A new guide to exploring Western Australia has been released, which showcases a selection of road trips that take in extraordinary experiences around the State. The size of WA and its diversity of landscapes, experiences and climates makes it the perfect road trip destination.

Start your adventure in Australia's sunniest capital city, Perth - where a thriving cultural, hospitality and events scene is complemented by the city's natural beauty.

In an easy day trip from the Perth CBD, you could be sampling your way around WA's oldest wine region, the Swan Valley; swimming with wild dolphins in Rockingham; hiking alongside spectacular waterfalls in the Perth Hills region; venturing the eclectic and historic streetscapes of Fremantle; or walking on a lunar-like landscape at the Pinnacles Desert.

From Perth, head south to discover premium food and wine, beaches, dramatic coastline, tall-timber forests and caves – or head north and experience the marine wonders of World Heritage listed Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef, before exploring the rugged landscapes of the Pilbara and the Kimberley. East of Perth, head to Kalgoorlie where gold rush history and outback characters can be found, or take a journey through the Wheatbelt passing by farmland and discover wildflowers in bloom.

Here's a taste of what's on offer…

South West Nature and Wine Drive
Highlights: Bunbury, Margaret River and Pemberton
Duration: 4-6 days
Seekers of the world's premium wines and top-rated chefs make a beeline from Perth to Margaret River wine region to indulge their foodie passions. Venture a little off the trail and you'll find the mild weather and abundant sunshine also produce some extraordinary flavours in the surrounding regions of Bunbury, Pemberton and Manjimup, including the prized black truffle.

Great South West Edge
Highlights: William Bay National Park, Porongurup National Park, Fitzgerald River National Park and Cape Le Grand National Park 
Duration: 11 days
Take a unique road trip around the edge of the South West of WA, through wine regions, towering karri forests and along the marine life-rich coast before returning to Perth across the outback. Meet playful dolphins and watch majestic whales. Sample premium wines and the finest fresh produce. Explore ancient caves, unique mountain ranges and pristine beaches. Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes and pioneering gold rush heritage. Wildflowers generally bloom in this region between September and November, and displays are more prolific after good winter rains.

Golden Quest Discovery Trail
Highlights: Kalgoorlie, Menzies and Laverton
Duration: 6 days
Unearth the riches of the 120 year old gold rush history on a 965 kilometres through WA's Goldfields, This road trip takes in the historic town of Kalgoorlie, Kookynie and its Grand Hotel, the ghost town of Gwalia, and the world's largest outdoor gallery – 51 life-sized sculptures created by Antony Gormley, dotted across the salt flats of Lake Ballard.

World Heritage Coastal Drive
Highlights: Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef
Duration: 9-11 days
The Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay coast is one of few places on Earth where you can visit two World Heritage listed treasures in one self-drive adventure. Travelling from Perth to Exmouth, this trip reveals the natural wonders that put the region on the UNESCO world map – from the biggest fringing reef, to the largest and oldest living fossils on the planet, not to mention the amazing crystal clear waters and white sand beaches.

Wool Wagon Pathway
Highlights: Mullewa, Gascoyne Junction and Exmouth
Duration: 6-10 days
The Wool Wagon Pathway, from Geraldton to Exmouth, is an Australian outback four-wheel-drive trail that packs a big adventure into just a few days. Following in the tracks of legendary pioneers, you'll journey through spectacular wildflower country, outback desert and working stations to reach the bluest ocean and most amazing marine life encounters.

Gibb River Road
Highlights: Wyndham and Derby
Duration: 10-14 days
This epic 660 kilometre four-wheel-drive adventure from Derby to Kununurra passes through areas of extraordinary natural beauty. See freshwater crocodiles at Windjana Gorge National Park and swim, bushwalk and camp at Lennard and Bell Gorges. Take a scenic flight over Mitchell Falls and the Mitchell Plateau. Stay on the 700,000 acre El Questro Wilderness Park or the Aboriginal-owned Home Valley Station. Gibb River Road is only open in the dry season, from April and ending in the wet season in early November.

Indian Ocean Drive
Highlights: Indian Ocean Drive and Kalbarri
Duration: 5-7 days
Take a colour-filled road trip along Indian Ocean Drive, from one of Australia's most unique landscapes, the Pinnacles Desert, to Kalbarri – a coastal town surrounded by striking limestone cliffs and ancient red rock gorges. This journey can be taken all year round but is recommended to experience between June and October to coincide with the wildflower season.

Warlu Way
Highlights: Ningaloo Reef and Karijini National Park
Duration: 12 days
Reveal the mysteries of the mystical Warlu 'sea serpent' and other Indigenous legends by undertaking this 2,480 kilometre self-drive journey through WA's Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley regions. Interpretive signage along the drive opens your eyes to the secrets of this country and its historical, cultural and natural wonders. Along the way, enjoy spectacular reef systems at Ningaloo Reef and the Mackerel Islands, descend into two billion years of the Earth's history at Karijini National Park, witness ancient rock art sites along the Burrup Peninsula, watch spectacular ocean sunsets at Eighty Mile Beach and relax in the tropical oasis of Broome.

The Ardi Cultural Drive
Highlights: Broome and Dampier Peninsula
Duration: 5 days
When you let the people of the Dampier Peninsula show you their ancient land and culture, you'll see there's more to the Kimberley's coastal wilderness than striking contrasts of white sand, turquoise sea and pindan cliffs. Enter Bardi and Nyul Nyul country, open your mind, and join the local guides for some spear fishing and mud crabbing, bush and reef walking, snorkelling and kayaking.