Where to go on a Western Australia safari

If there’s one destination not to be missed on a Western Australia safari, it’s Ningaloo Reef. Situated along the Coral Coast, here you’ll find canyon-filled national parks and soft-sand beaches galore. But, it’s what’s going on in the ocean that provides the most intrigue.

Thousands of species grace these waters, but it’s the gentle whale shark that’s perhaps the most famous. Often weighing upwards of 10,000 kilograms, these majestic creatures are instantly recognisable thanks to the unique, dotted pattens on their skin.

If you’re heading over to Ningaloo, the best time to go is between March and July if you fancy seeing a whale shark or two. Don your snorkel and go swimming alongside them, or book onto a glass-bottom boat tour to see an array of incredible marine life.

Travel only an hour south of Ningaloo and you’ll reach the marine-lovers playground, Coral Bay. Home to life-abundant coral gardens that lie just metres away from the beach, there’s more to these pristine, turquoise waters than what first meets the eye.

It’s possible you’ll spot a whale shark while you’re here – and humpback whales are known to graze across these shores, too. But, the star of the show has to be the manta ray. With a wingspan that can grow up to eight metres, seeing one of these gentle giants glide through the ocean is an experience you won’t forget.

Luckily, manta ray swimming tours run throughout the year. But, if you want to catch a glimpse of a humpback whale during your holiday, plan a trip between June and October.

Heading back up the Ningaloo Coast, only a skip away from where you’ll be swimming with whale sharks, Cape Range National Park offers an alternative inland adventure. With limestone cliffs, canyons and, of course, lots of spectacular wildlife, it’s a destination not to be missed.

Choose to embark on one of the park's hiking trails and discover the abundant wildlife throughout the park, with emus, echidnas, lizards, wallabies and dingoes often commonly sighted, as well as the chance to witness red kangaroos in their natural habitat.

With a gorgeous ocean and sandy beach on your doorstep, Cape Range National Park is a fantastic glamping destination. And, the peak time tends to be between April and October, when the temperatures during the day are a little milder.

Nestled on the southwestern tip of Western Australia, the Margaret River Region might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of ‘safari’. A landscape packed with pin-striped vineyards, it’s the region’s top-class wines that provide the biggest pull.

But, in terms of wildlife, there’s no shortage of things to see here. Spot kangaroos hopping along the grassy plains, look out for wallabies grazing by the river, and be sure to keep an eye out for the eagles, falcons and owls that soar through the sky.

There’s no bad time to visit the Margaret River Region, but most people agree that a holiday during Australia’s spring – September to November - is hard to beat. Get stuck into wildlife-watching during the day, before cosying up at a winery of your choice.

Leaping over to the South Coast, our next safari destination is Bremer Bay. Wedged between Albany and Esperance, in this tiny town, natural scenery reigns supreme. And, beneath the waves, even more wonders await.

Home to the Bremer Canyon – a deep-water ecosystem – these nutrient-rich waters attract a countless number of species. Most impressive, however, are the pilot whales and orcas, which you can encounter on a thrilling boat tour.

In terms of when to go, February to April is whale-watching season here. But, if you’d rather stay on land, plan your holiday between June and October, when you’ll see the surrounding landscape brimming with wildflowers.

Up in the northern-most corner of Western Australia, the laid-back town of Broome is best known as being a ‘gateway to the Kimberley’. But, with red-rock beaches, pearl farms, and vivid turquoise waters all close by, you don’t have to travel far for a taste of adventure.

If you’re on the hunt for more whale-watching opportunities, you’re in the right place, as Broome’s surrounding ocean frequently provides passage for the ever-adored humpback whale.  It’s also common to see snubfin dolphins splashing above the waves. And, on the beach, flatback turtles come to nest.

While the snubfin dolphins hang about Broome most months of the year, if you fancy coming close to a humpback whale, a trip between June and September is your best bet. Or, you can swing by from November to March for turtle-nesting season.

If you’re dreaming about a wildlife holiday in Western Australia, it’s likely that a visit to Rottnest Island ranks top of your list. Lying just off the coast of Perth, it’s an easy daytrip if you’re staying in the city. Although, tearing yourself away from this paradisical island might pose a challenge. 

Home to the ‘happiest animal on earth’, it’s the selfie-loving Quokka that keeps visitors coming back year after year. You can spot these friendly marsupials snoozing in the shade over on the beach, or you can take a leisurely bike ride to discover more of the area’s incredible flora and fauna.

If you’re wondering when to go to Rottnest Island, the good news is that there’s never a bad time. But, for the hottest temperatures and lowest chance of rainfall, a summer expedition – between December and February – is just the ticket.