From beaches to bush and wine to whale sharks, Australia's biggest state has plenty to offer. Separated from the rest of the country by vast deserts—and the rest of the world by turbulent seas—this is open sky country, where endless horizons meet billion-year-old landscapes, coral-filled waters meet towering forests, and tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal history meet with the modern metropolis of Perth. With city, countryside, and coast in easy reach, great weather year-round, and no end of bucket-list things to do, Western Australia proves that sometimes west is best.
Divided by the Tropic of Capricorn, Western Australia has two very different climates—the hot and tropical north and the temperate south, which has all four seasons, compared to the north’s wet, dry climate. Australian summer—December to March—is the most popular time to visit Western Australia, but it can be hot and busy, especially over school holidays. However, if you’re planning to head up north, the best time to visit is between May and October, when the weather is cooler, dryer, and perfect for activities.
The best way to get around Western Australia is by car, although, with extreme distances and travel times, flying and renting a car may be better than driving from Perth. Fly and drive trips are popular around Broome, Kununurra, Exmouth, Albany, and Esperance. Public transport around the state is limited, although there are options, with trains to Kalgoorlie and Bunbury and TransWA coaches servicing different country towns. To see as much as possible, try joining a tour.
Depending on how much time you have and what season you visit, most travelers to Western Australia head either north or south from the capital, Perth. In the south, you'll find rolling vineyards surrounded by old-growth forests and quirky towns—plus beautiful beaches, national parks, and great food. Drive north instead and you'll find red dirt roads and desert landscapes, ancient gorges, rocky mountains, and crashing turquoise seas ringed by the Ningaloo Reef.
Local Currency Australian Dollar (A$) | Time Zone AWST (UTC +8) | Country Code +61 | Language(s) English | Attractions 98 | Tours 540 | Reviews 35,809 |
Some of the best things to do in Western Australia include seeing the quokkas on Rottnest Island, going wine tasting in Margaret River, and swimming with whale sharks in Exmouth. Western Australia is a great place to go hiking, 4WDing, and camping and has many beautiful beaches and national parks.
...MoreDepending on your interests, the best way to spend a week in Western Australia includes a day on Rottnest Island, a few days exploring Perth and Fremantle, a trip out to the Pinnacles, and a couple of nights around either Margaret River region or Kalbarri National Park.
...MoreTravelers should aim to spend at least two weeks in Western Australia. You may want even more time as most areas of interest are pretty far apart—for example, Karijini National Park is a 17-hour drive from Perth. Factor driving time into your plans or consider joining a tour.
...MoreGoing north or south from Perth depends on your interests. North of the capital, the Coral Coast Highway meanders along the Indian Ocean to Exmouth, with white sand beaches, red dirt landscapes, and national parks. The south is lush, with towering forests, rolling countryside, drinking and dining, and epic surf.
...MoreWestern Australia is probably best known for its rock lobster, locally known as crayfish. As the vast majority of the population lives within an hour from the coastline, seafood is especially popular, but there is more on offer—from beef and lamb to locally grown truffles and Indigenous herbs and spices.
...MoreWestern Australia is the second biggest state in the world, after Russia’s Sakha Republic. It encompasses a third of the country’s landmass and around 10 percent of the country’s population. Travelers to Western Australia often feel like they have the ancient landscapes to themselves—especially if traveling out of season.
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