Our Western Australia Travel Guide will show you some of the highlights from North to South, East to West of this massive chunk of Australia.
Western Australia is Australia's largest State. Size-wise it is 3.7 times larger than Texas in the USA or half the size of Europe. With such a large area comes a large array of things to see and do.
There is something for everyone, red dirt, crystal clear waters, wineries, stunning flora, and amazing fauna. Getting a selfie with a Quokka is an absolute must.
Destinations
Perth & Surrounds
Perth has the reputation of being the sunniest capital city in Australia. Even though the city is nestled beside the Swan River, it is a short trip to one of 19 glorious local beaches. A chilled city with trendy local eateries and small bars.
Jump on a ferry to explore the eclectic seaside suburb of Fremantle, known as Freo to locals. Or venture further and discover the local wine region of Swan Valley.
Broome & The Kimberley
The beauty of the region's red landscapes, turquoise water, and blue skies will mesmerise you. Plus you will be spoilt on the choice of activities.
Discover Aboriginal rock art and learn about their culture. Fly over thunderous horizontal waterfalls. Learn about Australia's pearling history. Go for a sunset camel ride on Cable Beach. Explore stunning National Parks and gorges.
Esperance & The Golden Outback
Esperance is a beach and nature lover's paradise. Expect snow-white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. For a colour change swim in the pink waters of Lake Hillier.
You will find Australia's largest outback city in The Golden Outback, Kalgoorlie. A mix of the current immense mining operation and vibrant goldrush history.
Exmouth & The Coral Coast
The Coral Coast of Western Australia is home to whale sharks, turquoise waters, wildflower carpets, pristine islands, and arid outback landscapes. Explore the Pinnacles, Kalbarri National Park, and the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
Exmouth is whale shark central and your launchpad to visit the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef that 500 species of fish and over 200 varieties of coral call home. You'll find more than the biggest fish in the world (whale shark) in Exmouth's waters. There are also dolphins, manta rays, turtles and humpback whales.
Margaret River & The South West
Margaret River is WA's wine region. Along with its award-winning wines, foodies will love the local truffles, olives, cheese, freshwater crayfish, and much more.
The South West has so much more to offer than wine and food. Discover pristine beaches, towering forests, caves, national parks, and wildlife.
Mid West
Mid West WA starts on the coast with the main towns being Geraldton, Dongara, and Kalbarri. It then extends East to Wiluna on the edge of the Western Desert. Wiluna is the gateway to the revered Gunbarrel Highway and Canning Stock Route drives
Geraldton is a base for those wanting to explore the Coral Coast and 122 islands make up the pristine Houtman Abrolhos Islands. You will also find the Pink Lake, is also known as Hutt Lagoon, a short drive away.
Port Headland & Pilbara
Port Hedland is one of the world's largest and busiest working harbours. Welcome to iron ore central. There are numerous tours that give visitors a taste of the shipping and mining operations of the area including Dampier Salt’s operation.
Besides mining operations, the Pilbara has some of the world’s most stunning ancient natural landscapes. It is also rich in Indigenous culture and archaeological sites.
Wheatbelt
The Wheatbelt of WA starts with the pristine white beaches and clear turquoise waters of Jurien Bay and Cervantes in the west. It then works its way through to the Avon Valley and the Wheatbelt Way.
Western Australia Highlights
Our top five picks for the XXXX Travel Guide. Of course, there is so much more to see and do.
Dampier Peninsula
For something rather unique stay at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm in the Master Pearler’s Private Retreat.
Manjimup
Go for a truffle hunt in Manjimup, the epicentre of truffle production in Western Australia. Truffle harvesting season is between May and September.
All Over WA
Wildflowers! Western Australia is home to the largest collection of wildflowers on earth with over 12,000 species. The season starts in the north in June and finishes on the south coast in November.
Shark Bay
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed home of dolphins, dugongs, sea lions, and turtles. Head offshore to Ningaloo reef and swim with the whale sharks.
Kalgoorlie
Come to see one of the world's largest open cut mines, and stay for the golf. Kalgoorlie is home to a multi-million dollar international golf course that is on the way to becoming one of the world's top desert courses. It is also the starting point for the Nullarbor Links, the world's longest golf course.
Festivals and Events
January
Fringe World Festival, Perth (various venues)
February
Perth Festival
Boyup Brook Country Music Festival
Porongurup Festival
South West Craft Beer Festival, Brusselton
Big Day Out
Perth Comedy Festival
March
Nannup Music Festival
Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe
Livelighter Harvey Harvest Festival, Harvey
April
Goldfields Kidsfest
The Karijini Experience
Donnybrook Apple Festival
May
Taste Great Southern
Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival
Unearthed Pemberton Festival
Ord Valley Muster, The Kimberley
Moondyne Festival, Avon Valley
Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival
Jazz by the Bay, Dunsborough
Denmark Festival of Voice
WA Day Festival, Perth
June
Albany Classic Motor Event
Mullewa Muster & Rodeo
Truffle Kerfuffle
Pinjarra Festival
July
Revelation Perth International Film Festival
Mowanjum Festival
August
Gascoyne Food Festival
Nannup Flower & Garden Festival
Cinefest Oz
September
Shinju Matsuri, Broome
Kings Park Festival, Perth
Perth Royal Show
October
Perth Royal Show
Beer & Beef Festival
The York Festival
November
Perth International Jazz Festival
Gourmet Escape
December
Hopman Cup
Planning Your Visit
WA is Australia's largest state, it's BIG. With its size comes a wide variety of weather conditions. Mediterranean climate in the south, desert in the east and tropical conditions in the north.
Perth: The average maximum summer temperature is 29°C, and around 12°C in winter.
Margaret River & South West: Summer temperatures between 25-35°C, and 8-16°C in winter.
Exmouth & Coral Coast: Quite a large area with a Mediterranean climate in the south and a sub tropical climate in the north.
Broome & North West: The dry season is between April - September with a maximum daytime temperature of around 29°C. From October to March you will experience tropical rainstorms, high humidity, and temperatures in the high 30s.
Esperance & The Golden Outback: Summer temperatures can reach as high as 37ºC and range from 15ºC in winter.
Book your accommodation well in advance if visiting an area during school holidays or a festival.
Even in summer pack a light jumper for the evenings, especially if you are in the Outback.
Summer: Water activities and longer daylight hours to explore.
Autumn: Milder weather for hiking and outdoor activities.
Winter: Best time to visit the northern parts of the state.
Spring: Hiking and the native flowers are blooming.
Getting Here
Travel restrictions are forever changing due to COVID-19. Please check the latest WA border and travel restrictions.
By Air: Perth Airport is the main International and Domestic Airport. There are many Regional Airports dotted around the State.
By Train: The Indian Pacific runs from Sydney to Perth via Adelaide. The Indian Pacific is also one of Australia's Greatest Train Journeys. Transwa also run train lines from Perth to Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, Merredin, and Midland to Northam.
By Sea: Pre-COVID times Freemantle (Perth) was the major cruising port for Western Australia. At present cruising is on hold.
By Bus: TransRegional runs various bus services throughout Regional WA.
