Top 10 Hidden Gems in Western Australia That Most Travellers Miss

Everyone knows Rottnest and the Pinnacles, but WA is absolutely massive - we're talking the biggest state in the country by a long shot. Most travellers barely scratch the surface, spending weeks scrolling travel blogs and still missing the good stuff.

This guide covers 10 spots that locals actually rate. 

We're talking turquoise gorge swims, natural rock spas, thermal pools in the outback, and a few properly weird ones thrown in. Some are easy day trips from Perth, others require a proper expedition. All of them are worth the effort.

Want exact coordinates for every spot below? They're all inside the Soledrift Hidden Gems Map - along with 500+ other secret spots across Australia.

1. Karijini National Park - Fern Pool & Fortescue Falls

Hidden Gem Rating: ★★★★☆

The Pilbara region of Western Australia doesn't get the love it deserves. Ancient red gorges, turquoise swimming holes, and hardly any crowds because most people can't be bothered with the 15-hour drive from Perth.

Fern Pool is the standout - a spring-fed swimming hole surrounded by lush ferns and cascading waterfalls. It's a sacred site for the Banjima people, so you're welcome to swim but keep it respectful: no diving, no loud noise, no splashing about like you're at a water park.

Fortescue Falls is just 300m downstream - the only year-round waterfall in WA. Both spots are accessible via a steel staircase (286 steps, so prepare your legs for the walk back up).

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2. Elephant Rocks, Denmark

Hidden Gem Rating: ★★★★☆

Giant granite boulders that genuinely look like elephants wading into the ocean. It's part of William Bay National Park, and while nearby Greens Pool gets all the hype, Elephant Rocks is equally stunning with half the crowds.

The sheltered cove means calm water even when the south coast is rough. Access is via wooden stairs through a dramatic rock crevasse - feels like entering a secret world. 

Water's cold year-round (this is the Great Southern Ocean), so summer visits are best if you actually want to swim.

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3. Injidup Natural Spa, Yallingup

Hidden Gem Rating: ★★★★☆

Instagram made this one famous, but it's still worth the visit. Waves crash through gaps in the rocks and fill a natural "jacuzzi" pool - on a good day, it genuinely feels like sitting in a spa with the ocean doing all the work.

Timing matters here. Mid to high tide gives you the best spa effect. At low tide, it's just a pretty rock pool. Check the tide times before you go. The 10-minute walk from the car park involves scrambling over rocks, so wear proper shoes.

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4. Black Diamond Lake, Collie

Hidden Gem Rating: ★★★☆☆

Electric blue water in an old coal mine - it looks photoshopped, but it's real. The limestone base creates that unreal turquoise colour, especially when the sun's out.

Important safety note: The water has a low pH from the mining days. Swimming is permitted, but keep your head above water, don't put it up your nose (amoeba risk in warm months), and limit your time if you've got sensitive skin. The Shire of Collie posts regular water quality updates.

Great for SUP, kayaking, and photography. Combine it with the nearby Honeymoon Pool or Stockton Lake for a full day.

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5. Cape Le Grand National Park - Thistle Cove

Hidden Gem Rating: ★★★★☆

Lucky Bay gets all the fame (kangaroos on the beach, whitest sand in Australia, etc.), but Thistle Cove is equally mint and almost always quieter. Same aquamarine water, same squeaky white sand, but without the crowds.

The "whistling rock" here makes eerie sounds when the wind and waves hit it right. It's part of the 20km Coastal Trail if you're keen for a proper hike, or just drive in for a swim and picnic.

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6. Emma Gorge, El Questro

Hidden Gem Rating: ★★★★☆

A 65-metre waterfall dropping into a crystal-clear swimming hole, surrounded by sheer red cliffs covered in ferns. It's the Kimberley at its absolute best.

The 3.2km walk (1.5 hrs return) involves rock scrambling and creek crossings – doable for most fitness levels, but bring plenty of water. The pool is deep and cold, but there's a small thermal spring near the rocks to warm up in afterwards. 

No crocs here - it's monitored and safe to swim.

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7. Zebedee Springs, El Questro

Hidden Gem Rating: ★★★★★

Natural thermal pools (28-32°C year-round) surrounded by prehistoric Livistona palms. It feels like your own private spa in the middle of the outback.

However, bear in mind this site is only open 7 am-12 pm to protect the environment. Afternoons are reserved for Homestead guests. Get there early – the car park fills up fast, and rangers will turn you away when it's full.

Easy 750m walk from the car park. Combine with Emma Gorge on the same day to make the most of your permit.

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8. Lake Ballard

Hidden Gem Rating: ★★★★★

51 black sculptures scattered across a massive white salt flat – the most extensive outdoor art gallery on Earth. Created by British artist Antony Gormley (the bloke who made Angel of the North), each sculpture represents a local Menzies resident.

Best at sunrise or sunset when the sculptures cast long shadows across the salt. Genuinely eerie and unforgettable. You're allowed to walk among them, but no vehicles on the lake bed.

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9. Gnomesville, Ferguson Valley

Hidden Gem Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Over 10,000 garden gnomes in a forest clearing. No one's quite sure how it started – some say a protest against a new roundabout, others say someone just left one gnome, and chaos ensued.

It's quirky, slightly unhinged, and perfect for a laugh. Bring your own gnome to add to the collection (the Ferguson Valley Visitor Centre sells them if you forgot). Read the signs – the gnome puns are next level.

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10. Manning Gorge, Gibb River Road

Hidden Gem Rating: ★★★★★

One of Kimberley's best-kept secrets. Multi-tiered waterfall dropping into an expansive swimming hole – and you'll likely have it mostly to yourself.

The catch? You need to wade or swim 100m across Manning Creek just to start the hike (dry bags essential). From there, it's a 3km walk over rocky terrain to the falls. Aboriginal rock art along the way, if you keep your eyes peeled.

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Bonus Mentions

Quick shout-outs for near-misses:

• Coral Bay – Ningaloo Reef snorkelling straight from the shore

• Greens Pool, Denmark – Elephant Rocks' more famous neighbour

• Bell Gorge, Gibb River Road – Infinity pool at the top of a waterfall

Final Word

WA rewards those who venture beyond Perth. Whether you're after easy day trips (Gnomesville, Black Diamond Lake) or proper expeditions (Karijini, the Gibb River Road gorges), there's something here that'll blow your mind.

This blog only scratches the surface. Hundreds more secret waterfalls, coves, and swim holes can be found here at Sole Drift – all with exact coordinates so you're not wandering around guessing.

Oh, and don’t forget:

Leave No Trace, respect sacred sites, and always check conditions before swimming. WA's wilderness is stunning because people look after it. Maintain the standard!