A Guide to the Best Open-View Stops with Easy Access in WA
Western Australia is a land of vast horizons and breathtaking vistas. From rugged coastlines to sweeping inland plains, the opportunities for stunning views are endless. But you don’t need to be an intrepid explorer to experience them. This guide focuses on the best open-view stops that offer spectacular scenery with easy access, perfect for a quick photo opportunity, a moment of reflection, or a family outing. Get ready to soak in the beauty of WA without the strenuous hike!
Perth’s Iconic City Views: Kings Park and Botanic Garden
No guide to WA views would be complete without mentioning Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Perched high above the city, this urban oasis provides unparalleled panoramic views of the Perth CBD skyline, the Swan River, and beyond. The Federation Walkway offers an elevated perspective, while numerous lookouts scattered throughout the park provide accessible vantage points. With ample parking and well-maintained paths, it’s incredibly easy to access. Pack a picnic, and you can easily spend hours enjoying the scenery.
The Dramatic Coastline: Cottesloe Beach and Rottnest Island Ferry Terminal
The metropolitan coastline boasts some of WA’s most accessible and stunning ocean views. Cottesloe Beach, with its iconic Indiana Teahouse and grassy terraces, offers a classic beachside panorama. The viewing platforms and paved walkways along the foreshore are easily navigable. For an even more expansive coastal outlook, head to the ferry terminal area for Rottnest Island. Even before you board, the views across the sparkling Indian Ocean towards the island are spectacular, with plenty of parking and easy pedestrian access.
South West Wonders: The Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk
While the Treetop Walk itself is an experience, the surrounding views in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park are equally captivating. The drive to the Valley of the Giants is scenic, and once you arrive, the Treetop Walk provides a unique elevated perspective of the ancient tingle forest canopy. Beyond the walk, there are accessible viewing platforms at ground level offering glimpses of the forest and the surrounding natural beauty. It’s a relatively short and easy walk to the main attractions, making it accessible for most.
The Pinnacles Desert: A Surreal Landscape
A drive north to the Nambung National Park brings you to the otherworldly Pinnacles Desert. The park has a well-maintained scenic drive that winds through thousands of limestone pillars rising from the desert floor. You can stop at designated lookouts and parking bays, allowing you to step out and immerse yourself in this unique landscape without extensive walking. The contrast between the ancient stone formations and the vast, open desert sky is truly a sight to behold, and easily accessible from the main loop.
The Margaret River Region: Coastal Lookouts Galore
The Margaret River region is renowned for its wineries, but its coastline is equally spectacular and surprisingly accessible. A stop at Surfers Point in Prevelly offers dramatic cliff-top views of surfers catching waves, with easy parking and viewing areas. Further south, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the most south-westerly point of mainland Australia, provides breathtaking ocean vistas. While there’s a climb to the top of the lighthouse, the grounds themselves offer magnificent, easily accessible views of where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.
Western Australia is a treasure trove of natural beauty, and you don’t need to venture off the beaten path to find it. These easily accessible, open-view stops offer a fantastic way to experience the diverse landscapes of WA, from city skylines to ancient forests and dramatic coastlines. So, next time you’re exploring the state, remember these spots for a guaranteed dose of awe-inspiring scenery.