Western Australia occupies over 1/3 of Australia’s land area which means there is a big range of WA adventures to choose from. You can expect a long road trip or five if you want to adventure Western Australia from end to end. Western Australia offers lots of opportunity to seek ideal weather conditions with it being warm and sunny up north in winter and a little cooler in summer in the far south. One thing you won’t find a lot of in WA is snow, so if it’s an Australian ski holiday you are after, the Eastern states of Australia in New South Wales and Victoria are better options.
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Planning Your Visit to Western Australia
Getting to Western Australia
The best way to get to Western Australia from outside the state is by air. Flights are available direct to Perth from every Australian capital city as well as several international destinations such as Bali, Singapore, Dubai, Malaysia, United Kingdom, New Zealand and more. There are also direct flights from some Eastern States capital cities to some of WA’s top tourist destinations includng Busselton (which is close to Margaret River) Exmouth and Broome. Of course you can also drive or van life it into Western Australia. Check the WA website for any current health requirements for entry here.
Getting Around Western Australia
If you are planning to explore parts or all of WA, the best way to get around is by car, preferably a 4WD if you want to enjoy some off the beaten track adventure too. While driving is a great way to get around WA, due to it’s size driving to some locations, particularly from Perth city can take a few days.
Flights & Car Hire: Flying to some of WA’s tourist locations then hiring a car can be another option. Flights go from Perth to most major towns including popular tourist locations like Margaret River, Albany, Esperance, Exmouth, Broome and Kununurra. Check out the latest deals and availability on car hire and get the best deals on flights at Trip.com.
Public Bus Tranpsort: The Greyhound Australia and Transwa bus and coach services operate to many of Western Australia’s major towns. Transperth operates buses within the Perth metropolitan area.
Public Train Transport: Public train services run within the Perth metropolitan area and between Perth and Merredin, Northam (from Midland), Kalgoorlie and Bunbury with Transwa.
Western Australia’s 5 WA Tourist Regions
Western Australia has 5 big and exciting tourist regions with endless space to explore and experience. From snorkelling at white beaches with crystal clear aqua waters to ziplining through the treetops and trekking to the bottom of gorges formed over millions of years. You can do this and so, so much more on your visit to Western Austalia. How many of Western Australia’s Tourist Regions will you explore on your next Western Australia adventure?
South West
When you think South West WA, think tall ancient trees and dense forests, isolated beaches with white sand, crystal clear waters as far as the eye can see and guided luxury winery tours.
There are literally hundreds of towns across the South West of Western Australia to explore. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Albany, Pemberton and Manjimup.
Find information on popular South West adventures including hiking, scenic flights, quad bike tours, bike riding, stand up paddle boarding, diving, local attraction tours and more South West Adventures here.
Albany Downhill Mountain Bike Trail (www.australiasouthwest.com)
North West
When it’s a little cold down south, North West WA is where holidayers and local Western Australian’s go to chase the sun and beat the winter chills and rain. The dry warm winter days are perfect for trekking through gorges, exploring and snorkelling around islands and four-wheel driving to remote water holes. The North West offers everything from relaxing on easy to get to beaches to remote destinations that are next level adventurous to get to.
Popular destinations in the North West Tourist Region include Broome (home of the iconic Cable Beach), Karajini National Park (approximately 200km from Newman and 345 km from Port Hedland and known for it’s magnificent gorges), Derby and Kununurra (and nearby El Questro and Lake Argyle).
Find information on popular North West adventures including gorges, waterfalls, scenic flights, local attraction tours and more North West Adventures here.
Cyclone Preparation and Safety
If you are travelling to the North West region during summer it’s important to understand and have access to cyclone preparation and safety information. Find information on the WA cyclone warning system and advice for preparation at www.dfes.wa.gov.au.
Destination Perth
Western Australia’s capital city Perth is the most popular starting point for most travellers as it’s the easiest to get to from Australia’s other capital cities and has direct flights from several overseas destinations. While regional WA has so much adventure to offer, don’t discount Perth city, it’s definitely packed with adventure and unique experiences too.
Popular tourist precincts within Perth include Fremantle, Rockingham, Yanchep, Mandurah, Rottnest Island, Swan Valley, Avon Valley, Sunset Coast and Perth City and popular adventure locations include the Perth Hills Region, John Forrest National Park, Yanchep National Park, Lancelin, the Swan River and well loved Perth beaches such as Scarborough, Cottesloe and Coogee.
It may be Western Australia’s capital city but there is plenty of adventure to be had in Perth city and beyond. Find snorkelling, hiking, bike trails (including an incredible mountain bike (MTB) trail network), diving, snorkelling, waterbike, stand up paddle boarding, high ropes course, ziplining, e-scooters, hot air ballooning. local attraction tours and more Perth Adventures here.
Coral Coast
As the name suggests the Coral Coast Western Australia is is your coastal adventure destination. It starts only a couple of hours drive from Perth. From unique underwater diving and snorkelling experiences, to multi day drive itineraries and scenic flights over this magnificent coast line. The Coral Coast offers incredible scenery and fascinating wildlife experiences. It’s a must for ocean loving adventurers with contrasting outback adventures to experience too.
Popular destinations within the Coral Coast include Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Geraldton (including the Abrohlos Islands accessible from Geraldton by air or boat), Shark Bay, Monkey Mia (best know for it’s dolphin experiences), Coral Bay and Exmouth (home of Ningaloo and the seasonal Whale Shark experience).
Find information on popular Coral Coast adventures including hiking, scenic flights, quad bike tours, diving, snorkelling, whale sharks, turtles and more Coral Coast Adventures here.
Cyclone Preparation and Safety
If you are travelling to the northern Coral Coast region during summer it’s important to understand and have access to cyclone preparation and safety information. Find information on the WA cyclone warning system and advice for preparation at www.dfes.wa.gov.au.
Golden Outback
The Golden Outback is WA’s largest tourist region. It stretches from the red rugged landscape present in the middle of the outback to some of the whitest sandy beaches in the world on WA’s far south east coastline. The Golden Outback is another great region for those who love a long road trip and don’t mind taking a few days to get to their desired destination.
Popular adventures include gold prospecting in Kalgoorlie, visiting Wave Rock in Hyden or experiencing farm life with a station stay in the Gascoyne or Murchison Regions. In winter a road trip south to explore the stunning beaches and natural wonders in Esperance, experience the bizzare range of flowering plants from Hopetoun and Ravensthorpe and discover the breathtaking beauty and cave systems on the Nullabor Plain.
Find information on popular Golden Outback adventures including, station stays, mine tours, natural attractions and more Golden Outback Adventures here.
Western Australia Accommodation
Looking for accommodation for your Western Australia Adventure? Compare prices and read reviews at Trip.com