Travel Guide To Western Australia

Western Australia, or WA, is the largest of Australia’s six states; it is so large that it could be considered a separate country. The land is full of beautiful parts of nature, from the fertile playground of the South West to the enticing waterfalls of the North to the white sands of Perth.

WA occupies a large third of the country and has many natural landmarks, beautiful beaches, and historical and cultural sites like Ningaloo Reef, The Pinnacles, Wave Rock, Kings Park, Cable beach, etc. The best times to visit WA are mid-June to mid-August in the north and September to November or March to May in the south. Its capital, Perth, is one of the world’s sunniest and most isolated cities.

There is a lot to do and see in WA. There is also a lot to consider when planning a trip. This article will answer your questions about travelling to WA and provide you with other useful information to help you on your journey.

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Go To Western Australia?

WA is a huge state with two distinct weather zones. To determine the best time to visit, you must decide on the region and understand the weather zone.

Wet And Dry Seasons

There are two distinct seasons in the state’s northern part, which encompasses Broome and Kimberly. The humid, oppressive weather of the wet season is naturally mitigated by thunderstorms, heavy rain, and even cyclones. The dry season, also known as the travel season, features blue skies, pleasant weather, and the absence of rain.

The travel (dry) season is typically between May and October, with the peak travel season being mid-June and mid-August. However, late May through early June is the best time to visit the northern part of the state.

The countryside is still quite green and lush from the wet season’s irrigation between late May and early June, and you can enjoy the waterfalls in their full splendour. Fewer tourists visit during this period compared to late June through August, when even Australians relocate there to escape the cooler months in other places.

Unlike peak travel season in the Northern part of WA, everything is less expensive. The wet season is the least expensive time of year to visit Western Australia, but it is not the best in terms of the weather. It’s also a good idea to book ahead of time with your preferred travel dates to avoid the crowds and high prices.

The Mediterranean Climate

The remaining two-thirds of the state, including South West and Perth, has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

The summer months of December, January, and February are the peak travel seasons. However, the best times to visit the South West or Perth are in the spring and autumn.

Springtime

The spring months (September, October, and November) are perfect for a visit because the land welcomes you with sweet smells and a colourful array of blooming flowers. Spring here is known as the wildflower season. During the spring, there is an abundance of wildlife to see.

A plethora of festivals and events are also held across the country in the spring to keep you occupied. The hotels are fully booked and expensive as people flock to enjoy nature’s riches.

Autumn

Autumn months are March, April, and May, and they are described as the best time to visit if you want to go to the beach. This is the only time you can observe the Blue Whale feeding on krill in Perth Canyon.

During these months, the temperature is still warm but cooler than in spring, with chillier nights. There are many events, but lodging is more affordable now since there are usually fewer people. So, if you want a more affordable trip with beach time, Autumn is the best time to travel.

Is Western Australia Worth Visiting?

Often overlooked for the east coast, Western Australia (WA) is a wonderful place to visit, especially if you are an adventurous person.

This natural paradise has an abundance of wildlife, beautiful beaches, amazing rock formations, and a thriving capital that rivals big cities like Sydney and Melbourne. There’s so much to see here! Here are a few reasons why visiting WA will leave you with no regrets:

The Sun Shines Bright

Perth, the capital city, has an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day. Except for the occasional rainstorm, it’s almost always a good time to visit. The clear blue skies make the environment look even more beautiful.

As the sun shines gloriously throughout the day, it ushers in Perth’s most breathtaking sunsets, which can be viewed while strolling along the Sunset Coast.

Beautiful Scenery

The land itself is stunning, from the expanses of white sand on lightly populated beaches to the landscape and the Ningaloo Reef below sea level. There are also parks that when in bloom, boast unique and beautiful flowers. Plenty of perfect locations for a beach wedding or an ocean-view location.

The Native Food

The amazing food culture in Western Australia extends beyond the south of the Magaret River to numerous food and wine festivals. There are also plenty of international restaurants to suit your tastes.

History and Heritage

You can go on heritage walks around Guildford for a glimpse of the colonial era, visit the Perth mint to learn about the gold rush or go on walking tours to get a sense of the state’s culture and history. It also has the most aboriginal art in the whole of Australia, which has been left untouched.

Fun Fact: WA is home to the oldest living lifeform on the planet, stromatolites.

What Is Western Australia Known For?

WA is popular for a lot of cool things like it being the home of the largest diamond producer or the fact that it has a number of surfing spots popular with locals and tourists alike, which makes the state stand out from other states in Australia and the rest of the world. There are a lot of interesting things that give WA its popularity.

Its Size

The state is known for its incredible size. It is the world’s second-largest state and home to the world’s most isolated city, Perth. Its inner-city park is the largest, larger and more diverse than New York City’s Central Park.

Unique Landmarks

WA is home to some of the most spectacular natural landmarks. The Pinnacles in Cervantes, Wave Rock in Hyden, Horizontal Falls in the Buccaneer Archipelago, Nature’s Window in Kalbarri National Park, Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake (one of many salt lakes in Western Australia), are just a few of such landmarks.

Beautiful Beaches

There are 19 beaches in Perth alone that are famous for their white sand, calm environment, and marine life. The Magaret River beach is well-known among surfers for its consistent big-wave breaks.

Broome’s Cable Beach is an iconic location in Western Australia, with 22 kilometres of white sand and clear turquoise waters.

Natural Minerals And Precious Stones

Western Australia possesses a wealth of natural minerals. It is home to the world’s largest diamond producer, Argyle mine, and the world’s largest gold producer, Kalgooorie town.

The town of Broome is home to Pinctada maxima, the largest pearl oyster in the world, and was once the centre of the world’s pearl industry.

Nature And Wild Life

This state is a haven for nature to thrive and survive, from its diverse plant life to its land and sea life. The most intriguing aspect of WA’s abundance and diversity of plant and animal life is that the majority of them can only be found there. It is well-known for its whale-watching culture and wildflower festivals.

What Is Unique To Western Australia?

A number of things can only be found or done in Western Australia. They include plant and animal life, natural landmarks, and natural experiences.

• Animal Life: The Quokka, known as the happiest animal in the world, is an example of a unique animal found in WA.
• Plant Life: There are a lot of flowers and plants native to WA as a result of its unique climate, an example is a Native Foxglove. The largest known plant on Earth, a seagrass, three times the size of manhattan can be found only in WA.
• Horizontal Waterfalls: Horizontal waterfalls are a truly unique experience that can only be had in Washington, the only place in the world where they exist.

Why Is Western Australia The Best?

There are many reasons why people are migrating to WA and many more reasons why it’s the best place to visit. The state has some of the most beautiful and easily accessible landmarks, a thriving food scene with quality fresh foods and wines, and a growing tech network.

WA is a different world with a laid-back way of life. Even Perth, the country’s largest city, has a laid-back atmosphere, and the people there live in the moment. This type of environment promotes relaxation and is beneficial to your mental health.

With easily accessible beaches and landmarks, as well as hiking trails, there is no shortage of recreational and sporting activities. Western Australia has preserved its heritage and culture better than any other state or territory in Australia.

When compared to other Australian states and the United Kingdom, the climate in Western Australia boasts of warm, sunny days with far less humidity. Perth, WA’s largest city, is significantly less expensive than Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide, and it even has affordable housing and property market.

How Can I Spend My Two Weeks In WA?

Travelling to WA requires a lot of planning and direction because there are so many activities and interesting places to visit. Whether it’s a 3-day trip or a 2-week vacation, you’ll have an unforgettable experience. Consider this exciting 2-week itinerary for Western Australia.

Days	Locations	Activities
1	Perth	2.5 hours to get familiar with WA’s heart. Afternoon walking tour in Kings Park. Stargaze with a picnic at an Observatory.
2	Rottnest island	Take quokka selfies, skydive, and an evening seafood boat cruise.
3	Fremantle – Margaret River	Breakfast at Fremantle, Dolphin Eco cruise at Banbury, and wine tour of Leeuwin Estate or Vasse Felix in Margaret River.
4	Cervantes	Visit The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park and experience the iconic sunset there.
5	Geraldton	Take a scenic flight over the Houtman Abrolhos Archipelagos.
6	Kalbarri	Hiking and open-air cinema under the stars.
7	Gascoyne	Visit Hamelin Pool stromatolites, the oldest fossils at Shark Bay. Stop at Eagle Bluff to spot marine life
8	Gascoyne	Kayak trip through Francois Peron National Park, near Shark Bay, with an Aboriginal tour guide
9	Carnarvon	Sample food and fruits and head out to Ningaloo Reef’s Coral Bay for a tour of the coral gardens on a glass bottom boat.
10	Exmouth	Snorkel or swim with Shark Whales and later hike in Yardie Creek
11	Pilbara	Explore wildlife sanctuaries and ancient rock formations in Karijini National Park.
12	Pilbara	Spend another day in Karijini National Park for amazing adventures.
13	Broome	Camel ride along Cable beach, scenic flight over Horizontal Falls, visit dinosaur footprints, and the Broome Courthouse Market.
14	Broome	Relax at Bali Hai Spa and fly out.

Can You Swim In Western Australia?

Western Australia is well-known for its endless stretches of white sand that overlook blue waters. 

Nature’s skilled artistry has carved some fascinating pools into rocks, while others are hampered by levelled earth or a dense forest. WA has plenty of pools and does not prohibit swimming in them. You can swim alongside highways and even with whales that will not harm you.

Swimming is safe because they are usually patrolled by lifeguards, as indicated by red and yellow flags.

In Western Australia, shark stingers are not lethal, and there hasn’t been a report of a shark attack on a human in years. The most dangerous threat is a rip current, which can drag swimmers deep into the water.

What Is The Nicest Beach In Western Australia?

Choosing the best beach in WA, which has consistently beautiful beaches, is a difficult task because all of the beaches are amazing and have something unique about them. Turquoise Bay, on the other hand, stands out the most.

Turquoise Bay has the most transparent turquoise waters in the country, which perfectly kiss the long stretch of powdery white sand. It is not necessary to swim far to dance with turtles and fish. 

The beach is easily accessible, serves as the gateway to Ningaloo Reef, and is an excellent snorkelling location. It provides a fantastic view of nature’s beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Tipping Mandatory In Western Australia?

No, it isn’t mandatory to tip in Western Australia. Service charges do not apply in Australia but you can leave a tip for great service at the table if you wish to do so. In Australia tip is included in your bill known as G.S.T.

2. Is Western Australia Easy To Get To?

Western Australia is easy to get to whether you choose to drive or catch a flight. You can get to WA by air since Perth’s airport receives direct flights. For a more exciting adventure try taking The Indian Pacific, the longest train journey, which can also get you there.

3. What Is Western Australia’s Time Zone?

It is part of the Australian Western Standard time zone, making it eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and twelve hours ahead of New York.

Final Thoughts

Western Australia is one of the most explorable places on the planet, and it will never cease to amaze you. It’s a place that hasn’t lost touch with nature even while evolving into a tourist destination. There is something for everyone, and it offers unforgettable memories. Whether travelling by car, plane, train, boat or bus there is so much to see in Western Australia.