Perth and surrounds: gateway to year-round encounters

Best time to visit: September to April for Mediterranean weather and wildlife

Perth blends city living with easy access to nature. Between September and April, you’ll enjoy warm days, colourful parks, and sparkling beaches. Further afield, venture to the Shark Bay World Heritage area to see Australia’s iconic ‘big red’ kangaroo - towering at over six feet high, it’s the largest marsupial in the world. For a truly unforgettable scene, visit Lucky Bay near Esperance, often hailed as Australia’s whitest beach, where even kangaroos can’t resist lazing on the soft sands.  See kangaroos grazing on Heirisson Island, dolphins leaping in Rockingham, and black swans (the state’s emblem) gliding along the Swan River. Late spring also brings Kings Park alive with wildflowers.

Rottnest Island: the world’s happiest face and rare coastal wildlife

Best time to visit: September to April for idyllic encounters

If you love wildlife, Rottnest Island is renowned as the home of the quokka, affectionately called the ‘world’s happiest animal’ and found nowhere else but Western Australia. Visitors flock here for the rare delight of spotting these curious marsupials, whose friendly nature makes them a favourite for wildlife lovers and photographers.

The island’s wildlife offering doesn’t end with quokkas. Dolphins are a common sight in the island’s sheltered bays, while sea lions and fur seals bask on the sun-warmed rocks.

The South West: cool forests, rugged coasts, and nature’s grand stage

Best time to visit: September to April for mild weather and standout wildlife moments

Whilst it’s known for its towering forests and world-class wineries, the wildlife encounters are what truly set this region apart. Bremer Bay is a must from January to March, when orca pods gather just offshore. Visit between August and October to watch southern right whales calve in sheltered bays or visit in November and December when blue whales pass through on their annual migration.