Published on Friday, 5 June 2020 at 12:00:00 AM
With Phase 3 easing of COVID-19 restrictions from Saturday 6 June, there has been no better time to explore the beauty of our great state. Northern Western Australia offers the perfect escape for those looking to avoid the cooler winter months.
Ashburton features pristine blue oceans and spectacular red earth ranges all in one locality.
Visitors who love adventure can climb the four tallest mountains in WA, all of which are located in Ashburton - Mt Nameless, Mt Bruce, Mt Sheila and Mt Meharry (the highest peak in the state at 1,249 metres above sea level).
Ashburton’s two largest towns of Onslow and Tom Price offer vastly different natural landscapes and unique experiences that appeal to families, couples and solo adventurers.
Onslow
The historic coastal town of Onslow is surrounded by beaches where you can watch both the sunrise and sunset. Warmer in the summer months, the best time to visit Onslow is April – September. The town features a handful of popular fishing spots and is best known for being the gateway to the Mackerel Islands.
The Mackerel Islands are an adventure playground. Guests are welcome on two of the ten Islands – Thevenard Island and Direction Island – with a ferry service operating from the Onslow mainland.
Direction Island offers the ultimate untouched wilderness experience – nestled within its own coral reef, you can have the entire island to yourself to explore with up to eight of your family and friends.
Thevenard Island offers two, three or five bedroom beachfront cabins which directly overlook the white sand and crystal blue bay.
Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities. The islands operate fishing charters and whale watching charters (in season), and you can hire plaka boats, kayaks, SUP boards, snorkel sets and fishing gear.
Admire the kaleidoscope of colourful fish, crabs and stingrays among the coral reefs while you snorkel, or reel in the catch of your life from the Pilbara’s fishiest waters. Onslow offers the ultimate coastal getaway perfect for those who love the great outdoors.
Tom Price
Tom Price is WA’s highest town at 747 meters above sea level and is located on the edge of the Hamersley Ranges. The picturesque town is an ideal base for those wishing to explore the wonders of Karijini National Park – one of the most remarkable National Parks in Australia.
The ranges and gorges within Karijini are some of the oldest land forms in the world. Walking trails take visitors through the heart of the gorges, winding past waterfalls and rock pools, surrounded by both lush greenery and rich red rock faces.
While it is the second largest national park in Western Australia spanning 627,442 hectares, Karijini’s beautiful scenery is incredibly accessible. In some locations, visitors can pull into a car park and walk just 50 metres to a breath-taking 100-metre canyon and waterfall. Day trips run regularly out of Tom Price to Karijini during peak season.
For more information, contact the Tom Price Visitor Centre on (08) 9188 5488, email [email protected] or visit www.tomprice.org.au.
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