Western Australia feels like a world within a world, a place where turquoise oceans meet red desert sands, where quirky wildlife pose for selfies, and where every horizon seems to glow in gold. 

It's wild and refined all at once, a region that rewards adventurers and dreamers alike. For women travelling solo, with friends, or family, "WA" (as the locals call it) is a spectacular playground of contrast and calm, perfect for slow coastal drives, luxury retreats, or down-to-earth escapes filled with good wine, long walks, and even longer sunsets.

From the buzzing laneways of Perth to the otherworldly landscapes of the Kimberley, this is a state that never fails to surprise and inspire. Let's take a journey across its most unforgettable destinations, each promising beauty, serenity, and that uniquely Western Australian magic.

Start your adventure in Perth, Australia's sunniest capital city, where blue skies meet breezy sophistication! Spend your mornings strolling through Kings Park, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, with its sweeping views over the Swan River and native botanical gardens filled with wildflowers. Then head to the Elizabeth Quay waterfront, dotted with cafés and bars, perfect for brunch with a view.

If you're a lover of art and atmosphere, Perth's Northbridge district delivers both, filled with galleries, boutique stores, and late-night cocktail bars. For something a little quirkier, jump on a ferry across the river to South Perth or visit the seaside suburb of Cottesloe Beach to watch the sun melt into the Indian Ocean with locals perched on picnic blankets and surfers riding the last waves of the day.

Just 30 minutes south, Fremantle adds a dose of bohemian charm to your city stay. The Fremantle Markets are a sensory delight, think handmade jewellery, Indigenous art, and the scent of fresh-baked pastries. Stop by Little Creatures Brewery for a sunset drink overlooking the marina or explore the historic Fremantle Prison, built in 1850 and a UNESCO World Heritage site with surprisingly fascinating (and eerie) guided tours.

A short ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle, Rottnest Island is pure joy. The island's most famous residents are the australian native quokkas, are often dubbed the "world's happiest animals" for their smiling faces, and snapping a selfie with one has become a rite of passage for visitors.

Beyond the cute factor, Rottnest is a paradise of over 60 beaches and 20 bays, each more beautiful than the last. Rent a bike and cycle to The Basin, Little Salmon Bay, or Pinky Beach for a dip in impossibly clear waters. No cars are allowed, which makes it peaceful and perfect for relaxation.

Where to stay on Rottnest Island:

A few hours' drive south of Perth, Margaret River is where vineyard elegance meets wild ocean drama. Famed for its world-class wineries, artisan food scene, and surf culture, this region offers a little of everything. Spend your days exploring cellar doors like Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, and Voyager Estate, where you can sip cabernet sauvignon while gazing over rolling vineyards.

The town itself is filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and weekend markets brimming with local produce. For a slower pace, venture out to Boranup Forest, where towering karri trees filter the sunlight like a cathedral made of green. Or take a yoga class overlooking the vines before indulging in a gourmet lunch.

Of course, Margaret River is also about the coast, Redgate Beach, Surfers Point, and Hamelin Bay, where stingrays glide in the shallows, are all unforgettable.

Further along the coast, Busselton Jetty stands as one of Western Australia's most loved icons. Stretching 1.8 kilometres into the Indian Ocean, it's the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Take the little train to the end or walk the full length before descending into the Underwater Observatory, where glass panels reveal coral reefs and colourful marine life right beneath your feet.

Nearby, Dunsborough and Yallingup offer coastal chic with laid-back charm"perfect for beach walks, café hopping, and boutique stays.

A few hours north of Perth lies the surreal Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, where thousands of limestone spires rise from golden sands. Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic light, and pack your camera. It's an otherworldly experience that feels like walking on another planet.

Further inland, Wave Rock near the town of Hyden is another geological marvel: a 15-metre-high rock formation shaped like a perfect ocean wave frozen in stone. Nearby, the Hippo's Yawn and Mulka's Cave provide more chances to see the region's ancient Aboriginal rock art and fascinating natural shapes.

While the Great Barrier Reef gets much of the attention, Western Australia's Ningaloo Reef is every bit as beautiful, and often more accessible. Stretching 260 kilometres along the coast near Exmouth and Coral Bay, it's one of the few places on Earth where you can swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea, from March to July.

Snorkelling just off the beach at Turquoise Bay is equally breathtaking, with coral gardens teeming with tropical fish and turtles. For women seeking adventure with serenity, Ningaloo is the perfect blend of both"remote, raw, and unforgettable.

Luxury: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, luxury safari tents right on the sand dunes with ocean views.

Mid-range: Exmouth Escape Resort, stylish apartments with pools and easy access to the reef.

Budget: Ningaloo Coral Bay Backpackers, a fun, beachy base for snorkel lovers.

Inland, the landscape transforms dramatically at Karijini National Park, one of Australia's most spectacular natural regions. This is where deep red gorges, hidden waterfalls, and rock pools create a wild yet serene wonderland.

Hike through Weano Gorge, Hancock Gorge, and Dales Gorge, where the reward is often a swim in a crystal-clear pool surrounded by billion-year-old rock walls. Fern Pool, with its gentle waterfall, is particularly magical"a perfect spot for a cool dip after a hike.

On the Coral Coast, Monkey Mia is world-renowned for its friendly wild dolphins, who have been visiting the shore for decades to interact with humans in a responsible and respectful way. The area is also part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Region, where you can spot dugongs, turtles, and even stromatolites, some of Earth's oldest living organisms.

Nearby Shell Beach, made up entirely of tiny white shells, and Eagle Bluff, a clifftop lookout with panoramic ocean views, are unmissable stops.

At the top of the state, Broome is where the red desert meets the turquoise sea, a dreamy mix of colour, culture, and character. The famous Cable Beach is best experienced on camelback at sunset, when the sky turns into a palette of pinks and golds.

Broome's rich history as a pearling town adds another layer of intrigue, browse the Pearl Luggers Museum or shop for locally made jewellery. The town's multicultural influence is reflected in its food scene, from tropical cocktails to fresh seafood and spicy Asian fusion dishes.

For an unforgettable road trip, venture into The Kimberley, one of the world's last great wilderness frontiers. El Questro, Mitchell Falls, and the dramatic Bungle Bungle Range are landscapes that will leave you awestruck.

Where to stay in Broome and the Kimberley:

Western Australia's vastness means endless skies, and some of the clearest stargazing in the world. Whether you're lying on the beach in Exmouth, camping in Karijini, or glamping in the outback, the Milky Way will take your breath away.

Many women travellers find WA's expansiveness deeply restorative. There's a sense of freedom here, unhurried, grounding, and filled with wonder!

You can fly into Perth, Broome, or Exmouth, depending on your route. Road trips are part of the Western Australian experience, whether you're cruising the coast or heading inland. Campervans and rental cars make exploring flexible and fun, with plenty of charming roadside stays and photo-worthy pit stops along the way.

Western Australia is sipping a glass of Margaret River wine at sunset, laughing with friends under the stars at Karijini, or catching your reflection in turquoise water at Rottnest Island. It's about moments of stillness and connection, adventure and indulgence.

For women seeking inspiration, rejuvenation, or just a taste of life lived beautifully wide open, Western Australia delivers in every shade, from red earth to blue ocean, from wild gorges to gentle luxury.

So pack your camera, your curiosity, and maybe a good hat!  Out here, the world feels bigger, the air feels cleaner, and every track leads somewhere extraordinary.

Image credit istock / indianoceanimagery