Western Australia is nature’s playground, no matter the season

16 February 2026

With vast horizons and a climate that promises endless adventure, Western Australia invites you to discover its distinctive charm throughout the seasons. Thanks to its title as Australia's sunniest state, there is always somewhere at its peak - whether you want wild encounters, lazy beach days, or great food and wine. Let us walk you through when and where to visit in Western Australia, so you can make the most of every journey.

Western Australia is nature’s playground, no matter the season

Perth and surrounds: gateway to year-round encounters

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

Perth City / Boorloo blends city living with easy access to nature. Between September to April, you’ll enjoy warm days, colourful parks, and sparkling beaches. See western grey kangaroos grazing on Heirisson Island and dolphins leaping in the waters off Rockingham. Fremantle / Walyalup, affectionately known as ‘Freo’, is a lively port city rich with heritage, offering bustling markets and a thriving arts scene. Venture to the Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region, for cellar-door tastings and gourmet dining just a short drive from the city centre. Swan River / Derbarl Yerrigan remains a symbol of Perth life, with black swans gliding on its calm waters and plenty of riverside spots to relax, late spring also brings Kings Park and Botanic Garden / Kaarta Koomba alive with wildflowers. For a dose of nature’s wonder, a day trip north to the Pinnacles Desert reveals striking limestone formations in an otherworldly landscape.

Ningaloo Reef: giants of the deep and coral coastal magic

Best time to visit: March to October for ideal weather and abundant marine life

The clear waters and world's largest fringing reef of Ningaloo / Nyinggulu set the stage for some of Australia’s most memorable wildlife experiences. Swim alongside gentle whale sharks from March to August or snorkel with graceful manta rays, playful turtles, and wild dolphins throughout the year. Between July and October, humpback whales make their annual migration, offering unforgettable viewing and swimming encounters. On the way to the world heritage listed Ningaloo Reef, 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.

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 / Wadjemup 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 adorable 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 Kimberley: Australia’s greatest wilderness

Best time to visit: April to September during the dry season, when the region is most accessible

With open roads and rivers making it easy to explore its unspoilt landscapes, the dry season is truly the peak for visiting The Kimberley. This is the prime time to spot kangaroos and wallabies in the wild, enjoy remarkable birdwatching, and witness cascading waterfalls. Between July and September, watch as thousands of humpback whales migrate along the coast. The Staircase to the Moon, a striking natural phenomenon in Broome / Rubibi between April and October, rounds out the season with unforgettable moonlit views.

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

While the South West is known for its towering forests and world-class wineries, it’s the wildlife encounters that truly set this region apart. Offshore at Bremer Bay, the Southern Ocean comes alive from January to March as orca pods gather just beyond the coastline, offering one of Australia’s most thrilling marine experiences. Later in the year, from August to October, southern right whales arrive to calve in the region’s sheltered bays, while November and December see the gentle giants of the sea again as blue whales pass through on their annual migration. On land, Esperance / Kepa Kurl delivers one of Western Australia’s most iconic scenes at Lucky Bay, where kangaroos are often found lounging on the white sands.

Ready to explore wild Western Australia in all its seasonal glory? Contact your personal Travel Counsellor today.

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