Get to Know Western Australia

Western Australia is vast, diverse, and full of incredible landscapes and experiences. From pristine beaches and ancient forests to bustling city culture and world-class trails, there’s something here for every outdoor enthusiast.

This page is your gateway to discovering the highlights of WA and the amazing experiences waiting for you before and during the World Trails Conference.

Aerial view of Kings Park and Botanical Garden with Perth City skyline in the background. Credit: Tourism WA

Discover WA Through Our Pre-Conference Tours

The best way to truly experience WA is through our specially curated pre-conference tours. These tours showcase the very best of the region, combining outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and local sights — all designed to give you a memorable introduction to the state.

View Pre-Conference Tours

Tours include options for:

  • Scenic coastal and forest walks
  • Iconic trail rides and mountain biking experiences
  • Indigenous cultural experiences and storytelling
  • Wine, food, and local culinary highlights

Booking a pre-conference tour is the easiest and most immersive way to experience WA — let us take care of the planning while you focus on enjoying your adventure.

Tourist on Njaki Njaki Aboriginal Cultural Tours, Merredin Credit: Tourism WA

WA’s Outdoor Trail Events

WA is home to world-class trails and outdoor events, many coinciding with the conference. Some key events include:

For a complete list of trail events in WA, visit the Trails WA Events Calendar.

Why You’ll Love WA

WA is more than trails — it’s a place of stunning contrasts, from the red earth of the Outback to white sandy beaches and vibrant urban hubs. Key highlights include:

Handy Tools for Exploring Perth

Even if you’re only here for a short visit, you can enjoy WA’s outdoors with some simple activities:

  • Walking & running trails: Kings Park, Swan River foreshore, and coastal cliffs.
  • Cycling & MTB options: Local trails mapped through Trails WA.
  • Water adventures: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and river cruises.
  • Bird watchin and Oblong (Long Necked) Turtles on the move: 8 km loop walk mapped through TrailsWA .  Here is a complied a list of the most favourite unique birds at Herdsman Lake:
    • Tawny Frogmouth – 2025 Australian bird of the year (Oct is when their babies hatch and they sit huddled together in the branches. I have attached a photo from my phone of this year’s little family of 4 babies)
    • Pink Eared Ducks
    • Great Crested Grebes (in Oct you can witness their amazing mating dance)
    • Australasian Shovelers
    • Blue Bill ducks
    • Freckled Ducks
    • Musk Duck
    • Glossy Ibis (not to be confused with the regular bin chicken)
    • Swamp Harrier

    In October, we have our Oblong (Long Necked) Turtles leaving the water to lay eggs and we also have little hatchlings making their way to the water.  You can find out more via WA Gould League.

 

For more information, check out:

Tip: Make the Most of Your Visit

Booking a pre-conference tour is the easiest way to see WA’s highlights, experience its incredible outdoors, and enjoy activities safely with expert guides.

Book Your Pre-Conference Tour

 

How well do you really know Western Australia — the destination hosting the World Trails Conference 2026? For many international delegates, WA may feel distant on the map, yet it is one of the world’s most extraordinary trail regions, shaped by ancient landscapes, the world’s oldest living cultures, and a deep connection between people and place. As you consider joining us in Perth, this short, interactive quiz offers a glimpse into the scale, diversity and uniqueness of the destination you’ll explore during the conference — from coastal and urban trails to vast forests and remote outback paths.

Just 10 quick questions — no sign-ups, no spam — designed to spark curiosity and give you a taste of the destination you’ll soon be walking, learning and connecting in.

If you’re weighing up the journey, this is your first step.

👉 Take the quiz and discover Western Australia:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WAQuiz

Western Australia isn’t just the backdrop to the World Trails Conference — it’s part of the experience.

Back to top arrow