Mid West Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Mid West, Western Australia with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, food to try, and more.


Introduction to Mid West

Located in Western Australia, Mid West is a vast region that stretches from Shark Bay in the north to Kalbarri National Park in the south. The region is named after its location in the middle of Western Australia’s long coastline. Mid West is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged outback landscapes, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you are interested in outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or just relaxing on the beach, Mid West has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Mid West

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Western Australian Museum Geraldton: Learn about the region’s rich maritime history and Indigenous culture at this museum.
  • HMAS Sydney II Memorial: Pay your respects to the sailors who lost their lives in the HMAS Sydney II tragedy.
  • Greenough Museum and Gardens: Explore the restored colonial buildings and beautiful gardens at this living museum.

Natural Attractions of Mid West: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kalbarri National Park: Discover spectacular river gorges, scenic coastal cliffs, and stunning wildflower displays in this national park.
  • Shark Bay Marine Park: Swim with the dolphins, explore the seagrass meadows, and visit the world-famous Stromatolites.
  • Murchison River Gorge: Hike the Loop Trail, go kayaking, or take a scenic flight to experience the dramatic landscapes of the Murchison River Gorge.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mid West

  • Kalbarri Sky Walk Trail: This newly opened trail offers breathtaking views of the Murchison River Gorge and Kalbarri National Park.
  • Nature’s Window Loop Trail: This easy 4km walk takes you to the iconic Nature’s Window, a natural rock formation that frames stunning views of the Murchison River.
  • Coalseam Conservation Park: This park features a 3km hike through sandstone formations and ancient riverbeds, where you can spot kangaroos and emus.

Best Things to Do in Mid West: Activities and Tours

  • Snorkeling with Sharks in Shark Bay: Get up close and personal with the gentle giants of Shark Bay on a shark snorkeling tour.
  • Quad Biking in Lancelin Sand Dunes: Experience the thrill of riding a quad bike through the largest sand dunes in Western Australia.
  • Wildflower Tours: Mid West is known for its stunning wildflower displays, and guided tours offer a great way to see them up close.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mid West

| Day | Activity | | — | — | | Day 1 | Arrival in Geraldton, visit Western Australian Museum, enjoy lunch at Foreshore | | Day 2 | Explore Greenough Historic Walk Trail, visit Greenough Wildlife Park | | Day 3 | Drive to Kalbarri National Park, visit Nature’s Window, hike the Loop Trail, enjoy sunset at Pot Alley | | Day 4 | Visit Pink Lake, go sandboarding in Port Gregory, enjoy lunch at seaside cafe | | Day 5 | Visit Hutt Lagoon, go on a wildflower tour, enjoy dinner in Denham | | Day 6 | Swim with the dolphins in Monkey Mia, visit the Stromatolites, enjoy sunset at Shell Beach | | Day 7 | Fly over Murchison River Gorge, enjoy a farewell dinner in Geraldton |

Food and Drink Scene of Mid West

Must-Try Dishes

  • Western Rock Lobster: This local delicacy is available during the lobster season (November to June) and is best enjoyed fresh off the boat.
  • Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-op: Sample some of the freshest seafood in Western Australia at this co-op.
  • Bush Tucker: Try traditional Indigenous foods like kangaroo, emu, and quandong at local restaurants.

Local Beverages

  • Mid West Wine: The region is known for its award-winning wines, especially the Verdelho and Shiraz varieties.
  • Murchison Brewery: Visit this microbrewery in Kalbarri to sample their handcrafted beers.
  • Geraldton Coffee Roasters: Get your caffeine fix with locally roasted coffee at this popular cafe.

Where to Stay in Mid West: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Best Western Hospitality Inn Geraldton: This hotel offers comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and close proximity to the foreshore.
  • Kalbarri Edge Resort: Stay in a self-contained apartment or villa with stunning views of the Murchison River Gorge.
  • Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort: Wake up to dolphins playing in the bay at this beachfront resort.

What to Buy in Mid West: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Aboriginal Artwork: Browse local art galleries for authentic Indigenous artwork and jewelry.
  • Local Produce: Pick up fresh produce like fruit, vegetables, and gourmet products from the various markets in the region.
  • Pink Lake Salt: Bring home a little piece of the Pink Lake with this unique salt produced from the lake’s waters.

Local Culture and Customs of Mid West

  • Indigenous Culture: Learn about the local Yamaji and Nhanda Indigenous cultures and their connection to the land.
  • Crabbing: Join the locals in Geraldton for a day of crabbing and fishing.
  • Surfing: Mid West’s coastline is known for its world-class surfing spots, so try your hand at catching a wave.

Best Time to Visit Mid West

The best time to visit Mid West is during the autumn (March to May) or spring (September to November), when the weather is mild and wildflowers are in bloom. However, summer (December to February) can be very hot, and many attractions are closed during the winter (June to August) months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mid West

Do:

  • Respect the local Indigenous culture and customs.
  • Take care when swimming in the ocean as rips and currents can be dangerous.
  • Drive carefully on the unsealed roads in the region.

Don’t:

  • Litter or disturb the wildlife.
  • Swim in non-designated areas.
  • Ignore warning signs or advice from locals and park rangers.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mid West

Mid West is generally a safe region to visit, but it is important to take precautions when hiking or swimming in the ocean. Always carry plenty of water and inform someone of your plans before venturing out into the wilderness.

Health in Mid West

The region is home to a few remote towns, so it is advisable to bring any necessary medications and supplies with you. Consult your doctor before traveling to ensure you have all the necessary vaccinations.

Getting to Mid West: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mid West

  • Geraldton Airport: Located in the heart of the region, Geraldton Airport is serviced by Qantas, Virgin Australia, and REX Airlines.
  • Shark Bay Airport: This small airport services flights from Perth to Shark Bay via Skippers Aviation.

Bus Stations Near Mid West

  • Greyhound Australia: Connects Perth with Geraldton and other regional towns.
  • Transwa: Operates bus services between Perth and Kalbarri, and other towns in the region.

Other Options

  • Self-Drive: Mid West can easily be explored by car, with many of the major attractions accessible by sealed roads.
  • Tours: Join a guided tour to explore the highlights of Mid West without the hassle of driving yourself.

How to Get Around in Mid West

The best way to get around Mid West is by car, as public transport options are limited. Car hire is available at the airports and major towns in the region.

Where to Go Next from Mid West: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Perth: The bustling city of Perth is a 4-5 hour drive from Geraldton, and offers a wide range of attractions and amenities.
  • Ningaloo Reef: Head north to Coral Bay and Exmouth to experience the pristine waters and abundant marine life of Ningaloo Reef.
  • Karijini National Park: Travel east to explore the rugged landscapes and stunning gorges of Karijini National Park.

Conclusion

Mid West is a region of Western Australia that is often overlooked by tourists, but offers a wealth of natural and cultural attractions. From the stunning landscapes of Kalbarri National Park to the world-famous Shark Bay Marine Park, there is something to suit every traveler’s interests. So grab your hiking boots and sunscreen, and head to Mid West for a truly unique Australian experience.

Church at Mullewa Church at Mullewa Kalbarri National Park Kalbarri National Park Leaning tree at Greenough Leaning tree at Greenough HMAS ''Sydney'' memorial in Geraldton HMAS ''Sydney'' memorial in Geraldton


    Dongara
    Geraldton