Western Australia Travel Guide

Western Australia is a land of superlatives with the unrealized promise of untouched natural wonder and monumental glory. Here you will find some of the biggest, oldest, and sunniest natural landmarks on Earth, all hidden away in the lesser-visited landscapes of Australia's Golden State.

The state makes up about a third of Australia's total landmass and yet contains only a tenth of the country's total population, most of which resides within the metropolitan state capital of Perth. This means the rest of the state is predominantly preserved as an outdoor playground of pristine white sand beaches, rugged coastal cliffs, and sweeping inland deserts that have remained much the same as they have for millions of years.

In this travel guide, we will uncover everything you need to know to plan the perfect outdoor escape to Western Australia, including close-kept secrets, popular attractions, and the best road-tripping tips.

Facts & Information

• Size- 2,529,875 km2
• Population- 2.66 million
• Country - Australia
• Official Language- None (English is the predominant language.)
• Major Airports- Perth Airport (PER), Karratha Airport (KTA), Broome Airport (BME)
• Time Zone- Australian Western Standard Time (AWST)
• Nickname- The Wildflower State; The Golden State
• Currency- Australian Dollar (AUD)

Western Australia Destinations

• Perth- White-sand beaches meet a cosmopolitan city at Australia's sunniest state capital for an effortless blend of adventure and relaxation.
• Margaret River- Head on a culinary adventure to sweeping vineyards and charming small-town communities along the southwestern coast.
• Coral Coast- Jump between pristine beaches and national parks before diving into the vibrant waters of the world's longest fringing reef.
• The Kimberley- Journey through one of the world's last wilderness frontiers as you explore untouched landscapes filled with exotic wildlife.
• Golden Outback- Embark on epic road trips to unique landmarks throughout the state's interior landscapes and southern coast.

Things To Do in Western Australia

• Plan a road trip- Plan a route and hit the open road while you explore some of the most pristine untouched landscapes on Earth.
• Soak along a deserted beach- Enjoy world-class surf and awe-inspiring sunsets from your own secluded corner of the coast.
• Snorkel with exotic wildlife- Swim your way through aquatic ecosystems along the coastline, including the world's longest fringing reef.
• Explore a national park- Discover ancient rock formations and forests that date back over millions of years.
• Sample the local culinary scene- Sample your way through Perth and surrounding regions along a foodie road trip through the state.

Guides worth a read:

• Top 10 things to do in Perth, Western Australia
• 10 Best Rooftop Bars in Perth: Your Expat Guide to Perth
• 10 Best Things to Do Around Dubbo

Best Beaches in Western Australia

• Cable Beach- Traverse the 22 km white beach on a sunset camel ride.
• Turquoise Bay - Swim with sea turtles and whales with shoreline access to Ningaloo Reef.
• Lucky Bay - Sit back and watch as kangaroos hop along this white sand beach in the Golden Outback.
• Coogee Beach - Explore the remains of the Omeo Shipwreck found just off the clearwater shores.
• Wharton Beach - Enjoy a picture-perfect beach day where powder white sands blend with sapphire waters.

Guides worth a read:

• Best of Western Australia: Create Your Own Perth to Exmouth Tour
• 8 Reasons To Choose Perth For Your Working Holiday
• How to Make Friends in Perth, Australia (Expat's Top Tips](/how-to-make-friends-in-perth)

Western Australia Tourist Attractions

• Wave Rock- Marvel at one of the planet's most unique landforms that resembles a giant ocean wave in the Golden Outback.
• Horizontal Falls- Witness powerful tidal waves and scenic beauty within the rugged coastlines of The Kimberley.
• Kings Park & Botanic Garden- Admire the best views of Perth from this 400-hectare park perched atop Mount Eliza.
• Ningaloo Reef- Snorkel or dive through vibrant aquatic habitats within the world's largest fringing reef.
• Rottnest Island- Journey through an unspoiled tropical island while uncovering natural wonders and wildlife encounters.

Guides worth a read:

• The Best Free Camping in Western Australia

Western Australia National Parks

• Cape Le Grand National Park- Embrace some of nature's best with sweeping white beaches and breathtaking coastal scenery filled with kangaroos.
• Karijini National Park-Trek through ancient cavernous gorges and natural spring pools that consist of some of the oldest rocks on Earth.
• Nambung National Park- Enjoy wildlife encounters as you wander through ancient rock formations in the Pinnacles Desert.
• Stirling Range National Park- Climb to Western Australia's highest peak for some of the most striking views of the state.
• Kalbarri National Park- Explore dramatic landscapes ranging from red-and-white banded gorges to rugged cliffs along the Coral Coast.

Guides worth a read:

• Teaching in Western Australia: All You Need to Know
• Working Holiday in Perth: Your Complete Guide

Best Time To Visit

• Summer (December - February)- Boasting the warmest and sunniest weather conditions, summer is the best time to visit most of Western Australia, with the exception of the tropical northern regions, which experience their rainy season during these months.
• Autumn (March - May)- Autumn is a great time to visit Western Australia and promises warm, comfortable temperatures and plenty of sunshine for exploring the breadth of the state.
• Winter (June - August)- Winter marks cooler temperatures in the mid and southern regions of Western Australia while the northern areas around Broome and The Kimberley are enjoying the height of their dry season.
• Spring (September - November)- With the wildflower season ending in the south and the rainy season just beginning in the north, the spring is when Western Australia is at its most vibrant, with plenty of natural beauty to be uncovered across its landscapes.

Getting Here & Around

• Airports- There are dozens of regional airports but only five international airports. International visitors travelling directly to the state will likely arrive at international airports in Perth, Port Hedland, or Broome.
• Ferries- While it's not as common anymore, you can still arrive in Western Australia by boat at the port city of Fremantle.
• Trains- Train travel within Western Australia is limited, but you can get to Perth from Sydney along a three-day trip with the Indian Pacific Train.
• Driving- Western Australia was meant to be road tripped and renting a car is the best way to experience the state. Car rental services can be found in all major tourist areas.
• Taxis- Perth and other major cities and towns feature taxi services. However, these can be expensive ways to get around, and they are limited in smaller communities.
• Public Transportation- Perth and other tourist destinations are serviced by public buses and regional train networks that offer a budget friendly way to get around the city.
• Rideshare- Like taxis, rideshare services can be a great way to get to your destination quickly, but can become expensive when solely relied on.
• Biking- With mostly a sunny climate and flat terrain, cycling can be a unique way to experience Western Australia's urban areas.
• Walking- Western Australia features excellent foot paths throughout its cities and towns, making exploring its urban areas on foot a great budget friendly option.

Travel Tips & Advice

• Apply for a visa in advance- All international visitors to Australia require a visa and applications should not be put off for the last minute.
• Rent a 4WD vehicle- Expect undeveloped roads and tough terrains if you plan on road-tripping the state.
• Avoid driving at night- Country roads can get pitch dark, and it can be difficult to spot wildlife crossing at night.
• Pack some warm clothes- Temperatures can drop fairly low in Western Australia, especially when visiting outside of the summer season.
• Plan frequent stops- There is so much beauty to uncover across the state. Be sure to plan for enough time to make frequent stops.

What to Pack

• Layers- Temperatures can vary drastically across the state. Be prepared for any weather conditions.
• Sunscreen- Western Australia is known as the country's sunniest state. Be sure to pack plenty of UV protection.
• Hiking shoes- From cities to national parks, you are going to need comfortable walking shoes.
• Swimsuits- Secluded white sand beaches and snorkelling hotspots - pack a swimsuit.
• Bug Spray- Insect repellent is a must in Western Australia.