Western Australia - a holiday to remember!

Last year my best mate and I went on what turned out to be one of my most memorable holidays - a 3 week exploration of Western Australia.  This truly amazing destination offered unexpected diversity, incredible wildlife and some very interesting locals!   Hiring a car in Perth we first spent a few days in the South West, enjoying the produce of the local vineyards at Margaret River, strolling all the way to the end (and back again) of Busselton Jetty - the southern hemisphere's longest wooden pier - and braving the magnificent Treetop Walk at Walpole (not easy when you're as scared of heights as I am!!)
 
But the best was yet to come as we followed the coast road north, taking in the fascinating Pinnacles at Nambung National Park and the resident dolphins of Monkey Mia.  We were more intrigued by the humble dugong, which eventually put in an appearance for us at Shark Bay, but nothing could compare to our experience swimming with the whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef.  I'll be honest, jumping into the ocean with the world's largest fish - growing up to 18 metres long, and did I mention it's a SHARK! - is pretty terrifying, but it's also an incredible experience. And once you accept that they really aren't going to mistake you for some tasty krill, you can start to relax and enjoy this great privilege.  The whale sharks are only in the area from April until June, but Ningaloo Reef is spectacular year-round and offers great snorkelling opportunities with manta rays and turtles.
 
Other highlights of our trip included the vivid red gorges of Karijini, the unimaginable sunsets over Cable Beach and flying over the bizarre striped hills of the Bungle Bungles.  The wild kanagaroos we encountered at Point D'Entrecasteaux, the sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean, the endless outback stretching as far as the eye could see... Every day contained a new 'wow' moment!
 
If you'd like to hear more, or want to start planning your own WA adventure, why not join us with Tourism Western Australia and the Telegraph next Thursday, 15th October.  Professor Lyn Beazley will be giving a lecture on Western Australia's incredible biodiversity, whilst travel writer Richard Madden will be sharing his own recent experiences in his favourite state and Discover the World's Aussie Specialists will be on hand to answer your travel queries.
 
Tickets are limited so to register your place please click here.