Surprising experiences in and around Perth that you should UnDiscover
According to a survey conducted by Tourism Australia started in 2016, the majority of Singaporeans think that Australia is a daytime destination with little to offer foodies. Many believe that the only attractions in the country are its amazing beaches, koalas and kangaroos.
They’re not entirely wrong. From ridiculously clear waters to furry kangaroos, Australia is not short of world-class beaches and unique wildlife. However, to think of Australia as a destination solely with these experiences is a disservice to a land rich in strange and beautiful landscapes, food and nature.
In the Western Australian capital of Perth alone, there is plenty to see and do beyond marsupials and surfing.
Reality: The notion that Western Australia (WA) has some beautiful beaches still holds true, but there are many more of nature’s wonders to be found here. The moonscapes of the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park are a prime example.
Imagine a 175 sq km span of desert land, specked with thousands upon thousands of limestone pillars. These pillars, collectively called The Pinnacles, are believed to have been formed underground, possibly up to 30,000 years ago. Ranging in height, from a few centimetres to as high as 5m, The Pinnacles are found in Nambung National Park located about a two-hour drive north of Perth.
Not to be outdone, Kalbarri National Park boasts scenic gorges, red-and-white banded sandstone and coastal cliffs. It is a four and a half hours’ drive from Namburg National Park.
The park is home to a rock arch known as Nature’s Window, which frames the rugged upstream view of the Murchison River. Formed from layers of Tumblagooda Sandstone, Nature’s Window is one of WA’s most iconic natural attractions.
If you are travelling from Kalbarri, then the Hutt Lagoon or Pink Lake at Port Gregory is a must-visit. Just over a half hour’s drive from Kalbarri National Park, the salt lake is dyed a vibrant shade of pink by carotenoid-producing algae. Depending on the time of day, season and cloud cover, the lake reflects a spectrum of reds, pinks and lilacs.
To bring you closer to this mesmerising body of water, Dynasty Travel’s package offers a scenic flight over the lake. The hour-long flight takes you above the coastal line, providing Instagram-worthy views of the massive lake and the contrasting colours of the ocean.
Then, embark on a four-hour drive from Port Gregory to the Lancelin Sands Dunes, where kids and adults alike will have a ball sandboarding down pure white sand dunes. From the peaks of the sand dunes, some of which reach three storeys high, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Lancelin, and the surrounding farmland, sand hills and coastline.
No visit to Perth is complete without a visit to Kings Park, one of the world’s largest inner city parks. Overlooking the city and the silken blue waters of the Swan River, the park is a great stop for relaxation, inspiration and recreation.
MISCONCEPTION: AUSTRALIA IS NOT A FOODIES’ DESTINATION.
Reality: Perth’s location along a vast coastline makes it a seafood lover’s paradise. One of the culinary attractions en route to The Pinnacles is Lobster Shack, where you can enjoy snap-fresh lobsters caught during fishing trips in the same day.
There is even a stop at Illegal Tender Rum Co, a boutique distillery in Dongara, four hours’ north of Perth. While here, take the opportunity to sample and stock up on world-class spirits. The distillery offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility, which will take you through the rum distilling process.
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