Travel to Western Australia, a Holiday Destination Like No Other

A five-hour flight Down Under can mean more than kangaroos and wineries, Tan Jia Hao shares.

Quokkas on the road of Western Australia. PHOTO CREDIT | Western Australia Tourism Board

Western Australia, covering the entire western third of the country, IS made up mostly of the arid Outback AND is always deemed as the place for old people to visit and often associated with being slow and boring.

“Many people do not know what we have to offer,” said Ang Ava, Country Manager for the Western Australia Tourism Board in Singapore.

Think again as we take you through Western Australia like no other! From Mikimoto grade pearl cultivation to digging your own truffles to up your truffle fries game! There is more to Western Australia than just Perth.

1-6 Stay over at the wine region

A bird’s eye view of the winery. PHOTO CREDIT | Western Australia Tourism Board

Love wine? Why not stay in a winery and get to taste the best they have to offer. We recommend you visit Margaret River for the full experience.

“Your trip to Western Australia isn’t complete if you have not stayed over at one of the wine region,” said Katherine Sng, a Singaporean who has visited Western Australia. There is so much to explore in the wine region; a day trip is simply not enough; in fact, i would highly recommend that you stay 3-4 days here.

Beef pie from the berry farm. PHOTO CREDIT | Helen Yow

Fourteen minutes from Margaret River is The Berry Farm, known not just for its fresh organic berries that you can pick on your own, it also has wonderful restaurants too! Indulge yourself in restaurants around the berry farm that only uses the freshest seasonal produce in town.

“The beef pie & berry pie at the berry farm is a must-try!” said Mrs Helen Yow, who has lived in Perth for 44 years.

2-6 You don’t have to fly to Europe to dig truffles!

Hands holding truffles dug from a farm. PHOTO CREDIT | Western Australia Tourism Board

We bet you did not know that there is a truffle farm in Western Australia. That’s right, you do not have to fly 13 hours to Italy just to get a taste of fresh truffles! Located in Manjimup, it is only a 1.5 hour drive from Margert River and would only cost adults AUD$120 to dig your own truffles! Kids under two get to dig for free. If digging your own truffles sound like too much work, you can also go to any nearby farmer’s market to get fresh truffles or the best truffle oil in town.

More info: truffleandwine.com.au/truffles/truffle-hunts-2.html

3-6 See beautiful Rock Formations outside the

Girls taking a selfie by Nature’s Window rock formation. PHOTO CREDIT | Western Australia Tourism Board

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you talk about rock formations? You would probably think to visit the United States. This particular formation is called the Nature’s Window, one of many rock formations in Western Australia, you do not have to fly 24 hours just to catch rock formations, there are plenty down under.

4-6 Cultivate your own Mikimoto grade pearls

Pearls cultivated from broome. PHOTO CREDIT | Western Australia Tourism Board

Located in Broome, the pearl cultivation industry has never been talked about much in the news. Known as “The Pearl of Western Australia”, they are able to cultivate Mikimoto grade pearls which have been synonymous with luxury pieces. These are treasures that you would have to pay top dollar for in Singapore, not in Western Australia though!

More info: abc.net.au/news/rural/2019-09-22/kimberley-pearlers-bring-shine-back-to-the-industry/11526756

5-6 Visit the farmers market for the freshest produce

People visiting local farmers market. PHOTO CREDIT | Western Australia Tourism Board

“I think most people do not visit the farmers market when travelling to Perth, but we have the freshest produce around, you can even get fresh truffle oil for cheap.” Said May Wong, a local staying in Perth for over 30 years.

These local markets feature the freshest produce from local farmers in all of Western Australia, with each area featuring its own specialty.

6-6 Making the trip!

The best time to visit Western Australia would be during winter period, from June to August, with air tickets from Singapore Airlines going upwards of $500, and accommodations going from $50 – $100, ranging from hotels to Airbnb homestays. If you would like to visit some of the places we featured, we recommend you to spend a good 10 days in Western Australia and we highly advise that you rent a car as it is not only affordable but also the best way to get around if you want to visit the wineries and farms!