Best time to visit:
As the largest state in Australia (and the second largest state in the world) Western Australia has a diverse landscape with a Mediterranean climate in the south, desert in the east and tropical conditions in the north. If you’re chasing a sun-soaked holiday, you’re sure to find it in Western Australia.
Perth
Perth is Australia’s sunniest capital city, bathed in sunshine for an average of nine hours a day, 131 days a year. This makes it perfect for city slickers who love the great outdoors, and it also boasts a mild climate, reaching around 29°C in summer and 12°C in winter.
Margaret River
The Margaret River Region has plenty of sunshine and a Mediterranean climate. Temperatures in summer are usually between 25 to 35°C and drop to 8 to 16°C in winter, so you can hit the surf or curl up in front of the fire.
Broome & The North West
You’ll find a much more tropical climate in the north of WA. A great spot for a winter escape, Broome and the North West enjoy temperatures of up to 29°C between April and September during the dry season. By contrast, the green season from October to March brings tropical storms and high humidity, with temperatures in the high-30s.
The Coral Coast
You will be able to explore this amazing part of Australia anytime with warm weather all year round – head south to Exmouth for a milder, Mediterranean climate, or further north for a slightly more humid, sub-tropical environment. The Golden Outback
The Golden Outback spans more than half of WA and has a diverse landscape, so its climate varies depending on which region you are in. Temperatures range from 15°C in winter and can reach up to 37°C in summer.
Attractions & Things to Do
You will have plenty of opportunities to get back to nature and even get up close and personal with wildlife in WA. The exquisite Ningaloo Reef is a snorkeller’s dream, located near the idyllic Coral Bay. Immerse yourself in spectacular marine environments as you swim through crystal clear waters alongside fish, turtles, manta rays and more. If you’re lucky, you may even come across a whale shark, the biggest fish in the ocean. These gentle giants can be found off the coast between March and July every year, so keep an eye out for their majestic spotted fins.
For those content to stay on land, there are still plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities available in WA. Venture to the charming Rottnest Island, only a short trip from Perth, and you will likely encounter a quokka, one of Australia’s friendliest – and cutest – creatures. These furry little marsupials are so curious they often come right up to visitors, giving you chance to snap an iconic “quokka selfie”, made famous by celebrities like Hugh Jackman and Chris Hemsworth. Just resist the temptation to touch these adorable animals and make sure you give the quokkas their space.
WA is also home to some of the most magnificent natural landscapes in the world. Wilderness lovers can venture into the Kimberley region in the north of the state, where you will step into otherworldly terrain and witness geological marvels that are millions of years old, like the iconic Bungle Bungle Ranges or the astonishing Chamberlain Gorge.
Stray south towards the Golden Outback, which stretches from the rugged red earth of Mt Augustus and Kennedy Ranges in the north to the sweeping beaches of Esperance and the South Coast. Here, you will find totally unique natural wonders, from the stunning granite cliff known as Wave Rock, to colourful wildflowers with more than 12,000 species to be seen. Swim in the bright blue seas of Greens Pool, or for a picture-perfect Instagram moment, venture to Lake Hillier and admire its bubblegum pink waters.
Experience the best of Western Australia by adding one-of-a-kind experiences to your package when you purchase a WA holiday.
Western Australia Destination Guide
Western Australia is a vast expanse of land, home to diverse landscapes, rich indigenous culture and fascinating history. Whether you’re a gourmet traveller or wilderness adventurer, you’ll find yourself wanting to explore every inch of this incredible state.
Taking the title of Australia’s sunniest capital city, Perth is the ultimate combination of city chic and coastal beauty. In the bustling city centre are sleek bars, world-class restaurants and a thriving arts culture. Only a short distance away are sandy beaches where you can take a dip in the Indian Ocean, or visit Rottnest Island, where you can spot unique wildlife while hiking through native bushland. A stones’ throw from the city, Swan Valley is the state’s oldest wine-growing region. Slow down and feast on exquisite local produce or sample award-winning wines.
WA’s Margaret River Region is famous world-wide as a wine lovers’ paradise, but you can find so much more in this fabulous area than just great vino. Past rolling vineyards you will see breath-taking coastal scenery and lush green forests, and natural wonders that make the south west one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Watch humpback whales on their annual migration, try premium local truffles or frolic through fields of wildflowers. In the North West of the state, you will be awestruck by the magnificent landscapes you find. The Kimberley region boasts iconic red sands, the remarkable Bungle Bungle Range, spectacular gorges and majestic waterfalls. Here you will find Aboriginal rock art, created by one of the oldest cultures on earth, and natural wonders forged over millions of years. Broome is the gateway to this unique region, where you will find pristine beaches, jaw-dropping wilderness and friendly locals ready to welcome you to this amazing place.
Follow the Coral Coast and explore the world’s most diverse marine habitats, perfect for anyone who wants to soak up sea and sun. This area is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef, the largest fringing reef in the world. Here you may be lucky enough to swim with friendly dolphins or magnificent whale sharks – a whole world lies just below the surface of its turquoise waters.
You will be captivated by the colours of WA’s Golden Outback, from bright white sandy beaches to sweeping red deserts. You’ll find fascinating history in the old mining towns of Kalgoorlie and Kookynie, as well as striking natural phenomena, from the imposing Mt Augustus to the untouched beauty of Esperance.
Best Restaurants & Places to Eat
Western Australia is a gourmand’s paradise, where you can indulge in fresh seafood, world-class wine and even decadent black truffles.
Your first stop on your foodie tour of WA should be the Margaret River, where you will find an abundance of award-winning wineries. Though relatively small in size, this incredible area produces 20% of the country’s premium wine. With over 95 cellar doors to choose from, you can spend a few days exploring vineyards and sipping on world-class wine, all while soaking up exquisite views from farmland to coastal landscapes.
Wine aficionados will also love exploring the Swan Valley, home to some of the oldest vineyards in the state. Here you will find family-run wineries and boutique breweries. Enjoy the laidback pace of this beautiful valley and explore award-winning wineries by car, or for those wanting even more old-world charm, you can try travelling by horse-drawn wagon.
Looking for even more gourmet produce? East of the Margaret River, you will find Manjimup, the largest producer of Superior Perigold Truffles in the Southern Hemisphere. An annual festival is held every year in June to celebrate the start of truffle season which runs until September. A visit to Manjimup during this period is a unique opportunity to learn more about these unique culinary delights and taste them for yourself.
And of course, the capital of Perth offers plenty of excellent dining options. Here, you will discover passionate chefs, baristas and brewers, all of whom are dedicated to sharing the amazing flavours and produce of this region. Head to Wildflower for fine-dining with panoramic city views, enjoy hearty meals straight from the woodfire oven at Manuka Woodfire or try Propeller for Middle Eastern delights served in the grungy-chic surrounds of a converted garage. No matter what kind of dishes you’re craving, you’re sure to find it in Perth.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re planning a chic city break or a luxe glamping adventure, you will have plenty to choose from in WA.
The state’s capital of Perth offers an abundance of high-class accommodation, so whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, you can unwind in style. Try the Crown Metropol for distinct contemporary style and excellent hospitality, where you can kick back in an elegant room in the heart of the city. Or stay at Hyatt Regency Perth, a hotel offering timeless charm and a stunning location on the foreshore parklands of the picturesque Swan River.
If you’re dreaming of a getaway in the Margaret River Region, you will be spoilt for choice with luxurious villas, family-friendly resorts or beautiful glamping bungalows to choose from. A stay at Injidup Spa Retreat is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, complete with a private villa featuring a plunge pool and ocean views. Or explore the beautiful coastline of Bunker Bay during a stay at Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, with charming villas perfect for couples and families. Or for a holiday with a difference, why not stay at Olio Bello? Offering beautiful safari-style bungalows, it’s perfect for a retreat close to nature.
Australian Visa: Do I Need One?
When travelling internationally, a visa may be required to the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visa’s Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes.
Passport
Please ensure that you have a current passport before travelling. Your passport needs an accurate photo and should be valid for at least six months after you are scheduled to return home. It should also have at least two blank pages left for passport stamps.
Allow plenty of time if you need to send your passport to the Passport Office for renewal, particularly prior to peak travel periods.
All travellers, especially honeymooners, should ensure that names in passports are those given out on the booking form. Airline tickets must be booked in the same name that appears on your passport.
It is useful to carry photo ID with you at all times, so get several good quality photocopies. This also makes replacing a lost passport easier.
Government Travel Advice
The safety of our travellers is the utmost importance. With your safety in mind, we monitor world events very closely, however we recommend visiting the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smart Traveller website to stay informed.