Western Australia is a massive state that covers nearly an entire third of the country. While it’s mainly known for its many pristine and untouched beaches, the vast landscape of WA has so much more to offer. Western Australia is home to some of the most spectacular natural formations in the entire country and quite possibly even the world!
From jaw-dropping rock formations to otherworldly landscapes and even a naturally-occurring pink lake, every item on this list will blow your mind and make you feel as though you’re walking on another planet.
There is no argument that man-made landmarks can be very impressive, but this article is all about appreciating the raw and natural wonders created by mother nature. Read on to get inspired to visit the beautiful state of WA and start adding these incredible Western Australian landmarks to your bucket list!
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10 Incredible Natural Western Australian Landmarks for Your Aussie Bucket List
Nature’s Window – Kalbarri National Park
Nature’s Window, Kalbarri National Park
Surrounded by the majestic gorges of Kalbarri National Park is the impressive natural rock arch called Nature’s Window. While Kalbarri National Park is full of spectacular sights, this particular landmark stands out from the rest. The window is perched on the edge of a cliff that leads down to the winding Murchison River.
If you visit during sunrise or sunset, you’ll be rewarded with the most magical sight of the sky lit up in beautiful colours over the arch. If you’d like to have the arch all to yourself for a photo, this is also a great way to avoid the peak hours which naturally attract more crowds. There are plenty of scenic lookouts and views to be found around the window, so take a seat and enjoy your surroundings!
Tips for Visiting
Kalbarri National Park is located 6.5 hrs north of Perth making it impossible to visit on a day trip. Follow our 5 day Perth to Kalbarri road trip itinerary to maximize your time. Getting to Nature’s Window is easily done by following a paved road that will take you to a car-park, from there you can follow an easy 1 km return walk to the window.
If you are a keen hiker and have some extra time to spend here, you should consider following The Loop Trail. This 8 km trail begins at the window and runs in a loop taking you down into the gorge, along the rivers edge and then back. Due to the steep and uneven terrain, this hike has been classified as challenging. Only experienced hikers should attempt this with sturdy hiking boots.
Cost: $15 per vehicle / free for national park pass holders
Pinnacles Desert – Nambung National Park
The amazing formations of Pinnacles Desert
Perhaps one of the most famous of Western Australia’s natural landmarks due to its close proximity to Perth but nevertheless, The Pinnacles Desert doesn’t fail to impress. A two hour drive north of Perth will take you to a sand-dune desert filled with a collection of large limestone pillars rising dramatically from the yellow earth.
These formations occurred around 30,000 years ago during a time when the sea began to recede leaving shell deposits exposed to the strong coastal winds. Some of the formations rise up to 4 metres high! Keep your eyes peeled for a number of native animals that call this park home. If you’re lucky, you might get to see kangaroos and emus roaming around the Pinnacles.
Tips for Visiting
A visit to this fantastic national park can easily be done as a day trip from Perth but it’s also easy to include on a road trip from Perth to Kalbarri. Once you arrive, you will have the option to follow the driving route that runs in a 4 km loop through the park. There are plenty of pull-over sections allowing you to get out of the car and up close to the pillars.
You could also choose to leave your car in the parking lot to explore the desert by foot. There are a few amazing viewing platforms that are not to be missed out on. Don’t leave without a visit to the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre, a well put together and informative museum that explains the cultural and geological significance of the formations as well as the animals who live among the Pinnacles.
Cost: $15 per vehicle / free for national park pass holders
Pink Lake, Hutt Lagoon – Port Gregory
Hutt Lagoon as captured with a drone
The unique experience of strolling through the waters of a bubble-gum coloured lake deserves a spot on everyone’s bucket list! While one might think that the water is photo-shopped at first glance (I did before I saw it with my own eyes) I can assure you that this lake is the real deal.
What makes the water pink? This natural wonder is a salt lake which gets its vivid colour from a carotenoid-producing algae, Dunaliella salina. This is also a source of beta-carotene and is used as a food-colouring agent. Get your camera ready for an awesome and memorable photo opportunity, this lake really doesn’t disappoint!
Tips For Visiting
The pink lake is a 5.5 hr drive north of Perth and only 30 minutes from the coastal town of Kalbarri. If you’re planning a visit to Kalbarri you’ll pass the pink lake on your way. There is an official viewing lookout located on Port Gregory Road however you’ll find plenty of other (possibly quieter) pull over spots on the roads surrounding the lake.
The best time of day to visit is around noon when the sun is high in the sky on a cloudless day. The sun shining directly on the water brings out the colour of the lake making it appear more vibrant. If you visit on an overcast day you might be disappointed by the lack of colour. The pink can also appear brighter from above so if you have a drone, this is your chance to put it to use!
Cost: Free
Wave Rock – Hyden
Exploring the wonder of Wave Rock, Hyden
This iconic Western Australian landmark may seem to be in the middle of nowhere but I promise you the long drive is worth it. Nearly 3 million years in the making, this giant wave shaped rock stretches out over 100 metres long and rises up 15 metres above the ground! Wave Rock is an extraordinary natural formation that everyone who visits WA should make a point of seeing.
Take a walk around the rock, admiring its distinct wave shape that became curved as the result of water erosion. Get a different perspective by climbing up on top of the rock for some beautiful views. If you follow a few of the walking trails near Wave Rock, you’ll find more interesting rock formations close by.
Tips for Visiting
Wave Rock is located near the small Wheatbelt town of Hyden which is a 4 hour drive inland from Perth. There are plenty more things to see and do around Hyden making it a great weekend trip from Perth. If you’re planning a road trip from Perth to Esperance, it’s the perfect place to stop and break up the long 8 hr drive.
Don’t miss out on seeing the Hippo’s Yawn which is easy to reach following a path from Wave Rock. Mulka’s Cave is a 15 minute drive from the rock and also worth a visit as you’ll find some amazing ancient aboriginal drawings carved into the rock walls inside the cave. The town of Hyden has several museums including an animal park with kangaroos, koalas, emus, cockatoos and more.
Cost: $12 per vehicle
Elephant Rocks – Denmark
The spectacular Elephant Rocks
Along the south coast of Western Australia near the sleepy town of Denmark, you’ll find this beautiful sheltered bay with clear turquoise water and a lovely beach. What makes this place different is the large boulders rising up out of the water resembling a herd of elephants.
It doesn’t matter how many amazing beaches you’ve been to, there’s no denying that this place is special and unlike anything you’ve ever seen before! Elephant Rocks is well deserving of its title as one of the best beaches in WA.
This photogenic spot is perfect for a day of relaxing and swimming but be aware that it does get quite busy, especially during the summer months. Elephant Rocks is located within William Bay National Park which also includes the stunning and peaceful Greens Pool beach right next to it.
Surrounded by shades of turquoise in Greens Pool, Denmark
Tips for Visiting
William Bay National Park is a 15 minute drive west of Denmark and a 5 hour drive south of Perth by following the Albany Highway. There is a large parking lot when you enter the national park with a designated section for Elephant Rocks and another one for Greens Pool. Once you arrive, you will follow a well kept path for about 10 minutes before descending some steps and then walking through a narrow section of rocks before arriving at the beach.
This has become a very popular spot to fly a drone and it’s not hard to see why. Whenever we spend time at unique and beautiful places such as this, we’re always keen to get our drone out too. It’s best to avoid flying during the day-time hours, we’d suggest heading there between 7-9am. This way you’ll avoid upsetting any beach-goers who are trying to relax but also be able to get the best, crowd free shots!
Cost: Free
The Gap and Natural Bridge – Albany
The Gap, Torndirrup National Park
The Gap and Natural Bridge are yet another set of extraordinary rock formations right next to one another in Torndirrup National Park, Albany. These formations took place as a result of the wild waves of the Great Southern ocean crashing into the granite rocks along the coast causing them to gradually wear away over time.
The Gap is a dramatic cliff with a sheer drop that falls about 25 metres directly into the ocean. There is a platform that offers the perfect vantage point to watch the waves roll into the rocks below you. The Natural Bridge is only steps away from The Gap and is just as impressive. As its name suggests, the powerful seas have caused a spectacular rock bridge to form over the years.
Natural Bridge, Torndirrup National Park
Tips for Visiting
The drive from Perth to Albany takes just over 4.5 hours. A visit to Albany and its surrounds makes for a lovely long weekend getaway from Perth and also a great addition to a southwest road trip. Once you arrive at the designated car park, you can start your visit at The Gap by following a path that leads to the jaw-dropping viewing platform that literally hangs out over the edge of the cliff above the ocean.
Next up, you can make your way along the path that takes you to the Natural Bridge. From the viewing platform, you’ll get the perfect view of the rock bridge and the waves splashing up underneath it. These landmarks are truly amazing sights to behold but the coastal views around them are equally breath-taking.
Cost: $15 per vehicle / free for national park pass holders
Giant Tingle Tree – Walpole
The incredible Giant Tingle Tree
This majestic giant is the oldest and largest living Eucalyptus tree on the planet estimated at around 400 years old! The Giant Tingle Tree can be found deep within the heart of the beautiful karri and tingle forest, 10km east of the small town of Walpole. A number of bush fires occurred in these forests resulting in the tree’s insides becoming completely hollowed out.
It’s truly a wonder that this tree has survived multiple fires and still lives on to this day! Standing inside the hollowed out tree trunk and looking upward really makes you feel small. It also gives you a true sense of appreciation for this incredibly resilient tree and the magical forest that surrounds it.
Tips for Visiting
If you’re planning to spend some time in Denmark, a visit to the tingle tree is a great addition to your itinerary. An easy 800 metre path will lead you through the beautiful forest until you reach the Giant Tingle. Along the way, you’ll pass by some other impressive large trees that have also been hollowed out.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out the popular attraction ‘The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk’. It’s only a 15 minute drive from the Giant Tingle Tree and considered one of the best attractions in the south west. Follow a walkway through the treetops, suspended 40 metres in the air! Spectacular views will be seen along the entire walk, this is not to be missed.
Cost: Free
Francois Peron National Park – Shark Bay
It’s like a painting – Big Lagoon, Francois Peron National Park
Vibrant orange dunes give way to sparkling turquoise water creating the most mesmerizing landscape you may ever come across. Francois Peron National Park is a UNESCO heritage site that makes up a large portion of the Shark Bay peninsula and offers the ultimate adventure to those with a 4-wheel-drive.
The main points of interest within this park are Big Lagoon and Cape Peron. These are the best spots to witness the striking contrast of red dirt, white sand and blue water.
This scenic national park is located at the northern tip of the Shark Bay peninsula and makes an excellent addition to your Perth to Exmouth road trip itinerary. Spending a few days in Shark Bay is an absolute must if you’re planning to make the drive up north.
Tips for Visiting
To reach Big Lagoon or Cape Peron you will require a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. Access to the majority of the national park is via sand tracks of varying firmness. The calm waters of Big Lagoon make it a beautiful spot to swim or explore by kayak. There is also a camp site available with toilets and BBQs for only $11 per night, bookings are not accepted here.
Cape Peron is located at the furthest point of the national park, about 1 hr drive from the entrance. Camping is not permitted but there are picnic tables, BBQs, drop toilets and beach access. Swimming is not recommended as the current is very strong. There are several viewing platforms where you can spot a wide variety of sea animals such as turtles, sharks, manta rays, and dolphins!
Cost: $15 per vehicle / free for national park pass holders
Hamersley Gorge – Karijini National Park
The breath-taking natural spa pool of Hamersley Gorge
It’s the most remote gorge of Karijini National Park but the extra driving is well worth it. Located in the Pilbara region of the north west, this national park is characterized by a collection of ancient gorges, tunnels, and stunning waterfalls leading into enclosed rock pools. This is the ultimate destination for those who love hiking and swimming surrounded by spectacular scenery.
What makes Hamersley Gorge so special is the enchanting little emerald spa pool with its very own waterfall. This unique and otherworldly formation is truly one of a kind. The rest of the gorge is also beautiful and features colourful layers of rocks that have formed over millions of years.
Tips for Visiting
Getting to Karijini National Park involves a 16 hour drive from Perth or a flight to the nearby towns of Newman or Paraburdoo. Hamersley Gorge can be reached by following a gravel road for 1 hr from the Karijini Eco Retreat (near the centre of the national park). There are many other amazing gorges to see in this national park, don’t miss out on Hancock Gorge, Kalamina Gorge and Weano Gorge.
The trail that descends into the gorge is easy to follow with steps, making it a less difficult hike compared to the rest of the gorge hikes in Karijini. Hamersley Gorge is a great place to spend the day relaxing and enjoying the natural swimming pools, little waterfalls and plenty of spots to cool off in the shade. Make sure to check out the gorge viewing platform only a short walk from the car park.
Cost: $15 per vehicle / free for national park pass holders
Bungle Bungle – Purnululu National Park
The Bungle Bungle formations glowing as the sun begins to set
Within the Kimberley region of far north WA is the extraordinary landscape of striped sandstone domes known as Bungle Bungle. It’s one of the most fascinating and remarkable natural landmarks of Western Australia and it also happens to be the most remote of them all. These bee-hive shaped domes rise up to 300 metres above the ground amidst a contrasting flat grassy desert.
Due to the striking formations and ancient history of Purnululu National Park, it’s no surprise that it’s included as 1 out of only 16 natural UNESCO sites in all of Australia. The Bungle Bungle formations have existed for more than 350 million years but were only discovered as recently as the 1980’s! Aboriginal people have called this region home for 40,000 years and have left many traces of their existence including burial sites and rock art that can still be seen to this day.
Tips for Visiting
Surrounded by remote wilderness, getting to Purnululu National Park will involve a lot of driving. You have the choice of flying into the town of Kununurra from Perth and driving 4 hours or flying into Broome and driving 10 hours along the Great Northern Highway. It’s a good idea to include this as a stop on a road trip through the north west.
Explore the Bungle Bungles by foot on your own or choose to take a tour led by an aboriginal guide who will take you back in time and explain the cultural importance of the area. The other highlights of visiting this national park are Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm (both located in the north section of the park), be sure not to miss these impressive natural formations!
Maximize your wilderness experience by spending some time soaking in the spirit of this amazing national park. Why not stay a while and book a glamping style tent at the wonderful Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge. This highly rated accommodation is located very close to the Bungle Bungle range and provides a bit of luxury for those who have been travelling on the road for an extended period.
Cost: $15 per vehicle / free for national park pass holders
➤Looking for more WA travel inspiration? Follow our Instagram page where we frequently share some of the most stunning locations and landscapes on our adventures around this beautiful state!
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So many great natural landmarks in WA! I’m so glad I’ve seen several of them but clearly a return trip is needed!
These pictures are really cool.
They really make me love Australia even more than I did before looking at them.
Thank you for your feedback! WA is home to some seriously amazing natural landscapes!