Best time to travel to Western Australia

Francois Peron National Park in Western Australia

Learn how unique the raw beauty of Australia’s wilderness is

Best time: April–October

Francois Peron National Park
Francois Peron National Park
Francois Peron National Park

Francois Peron National Park located on the Peron Peninsula is a national park 726 km north of Perth and situated within the boundary of the Shark Bay World Heritage district. The park is full of picturesque coastlines with white sandy beaches and dramatic red cliffs.

The park was named after the French explorer and naturalist François Péron who was involved in scientific expeditions to Western Australia. The area was once a pastoral station, but now the park is one of the most essential wilderness regions in Australia and takes care of many endangered species. From the Cape Peron heights, you can witness manta rays, turtles, dugong, and sharks splashing in the water below.

Cape Peron has picnic tables, interpretive signs, toilets, and access to the beach. However, swimming there is not recommended as two strong currents meet there.

The best time to visit this heavenlike place is between April and October when the temperatures are the mildest and the winds are the lightest.

Practical info

What is Francois Peron National Park famous for?

The national park is famous for its stunning coastlines consisting of white sandy beaches and dynamic red cliffs. It is also a sanctuary for the conservation of multiple endangered species of animals. Visitors can enjoy watching marine life such as manta rays, turtles, dugong, and sharks while kayaking, fishing or on Cape Peron heights. Show more

What species of animals can be seen at François Péron National Park?

Visitors can witness various endangered species such as manta rays, turtles, dugong, and sharks in the park's waters. The park also supports over 80 species of mollusks and over 190 species of fish. You can watch Australian Sea Lion, Humpback Whales, and Bottlenose Dolphins enjoying the park's waters too. Show more

When is the best time to explore the park?

Exploring François Péron National Park between April and October is preferable. During these months, you will experience light winds and mild temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. On top of these, it is also the best time to spot Humpback whales and Bottlenose Dolphins when they migrate between May and October along the Western Australian coastline. Show more

Is swimming recommended at Cape Peron?

Cape Peron is not the best place for swimming due to two strong currents meeting in the water. Visitors are discouraged from swimming there. However, there are many coastal freshwater pools offering a safer alternative. Bottlenose Bay's natural rock pool is an excellent place for a swim or try swimming with dolphins at Skipjack Point beach popular among surfers. Show more

Where is François Péron National Park located?

Francois Peron National Park is situated in Western Australia, covering an area of about 52,500 hectares, extending across Perth's Shark Bay, approximately at 726 km from the city. The Shark Bay Road connects the park with the towns of Denham and Carnarvon. The journey is three to five hours long from Coral Bay to Shark Bay by car. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin