Western Australia Travel Guide
Basic information about Western Australia
| Population: | 2.76 million |
| People per square km: | 0.89 |
| Cows & sheep per square km: | 9.8 |
| Number of islands: | 3747 |
| Longest river: | Gascoyne River – 760km |
| Most challenging road: | Gibb River Road |
| Famous pub: | Palace Hotel, Kalgoorlie |
| Highest mountain: | Mt Meharry – 1253m |
| Most remote Town: | Warbuton |
| Strangest place name: | Walkaway |
| Number of wildflowers: | 12500 species |
| Best beach: | Cable Beach, Broome |
Western Australia covers one-third of the Australian continent. It is an ancient land of rugged ranges and dramatic gorges, inland deserts, and a world pristine coastline.
People can experience the tropical humidity of the north, and the dryness of the desert to the Mediterranean climate of the South-West.
Hit the road to experience the state’s vastness.
Western Australia has many natural wonders including the 350 million-year-old Bungle Bungles ranges, the limestone moonscape of the Pinnacles, but also extraordinary marine life of Ningaloo Reef, friendly dolphins of Monkey Mia, and Rottnest Ilans’s famous quokkas.
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Learn about the first European settlements with its historical buildings of Perth and its nearby port of Fremantle.
Finally, travel inland to discover remnants of great gold discoveries around Kalgoorlie – the world’s great producers of gold.
This Western Australia travel guide lists all interesting places that are worth visiting, but if you are short of time plan your holiday at least to see the best places in WA.
The Kimberley Region
The Kimberley – ancient landscape of mighty ranges, spectacular gorges, and arid deserts.
The best time to visit the Kimberley region and its surroundings is during the dry season, from May to October. The Winter season is generally the best time to travel, safest, and most comfortable. Ninety percent of Kimberley’s rainfalls occur from December to March. The wet season often brings cyclones and floods and can cut some areas for months. The Kimberley has two types of climate, a coastal – hot and moist. And inland with a dry, hot climate.
Halls Creek Average Temperatures and Rainfall
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Now | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 36 | 36 | 34 | 30 | 27 | 27 | 30 | 34 | 37 | 38 | 38 | Max Temp |
| 24 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 17 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 25 | 25 | Min Temp |
| 153 | 137 | 74 | 22 | 13 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 37 | 77 | Rain mm |
| 13 | 13 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 11 | Rain Days |
- By air – daily flights arrive from domestic and international destinations. You can fly to Broome or Kununurra.
- By coach – Integrity Coach line from Perth, and Greyhound Australia from Darwin.
- By car – Victoria Highway from NT; Great Northern Highway if you come from South Western Australia; Tanami Rd if you come from Alice Springs via the Tanami Desert.
- By boat – The Port of Broome is the largest deep-water access port servicing the Kimberley region.
Holidaymakers can fly to Broome to relax in many resorts, many can choose to charter a boat and experience great fishing.
4WD enthusiasts come to the Kimberley to tackle remote Gibb River Rd, visit Mitchell Falls and ancient and isolated gorge country.
Must see the Kimberley attractions
- Explore dome-shaped Bungle Bungle Ranges
- Visit Wolfie Creek Crater were 300 000 years ago a meteorite gouged a crater a kilometre long and 150 meters deep
- Admire an Aboriginal art near Halls Creek
- Drive through Ivanhoe Crossing near Kununurra and catch a barra
- Stop at Kelly’s Knob lookout – the best Kununurra panorama spot
- Be impressed by Lake Argyle where you can sail, fish, and swim.
- Take a fly tour to Argyle Dimond mine
- Admire the view from Five Rivers Lookout at Wyndham
- Experience amazing bird watching at Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve
The best spots on a Gibb River Road
Iconic Gibb River Rd is located between Derby and Kununurra. This 660 km of rugged gravel road was used to transfer cattle from outback stations to Derby and Wyndham.
- Swim at beautiful Bell Gorge
- Walk 750-meter long underground Tunnel Creek
- See WA’s most impressive waterfalls – Mitchell Falls
- Visit Mount Elizabeth Station and drive to Wunnamurra Gorge
- Appreciate Aboriginal art at Manning Gorge
- Drive through Pentecost River Crossing
- Soak in tranquil thermal pools at El Questro and visit its gorges
- Enjoy the views of the falls at Lennard Gorge
- Admire limestone and freshwater crocodiles at Windjana Gorge
- Stay for a day at Home Valley Station
Top Events in the Kimberley
| May | Kimberley Moon Experience – Kununurra |
| August | Munumbara Music Festival – Wyndham |
| August | Halls Creek Cup |
| August | Wyndham Races |
| August | Kununurra Cup |
| September | APEX Barra Bash – Kununurra |
Broome
Broome is known for its pearling history, cosmopolitan character, amazing white beaches, and great fishing all year-round.
Broome Average Temperatures and Rainfall
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Now | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 33 | 34 | 34 | 31 | 28 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 33 | 34 | 34 | Max Temp |
| 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 18 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 26 | Min Temp |
| 158 | 144 | 101 | 30 | 21 | 23 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 13 | 13 | 77 | Rain mm |
| 10 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | Rain Days |
11 must see attractions around Broome
- Visit the Historical Society Museum in Broome
- Check many restored pearl luggers
- Visit Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park
- Be at sunset at the famous Cable Beach
- Charter a boat and go on a fishing safari
- Explore Gantheaume Point to see a 120 million years old footprint of a dinosaur.
- Go on a Dolphin eco-cruise
- Ride a jet seaplane to see Horizontal Falls
- Visit Matso’s Brewery
- Travel to Cape Leveque and admire Kimberley’s large tidal flows and pindal cliffs
- Admire Staircase to the Moon
Accommodation
Apart from Broome, Kimberley is quite an isolated region in Australia where accommodation is limited to a few hotels and resorts. The best way to explore it is by a 4WD or an organised tour.
Hotels
Beaches of Broome, 4 Sanctuary Road, Cable Beach, Broome
The Pearle of Cable Beach, 14 Millington Road, Cable Beach, Broome
Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat, 323 Yardoogarra, 6725 Broome
Kimberley Sands Resort, 10 Murray Road, Cable Beach, Broome
The Billi Resort, 23 Coucal Street, Cable Beach, Broome
The Kimberley Grande Hotel, 20 Victoria Highway, Kununurra
Tourist Parks
RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park, Cnr Cable Beach and Murray Roads, Broome
The Station at El Questro, Gibb River Rd via Kununurra
Emma Gorge Resort, Emma Gorge, El Questro Wilderness Park, Kununurra
Top Events in Broome
| Easter | Dragon Boat Regatta – Broome |
| June | Mowanjun Aboriginal Festival – Derby |
| June | Country Race Round & Rodeos – Derby |
| July | Fitzroy Crossing Rodeo |
| July | Derby Boab Festival |
| August | Shinjumatsuri Pearl Festival – Broome |
| Sept | Opera Under The Stars – Broome |
| Nov | Mango Festival – Broome |
Pilbara Region
Pilbara region is located in the north of Western Australia, over 1200 km from Perth.
The major towns of the region are Port Hedland and Karratha. Pilbara has very hot summers, mild winters, and small rainfall. The name Pilbara comes from the Aboriginal word ‘bilybara’ and means ‘dry’. This region is characterised by rust-red landscapes and vast tidal flats broken by mangroves.
Wiluna Average Temperatures and Rainfall
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Now | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 37 | 34 | 29 | 24 | 20 | 20 | 22 | 26 | 20 | 34 | 37 | Max Temp |
| 23 | 22 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 21 | Min Temp |
| 35 | 38 | 36 | 29 | 26 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 20 | Rain mm |
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | Rain Days |
Top attractions of Pilbara
Accommodation
The main towns of Pilbara are Port Headland and Karratha. Both towns major industry is mining, but they both offer some interesting tourist attractions. Make sure you stop for a day or two before heading further to Karijini National Park or north to Broome.
Hotels
The Landing Port Headland, 945 Great Northern Hwy, Port Headland
Karratha International Hotel, Corner of Hillview and Millstream Roads, Karratha
Tourist Parks
Port Headland Discovery Park, 2 Taylor Street, Port Headland
Karratha Discovery Park, Rosemary Road, Karratha
Karijini Eco Retreat, Weano Road, 6751 Karijini
Top Events in Pilbara
| May | Welcome to Hedland Night – Port Hedland |
| June | Black Rock Stakes – Wheelbarrow Race in Karratha |
| July | Game Classic – Port Hedland |
| August | Rodeo in Newman |
| Sept | Pilbara Music Festival – Port Hedland |
Gascoyne Region
This vast area is known for the richness and rarity of its natural features, from the colourful Ningaloo Reef to the eroded cliffs and gorges of Kalbarri National Park.
Top attractions of Gascoyne Region
- Exmouth – cruises, sailing and water tours
- Swim with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef
- Coral Bay – the best snorkelling
- Carnarvon One Mile Jetty
- Kalbarii National Park
- Geraldton Museum and HMAS Sydney II Memorial
Peron Peninsula
Peron Peninsula is known for its contrasting red cliffs, blue waters, and white beaches. These features contribute to Shark Bay’s listing as a World Heritage Area.
Shell Beach is the only place in Australia where you walk on white shells.
Peron Peninsula Average Temperatures and Rainfall
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Now | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 33 | 32 | 28 | 26 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | Max Temp |
| 22 | 24 | 23 | 21 | 17 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 20 | 22 | 23 | Min Temp |
| 7 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 39 | 55 | 41 | 22 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 1 | Rain mm |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Rain Days |
7 must-see attractions at Peron Peninsula
- Discover Shell Beach
- Visit wild dolphins at Monkey Mia
- See the world’s oldest and largest living fossils – Stromatolites
- Visit Hamelin Pool Marine Nature reserve and Telegraph Station
- Admire the view from Eagle Bluff
- Learn new things at Ocean Park Aquarium at Denham
- Go on Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Tour
Accommodation
The two main towns where you find accommodation in Peron Peninsula are Monkey Mia and Denham. We recommend staying in one of the resorts or if you have a caravan or camper trailer, in a caravan park.
Resorts
RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, 1 Monkey Mia Road, Shark Bay
Heritage Resort Shark Bay, 73-75 Knight Terrace, Denham
Tourist Parks
Denham Seaside Caravan Park, 1 Stella Rowley Drive, Denham
Perth and around
Perth is the most isolated capital city in the world.
Its nearest neighbour – Adelaide is 2700 km away. Claimed to be the sunniest state capital in Australia. Climate is Mediterranean – hot and dry in summer and wet in winter.
Perth is a growing city with a population of over 2 million. Because of its location, it is a flight gateway to Australia bringing new visitors, residents and exciting opportunities every year.
The City of Perth is located beautifully at the northern banks of the Swan River and the suburbs stretch in all directions to the Darling Ranges.
Perth Average Temperatures and Rainfall
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Now | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 31 | 29 | 24 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 34 | 27 | Max Temp |
| 18 | 218 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 16 | Min Temp |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 40 | 70 | 140 | 130 | 110 | 80 | 30 | 20 | 10 | Rain mm |
| 5 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 9 | 7 | 4 | Rain Days |
How to get to Perth
- By air – Fly to Perth Airport. There are domestic flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, and Darwin.
- By car – Perth is far away from any other big city. However, it is possible to get there by car. Take National Highway coming from South Australia, Great Central Road coming from Alice Springs, or North West Coastal Highway if you arrive from the north.
- By train. The Indian Pacific train runs regularly between Sydney and Perth.
What to do in and around Perth
- Perth Zoo
- Western Australia Museum
- Aboriginal art at the Perth Art Gallery
- Take the tour of the historical Fremantle Prison
- Spent day at Perth beaches
Day tours
- Rottnest Island – located 19km off the coast of Perth. This is a perfect place to see quokkas.
- Swan Valley – A premier wine-growing area, with vineyards along the scenic Swan River.
- Yanchep National Park – see an indigenous dance performance, or visit Crystal Cave where stalactites hang above waters of an underground pool.
- Pinnacles – Thousands of limestone pillars, the eroded remnants of what was once a bed of limestone.
Accommodation
Perth is the capital of Western Australia. It is a big, multicultural city with a population of around 2 million. There is plenty to see in and around Perth. Choose your accommodation close to the attractions you want to visit to get the most out of it. We list only a few, our favourite hotels and resort. Search for more below.
Hotels
Quest Mounts Bay Road, 130 Mounts Bay Road, Perth CBD
Four Points by Sheraton Perth, 707 Wellington St, Perth CBD
Quest Kings Park, 54 Kings Park Road, West Perth
Resorts
Karrinyup Waters Resorts, 467 North Beach Road, Perth
Joondalup Resort, Country Club Boulevard, Perth
Tourist Parks
Central Caravan Park, 34 Central Avenue, Ascot, Perth
Discovery Parks – Perth Airport, 186 Hale Road, Perth
Banksia Tourist Park, 219 Midland Road, Perth
Top Events around Perth
| Jan | Perth Cup |
| Feb | Perth Festival |
| Jun-Aug | Winter Arts Festival |
| Sep | Kings Park Festival |
Goldfields region
Gold is still mined in the Gold Fields region, while the sheep stations with the size of small countries produce fine wool. The area offers an excellent opportunity to dig into its fascinating heritage.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Average Temperatures and Rainfall
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Now | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 32 | 30 | 25 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 22 | 26 | 29 | 32 | Max Temp |
| 18 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 17 | Min Temp |
| 22 | 28 | 19 | 19 | 28 | 26 | 26 | 20 | 15 | 16 | 18 | 15 | Rain mm |
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | Rain Days |
What to do around Goldfields region
- Gwalia, a ghost town
- Lake Ballard
- Goldfields Exhibition Museum at Coolgardie
- Superpit at Kalgoorlie-Boulder
- Wave Rock in Hyden
Accommodation
Kalgoorlie-Boulder is the main town of the Goldfields region where you can find a big range of accommodation including hotels and caravan parks. Other towns are much smaller, but they are worth visiting especially when you drive Eyre Highway through Nullarbor.
Hotels
Rydges, Kalgoorlie, 21 Davidson Street, Kalgoorlie
The Plaza Hotel, 45 Egan Street, Kalgoorlie
Albion Hotel, 60 Burt Street, Kalgoorlie
Tourist Parks
Acclaim Goldminer Tourist Caravan Park, 11 Atbara St, Kalgoorlie
Esperance Bay Holiday Park, 162 Dempster St, Esperance
Wavecrest Village & Tourist Park, 279 Hopetown-Ravensthorpe Rd, Hopetown
Top Events around Around Gold Fields Region
| Feb | Car Rally |
| Mar | Norseman Cup |
| May -June | Lenora Golden Gift and Festival |
| Sept | Races at Kalgoorlie-Boulder |
| Oct | Balzano Barrow Race – Kanowna to Kalgoorlie-Boulder |
Western Australia Travel Guide – Summary
I hope you find this travel guide as a good information source that you can use for your Western Australia trip.
Please let us know if you know of an event or attraction that we have not listed here. Feel free to drop a comment below.
If you want to list your business in the Western Australia Travel Guide please send us a message via the Contact form.
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