Living fossils, desert landscapes, hidden coastal gems: This couple’s return visits to Western Australia keeps surprising them

During a holiday to Lake Clifton in Western Australia last March, Ms Sofina Tan and her husband, Mr Joseph Cheah stumbled upon a moment that has stayed with them ever since. 

What looked like clusters of round, white rocks dotting the edge of Lake Clifton was, in fact, alive – and among the oldest living things on Earth. Often described as “living fossils”, these rare thrombolites are formed by ancient microbes.

Watch this video to find out how to win two Singapore Airlines business class tickets to Australia.

“It amazed me to think of what I was looking at,” says Ms Tan, of the thrombolite reef located within Yalgorup National Park, just south of Mandurah. “It’s about 2,000 years old and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.”

“We have an interest in geology, so getting to see this marvelous array of land features made this a truly awesome trip,” she adds.

For the couple, who have visited Australia a few times, this trip felt different. Beyond familiar Western Australia hubs, they found themselves venturing further, drawn to places like the Pinnacles, Yalgorup National Park and the lesser-known corners in between.

It is this spirit of exploration that defines Western Australia – not as a single destination, but as a collection of micro-journeys. Here, the experience lies in moving between pockets of discovery, where each detour, whether to a bustling suburban market, a UNESCO-listed desert marvel or a coastal park, reveals something unexpected. 

Where nature’s beauty unfolds

When it comes to natural wonders, Western Australia’s scale reveals itself gradually. Landscapes shift from one to the next, each with its own character – from ancient landforms to stretches of colour that feel like a dreamscape.

One such place is Hutt Lagoon in Port Gregory near Geraldton. This lake elicits a double take due to its unusual hues, courtesy of a beta carotene-producing algae in the water. Depending on the time of day and season, it appears bubblegum pink, red or even purple. But no matter its colour, the lagoon is undeniably enchanting, whisking you into another world with its beauty.

Further north, in Kalbarri National Park​, the palette becomes more elemental. Red and white striped sandstone gorges, cliffs and plateaus leave a deep impression. They have been shaped by the Murchison River, which cuts through the landscape for some 80km. The terrain is perfect for bushwalking, while the coast offers an intriguing mix of rugged beaches, hidden caves and steep lookouts ripe for discovery.

It is true that no visit to Western Australia is complete without a day at the beach. One of the most thrilling ways to experience this is at Injidup Natural Spa, a must-visit near Margaret River. Carved between the white sand beach and giant granite boulders, this natural rock pool fills with clear water as waves surge through narrow gaps, creating a rhythm that is equal parts soothing and exhilarating. Take a soak here to witness the sky and sea merge seamlessly on the horizon.

Come for the shopping, stay for the atmosphere

After marvelling at natural wonders, it’s time to savour something equally captivating – Western Australia’s amazing produce, showcased in a range of different markets.

On Saturday mornings, you can find a comfortable rhythm at the Margaret River Farmers’ Market, a relaxed, open-air gathering of the region’s best produce and people. Browse hyper-local produce, small-batch cheeses, freshly baked sourdough and indulgent truffle treats, all sold by the knowledgeable growers and makers themselves.

Lastly, the Origins Market in Busselton is where to head for an elevated retail and culinary experience. Spanning 3,000sqm (about the size of seven basketball courts), this curated hub gathers butchers, bakers, brewers, baristas, winemakers, chefs, artists and craftsmen all under one roof. If you’re lucky, you might catch the occasional Kids’ Pop-Up Market where buskers and stallholders aged 17 and under get a chance to step into the spotlight. Expect live music, local wines, hands-on workshops and even an indoor beehive. Come for a quick bite – whether that’s sushi or a classic burger – or easily spend an entire afternoon here. 

Dine like a local

If the markets whet your appetite, Perth’s dining scene will take it further. New restaurants in and around the city are building on a long love of fresh produce, while adding their own spin on flavour and style.

With its Art Deco facade and sweeping ocean views, The Cottesloe Beach Hotel has been a fixture of Perth’s seaside dining scene since the early 1900s. Today, it feels unmistakably modern, especially at Tigerfish, its newest bar and dining room, where South-east Asian flavours take centre stage.

Cocktails carry notes of lemongrass, plum and ginger, pairing effortlessly with dishes like wok-tossed mud crab, fish finger bao do chua with yellow curry mayo and mentaiko, and duck kimchi dumplings. From Thursdays to Saturdays, vinyl DJs set the mood as the sun dips and the energy rises.

Closer to Fremantle, Pearla and Co is a sleek new seafood destination at Leighton Beach that puts Western Australia’s bounty from the sea front and centre. The menu leans into dry-aged fish, freshly shucked oysters and plump tiger prawns grilled to perfection, all served in a modern coastal setting.

Despite its name, Fremantle’s Bread in Common is far more than a bakery. Set in a moody, industrial space, the restaurant serves refined sharing plates, from succulent lamb ribs with black garlic, to kingfish with citrus miso. Still, the sourdough loaves – baked daily in two hand-built wood-fired ovens – take centre stage in all their crusty, fluffy perfection. Paired with house-churned butter, as well as a wide selection of delectable cheeses, dips and spreads, don’t be surprised if that is all you end up eating.

More than a place to lay your head

Your time in Western Australia can take on very different forms, and your choice of accommodation can dictate the pace, rhythm and feel of your holiday. Ocean lovers who want to experience the UNESCO-listed marvel Ningaloo Reef can consider the barefoot luxury escape that is Sal Salis.

In your beachfront safari tent, you will find a jarrah wood bed dressed in fresh linen, an ensuite bathroom (plus organic shampoo and herb soap) and a private deck with a hammock, perfect for daydreaming to the sound of the waves. The all-inclusive resort means all food and drink are gratis, as well as activities like whale swims and snorkelling tours, with all the equipment you will need to explore the world’s largest fringing reef. 

For hiking enthusiasts, the iconic Cape to Cape Track running between Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste in the south-west of Western Australia might be the reason for your trip.

Smiths Beach Resort is perfectly positioned to be your base. It offers private guided walks of the Cape to Cape Track, tailored for different fitness levels. You can opt to incorporate a winery lunch or even set off later to catch the sunset. In between, relax in the heated infinity pool, stroll on the pristine sands of Smiths Beach or take in the stunning views through the floor-to-ceiling windows in your stylish beach house or villa.

Always something new to discover

Even for return travellers, Western Australia brings new ways to surprise, with fresh experiences that offer a different take on its landscapes and wildlife.
 
One of the latest is the Nocturnal Wildlife Tour in Yelverton Brook Conservation Sanctuary at Margaret River. As night falls, you can observe kangaroos, possums and bandicoots get up to their nightly antics, as the guides share more about the native flora and fauna. Sip on a cup of bush billy tea, marvel at the star-filled-skies and keep watch, you might just spot an owl or a tawny frogmouth if you’re lucky.

A little further north in Mandurah, a different kind of encounter brings together wildlife, waterways and public art. The Mandurah Giant Sightseeing Cruise is a 2.5-hour journey through its estuary and UN-protected wetlands. Accompanied by marine biologists, you can spot pelicans, ospreys, black swans and wild bottlenose dolphins. You will also get a full view of Seba Song, one of the most famous Giants of Mandurah – six gargantuan sculptures created by artist Thomas Danbo – the only one best viewed from the water, because he faces the sea.

Share your favourite Aussie memory by May 24, 2026, and you could be heading there with a loved one on a Singapore Airlines Business Class flight. Terms and conditions apply.

In partnership with Tourism Australia