you can get close to these gentle giants of the ocean by making a trip to Coral Bay or Exmouth, particularly from June to November.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled family getaway, be sure to check out the friendly dolphins at Monkey Mia where wild dolphins have been visiting the shoreline virtually every day for over 40 years, making this spot a must-visit.

With this list, we’re sure you’ll be able to plan for the best trip in western Australia – be it a weekend getaway or a long vacation.

For more details and destination inspirations, head over to Tourism Western Australia’s website at https://www.westernaustralia.com.

Nothing beats a romantic escape with your significant other. Whether you’re looking to plan a special anniversary trip or a quick couple’s escape, Western Australia is the ideal location to bring your romance to life.

Easily accessible with a 5.5-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur, you and your partner can easily jet off on your getaway during one of the many long holidays coming up.

Want to make the most out of your romantic getaway? Opt to rent a car right at Perth airport for as low as RM 130 a day to embark on an adventurous road trip in one of the largest states in the world – Western Australia.

As you make your way along the Coral Coast Highway, be sure to have your camera at the ready to take in beautiful sights of the beach and lush green landscapes along the way.

Here are some of the must-visits stops along the Coral Coast Highway for a truly memorable romantic escape with your loved one.

1.Take a stroll on the ‘moon’ at the Pinnacles Desert

Starting from Perth, take a scenic four-hour Indian Ocean Drive to the Pinnacles Desert of Nambung National Park. Regarded as Australia’s most fascinating landscape, a walk through the desert feels as though you are walking on the moon as you follow the trail through the limestones coming out of the shifting sand.

After your walk on the ‘moon’, head to the park and check out the beautiful beaches, coastal dune systems, shady groves of tuart trees and low heathlands of plants that produce vibrantly coloured flowers between August and October.

For more curious couples, head over to the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre located within the park to find out how this curious landscape took shape and discover the abundance of flora and fauna that call it home.

2.Capture the beauty of wildflowers at Kalbarri National Park

Located four hours away from the Pinnacles Desert along the Coral Coast Highway lies Kalbarri National Park. The park covers an expansive 186,096 hectares and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Western Australia for nature-loving couples.

To see the park blossom with the colours of spring, make a visit between July and October where over 1,100 varieties of wildflowers are in full bloom, from Grevilleas to feather flowers. This offers you the most picturesque backdrop for the perfect Instagram shot!

3.Visit the friendly dolphins of Monkey Mia

With a four-hour drive from Kalbarri, you and your loved one will be able to get up close with these friendly creatures located at Monkey Mia in the Shark Bay World Heritage. Known for their ritual of swimming up to the shore almost daily, as many as five wild Bottlenose dolphins will visit the beach, making this spot a popular dolphin watching destination.

While the exact timing of these dolphin experiences depends on, well, the dolphins, there are feeding sessions between 7.45am and 12.00noon with a few lucky onlookers getting the chance to hand feed the dolphins. However, they are also known to visit the beach outside these times to forage and socialise. For your safety, and the dolphins’, do remember to not approach them too closely and refrain from touching them without the supervision of the specially trained rangers.

4.Marvel at the wonder of Shell Beach

After spending time with the friendly dolphins at Monkey Mia, drive an hour to Shell Beach. Formed from billions of tiny shells, Shell Beach is a hidden gem in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area and is popular for swimming, and simply relaxing in the sunshine.

Shell Beach, like its name, is one of only a handful of places on earth where shells replace beach sand. A walk on the 100 km stretch with shells that are seven to 10 metres deep with your loved one is truly an experience like no other.

5.Swim with whale sharks at Coral Bay

From Monkey Mia, take a six-hour drive to Coral Bay – the only place in Western Australia that gives you direct access to Ningaloo Reef. Here, in the peaceful waters of the bay, you and your partner are just a short snorkel or glass-bottom boat ride from Ningaloo’s coral gardens, all of which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can also come face-to-fin with the gentle giant itself, the majestic whale shark. Take some time to explore the outer reef on a kayak, dive charter or even a snorkel tour and go on an exciting journey to discover humpback whales, turtles, and manta rays, which is sure to be a sight to behold. With plenty of beachfront stays to choose from, you’ll truly enjoy being just a few steps away from the sparkling waters for a quick dip in the waters or a snorkelling adventure.

Glamp under the stars at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef

Located two hours away from Coral Bay lies the exclusive beach safari camp of Sal Salis. Nestled in the dunes of the Cape Range National Park, the camp offers an exclusive camping experience overlooking the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.

The campsite is perfect for a romantic evening under the stars as each of the 15 eco-luxe wilderness tents is decked with comfortable beds and comes complete with en suite bathroom with an eco-friendly toilet and solar hot shower.

The cherry on top is, of course, the fact that your stay comes with a spectacular view of the surrounding bush and the expansive Indian Ocean.

Spend the night stargazing under the bright jewels of the night and witness the cosmic wonder of the Milky Way for a truly memorable experience with your loved one.

With these equally relaxing and adventurous spots along the Coral Coast Highway, we’re sure you and your loved one will spend quality time together and enjoy the experience of these uniquely exciting activities across the Coral Coast.

For more details and destination inspirations, head over to Tourism Western Australia’s website at https://www.westernaustralia.com.