Iconic Destinations
Spring is here, and with the winter chill finally melting away, it’s the perfect time to hit the road and explore Western Australia’s iconic destinations! To enhance your journey, we’ve handpicked the best regional museums and historic sites close by. Here are our top picks to add a touch of history and culture to your holiday destination. These sites will allow you to dive deep, and get under the skin of how these beautiful regional locations came to be.
Esperance in Australia’s Golden Outback
Esperance is a breathtaking coastal paradise, renowned for its pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and expansive National Parks just waiting to be explored. A visit to Lucky Bay, celebrated as Australia’s whitest beach is a must. This iconic spot offers picture-perfect views and the rare chance to see kangaroos lounging on the shore.
Once you’re in Esperance, add to your experience with these three historical sights and museums all located in and around town.
Aunty Joan’s Dolly Mix
This museum is a heartfelt legacy from the late Aunty Joan (Duncan) Stewart, a passionate collector who wanted to share her extensive doll collection with the Esperance community. Her vision has been realised in this charming museum, which showcases around 1,000 exquisite porcelain dolls gathered over 30 years. To make your visit even more special, you can even arrange a whimsical Alice in Wonderland high tea. It's a delightful tribute to Joan’s love for her collection and a unique experience for all who visit.
Esperance Mechanical Restoration Group
In Esperance for a while? Add this to your itinerary! The Esperance Mechanical Restoration Group has been passionately preserving and showcasing history for 35 years. Their collection spans several sheds and includes everything from meticulously restored trucks and cars to unique treasures like salt and pepper shakers and matchboxes. The friendly staff are eager to guide you through the exhibits, but feel free to explore at your own pace. Marvel at how the evolution of transportation reflects changes in style and mechanics over the decades.
Esperance Museum
Housed in a historic railway building, the Esperance Museum stands as the largest collection outside of Perth. With over 4,000 objects and 8,000 archival items, the museum offers a treasure trove of significant artefacts, photographs, published media, oral histories, artworks, and research documents. From vintage railway carriages and impressive bull collections to a fascinating maritime component, there’s so much to explore that you might find yourself lost in time. Run by a dedicated team of local volunteers, the museum is a labour of love—so be sure to say hello and express your appreciation for their hard work!
Broome in Australia’s North West
For those looking for a relaxing escape, it’s hard to go past Broome. Nestled where the red dirt meets the ocean, this charming town embodies the relaxed, laid-back vibe you’ve always imagined Australia to be. A must-visit is Cable Beach, a stunning stretch of 22 kilometres of pristine white sand. Its striking contrast against the ochre cliffs and the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean is simply breathtaking. Sunset at Cable Beach is particularly magical; the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colours as the sun dips below the horizon, with camel trains strolling by, offering perfect photo opportunities. During the day, while you eagerly await the sunset, explore Broome’s historical sites to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Kimberley region.
Broome Museum
Known as the pearling capital of the world, the Broome Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s rich and diverse heritage. The museum grounds themselves are a treasure trove of history, featuring rescued icons like Bragge’s sail-making shed, the old CWA hall, Vietnamese refugee boats, vintage gravestones, and historic machinery. Broome's past is intricately tied to its pearl masters and divers, as well as the turbulence of the justice system, the enduring traditions of the Yawuru people, the meatworks, and the devastating Japanese bombing during World War II. For a more light-hearted experience, be sure to check out the exhibit on the ‘Hello Girls,’ the pioneering women who operated the local telephone exchange.
Broome Bird Observatory
A haven for bird enthusiasts, the Broome Bird Observatory is a must-visit destination. Established in 1988 and situated on the picturesque Roebuck Bay—an area renowned for its critical role in migratory shorebird conservation—the observatory is a birdwatcher’s paradise. At the Clive Minton Discovery Centre, you’ll be captivated by the spectacle of 120,000 shorebirds that converge on Roebuck Bay each year. Explore vivid soundscapes, stunning footage, and take on the migration challenge. The observatory also offers guided tours, educational programs, camping opportunities, and a delightful shop. Located just 10 km from Broome on Crabb Creek Road, be sure to check the website for directions, as Google Maps may lead you on a less conventional route!
Margaret River Region in Australia’s South West
If you’re heading south - Margaret River is a popular destination for good reason! Known for its world-class wineries, high profile restaurants, interesting artisans and beautiful shops - this seaside town is a great place to explore over a weekend. One of the highlights is Canal Rocks, a breathtaking natural wonder where surging waves have carved a dramatic channel between granite formations. A scenic timber pathway winds through and around the rocks, offering stunning views from every angle and the chance to spot some fascinating sea creatures. The Margaret River region encompasses many destinations, so be sure to add a couple of stops to experience everything this region has to offer.
Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre
On your way to Margaret River, you will come across the city of Bunbury. Located in a treasured heritage building, the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre tells unique and captivating stories of the South West region. Learn about the many characters that developed Bunbury into the port city that it is today. The museum features a rotating array of exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing everything from the Wardani Nyoongar Aboriginal Australians' stories to accounts of early migration, shipwrecks, and whaling.
Busselton Museum
Situated within the historic Old Butter Factory precinct, the Busselton Museum is proudly maintained by dedicated volunteers from the town’s Historical Society. They work tirelessly to tell agriculture, forestry and maritime stories from days gone by. Noteworthy exhibits include a restored 1920’s one teacher school, the “Jumna” paddle steamer, horse drawn vehicles and machinery alongside restored butter making equipment. It's worth bringing a picnic lunch and perch under the old Tuart trees by the scenic Vasse River.
Margaret River Historical Society
Once in Margaret River, visit the charming collection of 1920’s small buildings at the Margaret River Historical Society and be intrigued by this captivating glimpse of the past. The site encompasses a quaint old school house (set up as if students just left for recess!), a traditional wash house, an old dairy machinery shed, and an original Group Settlement house. Discover incredible and inventive old world treasures including blacksmith tools, spring carts, innovative period furniture and so much more offering a vivid portrayal of life back in the 1920’s settlement era.
Ningaloo Reef in Australia’s Coral Coast
Australia’s Coral Coast’s World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is a breathtaking paradise of crystal-clear waters, wondrous coral reefs, and extraordinary marine life. Whether you’re diving, snorkelling, swimming, or cruising along its 300 kilometres of pristine, untouched beauty, the reef offers a mesmerising underwater experience. On land, you’ll find stunning beaches, world-class surf breaks, and awe-inspiring gorges perfect for exploration by foot. Most people self-drive to Exmouth, so we’ve cherry picked some super interesting places to stop along the way. Learn about the incredible history of the region and how the area has evolved into the remarkable place it is today.
Geraldton Regional Art Gallery
Built in 1907, originally as the Town Hall - the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery is a class act. The gallery presents a dynamic collection of artworks from local, state, national and international artists. They pioneered their very own Mid West Art Prize - an exhibition that takes place biennially and is now one of the ‘bread and butter’ art exhibitions in the state. . In addition to its captivating exhibitions, the gallery hosts engaging art talks and workshops, infusing flair and creativity into the vibrant seaside town.
Carnarvon Heritage Group and One Mile Jetty Interpretation Centre
The Carnarvon Heritage Group is a diverse collection of several museums and historic sites: the Railway Museum and Shearing Hall of Fame, the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage and the One Mile Jetty Centre. Together these attractions paint a vivid picture of Canarvon’s back story - from its pastoral origins to its significant history as a port. One mile jetty even used to load ships enroute to countries across the globe! For those looking to stretch their legs after navigating the busy highway, there’s a few walking options, including one featuring a memorial to the Aboriginal people who were imprisoned at the Lock Hospitals on nearby Bernier and Dorre Islands.
Ningaloo Centre
Once you’ve hit Exmouth, the Ningaloo Centre is a great port of call to get your interest sparked on this wonderful place. There is an aquarium, function centre and visitors centre. Explore how the Ningaloo Reef earned its World Heritage status and discover the fascinating history of how the town was established, including the role played by American naval bases.
