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So, what’s Western Australia known for?
Western Australia is like that favourite novel you can't put down; every page (or, in this case, every kilometre) is filled with something captivating. Let's start with the basics: breathtaking beaches. The likes of Esperance’s white sandy shores and Cable Beach, where the firm golden sands stretch out along the horizon, are like a warm welcome.
Then, in the north, there’s the Ningaloo Reef – it's like an underwater carnival with everything from playful manta rays to majestic whale sharks. But that's not all. Beyond the postcard-perfect beaches and the bustling streets of Perth attractions, there's a rich inner landscape where the story gets even better.
You’ve got ancient gorges that look like they’ve been chiselled by artists, and the Outback is an untouched canvas of reds and oranges, stretching as far as the eye can see. For those who've got a soft spot for a good glass of vino, vineyard-laden hinterlands like Margaret River will feel like hitting the jackpot. In short – think of turquoise bays where the only footprints are yours, ancient forests that seem to breathe wisdom, and small towns brimming with charm (and maybe a quirky pub or two).
Image: Instagram - @theramblerco
What’s the best way to explore Western Australia?
Now, if you're nodding and thinking, "that's my kind of adventure!" then let’s talk wheels. To truly experience the magic of Western Australia, you need a vehicle that’s as ready for adventure as you are. What better way to explore this wild and magical state than in the comfy confines of a camper – enter the maui campervan. Think of it as your home on wheels, complete with all the comforts you need for a campervan adventure and the freedom to go wherever the wind takes you. Imagine waking up to a different view every morning; one day, it's the serene coast of Esperance, the next, it's exploring the romantic things to do in Margaret River, and then perhaps the mystical landscape of the Pinnacles Desert.
The beauty of opting for a campervan hire is the sheer spontaneity it offers. Spot a sign for a hidden beach or a quirky café? Just take that turn! Whether it's that secluded camping spot, a farmer's market bursting with fresh produce or a trail that offers a mesmerising sunset view, it's the freedom of a camper that can make your Western Australia trip truly unique.
Whether you’ve got a travel itinerary chalked out or you’re more of a "let's see where the road takes us" kind of traveller, your maui camper is your ticket to a unique adventure. So, grab your map, pick up your campervan hire, and let's hit the road! The hidden gems of Western Australia are waiting (and trust us, they're worth every kilometre.)
The 10 best-hidden gems in Western Australia
Hold onto your sun hats, folks! We're about to embark on a whirlwind tour of Western Australia's lesser-known marvels. Here are some truly incredible Western Australia destinations that deserve a spot on your campervan travel itinerary:
1. Cape Leveque
Imagine a place where ochre-red cliffs stand in stark contrast against the turquoise waters. This is Cape Leveque, a slice of paradise nestled at the tip of the Dampier Peninsula in northwest Western Australia. If you’re craving some seaside relaxation, the pristine beaches here are your go-to. Fancy some fishing? The waters here are a fisherman's paradise. For the culturally curious, there are indigenous tours that provide rich insights into the local Aboriginal Bardi Jawi people's history and culture.
And how do you get to this hidden gem in Western Australia? Hop into your camper and head north from Broome. The drive is scenic, to say the least, and there's a certain charm in watching the landscape transform into vivid red sand as you inch closer to Cape Leveque.
Top tip: The road to Cape Leveque is regularly undergoing maintenance, with the goal of transforming it into a fully paved road. As such, there are times when sections of this road will undergo maintenance or be only 4WD accessible. Before adding this to your campervan rental travel itinerary, we recommend chatting with the Broome maui branch staff or the local information centre for a recent update on the status of the road to determine if you are able to access the cape in your camper. When in doubt, there are plenty of great day tours from Broome to Cape Leveque you can join to explore this region.
2. Fitzgerald River National Park
Next on our list for hitting the road in your camper in Western Australia is Fitzgerald River National Park. This park is a nature lover’s dream come to life. Fitzgerald River is revered for its diverse plant species (up to 75 of which you won’t find anywhere else in the world!) and landscapes that range from rugged hills and mountain ranges to serene river valleys.
Whether you’re into hiking, bird-watching, or simply soaking in the native beauty, a visit to this botanical wonderland deserves a spot on your upcoming Western Australia travel itinerary. Best of all, the journey to Fitzgerald River from Perth is an experience in itself. If you’re planning an extended road trip travel itinerary through Western Australia, check out this ultimate eight-day Western Australia itinerary.
Top tip: The western section of the park on Devil’s Creek Road is 2WD accessible and can be accessed from the South Coast Highway, just north of Gairdner.
Image: Instagram - @theramblerco
3. Mount Augustus
When someone mentions a rock in Australia, most minds go straight to Uluru. But let’s let you in on Western Australia’s best-kept secret: Mount Augustus. This impressive natural monument, located in Western Australia's Outback, is often called the world's largest rock, eclipsing Uluru in size twofold! Here at this ‘Island Mountain’ (translated from the native word Burringurrah of the Wadjari people), you can gaze up at the impressive 750-metre-high landmark, cruise around its 49-kilometre scenic base trail, or enjoy the 12-kilometre climb to the summit. Between the hiking trails, indigenous rock art, and panoramic views, this is easily one of the best-hidden gems in Western Australia.
Wondering how to get to this majestic monocline? After picking up your trusty camper from the Perth maui branch, you will head north towards Carnarvon, then steer east on an adventurous drive inland, with each kilometre promising raw, untouched beauty.
Top tip: Ensure you’ve got your camping essentials stocked up – the Outback is stunningly remote, and groceries can be harder to come by in these regions.
4. Castle Rock
No, we're not talking about Game of Thrones here! Castle Rock is a granite monolith that stands tall amidst the Porongurup Range. This site is a challenge and a treat for hikers with its 4.7km return loop to the summit. Once you've managed the climb, you're rewarded with panoramic views that are nothing short of breathtaking. For those of you looking for a bit more thrill, there's the Granite Skywalk, which promises an adrenaline rush with a 6-metre ladder to conquer to reach the top. And your reward? An aerial view of the surrounding landscapes and the rugged Stirling Ranges in the distance.
Castle Rock is located around 4 hours outside Perth and is a 30-minute drive inland from Albany. If you fancy making this part of a larger travel itinerary, this is a perfect addition to maui’s Great Southern Wine Trail road trip itinerary – it’s too good to resist.
5. Lake Ballard
The eeriness and beauty of Lake Ballard can't be fully described in words – it is one of those things to do in Western Australia that must be seen to be believed. This surreal salt lake stretches out for kilometres and is dotted with peculiar statues that seem to come from the earth – adding a touch of black chromium steel mystique to the white expanse. These statues are part of the largest outdoor gallery on Earth, stretching over 10 square kilometres. Created by artist Antony Gormley, these statues are a tribute to the people of Menzies, with each sculpture representing a local resident.
How to get here? This hidden gem in Western Australia is the perfect excuse to Drive Australia’s wild west in your campervan rental and soak up the expansive Outback. From Perth, it's a 9-hour drive, first heading inland towards Kalgoorlie and then north towards your destination. The journey is a bit rugged but all part of the Lake Ballard adventure.
Image: Tourism Western Australia
6. Dive into the Blue at Shark Bay
Shark Bay: a name that promises mystery and delivers a bonanza of natural coastal treasures. From the famous Monkey Mia dolphin feeding to the ancient stromatolites, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a marine wonderland in Western Australia. Dive, swim, or just relax on the beach – the choice is yours.
After picking up your campervan rental, the drive from Perth to Shark Bay is a Western Australia gem in and of itself. So if you're keen to explore more of the best things to do in Western Australia along the way, be sure to check out the Perth to Shark Bay, Australia itinerary.
7. Walking with Giants
The Valley of the Giants treetop walk is one of the best things to do in Western Australia’s southwest. Walking amidst the canopy of towering tingle trees, some over 400 years old, offers a unique perspective on life. Whether you're taking the treetop walk or seeing the vast trunks in the ancient forests below, it's an experience not to be missed.
Getting to this leafy paradise is around a five-hour drive in your camper from Perth. Along the way, you will also pass through plenty of incredible woodlands in your motorhome hire, allowing you to truly bask in the beauty of the Southern forests.
8. Esperance's Hidden Beaches
The beaches near Esperance aren't just your average beaches – they are a secret paradise, each with its own charm. From Twilight Bay's calm lagoons to the pristine white sands of Lucky Bay, where even kangaroos come to sunbathe, the options are endless when exploring in your campervan hire. Dive into the azure waters at Hellfire Bay, have a picnic at Thistle Cove, or simply relax and let the sparkling waves soothe your soul at Le Grand Beach.
Want to experience them all, as well as some of the best Perth attractions, things to do in Margaret River and more? Check out this iconic Western Australia itinerary from Perth to Esperance that promises memories to last a lifetime.
Hidden Gems in Western Australia accessible by 4WD or guided tour
Western Australia is the wildwest of Australia. As such, some areas can only be accessed via 4WD or a guided tour. Here are a few of our top pics for gems so far off the beaten track that you’ll need to swap your camper for a tour for the day:
9. Craters and Stars at Wolfe Creek
The Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater is a testament to the universe's mysteries right here on Earth. As the second largest meteorite crater in the world, it's a humbling experience to stand on its rim, picturing the 50,000-tonne meteorite touching down 300,000 years ago. But that’s not all that awaits when it comes to galaxies and far-off places. The nighttime here, with a clear sky, is perfect for stargazing.
Top tip: As this hidden gem in Western Australia is located so far north of the state, it is most easily accessible from Darwin or as part of a longer Western Australia itinerary.
10. Bungle Bungle Range
Deep within the Kimberley, the Bungle Bungle Range is a 4WD bucket list adventure and easily one of the best things to do in Western Australia when you rent a campervan. These beehive-shaped sandstone domes, striped with orange and grey bands, are a landscape straight out of a dream. Hiking is the name of the game here – with trails leading through deep gorges, past hidden pools, and up to panoramic viewpoints. Navigating this wonder, however, is best explored on a 4WD day tour.
So after driving your camper from either Darwin or Broome, you can safely park up your 2WD campervan at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park and depart on a tour from the campground. Whether you choose a 4WD adventure or a helicopter tour, adding this region to your travel itinerary is a sure way to come face to face with the raw beauty of the Australian Outback wilderness.
Ready to explore the hidden gems of Western Australia with maui
As we wrap up our tour of Western Australia's hidden gems, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the magic of the west awaits, and there's no better way to explore it than from the comfort of a maui camper. Whether it's the thrill of discovering a secluded beach or the awe of standing before an ancient crater, exploring these hidden gems in Western Australia promise tales worth telling.
Ready to explore these hidden gems in Western Australia with maui? Book your maui camper today and get ready for an adventure like no other. With our convenient maui rentals Perth branch to start your adventure, as well as our wide selection of campervan rentals to choose from so you can ensure you choose the camper that's going to suit your adventure best – you’ll be on your way to explore the best things to do in Western Australia in no time.