10 outdoor spots to visit in Western Australia to relax, refresh and heal your soul
With the pandemic forcing all of us to remain cooped up in Singapore, never has a venture into nature been more needed. The reopening of the vast state of Western Australia provides the perfect destination to fully immerse in the healing benefits of mother earth.
Text: Shin Yee Koh
Health and wellness is imperative to leading a fulfilling life
Health and wellness are becoming integrated into our daily lives, including making it part of our vacations. Western Australia boasts 20,000 kilometres of mainland and island natural coastline, and is home to wildlife and otherworldly natural phenomena found nowhere else on Earth. Following the pandemic, experts predict a universal hunger for wide-open spaces — after all, any time spent in the wilderness is hugely beneficial to our physical and mental health. We explore the ten outdoor spots in Western Australia to feel at one with nature.
1. Exploring Bungle Bungle Range by Helicopter
Gaze from an open-door helicopter at the 350 million-year-old World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, an astonishing formation of beehive-shaped sandstone domes moulded by wind and rainfall over millions of years. There is no wrong way to witness it — if not from the skies, you can explore the range on foot and experience Echidna Chasm and Cathedral Gorge with an Aboriginal Elder guide.
Rediscover Bungle Bungle Range
2. Drift snorkelling in Ningaloo Reef
Tired of the usual snorkelling experience? Give drift snorkelling a try in the crystal clear waters of Ningaloo Reef, where you ride the current and allow it to move you instead of really swimming. Give up control and allow yourself to be moved by the current to enjoy the passing parade of sea-life for a massively therapeutic experience.
Be moved by the current in Ningaloo Reef
3. Visit the largest art museum located in Lake Ballard
Located in the Goldfields, near the town of Menzies, Lake Ballard is one of the most beloved salt lakes in the Golden Outback region. This stunning, gigantic salt lake is home to Australia’s largest outdoor art gallery, the “Inside Australia” exhibition by artist Antony Gormley. Experience total peace as you stroll around the silent, vast lake to explore the human-like metal installations.
“Inside Australia” at Lake Ballard ( Credits: TripAdvisor)
4. Camel riding on Cable Beach
Climb aboard a camel for an unhurried walk across the pristine white sands of Cable Beach. Something about the rhythmic pace as you rock back and forth on the back of a camel soothes even the most harried mind. It calms racing thoughts, and with little else to do, one can only appreciate the simplicity of the surroundings.
Camel riding in Cable Beach (Credits: Intrepid Traveller)
5. Water biking on Perth’s Coastline
Interactive, memorable, and a ton of fun, water biking is a fantastic family-friendly option for exploring nature in the Western Australia’s capital. Glide on the water and reconnect with nature in the Swan Estuary Marine Park at Matilda Bay. Don’t worry about capsizing as the water bikes have been equipped with a catamaran configuration that makes it safe for all ages.
Water biking around Perth (Credits: Perth Waterbike Co)
6. Dive underwater for a unique observatory experience
The longest timber piled jetty in the southern hemisphere, the historical Busselton Jetty is just a short 10-minute car ride away from the Busselton Margaret River Airport. Visit one of only six underwater observatories in the world and discover the depths of Geographe Bay to view some of the 300 different marine species sighted.
Underwater observatory of Geographe Bay (Credits: Baca Architects)
7. Marvel at Hamelin Bay Beach
A vast expanse of bright white sand, turquoise waters filled with marine life, and spectacular coastal cliff walks. The sheltered bay is great for snorkelling among rainbow-coloured fish or getting up close to wild stingrays as they feed and frolic in the shallows of Hamelin Bay.
Credits: Condé Nast Traveller
8. Paddleboarding down Margaret River
As you paddle down Blackwood River National Park and refine your steering skills, seasoned professionals instruct you in groups of eight to ensure you the most rewarding experience. With not a single house in sight, wildlife like eagles and waterbirds are often spotted so you can enjoy a truly raw experience with nature as you travel through the twists and turns of this historic river.
Credits: Condé Nast Traveller
9. Skydiving from Perth Rockingham
Vivid blue skies and iridescent seas are the hallmarks of the West Australian coastline. It’s the perfect backdrop for a long drop from a plane. This experience will high-five your senses and show you what it means to feel truly alive. Tumble out of the sky from Perth Rockingham and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, beaches famed for their untouched beauty.
Credits: Goop
10. Sail down Esperance on glass-bottom boats
Skim across Esperance’s reef gardens on glass-bottom boats where you can view the enchanting sight of the coral reefs under crystalline waters without getting wet. Arrange your own crew onboard to enjoy lunch or dinner as the salty sea breeze and peaceful sea line reinvigorates your weary soul.
Sailing in glass-bottom boats (Credits: tourHQ)
Wellness retreats are gaining popularity, especially in today’s times, but they go far beyond spa treatments and diet advice. Studies have long proven the healing properties of travel as it offers a respite from our hectic lives, and Western Australia has something to offer no matter which location you choose to visit.
Click here for more information on eco travel and wellness retreats.
