Best Time to Visit
April to October
The tropical north, including the Kimberley, is best visited April to September before the wet season arrives. The south-west around Margaret River and Perth is comfortable year-round but best in autumn and spring. Wildflower season runs August to October in inland regions.
Top Destinations in Western Australia
Margaret River
Premium surf, over 200 wineries, magnificent karri and jarrah forests, and an extraordinary network of limestone caves.
The Kimberley
One of the world's last great wildernesses, home to the Bungle Bungles, Horizontal Falls, El Questro and the remote Gibb River Road.
Broome
Cable Beach, pearling history, camel rides at sunset and the gateway to the Kimberley make Broome a must for WA visitors.
Ningaloo Reef
A UNESCO World Heritage reef where you can swim with whale sharks from March to July and snorkel directly from the beach.
Rottnest Island
Just 25km from Perth, Rottnest has quokkas, pristine bays, no private cars and some of WA's best snorkelling.
Perth
Consistently sunny, with excellent beaches, a thriving food and craft beer scene and easy access to Fremantle's history and markets.
Must-Do Experiences
Swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo
Exmouth and Coral Bay tour operators offer guided snorkel tours from around $350. One of Australia's most extraordinary wildlife experiences.
Drive the Gibb River Road
A 660km unsealed outback track through the Kimberley. 4WD essential, and allow 7 to 10 days to do it justice. September to October is ideal.
Visit a Margaret River winery
Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate and Cullen Wines are outstanding. Many have restaurants or picnic areas for a long lunch.
Feed the Quokkas on Rottnest Island
Take the ferry from Fremantle or Hillarys. Hire a bike, explore the bays and enjoy the resident quokkas who seem genuinely happy to pose for photos.
Accommodation Tips
Budget (hostels, camping)
$30 to $70 per night
Exmouth and Coral Bay have backpacker-friendly options. Gibb River Road camping is free but remote and self-sufficient.
Mid-range (motels, farm stays)
$120 to $210 per night
Margaret River has great mid-range options if you book ahead. Broome prices spike significantly during peak dry season.
Premium (boutique lodges)
$250 to $700+ per night
El Questro and Berkeley River Lodge in the Kimberley are bucket-list wilderness experiences at a premium price.
Budget Breakdown
Approximate daily costs for a solo traveller in Western Australia.
Prices are approximate guides based on 2025 averages.
Hyden and Wave Rock
Five hours east of Perth, the ancient granite Wave Rock rises 15 metres and stretches 110 metres, and almost nobody outside of WA knows it exists. Combine it with the quirky town of Hyden and the granite formations at Mulka's Cave for a fascinating overnight road trip.