Overview
Western Australia (WA) is Australia’s largest state, covering nearly one-third of the country’s landmass. From the remote beauty of the Kimberley to the vibrant city life of Perth, WA offers wide-open spaces, stunning coastlines, rich Aboriginal culture, and truly unforgettable natural wonders.
- Capital: Perth
- Major Cities: Fremantle, Bunbury, Broome, Albany, Geraldton
- Population: ~2.9 million (2024 est.)
- Time Zone: Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) UTC+8 (no daylight saving)
- Climate: Tropical in the north, arid in the interior, Mediterranean in the south-west
Top Destinations in Western Australia
Perth
A lively city with sunny skies, Swan River views, nearby beaches, and a growing food and culture scene.
Margaret River
A premier wine and surf region offering cellar doors, gourmet dining, and spectacular coastal walks.
Broome
A tropical escape famous for Cable Beach sunsets, camel rides, and pearling history.
Exmouth & Ningaloo Reef
Home to the World Heritage-listed reef, where you can snorkel with whale sharks and explore pristine beaches.
The Kimberley
One of the world’s last great wildernesses, filled with gorges, waterfalls, and ancient rock art.
Must-See Attractions
- Ningaloo Reef – Snorkel straight off the beach with vibrant coral and marine life
- Kings Park & Botanic Garden – Overlooking Perth with native flora and sweeping views
- Bungle Bungles (Purnululu National Park) – Beehive-shaped rock formations in the remote east Kimberley
- Rottnest Island – Home of the adorable quokka and stunning bike trails and beaches
- Wave Rock – A 15-meter-high wave-shaped rock formation near Hyden
Things to Do
- Swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef (March to July)
- Sip wine and surf in the Margaret River region
- 4WD the Gibb River Road through rugged outback landscapes
- Take a scenic flight over Horizontal Falls or the Pinnacles Desert
- Relax on remote beaches with no crowds — just turquoise water and red cliffs
Getting There & Around
Airports
- Perth (PER), Broome (BME), Kalgoorlie (KGI), Albany (ALH), Karratha (KTA)
Transport
- Perth has a reliable public transport network (trains, buses, ferries via Transperth)
- Long-distance travel often requires flights or self-driving
- Road trips are popular but distances are vast — plan carefully
Best Time to Visit
- North WA (Broome, Kimberley, Ningaloo): May to October (dry season)
- South WA (Perth, Margaret River): September to April for best weather
- Spring (Sep–Nov): Wildflower season — one of the most spectacular on Earth
- Autumn (Mar–May): Mild temperatures and great for outdoor adventures
Local Food & Culture
- Cuisine: Fresh seafood, bush tucker, multicultural influences, and local wines
- Specialties: Rock lobster, marron, truffles, Margaret River wines, and WA craft beer
- Markets: Fremantle Markets, Perth City Farm Market
- Events: Perth Festival, Margaret River Pro (surf comp), Shinju Matsuri in Broome
- Indigenous Culture: Explore rich Aboriginal heritage with guided tours, art, and storytelling across the state
Souvenirs from Western Australia
- Aboriginal artwork and boomerangs
- Local wines and gourmet food products
- Pearls from Broome
- Handcrafted WA timber goods and opals
Fun Facts
- WA is so vast that Perth is closer to Bali than to Sydney
- The quokka, known as “the world’s happiest animal,” lives only on Rottnest Island and nearby areas
- The world’s oldest known fossils (stromatolites) are found in Shark Bay
- The Kimberley’s Horizontal Falls are one of the few horizontal waterfalls on Earth
Suggested Itineraries
7-Day Coral Coast & Reef Adventure
- Day 1: Perth to Geraldton
- Day 2: Kalbarri National Park
- Day 3: Monkey Mia (see dolphins)
- Day 4: Shark Bay + Shell Beach
- Day 5–6: Ningaloo Reef (snorkel or swim with whale sharks)
- Day 7: Return via Carnarvon or fly to Perth
3-Day Margaret River Escape
- Day 1: Drive from Perth + wine tastings
- Day 2: Beaches, caves, and gourmet dining
- Day 3: Busselton Jetty + return to Perth
