Published: 15 August 2024
As we celebrate World Photography Day on Monday 19 August, we’ve taken a look at some of the top Instagram posts for Western Australia.
The latest Visitor Experiences and Expectations Research (VEER) highlights Western Australia’s beaches and coastline remains the top reason people visit the Dream State, and the number one reason visitors recommend a visit for others to experience the otherworldly colours for themselves.
The top Instagram posts certainly reflect this, with some breathtaking shots of the coastline.
Here’s the top five most engaged posts across the Dream State (#WAtheDreamState).
Wylie Bay, Esperance
1. Wylie Bay, Esperance | 📸: @cjmaddock
Wylie Bay offers a serene escape along the south west coast, inviting you to rest and be present with nature. Its white sands and clear turquoise waters stretch far and wide, providing the ultimate sense of peace and tranquillity.
Venture to Wylie Bay Rock for incredible panoramic views of the coast before heading down to Wylie Head Beach to see the turquoise and cerulean hues of the water up close.
Wylie Bay's waves attract surfers to ride the swell, and the nearby cliffs and Wylie Bay Sand Dunes beckon with scenic hikes and breathtaking vistas.
As the sun sets, the bay becomes a canvas of colours, perfect for reflecting on Western Australia's natural beauty.
Whether you seek solitude, crave outdoor adventures, or wish to reconnect with nature, Wylie Bay promises an unforgettable experience fifteen minutes from the coastal haven of Esperance (Kepa Kurl).
2. Roebuck Bay, Broome | 📸: @from.miles.away
Roebuck Bay is one of 12 Ramsar Nature Reserve wetland sites in Western Australia and is one of Broome’s most beautiful natural attractions.
The changing colours in the ebb and flow of Roebuck Bay are amazing. At low tide, the milky turquoise waters retreat to expose a horizon of mud flats.
During the cooler months you can witness the Staircase to the Moon. This spectacular natural phenomenon is created by the rising of a full moon reflecting off the tidal flats of Roebuck Bay.
The bay is also home to some incredible wildlife including hundreds of birds, making it popular for bird watching.
Located near Broome (Rubibi) Roebuck Bay was named after explorer William Dampier’s vessel by the crew of the HMS Beagle who visited the bay in 1840.
3. Scarborough Beach Foreshore, Perth | 📸: @vlwphotography
For teens and surfers, Scarborough Beach is a firm favourite. The regular swell, impressive surf breaks and long stretch of white sand attract swimmers, surfers and body-boarders.
Scarborough Beach is also popular for kite surfing and wind surfing, especially when the afternoon sea breeze is in. At night, Scarborough's foreshore comes alive.
There are many restaurants and cafes to choose from, or you can pack a picnic and enjoy the large grassed areas, public barbecues and gazebos.
Located 20 minutes north of the Perth (Boorloo) CBD, Scarborough Beach also features a geothermal heated open-air public pool, an outdoor amphitheatre which in summer hosts all kinds of events including beach cricket.
4. Hamelin Bay, Margaret River Region | 📸: @_kai.photography_
Hamelin Bay on the southwest coast is a serene open sandy bay, famous for the abundance of stingrays that frequent the bay.
Enjoy a personal interaction with these remarkable sting rays and see them close up in their natural habitat. Measuring up to two metres wide, the friendly stingrays will swim around you.
They can also be seen close to the shore feeding off the scraps left by fishermen. For the avid snorkeller there is plenty of interesting plant and fish life within the bay to look at, as well as several shipwrecks and caves to explore.
Beach fishing is popular in the bay, and there is also a boat launching ramp if you want to explore the open ocean or many waterways of Augusta.
Located just north of Augusta in the Margaret River Region, if time permits continue your journey into Augusta and visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.
5. Nature's Window, Kalbarri in Australia’s Coral Coast | 📸: @lauracroftphotography
Nature’s Window is one of Western Australia’s most iconic natural attractions, formed from layers of Tumblagooda Sandstone.
Located near Kalbarri (Wurdimarlu), Nature’s Window is located within Kalbarri National Park – 183,000 hectares of outback adventures, dramatic gorges and dazzling wildflowers.
Nature’s Window marks the beginning and end of The Loop (Class 4 trail), an 8-kilometre walking trail that concludes at the Loop lookout providing views of the winding gorge below.
The difficulty is moderate to challenging with steep sections and uneven surfaces.