And just like that, we’re at the pointy end of 2024. It’s the perfect time to reflect on everything you’ve done and achieved so far. But it’s an even better time to reflect on all the adventures, goals, and experiences you’ve dreamed about but haven’t yet pursued. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of outdoor escapades, cultural discoveries, or personal milestones, this is your sign to tick them off.
We’ve curated a list of 24 must-do bucket list items to help you make the most of the remaining months of 2024. From epic trips to small, meaningful moments, these ideas will inspire you to live life to the fullest and check off some incredible experiences before the year ends. Ready to make it count?
Swimming with the whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef
Swimming with whale sharks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a unique opportunity to connect with one of the ocean’s most gentle giants. Being in the water alongside these majestic creatures, witnessing their size and grace up close, is both awe-inspiring and humbling. It’s not just an adventure but a chance to deepen your appreciation for marine life and the wonders of the natural world. This unforgettable encounter will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime — making it a must-do for any nature or wildlife lover. Tours operate from Coral Bay and Exmouth, offering the perfect reason to plan your next road trip.
Hot air ballooning in Northam
Few experiences compare to the magic of drifting over the scenic green hills of the Avon Valley in a hot air balloon. As you glide over charming rural landscapes, meandering streams, and historic towns, you’ll feel nothing but peace and tranquillity. It’s a must to tick off your WA bucket list, and the crisp morning air paired with the golden hues of sunrise makes the early wake-up call completely worth it.
Wine tasting in the South West
There are few things we love more than spending an afternoon winery hopping and wine tasting in the glorious South West. Margaret River is WA’s most famous wine region and one of the most picturesque in Australia. With countless incredible vineyards and estates to explore, the toughest decision is choosing where to start. To make it easier, we’ve curated our Top Ten Guide featuring the very best, so all that’s left to do is add them to your must-visit list.
Day trip to Rottnest Island
Just 19 kilometres off the Perth coast and a quick 30-minute ferry ride away, Rotto — as it’s affectionately called — is a haven for swimming, surfing, and snorkelling. Surrounded by shipwrecks, coral reefs, and tranquil coves, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is a day tripper’s dream, known for its stunning white beaches and the iconic quokka. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-fueled adventure, gourmet dining, or a relaxing escape, a visit to WA’s favourite island is a must before the end of 2024.
Visit Perth’s old town, Fremantle
Bustling with world-class restaurants, vibrant history, and stunning architecture from years gone by is how the port city of Fremantle is best described. It’s one of Australia’s largest heritage-listed precincts, perched where the Swan River and Indian Ocean collide, a convenient 22 kilometres from the CBD. It’s a destination where award-winning eats and drinks are the norm, served with a side of old-world charm and soul. So with all of that in mind, a visit to Fremantle is a must before the end of 2024.
Camel ride along Cable Beach
There’s not much more quintessentially Australian than a sunset camel ride at sunset along Broome’s postcard-perfect Cable Beach. With 22 kilometres of pristine white sand and turquoise waters, it’s no wonder this iconic spot is a bucket list destination for travellers from around the world. The stunning blend of auburn and pastel pink skies, combined with the reflection of camels on the shoreline, makes it a photographer’s dream.
Torchlight Tour of Fremantle Prison
Sail down to the largest convict-built structure in Western Australia, the infamous Fremantle Prison. Built as a convict barracks in the 19th century, the prison remained in continual use until 1991. Book in for a Torchlight Tour where you’ll explore the darker side of the prison’s history with guides describing sordid and ghastly tales. Be warned though, this tour isn’t for the faint of heart.
Picnic at Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Yes, we know it’s been done to death. But, there’s a reason why Kings Park and Botanic Garden is recommended time after time as one of Perth’s top picnic destinations. If it’s not on your bucket list, it deserves to be. Vast green spaces, pops of botanical colour, awesome playgrounds, pristine bushland trails, and city skyline views. What’s not to love? Pack the basket and picnic blanket and get out and appreciate Perth’s glorious scenery before 2024 is over.
Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks in Denmark
Watching the sunset at Denmark’s most popular beach is always a good idea. Greens Pool, located about 440 kilometres from Perth in William Bay National Park, is a turquoise bay framed by massive granite boulders and stretches of pristine white sand. A favourite among locals and travellers alike, it’s perfect for snorkelling, paddle boarding, and picnicking. Just a five-minute stroll east of Greens Pool lies another beloved spot, Elephant Rocks — a sheltered cove where towering granite formations resemble a herd of elephants wading in the shallow waters.
Visit the kangaroos at Lucky Bay
The story goes that while exploring the south coast of Australia in 1802, Matthew Flinders sailed a dangerous route through the Recherche Archipelago. He named it Lucky Bay when his vessel, HMS Investigator, took shelter from a summer storm. The botanist, Robert Brown, then went ashore and explored diverse and largely unknown flora, discovering and naming many new species.
Since then, the magnificent stretch of coastline has become one of Australia’s most celebrated beaches, home to the Lucky Bay kangaroos, and what is arguably considered the country’s whitest sand. When it comes to unique Australian experiences, seeing kangaroos on the beach would have to be up there! Plus, the sheltered bay is also ideal for swimming, snorkelling, fishing, and surfing. Take it from us, you’ll want to tick this one off the bucket list!
Discover famed pink lake, Hutt Lagoon
Western Australia’s spectacular landscapes are known to draw international tourists from far and wide — and for good reason. But none are as bright and unique as the pink lakes scattered throughout our state — they’re weird, wonderful, and naturally make for incredible photo opportunities. One of the most famous is Hutt Lagoon, nestled just over five hours north of Perth, between Geraldton and Kalbarri. Sometimes bright bubblegum pink, sometimes lilac, and occasionally even red, head out before sunset and watch the colours transform.
Luxe Island Seafood Cruise
For the ultimate foodie experience, give yourself the journey of the senses with a Luxe Island Seafood Cruise with Rottnest Cruises. Think four blissful hours of sightseeing, drinks, and a seven-course menu of local ingredients, and fresh seafood. The centrepiece? Western Rock Lobster, prepared by a private chef and enjoyed while soaking up the magnificent views aboard a 69-foot charter boat. You can even join in fishing for your own lobster and watch as it’s cooked for you on the deck. You’ll also have time to swim, float, or relax on board while anchored in a pristine opal bay. We’re pretty certain it doesn’t get better than this!
Take a day trip around the best of Perth
Perth is filled with so many incredible destinations that many of us have yet to discover. That’s why we’ve created a curated weekly day trip travel itinerary to guide our readers through the best spots to explore. Whether you’re looking for bushland adventures, beach escapes, or something in between, if you’re eager to try something new, plan a day trip around Perth before the end of 2024.
Tulip Festival at Araluen
If you were to ask us to describe the famed Araluen Botanic Park, ‘heaven in the hills’ is what immediately comes to mind. Nestled 40 minutes from Perth, Araluen is a place rich in history and beauty. It’s known for its annual Tulip Festival, which lights up the stunning bushland backdrop with a kaleidoscope of colour and more than 170,000 tulips. Not to mention 40,000 spring bulbs, an international camellia collection, and heritage roses in full bloom. It’s a sight to behold and certainly deserves all the love and admiration it gets.
Zip and Climb the Matagarup Bridge
Experience the ultimate thrill in Perth by checking the Matagarup Bridge off your 2024 bucket list. You’ll climb, shimmy, and slide along the bridge beams to reach the SkyView — an open-air viewing platform soaring 72 metres above the Swan River. Once you’re done taking in the views, you can either walk back down or go all out and zip back to the base at speeds of up to 75 kilometres per hour.
Traverse 2.5 billion-year-old gorges in Karijini
Embark on a journey through time and explore Western Australia’s second-largest national park, where erosion has gradually shaped this breathtaking red landscape from 2.5 billion-year-old rock. Here, you can spend your days wandering through ancient gorges of layered rock and swimming in crystal-clear waters. If you manage to check this spectacular destination off your list, we recommend staying a couple of nights to fully immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the starry night sky.
Skydiving over Jurien Bay
Three, two, one, jump! If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, consider a skydiving adventure over the pristine turquoise waters of Jurien Bay. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget, and it’s sure to leave you breathless.
Go for a hike in the Perth Hills
Located in the Darling Ranges, just 30 minutes from the CBD, the Perth Hills is a picturesque day trip destination celebrated for its stunning blend of natural bushland, captivating history, and vibrant arts and culture. If you’re eager to enjoy the outdoors, the Perth Hills have excellent hiking opportunities for everyone, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. We recommend checking out the John Forrest National Park Wildflower Walk Trail, Rocky Pool Trail, and Lesmurdie Falls Walk.
Take a wildflower road trip
Western Australia boasts one of the largest wildflower collections on Earth. Spanning from Stirling Range National Park in the south to the Bungle Bungles in the north, the state is filled with stunning locations where you can witness breathtaking carpets of colour. We’ve explored these incredible spots and put together a guide to help you plan your visit, so all you need to do is pack the car, fill up the tank, and hit the road!
Dinner at Gibney — or another of Perth’s top restaurants
Very few restaurants have harnessed the buzz that brand-new beachside brasserie Gibney has amassed since its announcement in 2023. And for good reason. For starters, it’s all about the location — blissfully overlooking the pristine beaches of Cottesloe, on the corner of Marine Parade and Gibney Street. The fine dining establishment has cemented itself on the foodie bucket lists of many, so if you consider yourself somewhat of a connoisseur, why not give it a shot?
With enough room for 160 diners, almost 600 square metres of oceanfront hospitality, and unmatched views, Gibney is easily the fanciest of all the venues under the George Kailis name. Since opening in May, the oceanside eatery has risen to the top of the food chain and might just be the most opulent dining destination in Perth.
Discover dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point
Just ten minutes from Broome’s town centre, Gantheaume Point features a stunning stretch of white sandy beach and striking red cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Follow the well-trodden path past the interpretive signs at the cliffs and lighthouse to discover the cast of real dinosaur footprints. Over 130 million years old, these ancient footprints can be seen at the base of the cliffs during very low tide.
Cooking class
If food is your thing, end 2024 by checking a cooking class off your bucket list. Perth has plenty of fantastic options to sharpen your culinary skills, but our top pick is Salt and Company in West Perth. They see cooking as an art — one you can eat! The classes are hands-on, interactive, and fun, with experienced instructors guiding you through a variety of cuisines, from Greek and Italian to Sri Lankan and French. You’ll not only learn techniques to elevate your cooking but also gain a deeper understanding of each cuisine’s fundamentals and key ingredients. Delizioso!
Stay in a tiny cabin
Tiny cabins have become a popular accommodation choice for holidaymakers looking to swap the crowds and bustling cities with an experience grounded in nature. Offering fresh air by day and starry skies by night, these compact, eco-friendly retreats provide a simple yet comfortable countryside experience.
Leading the tiny cabin trend in WA is Heyscape, with cosy, secluded cabins equipped with everything needed for an off-grid digital detox. Guests are invited to relax and recharge while enjoying a cheese board on the deck, soaking in an outdoor bath under the stars, or watching a movie on the indoor projector. Treat yourself before the end of 2024 — we dare you!
Check out a local market
For many Perth locals, there’s nothing more wholesome than spending a Sunday morning at a market, grabbing a coffee, and stocking up on fresh fruit and veggies — often with a four-legged furry friend by your side. It’s an easy addition to your 2024 bucket list, and one you certainly won’t regret!
