As a tourist destination, Western Australia often gets overlooked in favour of Australia’s east coast.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering it is packed with blockbuster highlights like the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park, K’gari, Noosa, and Surfers Paradise. However, Western Australia should not be discounted.
That’s because it has its fair share of incredible attractions, including standout landscapes, long stretches of coastline, and travel experiences that feel very different from the rest of the country. Plus, it’s a shorter transit time for those heading over from Europe or Asia.
If you are interested in heading to “the wildflower state”, this guide is for you. In it, we’ll cover everything you need to know to explore Western Australia. Hopefully, it will help you plan an awesome trip there.
Why Travel to Western Australia?
Western Australia is a unique destination to visit because it offers a variety of travel experiences. In fact, Tourism Western Australia officially divides the state into five distinct tourism regions. They are:
- Australia’s North West: Known for its dramatic red-earth landscapes, remote coastlines, and iconic areas such as the Kimberley and Broome.
- Australia’s Coral Coast: Centres on marine life and natural wonders, including the Ningaloo Reef, Kalbarri National Park, and Shark Bay.
- The Golden Outback: Covers vast inland areas and historic towns such as Kalgoorlie, as well as coastal spots like Esperance.
- Australia’s South West: An area well known for its wineries, forests, and rugged coastline. Especially around Margaret River.
- Destination Perth: This includes the capital city, nearby beaches, and various other regions, including the Swan Valley.
Each one offers a completely different experience to the visitor, which is what makes coming to the “Wildflower State” such an appealing proposition.
How Big Is Western Australia?
Western Australia is massive. To start with, it’s the largest state in Australia. It’s also the second-largest subnational entity in the world behind the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) in Russia. Indeed, if it were a country, it would be the 10th-largest in the world by landmass.
Overall, it covers about one-third of the Australian continent and spans over 2.5 million square kilometres. To put this into context, it is four times the size of Texas and larger than Algeria, Kazakhstan, and Argentina.
What is the Best Way To Get Around Western Australia?
Given Western Australia’s size, there is plenty to see and do in the country. However, it can also be difficult to get around without transport.
You can fly between Perth and certain regional destinations within the state, including Karratha, Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland, and Kununurra. Greyhound Buses will also connect you to the northern parts, including Broome, while Transwa operates 62 rail services every week across the state.
However, for many people travelling in Western Australia, renting a car is their preferred way to get around. Indeed, many choose Ute Hire in Perth because these vehicles can handle off-roading. They are also big enough to carry luggage, camping gear, and outdoor equipment.
If you do hire a car, be aware that driving distances can be very long. For instance, if you drove non-stop from Perth to Broome, it would take you about 23 and a half hours! (Most people do this journey in a minimum of three days.
When is the Best Time to Visit Western Australia?
The best time to visit Western Australia really depends on which regions you plan to explore. Primarily, that is because the state experiences very different climates across its northern and southern parts.
For instance, in southern areas such as Perth and the southwest, most travel experts agree that spring and autumn are the optimal times to undertake your trip. The summer months can be stifling hot, although it’s a great time to visit the beach, while winter can be a bit chilly for a swim.
By contrast, the northern regions have two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The wet season typically runs from November to April and is characterised by high humidity, hot temperatures that regularly top 30 degrees Celsius, heavy storms, and monsoonal weather.
For these reasons, it is a good idea to time your visit for the dry season, when the sky is usually sunny and clear, humidity is low, and temperatures are pleasant in the mid to late 20s.
How Long Do You Need in Western Australia?
Ideally, the more time you can spend in Western Australia, the better. Should you have a month at your disposal, you will be able to take your time travelling up to Broome or the Kimberleys and back, and see most of the regions.
However, if you only have a couple of weeks to spare, you would be better off choosing one or two regions to visit. Destination Perth makes the most sense, particularly if you fly into there from other parts of Australia or overseas. You could also fit in a road trip through the southwest or venture a little way up the coast, perhaps to Geraldton or Carnavon.
What First-Time Visitors to Western Australia Should Know
For first-time visitors, the most important thing to understand about Western Australia is just how vast the state is.
As touched upon, the distances between towns, attractions, and regions are significant. This means that travel days often take longer than expected. For this reason, it is vital to plan your routes, fuel stops, and accommodation in advance to ensure your trip runs smoothly.
Outside of major centres, you should also be aware that services can be limited. For one, mobile phone reception tends to drop in remote areas. You’ll also find that petrol stations and roadhouses may be far apart. Subsequently, it is important to carry water, snacks, and spare petrol. You might also want to invest in Starlink.
When travelling throughout the region, it is wise to allow extra time to rest between long driving days. They can be quite tiring, so you’ll want to stay as fresh as possible. Finally, if you intend to book an RV, here are some things you must have.
