Western Australia

Overview

Western Australia has been a hidden gem for tourists. From the stunning jewel cave to the bright pink lake and friendly dolphins, the state has something to offer to discerning travellers. As country’s largest state, Western Australia is vast and diversified. Western Australia is a state of infinite discoveries, breathtaking adventure, perplexing rock formations, Aboriginal sites, premium wines and spectacular coastlines. It’s time to ditch your regular vacation spots and discover the new with Western Australia travel guide.

How to reach Western Australia?

The capital city of Western Australia, Perth is accessible by air from Australia’s capitals, as well as many international cities. Regular domestic flights are from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Darwin. The average flight time between Sydney to Perth being four hours.

It is just a 20-minute drive from Perth Airport to the city centre. You can hire a car, or take a taxi, rideshare or bus. The state is also well connected with other tourist destinations with a network of regional airports. You can soak up Western Australia’s unspoiled gems by fly to Exmouth to dive into World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef / Nyinngulu. Head to Broome / Rubibi to immerse yourself in Kimberley’s pristine wilderness. Or discover the state’s spectacular southern coastline at Albany / Kinjarling or Esperance / Kepa Kurl.

Getting around

Western Australia has a well-connected public transport system. Enjoy the city’s Free Transit Zone (FTZ) and free Central Area Transit (CAT) buses and explore the city. Transperth buses and ferries will get you to and around Perth, and in metropolitan areas, Perth’s blue, red, green and yellow CAT buses offer free and frequent transport services to many of the city’s highlights. Heading outside the FTZ? Transperth Smart Rider cards offer discounts on fares across buses, trains, and ferries, while Day Rider and Family Rider tickets can save you money if you’re travelling in a group.

Culture

Western Australia’s Aboriginal history dates back more than 60,000 years, making it home to the world’s oldest living culture. Today, the state’s culture helps make this place unforgettable – experience our friendly people and relaxed, welcoming way of life.

Western Australia Climate

Western Australia has a perfect climate for year-round adventure. The climate reflects state’s extraordinary biodiversity – but wherever or whenever you choose to visit, our sunny weather means unforgettable adventures all year round.

Western Australia Weather Yearly:

Summer: December to February
Autumn: March to May
Winter: June to August
Spring: September to November

Perth: Soak in the sunshine in Australia's sunniest capital, where there are 131 blue-sky days every year. Perth is ideal for outdoor escapes, with an average maximum summer temperature of 29°C (February is generally the hottest month) and a winter average of 12°C - so why not indulge in a long lunch at a waterside restaurant, wander through the sprawling oasis of Kings Park and Botanic Garden / Kaarta Koomba, or take a day trip to the pristine beaches and cheerful quokkas of Rottnest Island / Wadjemup?

Margaret River and the South West weather

The moderate Mediterranean environment and ample sunshine of Margaret River and the South West make the region a genuinely unique year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and wine lovers both. Cooler winter months (8°C to 16°C) call for rugged-up rambles under towering trees and world-class wines beside a roaring fire.

Ningaloo and the Coral Coast weather

From March to October, the Coral Coast's mild climate delivers an exquisite getaway from the winter blues. Whether you're sunbathing in the southern Mediterranean climate or the northern subtropical climate, the region's unspoiled beaches and magnificent reefs are perfect for sun-soaked adventures.

The Kimberley and the North West weather

Warm sun-kissed days and pleasant star-spangled evenings make The Kimberley and the North West a wonderful winter getaway (April to September). With maximum daytime temperatures of 29°C, this time of year provides a plethora of options to discover stunning beaches and dramatic scenery. The green season (October to March) brings high humidity and temperatures in the upper 30s, but it also amplifies the region's raw grandeur with spectacular rainstorms, spine-tingling lightning displays, and - with fewer tourists - calm seclusion. Although severe rains might cause road closures, most trips are available all year.

Esperance and the Golden Outback weather

The Golden Outback, which stretches from the rough red dirt of Mount Augustus to the sweeping snow-white beaches of Esperance / Kepa Kurl, provides a dizzying diversity of places. The climate changes greatly over the huge territory, with temperatures ranging from 15oC in winter to as high as 37oC in summer - yet there are always experiences to be had regardless of the weather.

Perth and Surrounds

With weather as welcoming as its friendly locals, Australia’s sunniest capital city Perth / Boorloo offers adventures for everyone and a range of day trip destinations. Perth is effortlessly Australian, blending the urban with raw natural.

Framed by the Swan River, the city boasts 19 pristine beaches, each blessed with dreamy Indian Ocean sunsets, and is home to one of the world’s largest inner-city parks. Add a thriving metropolis of curated cultural experiences, luxury hotels, shopping precincts, rooftop bars, and waterfront dining at Elizabeth Quay / Goomup on the beautiful Swan River, and it’s easy to see why Perth is such a relaxed and naturally adventurous capital city.

Places to visit in Western Australia closer to Perth:

Kings Park & Botanic Garden

Cottesloe Beach

The Perth Mint

Perth Zoo

Fremantle: Fremantle/Walyalup, or ‘Freo’ as it is affectionately known, is Perth’s port city and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Western Australia. It will charm you with its beauty, and you will want to stay forever. The narrow streets lined with historical places in Western Australia, a seagull-scattered port bobbing with fishing boats, one-off shops, unconventional breweries, fresh seafood, art galleries, and quirky buskers will allure you. It can be easily reached from Central Perth via a 25-minute train ride or a 30-minute drive along Stirling highway.

Swan Valley: Swan Valley is Western Australia's oldest wine region, and it’s the only wine region that you can cruise to from an Australian capital city. Home to more than 40 wineries and 70 restaurants and cafes, this famous place in Western Australia is a patchwork of grapevines, breweries, cellar doors, and clever artisan food providers. On your visit to the vinery, taste more than 180 years of winemaking and choose from 150 attractions of a gentle. Also, it’s just 30 minutes from Perth CBD/Boorloo.

Rottnest Island: Replace content Rottnest Island: Rottnest Island / Wadjemup — or ‘Rotto’ as it’s affectionately known — is a little pocket of paradise, jam-packed with adventure and a favourite local getaway. Getting to this ar-free, protected nature reserve is easy: take a short ferry ride from the mainland or arrive in style by helicopter or airplane.

You’ll be greeted by 63 stunning beaches, 20 beautiful bays, an abundance of spectacular marine life, and the world’s happiest animal, the adorable quokka. The best part? Selfie with a quokka, a friendly marsupial that appears to smile, is not only the subject of countless celebrity selfies, but the icon is also responsible for the island's name.

Margaret River and The Southwest

Margaret River is one of the most unparalleled places to visit in Western Australia, serving exquisite wine experiences. You'll find welcoming cellar doors, award-winning restaurants, local providers, and distilleries just waiting to be discovered.

Best places to visit in Western Australia: Southwest

Margaret River

Bunbury Geographe

Busselton

Mandurah

Margaret River: There are only a few places in the world that bear such a striking combination of treasures. Margaret River is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Western Australia, with tall tree forests towering over clusters of vibrantly colored wildflowers. A coastline of soft sandy beaches, rounded stones, and a glass-clear ocean framed by fragrant scrub. Vine-framed cellar doors, casks of wine, and some of Western Australia's greatest dining experiences can be found inland. Margaret River town is at the centre of it all.

Bunbury Geographe: This is one of those Western Australia tourist spots where you can experience wild dolphins frolicking in turquoise waters, long lunches in verdant, whizzing through wildflower trails, surfing on water skis. Adventure and relaxation exist in harmony at Bunbury Geographe.

Busselton: Busselton is one of the Western Australian tourist places where one can lose track of time and stay entertained for hours. The ivory sand and the translucent turquoise ocean will dazzle you with its beauty. This tourist spot in Western Australia is a 1.8-kilometre-long jetty that will draw your eyes out to sea, where you can witness thousands of whales pass by on their annual migration in the month of May to December.

Mandurah: This tourist spot in Western Australia is a lifestyle town with a holiday vibe. The site combines dolphin sightings and calm canal cruises with excursions to lesser-known wetlands and beaches, all within an hour of Perth.

Esperance and The Golden Outback

Nature has painted an unforgettable picture at this Western Australia tourist place, which stretches from the countryside to the coastline. Visit one of the world's largest outdoor art galleries, stare at the breathtaking landscape's Native rock art, and learn about the historic Goldfields.

Famous places to visit in Western Australia: The Golden Outback

Esperance: Esperance is one of those places in Western Australia that opens the iconic portal to authentic Australian holiday. Lay down a towel on the whitest beach you've ever seen, and watch kangaroos lay on the shore at Lucky Bay, or charter a cruise around the Recherche Archipelago's unspoiled islands. It's a seashore beauty location where coastal parks await exploration, and leisure is the rule of the day.

Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields: If places could talk, Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields would share some amusing stories. Explore the interesting past and present of Australia's largest outback town, from the region's gold rush era to the modern-day Super Pit mining. A visit to the quirky outdoor art museum situated against the breathtaking background of Lake Ballard is a hauntingly gorgeous way to end your trip.

Gwalia: Gwalia, a Goldfields ghost town, offers an otherworldly experience. This is one of the Western Australia tourist spots for history buffs and travelers who cannot avoid a good story. Gwalia has been lovingly restored to transport visitors back to those heady days of the late 1800s.

The Nullarbor: Nullarbor is one of the best places to visit in Western Australia to go on a road trip and explore the southern edge of Australia like a local.

Ningaloo Reef and the Coral Coast

Immerse in the unforgettable underwater experience at one of the best places to visit in Western Australia. The Coral Coast is lined with exquisite beaches, and only a few metres off the coast, Australia's biggest fringing coral reef is the ideal spot to swim alongside majestic whale sharks, humpback whales, and manta rays, as well as meet Monkey Mia's friendly dolphins.

Best places to visit in Western Australia: Along the Coral Coast

Coral Bay: Coral Bay is one of the famous tourist spots in Western Australia, with pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise water. Coral Bay has breathtaking beauty of the world heritage to offer to its visitors. It is one of the few known places where people can come face-to-face with marine creatures.

Ningaloo Reef: Ningaloo Reef is the perfect amalgamation of the colorful coral gardens and crystal-clear waters. Dive, snorkel, or swim alongside whale sharks, humpback whales, and manta rays on Australia's largest fringing reef for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Kalbaari: Plan a trip down the Murchison River for a breathtaking glimpse of the Kalbarri / Wurdimarlu scenery. The region's huge national parks provide sky-high vistas of the rocky outback while towering coastline cliffs and white-sand beaches provide a beautiful background for a variety of watersport pursuits.

Fun things to do in Western Australia: Events & Festivals

There are a wealth of things to do in Western Australia that captivates visitors and make them walk on a dream.

Western Australia has an enticing calendar of events that captivates the attention of travelers. Food festivals, sports events, cultural experiences, regional events and more – there is something of every travelers interest.

Thomas Dambo's Giants of Mandurah: Towering up to 5 metres, visiting Dambo's artwork is one of the best things to do in Western Australia. Dambo's artworks are an expressive, amusing, and delicate reminder of the environmental damage that people have had on the planet. Dambo's art is deeply concerned with sustainability, with each sculpture being created from recycled, largely locally obtained lumber.

Perth Festival and Fringe World Festival: The summertime Perth Festival (February 10 to March 5) and Fringe World Festival (January 20 to February 19) perfectly reflect variety, culture, and good times from across the world. These festivals are one of the top things to do in Western Australia if you are fond of art, dance, theatrical performances to literary events and film events. There's something for all in Australia's longest-running and most diverse international arts festival.

Ord Valley Muster: It is said Ord Valley Muster is where friends connect, and memories are made, so take this opportunity to explore this fun thing to do in Western Australia.

Ord River is the launching pad for cultural experiences unique to Kimberley. This is a 10-day fun-filled events that takes place every year in the month of May. The Kimberley Moon Experience, a main drawcard of the festival, is a spectacular night with a superb lineup of national and local musical performers set against the gorgeous Ord River.

Shinju Matsuri: One of the top things to do in Western Australia is to attend Shinju Matsuri - Japanese for "festival of the pearl" - is a carnival for the senses that celebrates Broome's / Rubibi's unique multicultural and pearling past. Shinju Matsuri is a yearly celebration held over nine days in August and September that showcases the blend of flavors, music, and colors that make this renowned outback town so intriguing.

Things to See in Western Australia: Nature & Wildlife

Fascinating wildlife encounters are always around the corner in Western Australia. Explore the most diverse flora and fauna on this planet and succumb to the colors, visuals and sounds.

Find Wildflowers: The wildflower season normally lasts six months, beginning in the Pilbara in June and passing through the charming Goldfields and Coral Coast villages. Perth's metropolitan parks, especially the more than 3,000 wildflower species-rich Kings Park / Kaarta Koomba, and the gently rolling hills of the Swan Valley, are ablaze with color by September. In October, the season vividly draws to an end in the Margaret River Region, a hub for biodiversity where wildflowers coexist with the top-notch vines that make this place so remarkable.

Wildflower Hotspots:

Kings Park
Botanic Park
Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park – Leeuwin
Kalbarri National Park
Stirling Range National Park
Cape Le Grand National Park
Cape Range National Park

National Parks: One of the fun things to do in Western Australia is to traverse breathtaking gorges, witness the most unique wildlife or marvel at the ancient rock formations.

Kalbarri National Park: You'll find this on the itineraries of many tours departing from Perth. Kalbarri National Park is one of Western Australia's most popular things to do, with over 183,000 hectares of outback adventures, spectacular canyons, and beautiful wildflowers.

Enjoy bushwalking, gorge trekking, or canoeing to travel back 400 million years, when the spectacular red sandstone was produced by the tidal flats of an ancient sea, and the great Murchison River cut out deep gorges on its way to the ocean.

Entry Cost: $8 - $15

Things to See in Western Australia: Nature & Wildlife

Yanchep National Park: Yanchep National Park is the ideal things to do in Western Australia is to experience a true Aussie environment in a pristine, national park. Visitors can learn about Aboriginal culture (subject to availability), take a cave tour and observe heritage buildings, Australian flora and animals such as kangaroos and koalas, walk along the park's paths, enjoy a picnic in the natural surroundings, or dine at one of the park's dining facilities.

Entry Cost: $8 - $15

Greater Beedelup National Park: Greater Beedelup National Park is in the state's southwest, within a lovely forest. Beedelup Waterfall is a feature of the park. Bring your camera to capture the magnificence of the falls, which are especially impressive in late January when the stream is in full flow. In the spring, you will see some of the most abundant wildflowers in the area.

Go Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Western Australia's temperate and tropical coasts provide the world's biggest fringing reef, World Heritage marine parks, unspoiled coral atolls, top-rated dive wrecks, and encounters with a dizzying diversity of marine life. That's nearly 12,500 kilometres of snorkelling and diving.

The coast between Rottnest Island / Wadjemup's Class A marine reserve and Ningaloo Reef / Nyinggulu has the largest number of marine species in the world. See rare Australian sea lions and friendly wild dolphins, snorkel with turtles, dugongs, reef sharks, elegant manta rays, and the peaceful gigantic whale shark, the biggest fish in the ocean. Beyond Ningaloo Reef / Nyinggulu, Rowley Shoals fulfils every diver's fantasy.

Top Things to See in Western Australia: Art and Culture

Western Australia's creative attractions entice interested tourists, with modern galleries, contemporary performance space, and eye-catching architecture.

Take your art enjoyment outdoors, with opportunity to see sculptural installations, towering murals, and ancient Aboriginal rock-art sites at locations around the state. Not to mention Perth's urban street art, which transforms the state capital into an exciting open-air exhibition environment.

Meanwhile, Museum and historical sites in Western Australia transport its visitors back to a rich maritime and mining history.

WA Museum Boola Bardip: Welcome to WA Museum Boola Bardip, a newly opened arts and culture hub in Perth CBD / Boorloo. Meaning' many stories' in the traditional Nyoongar language, the museum provides a bold, dynamic setting for Western Australia's fascinating stories, history and culture to unfold through state-of-the-art technology and innovative interactive exhibits.

Perth Cultural Center: This dynamic public space is an ever-changing mix of cultural and art-filled experiences. This one of the best things to see in Western Australia is set against an eye-catching backdrop of state heritage buildings and striking modern architecture.

Museums: In urban and regional hotspots, there are many fascinating things to see in Western Australia that protect and nourish the stories, history, and artefacts of the rich culture, landscapes, and past.

Street Art and Murals: Hoping on the streets is one of the fun things to do in Western Australia to enjoy intriguing street art tucked along laneways and splattered onto buildings, gives a colorful, energizing - and often short - insight into the city's heart and soul.

Fun Things to Do in Western Australia: Beaches and Getaways

Looking for your next wildlife adventure? Soak up the sunshine, explore pristine islands, archipelagos, and flamingo-pink lakes and surf up in the breaks are a few of the fun things to do in Western Australia.

Beaches: With good reason, Western Australian beaches are consistently named among the greatest in the world. Over its 12,500 kilometers of coastline, you'll find some of the most breathtaking World Heritage vistas, once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters, and unforgettable beach vacation experiences.

Must Visits

City Beach

Cottesloe Beach

Rockingham Beach

Rottnest Island

Island Getaways: Travel to World Heritage-listed wonders, Class A reserves, unspoilt archipelagos, and pristine coral atolls for one-of-a-kind wilderness excursions, world-class fishing, diving, and snorkeling, and an astounding diversity of bird and marine life.

Must Visits

Rottnest Islands

Abrolhos Islands

Mackerel Islands

Dirk Hartog Island

Buccaneer Archipelago

Lakes and Rivers: Western Australia's climate and geography have resulted in some of the world's most distinctive rivers, lakes, and wetlands - havens for a stunning variety of animals and meccas for watersport thrills and wilderness adventures.

Must Visits

Pink Lakes

Lake Argyle

Swan River

Lake Ballard

Ord River

Places to Eat in Western Australia

Western Australia's dining and drinking scene is a veritable feast for the senses, providing delightful pleasures at every turn.

The sensational places to eat in Western Australia are diverse and delicious. The restaurants in Western Australia presenting the best of the state's products to simpler but as mouth-watering establishments. Immerse yourself in the vibrant bar scene, drink cocktails in historical settings, or take a seat in a rustic pub.

Best Restaurants in Western Australia

This list of best restaurants in Western Australia can point you in the right direction the next time you're looking for a gourmet dining experience. These establishments are distinguished by award-winning cuisine, superb service, and intriguing decor.

Top Restaurants in Western Australia

Voyager Estate, Margaret River

Vasse Felix, Wilyabrup

The Shorehouse, Fremantle

CULLEN WINES - BIODYNAMIC WINE ROOM, Perth

Edosei, Perth

Fortune Five Northbridge, Northbridge

Places to Stay in Western Australia

Our expert has picked the top places to stay in Western Australia, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and budget hotels.

Crown Promenade
COMO The Treasury
QT Perth
The Ritz-Carlton
Quay Perth
Pan Pacific
The Westin
Doubletree by Hilton Waterfront
Holiday Inn
Novotel Perth
Duxton Hotel
Hyatt Regency
Crowne Plaza

Conclusion

The road to Western Australia is the road that takes you on a whirlwind of nature and adventure.

Take a Quiz

Overview

How to reach Western Australia?

Getting around

Culture

Western Australia Climate

Perth and Surrounds

Margaret River and The Southwest

Esperance and The Golden Outback

Ningaloo Reef and the Coral Coast

Fun things to do in Western Australia: Events & Festivals

Things to See in Western Australia: Nature & Wildlife

Things to See in Western Australia: Nature & Wildlife

Top Things to See in Western Australia: Art and Culture

Fun Things to Do in Western Australia: Beaches and Getaways

Places to Eat in Western Australia

Places to Stay in Western Australia

Conclusion

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