Western Australia

Sunset dunes and crystal coastlines

Oceania includes Australia and its surrounding islands, covering a vast area of land and sea across the southern hemisphere. Western Australia stands out with long coastlines along the Indian Ocean and diverse landscapes ranging from deserts to tropical reefs. The region is home to unique animals like kangaroos, koalas and many native plants found nowhere else in the world. Cities such as Perth serve as hubs for trade, culture and outdoor activities while maintaining a relaxed lifestyle connected closely to nature and ocean life.

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State/Prefecture in Australia

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 7.8

General Safety:	8
Health & medical:	8
Accessibility:	5
Tap water:	9

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4/5

English is widely spoken and understood throughout Western Australia, especially in cities like Perth, Broome and the Gold Coast. Tourists will find it easy to converse with locals, staff and fellow travelers.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Western Australia Summary

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‘Best for’ scores:
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World-class for vast wilderness and coastal adventure. Dive coral reefs, drive remote outback roads, watch whales and explore dramatic national parks.

Place score

9.2

Best at:

Natural sites

Flowers

Snorkeling

Van travel

Stargazing

Personal score

Suited for

👶 6

Families

🧓 5

Seniors

🌈 7

LGBTQ+

🛡️ 6

Travel Beginners

Australia – Quick facts

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Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type I Type I: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Australian Dollar (AUD) £1 ≈ A$1.89
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payment is widely accepted, even in rural areas. Digital wallets are commonly used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not mandatory in Australia. Rounding up or 10% is appreciated in high-end restaurants.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is regulated and often prohibited, except in designated areas.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned in public indoor spaces and most outdoor public areas.

Australia Day (January)	Public events and celebrations occur nationwide.
ANZAC Day (April)	Commemorations and closures happen.
Christmas (December)	Festive events and closures occur.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 000 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, 13cabs, Ola
Other:	Australia's vast size requires careful planning for travel between regions. Be aware of wildlife and sun exposure.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Western Australia, Australia

🌬️

Jan

🔥

Feb

🔥

Mar

🔥

Apr

☀️

May

☀️

Jun

☀️

Jul

☀️

Aug

☀️

Sep

🔥

Oct

🌬️

Nov

🔥

Dec

High season:	Jan., May - Sep., Dec.
Shoulder season:	Feb. - April, Oct. - Nov.
Crowdedness:	3 (Few tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Climate varies hugely: Perth and the southwest are best October to April for beaches, the tropical north (Kimberley, Broome) May to September in the dry season

Wet season November to April closes many Kimberley roads and attractions, with cyclone risk in the north December to April

Whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef March to July, humpback whales along the coast June to November, southwest wildflowers August to October

Don't miss

🪨 Explore the iconic rock formations at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
⛵ Sail around Rottnest Island, spotting adorable quokkas
🐠 Dive into the Great Barrier Reef's vibrant coral gardens
🌅 Stroll along Perth's Swan River waterfront at sunset
🏖️ Experience Aboriginal cultural tours in Broome's Cable Beach

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Why travel to Western Australia?

Western Australia offers a blend of natural wonder and cultural depth that appeals to travelers seeking both adventure and reflection. The state’s coastline stretches over 10,000 kilometres, featuring iconic surf spots such as Margaret River and the pristine beaches of Esperance. Inland, the vast Nullarbor Plain presents an opportunity for long‑distance driving and stargazing under some of the world’s clearest skies. The region’s biodiversity is remarkable: the Ningaloo Reef hosts vibrant coral ecosystems and whale watching seasons, while the Kimberley’s ancient gorges reveal geological history spanning millions of years. For those interested in indigenous heritage, sites like the Wunaamin Miliwundi (Lake Mackay) offer insight into Aboriginal traditions that have shaped the landscape for tens of thousands of years. Urban centres such as Perth provide a relaxed atmosphere with a growing food scene and cultural institutions, including contemporary art galleries and historic theatres. The state’s wine regions – particularly Margaret River – combine world‑class vineyards with sustainable farming practices, offering tastings that highlight local terroir. Whether exploring rugged coastlines, engaging with indigenous communities or sampling regional cuisine, Western Australia delivers experiences grounded in authenticity and environmental stewardship. Its diverse landscapes and welcoming towns make it a destination where visitors can connect deeply with both nature and culture.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 Perth
Capital city on Australia’s west coast offers a mix of modern architecture and natural beauty. The Swan River runs through downtown, while nearby beaches and parks provide outdoor recreation. A gateway to the region’s wine country and rugged coastline.
2 Broome
Known for its rugged coastline and vibrant marine life, this coastal town offers pristine beaches, historic lighthouse tours and a thriving arts scene. Visitors can explore the nearby national park, enjoy fresh seafood and experience local Indigenous culture.
3 Margaret River
A rugged coastal region on Western Australia’s southern coast offers dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches and abundant marine life. The area is popular for surfing, whale watching and exploring historic fishing villages along the Margaret River.
4 Esperance
A rugged, sun-drenched town on Western Australia's coast where dramatic cliffs meet turquoise waters and vast deserts stretch inland. The landscape is arid yet vibrant, featuring unique wildlife, pristine beaches and striking rock formations that define this remote region.
5 Ningaloo Coast
This remote stretch of Western Australia features the Ningaloo Reef, a vibrant coral barrier along the coast. The landscape is arid and sunny, with dramatic cliffs overlooking turquoise waters and abundant marine life teeming in the shallows year-round.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Ningaloo Reef Dive
2 Uluru Park

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Shark Bay
2 Pinnacles
3 Lake Hillier
4 Ningaloo Australian Marine Park

🛍️Shopping

1 Fremantle Markets

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Knowledge before you go

Pack sunscreen; UV index in Western Australia is consistently high.
Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while exploring remote coastal trails, as refill stations are sparse.
Check local weather forecasts for sudden storms, especially during the wet season between November and March.
Explore the region’s Indigenous heritage by visiting cultural centers; many offer guided tours that provide context on traditional land use and stories.

How to travel to Western Australia

Western Australia is accessible via major international airports, primarily Perth Airport (PER), which connects to key cities in Asia, Europe and domestic hubs. The state’s vast size necessitates domestic flights for broader access; airlines like Qantas and Virgin Australia operate frequent services between Perth and regional centers such as Broome, Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Port Hedland. Coastal routes via ferry link Rottnest Island to the mainland, while road networks include the Trans-Australian Highway (connecting to South Australia) and the Great Northern Highway (linking to the Northern Territory). Rail services like the Indian Pacific traverse the state east-west, offering long-distance travel options. Remote areas may require charter flights or 4WD access during dry seasons.

Access summary

From Perth Airport (PER): Train to Perth CBD, 30–45 min.
From Perth: Direct flights to Broome (3h) or Albany (1h).
Ferry to Rottnest Island from Perth takes 25 minutes.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Western Australia

city accommodations range from A$150 (£78.54) to A$350 (£183.25) per night, whereas remote outback retreats can be as low as A$80 (£41.89) or exceed A$500 (£261.79) for premium suites.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Pan Pacific Perth

8.5

Great Southern Hotel Perth

8.7

Crown Towers Perth

9.0

Crown Metropol Perth Hotel

8.7

Crown Promenade Perth Hotel

8.7

Pagoda Resort & Spa

8.6

Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges

8.5

Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough

8.3

Duxton Hotel

8.9

Parmelia Hilton Perth

8.8

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Western Australia

Western Australia offers diverse transportation options due to its vast size and varied terrain. The most efficient way to travel is by car, as it provides flexibility across cities like Perth, Fremantle and regional towns. Major highways such as the Great Northern Highway connect remote areas, while scenic routes like the Indian Ocean Drive offer stunning coastal views. For longer distances, domestic flights link Perth to regional centers like Broome or Kalgoorlie. Public transport in Perth includes buses and trains operated by Transperth, ideal for urban commutes. Ferries serve islands such as Rottnest Island from the mainland. Renting a car is recommended for exploring outback regions, where services are sparse but adventure awaits. Always plan fuel stops in remote zones.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

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Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-2 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to AUD) is 2% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

Western Australia remains one of the safest regions in Australia, with low crime rates and robust emergency services. Travelers should stay vigilant in major cities, avoid isolated outback areas after dark and follow local advice on wildlife and road safety to ensure a secure visit.

Health & Medical

Western Australia offers high‑standard medical care with well‑equipped hospitals and specialist services, especially in Perth and regional centers. Travelers should stay hydrated, use sunscreen, avoid bushfire smoke and be aware of limited rural emergency access during peak wildfire season.

Accessibility

Western Australia offers many accessible attractions, with wheelchair‑friendly museums and beaches, plus well‑signposted public transport in major cities. However, rural areas often lack ramps or lifts and some historic sites have uneven paths. Plan ahead for mobility aids and local support.

Tap water

Western Australia offers high‑quality tap water, meeting strict Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Most cities provide safe, filtered public fountains and refill stations, especially in Perth and regional hubs. Residents can rely on reliable municipal supplies for daily hydration needs.