Seeing WA: Top Tips For Exploring Australia's Largest State

Seeing WA: Top Tips For Exploring Australia's Largest State

Western Australia alone is ten times the size of the UK. In fact, this single Australian state is as large as Western Europe. This wide west of Australia is home to lush forests, flowering fields, shimmering beaches, ancient geology, and the inestimable outback.

And if that’s not enough, there’s fresh fish, fine dining, street art, and designer stores too. All this variety means there are travel tour packages on offer for all sorts of adventurers – whether you’re looking for wine & dining experiences, outback adventures, or just plenty of opportunities to chill by the coast.

But for your first trip, you’ll want a sample of everything. So along with some must-see locations, here’s what you should keep in mind when holidaying in WA.

 

Cape Range, Western Australia

How should you travel around Western Australia?

If you’re flying to WA, you’ll probably be landing in Perth. Travellers coming from interstate who are looking for fun in the sun might opt for Broome, but otherwise you’ll begin your trip in the capital city. From here you can fly to various small airports around the state, but more often you’ll rent a car and plan a road trip – and if you’re going offroad, you’ll want a 4WD for the rocky terrain.

If you’re planning to stay in Perth, you can use TransPerth, their extensive rail and bus service. Besides that you can rent electric scooters using the Neuron app, and you can book taxis with Uber, DiDi, or Swan Taxis.

Alternatively, there are many tours on offer that will sort all the transport for you, whilst taking you around all the not-to-miss locations on a must-see trip. Consider booking on a multi-day tour, especially for those extra hard to reach regions, and take the stress out of navigating the uneven terrains.

When’s the best time to go to Western Australia?

WA’s weather ranges from tropical to downright icy. This might mean some large variety for the locals, but for a tourist it gives you the luxury of visiting wherever has the perfect weather. The south is perfect in summer, the north is perfect in winter, and everywhere is nice during Spring and Autumn. Just remember that higher is hotter, and lower is colder. You should also bring big bottles of water on your days out to keep everyone happy and hydrated.

In the peak of summer, you’ll have a hard time finding somewhere you need a jumper, but the weather reports can be unreliable, so it’s worth having one in your luggage just in case. If you’ll be down south in winter, you’ll want to pack a little more than that– beanies, jackets, slippers, thick socks. If you ever get caught out without a coat, head to the local op shops such as Vinnie’s for a rummage where you’ll be able to find some good outerwear at a great price.

How much money do I need in Western Australia?

Even if you’re planning to camp your nights away, travelling through WA can get pricey. Food, car hire, and fuel are the biggest culprits. But if you’re staying in Perth, you can save by catching public transport and shopping at the supermarket, and if you book a tour, most of these costs are paid in advance.

Once again, booking a travel tour may also be beneficial for those looking to holiday in WA on a set budget. With your itinerary, travel schedule, and even your accommodation all laid out for you, all you have to do is just stay present and enjoy everything that WA has to offer for you and your fellow travel party.

Where can I see quokkas in Western Australia?

Quokkas, a smaller cute and fluffy relative of the kangaroo, can be found off the coast of Perth on Rottnest Island. You can take a ferry from Hilary’s boat harbour or Fremantle on most days, but you need to book ahead. Rottnest Island is also home to beautiful beaches, hiking trails, bike tracks, and fine dining– it’s one of Perth’s biggest attractions.

But Western Australia is home to more islands than just Rottnest! For instance, if you want to see fairy penguins, you can visit Penguin Island off the coast of Rockingham (which is an hour south from Perth).

Western Australia’s Top Tourist Attractions

And speaking of quokkas and penguins, we should take some time now to outline some of WA’s other popular attractions. Here’s a quick list of some of the main sights that WA tourists seek to see when visiting Australia’s most isolated stretch of coastline and all of its many plains for the first time.

The Wine Fields

Western Australia is famous for its production of high quality wines. So whilst you’re there, enjoy your trip as a perfect opportunity to try some of Western Australia’s finest straight from the source.

We recommend starting in the Swan Valley to enjoy the heart of WA’s wine country, before moseying on down to Bunbury for a gourmet tipple and bite. From here, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump to Margaret River, where you can visit the vineyards and organise a wine tour, or just pop into a few cellar doors for a relaxed afternoon of luxury wine tastings. And make sure you leave some space free in your bag to take a couple of bottles back with you!

The Coral Coast

WA is home to some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Swimming with the dolphins in Monkey Mia, and snorkelling with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef are some of the best ways to take all this stunning nature in, up close and personal. Along the coast you can also check out The Pinnacles, and take helicopter rides over Carnarvon. Just be ready for a bit of an outback adventure with a couple of nights beneath the stars, as some of the smaller towns along the coast may only have a single motel or AirBnB. And don’t forget the mozzie repellent! 

The Natural Wonders

Besides the stone-henge-like majesty of The Pinnacles, WA has a bundle of national parks and landmarks to visit. Near Perth are Bell’s Rapids, Yanchep National Park, Whiteman Park, and Serpentine Falls. Further out you can visit Wave Rock, the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk, or Hutt Lagoon, also known as Western Australia’s Pink Lake.

There are also endless ancient cave and valley walks available all across WA’s awe-inspiring landscape, so be sure to carve out plenty of time in your itinerary just to go exploring. You’ll be left astounded at all of the unique landscapes Western Australia boasts to its visitors.

Hidden Gorges, Bungle Bungle.

Conclusion

This list of sights doesn’t cover half of what Western Australia has to offer. There’s the Perth Zoo, the aquarium, the canola fields, King’s Park, Chinatown, river cruises, the Elizabeth Quay, and so much more. But hopefully you’ve had a taste of what’s available, and you’ll be able to find more of what interests you when you arrive.

So get to work on building up your WA trip itinerary or securing a tailored travel package to help you see Western Australia today!


Posted By JenniferA

Updated : 6th March 2024 | Words : 1179 | Views : 260

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Horizontal Falls, Talbot Bay.
Cape Range, Western Australia
Hidden Gorges, Bungle Bungle.

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