Western Australia Steps Into the Spotlight: Fresh Adventures from Coast to Forest

Down Under Discoveries

A new era of travel begins with direct flights to Busselton-Margaret River

The gateway to Australia’s stunning South West just got a whole lot closer. Qantas has announced new direct flights from Perth to Busselton-Margaret River, launching Thursday 27 June. Running three times a week, this new route adds over 31,000 annual seats to the region and aligns perfectly with the school holidays and the whale-watching season. With introductory fares from $149, it’s never been easier to sip wine among the vines, stroll through ancient forests, and breathe in the salty breeze of the Indian Ocean.

The Lodge Wadjemup earns a place among the world’s greatest

In a proud moment for Australian hospitality, The Lodge Wadjemup on Rottnest Island has been named on TIME’s '2025 World’s Greatest List'—the only Australian accommodation to make the cut. Blending laidback luxury with cultural depth, the Lodge is set to become a beacon of style and substance when fully complete in 2025. Expect 109 thoughtfully designed rooms, two dining venues, and a culturally respectful 'gathering ground' that honours the island’s rich heritage.

Face-to-fin with the ocean’s biggest gentle giants

Whale shark season has officially returned to Ningaloo Marine Park, drawing travellers from across the globe to swim alongside the world’s largest fish. Between February and July, Exmouth and Coral Bay welcome thousands of whale sharks who come to feed in the warm, plankton-rich waters. But that’s not all—Ningaloo is also one of the few places in the world where visitors can encounter whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales in one location. The opportunity to swim with these giants makes this a truly bucket-list experience.

Walpole’s giants crowned Australia’s favourite eucalypts

Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk

Western Australia’s ancient forests have taken centre stage with the 'Wondrous Forest of the Walpole Wilderness' winning Eucalypt of the Year. Famous for its towering Tingle and Karri trees, Walpole invites visitors to walk among giants—literally—on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. For those seeking more botanical wonders, the Great Western Woodlands came in second place. Twice the size of Tasmania, this vast ecosystem shelters around 30 percent of Australia’s eucalypt species and is the world’s largest intact temperate woodland.

Mandurah and Denmark named top Aussie towns to watch

The Wotif 2025 Aussie Town of the Year Awards have shone a light on two stunning WA destinations: Mandurah and Denmark. Ranked third and fourth respectively, these towns offer natural beauty and charm in abundance. Mandurah, just under an hour south of Perth, is famous for its shimmering estuary, coastal walks and abundant marine life. Denmark, set along the Great Southern Ocean, continues to enchant visitors with dramatic rock formations, crystal-clear waters, and a blossoming food scene—including the revitalised Denmark Hotel.

Western Australia’s culinary scene claims national glory

At the 2025 West Australian Good Food Guide Awards, WA’s best culinary talents and venues were rightfully celebrated. Cottesloe’s Gibney stole the show with both Restaurant and Wine List of the Year, while Blaze Young was named Chef of the Year. Bar Love took top honours as Bar of the Year and Besk in West Leederville was crowned Pub of the Year. In the South West, Voyager Estate impressed as Regional Restaurant of the Year, with De’sendent earning New Restaurant of the Year and Cameron Jones of Vasse Felix recognised as Regional Chef of the Year. Western Australia is fast becoming a serious player on the global gastronomic stage.

Ready to explore more of WA’s wonders? Plan your trip today at:
https://www.westernaustralia.com

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