Western Australia is the largest Australian state, occupying the western third of the continent. The large majority of the 2 million inhabitants live in the South-western area close to Perth. Beyond that, Western Australia's vast wilderness is very sparsely populated, with only a handful of townships over a few thousands residents. The state's main attraction resides precisely in its overall remoteness and huge expanses of untouched scenery.
History of Western Australia
The first European to visit Western Australia was Dutch explorer, Dirk Hartog who on 26 October 1616 landed at Cape Inscription, Dirk Hartog Island. By the late 1700s, British and French sailors had also begun to explore the Western Australian coast.
The origins of the present state began with the establishment of a British settlement at King George Sound in 1826 (later named Albany from 1832). The settlement was founded in response to concern about the possibility of a French colony being established on the coast of Western Australia.
The colony eventually became a state of Australia on 1 January 1901.
Adventure Travel & Tours in Western Australia
Adventure Travel represents over 1,000 hostels, hotels, tour companies & attractions across Australia that we can book for you often at a discouted rate. At Adventure Travel we also operate a number of our own tours.
Currency used in Western Australia
In Western Australia the standard currency used is the Australia Dollar. The Australia dollar comes in denominations of 5c ,10c ,20c ,50c ,$1 & 2$ coins, and $5, $10, $20, $50 & $100 notes. Most bars, restaurants, backpacker hostels, shops and Adventure Tour desks in Western Australia all take credit card, eftpos and cash. There is several cash machines in Western Australia all which dispense the Australia Dollar currency. To check the Australian dollar exchange rate against a foreign currency then click here.
Backpacker Hostel Accommodation & Hotels in Western Australia
In Western Australia there is a number of Backpacker Hostels and Hotels where we can pre - book your accommodation. If you are looking for a budget hostel bed the click here or if you are looking for more luxurious accommodation then click here.
Discounted Travel Insurance
Adventure Travel offers a range of Backpacker Insurance policies at heavily discounted rates. We understand that you are on a budget and prefer to save your money to backpack around the world.
Security in Western Australia
Western Australia in Australia is a very safe place to travel with 1,000's of visitors touring through Western Australia every year. This is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts, sunlovers, families and backpackers. To check any foreign office information on Australia you can click here.
Weather in Western Australia
Western Australia has various climatic zones (from the tropical north, to the temperate and mediterranean South, and the desert and barren inland). To get more information on the weather in Western Australia, Australia, then click here.
Travel to Western Australia
By Air - Perth International Airport (PER) is the only airport in Western Australia with regular international flights. However there are a small number of interstate flights to Kalgoorlie and Broome. By Road - There are only two sealed roads into Western Australia: in the south, the Eyre Highway is the most direct route from Adelaide to Perth. In the north, the Victoria Highway connects the Kimberley region with the Northern Territory up to Darwin. Both are extremely long drives. Perth-Adelaide (2104 km) is at least 3 days of driving with stops only to sleep. Darwin-Perth is at least a week.
By Rail - There is one railway connecting Western Australia with the eastern states. The Indian Pacific train service runs between Sydney and Perth via Adelaide.
Regions of Western Australia
In the far North, the remote Kimberley is a huge chunk of wilderness with astounding scenery.
The coast of the Gascoyne in the middle of the State offers various wonders: the Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay is a UNESCO world heritage site.
The Western coast (Mid West) has various surfing beaches.
Around Perth ( Great Southern, Heartlands, Peel, Perth (region) and South West) are laid-back agricultural, with some fine wineries in the South and large forests.
Towards South Australia, the Goldfields-Esperance region is an extremely infertile dry and flat land, with the population concentrated in the town of Kalgoorlie.
The inner area of the state is a huge remote barren desert with little to no population.
Places to see in Western Australia
The Pinnacles Desert - a little over 100km North of Perth, is an eerie landscape of limestone pillars rising from the sand.
Kalbarri National Park - 500km North of Perth, features beautiful gorges and cliffs.
SharkBay - 850km from Perth is a UNESCO world heritage site. The shores of Monkey Mia are home to a population of dolphins and other marine mammals.
MountAugustus - 900 km from Perth, a "rival" of the better-known Uluru in Northern Territory, is often claimed to be the largest monolith on Earth.
Coral Bay and Exmouth - 1250km from Perth, are the gateway to the magnificent Ningaloo Reef
KarijiniNational Park - 1500km from Perth, is a major destination in the Pilbara, featuring huge canyons and gorges, and nice hikes through majestic scenery.
PurnululuNational Park - approx. 2500 km from Perth, is rather tough to access and requires a 4WD, but the remoteness of the park is precisely what makes it more attractive. It features the enigmatic Bungle Bungles dome formations.
Rottnest Island - directly out to sea in front of Perth, is a popular retreat for locals.
Margaret River - 270 km South of Perth, is at heart of a fine winery region.
Driving in Western Australia
Unless you have a private plane, be ready to drive a lot to get from point A to point B. There are only a limited number of sealed roads so if you plan to drive into more remote areas you need to consider a 4WD.
Sealed highways and byways
Albany Highway, from Perth to Albany Eyre Highway, from Perth to South Australia, a very long drive crossing the Nullarbor plain Great Northern Highway, up to the Northern extremity of the state Victoria Highway, connecting the Great Northern highway to the Stuart Highway
Unsealed tracks
These tracks should definitively not be taken lightly, especially if you have no experience in driving off-road in the Australian desert. Be extremely cautious; Petrol supply is scarce, water is rare and accommodation is close to inexistent. A 4WD is very strongly recommended.
The 650 km long Gibb River Road crosses through the heart of Kimberley in the North trough majestic scenery. The Gunbarrel Highway crosses the heart of the continent to Kata Tjuta in the Northern Territory. The comparatively easier Tanami track crosses the Tanami desert to the Red Centre in Northern Territory.
Tours / Packages Related To: Western Australia
1 Day Margaret River and Fossil Caves Day Tour Taste the wines and explore vast underground caves in a day of discovery along this Indian Ocean coastline.Visit Xanadu Winery, one of the region’s oldest and taste from a selection of fine Australian wines. Enjoy a genuine Australian picnic style lunch.Enjoy a guided tour of Mammoth Cave, one...
From $213 AUD
Perth & Fremantle Full Day Experience We start by staying within the city limits and to Kings Park which occupies approximately 400 hectares of Mount Eliza overlooking the city of Perth and the Swan River. The Park has much to offer with its sweeping parklands, Botanic Garden, wildflowers (which are spectacular, especially i...
From $313 AUD
3 Day Cape Leveque Experience The Dampier Peninsula is one of the most spectacular coastal environments in Western Australia, and the perfect place to experience indigenous culture in the Kimberley. Visit historical local communities, learn about local bush tucker, enjoy a taste of indigenous Bardi lifestyle, relax on beautiful ...
From $675 AUD
Bungle Bungle Discovery -ex Kununurra Explore the rugged beauty of the northern end of Lake Argyle and cruise the Ord River through the magnificent Carlton Gorge... Day 1: Arrive Kununurra Clients arriving by air will be transferred to the hotel. Today is at leisure to explore the frontier town of Kununurra, the hub of the Ord River...
From $1275 AUD
Broome to the Bungle Bungles Adventure Tour This 5 day adventure offers the best way to really experience the Kimberley wilderness: enjoy campfires under a canopy of Kimberley stars, check out one of the world’s most unique landscapes at the famous Bungle Bungles, take a cruise through majestic Geikie Gorge, delve into Dreamtime at Mimb...
From $1265 AUD
5 Days Perth to Exmouth Explore the stunning beaches and dramatic gorges, the mysterious limestone Pinnacles, Kalbarri National Park gorges and Monkey Mia finishing in Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef.Itinerary: day by dayDay 1 - Perth to KalbarriJump aboard as we head north to Nambung National Park and explore the fascinating fo...
From $825 AUD
5 Days Kununurra and East Kimberley Highlights Experience an AAT Kings independent tour, explore East Kimberley, see Kumumurra, cruise Lake Argyle and Ord River and visit El Questro Wilderness ParkDay 1: Arrive KununurraUpon arrival in Kununurra you will be transferred to your hotel. Today is at your leisure to explore this frontier town, which ...
From $1060 AUD
Secrets of Esperance Backpacker Tour This camping adventure showcases the south west of Western Australia with a real focus on Cape le Grand National Park. The tour travels through the central wheat belt to Wave Rock then down to Hopetoun before into Esperance and Cape le Grand National Park. Two days to explore this ...
From $780 AUD
9 Days 4WD Darwin to Broome Explore the rich beauty, hidden gorges, flowing rivers and stunning landscapes of the Kimberley region of North West Australia. For the fit and active who want to well and truly get off the beaten track. ATTENTION: This tour is only for fit and active people, who can hike 5-9kms a day over uneven te...
From $1950 AUD
9 Days 4WD Broome to Darwin Explore the rich beauty, hidden gorges, flowing rivers and stunning landscapes of the Kimberley region of North West Australia. For the fit and active who want to well and truly get off the beaten track. ATTENTION: This tour is only for fit and active people, who can hike 5-9kms a day over uneven te...
From $2050 AUD
10 Days Broome to Perth Explore the beautiful blue oceans and pure white sand of the amazing Coral Coast and the hidden gorges and tranquil freshwater swimming holes of Karijini National Park. For the fit and active, a real chance to connect with the breathtaking surrounds. Itinerary: day by dayDay 1 - Broome to Indee Stat...
From $1645 AUD
Adelaide to Perth Backpacker Tour We depart Adelaide for the Flinders Ranges, and from there we stay overnight in an updated Shearers quarters..As we travel west we take in spectacular scenery- rugged coastline - giant eucalypts and spot native animals along the way..... Day 1 Our adventure begins north from Adelaide. Depending ...
From $1350 AUD
10 Days Perth to Broome Explore the beautiful blue oceans and pure white sand of the amazing Coral Coast and the hidden gorges and tranquil freshwater swimming holes or Karijini National Park. For the fit and active, a real chance to connect with the breathtaking surrounds. Itinerary: day by dayDay 1 - Perth to HorrocksWe ...
From $1645 AUD
11 Days Wonders of the Kimberley See the Best of the Kimberley with AAT Kings, including Darwin & Broome. Enjoy a dreamtime experience, wildlife spotting cruise and El Questro Wilderness Park.Day 1: Arrive BroomeOn arrival in Broome you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow ...
From $4739 AUD
11 Day Best of Kimberley Darwin to Broome See the Best of the Kimberley with AAT Kings, including Darwin & Broome. Enjoy a dreamtime experience, wildlife spotting cruise and El Questro Wilderness Park.Day 1: Arrive DarwinOn arrival in Darwin you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy a tour of the tropical city of Darwi...
From $4739 AUD
Broome to Darwin Camping Adventure Tour Fully Escorted Camping Adventures featuring Broome, Windjana Gorge, El Questro, Kununurra, Katherine, Kakadu, Darwin Day 1: Arrive BroomeYou will be met on arrival at Broome Airport. This evening enjoy a welcome drink with your crew and travelling companions as you watch a breathtaking sunset o...
From $2999 AUD
14 Days Perth to Broome & return Explore the beautiful blue oceans and pure white sand of the amazing Coral Coast and the hidden gorges and tranquil freshwater swimming holes or Karijini National Park. For the fit and active, a real chance to connect with the breathtaking surrounds. Itinerary: day by dayDay 1 - Perth to HorrocksWe ...
From $2555 AUD
Darwin to Ayers Rock Camping Adventure Day 1 Tue: Arrive DarwinOn arrival in Darwin you will be transferred to your hotel. Later join a city orientation tour. Enjoy a welcome drink this evening with your crew.Hotel: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort, Darwin.Day 2 Wed: Kakadu National ParkWe travel deep into Kakadu National Par...
From $3930 AUD
North West Adventure - Ayers Rock to Darwin Day 1 Wed: Arrive Ayers RockOn arrival in Ayers Rock you will be transferred to your hotel. Watch the changing colours of Uluru at sunset while enjoying a complimentary glass of wine.Camp: Ayers Rock Resort. DDay 2 Thu: Ayers Rock – Kings CanyonWatch the sunrise over Uluru and ...
From $3930 AUD
22 Days Darwin to Perth Experience the bluest oceans, untouched beaches, rugged bush terrain, unique rock formations and striking gorges as you explore the north west of Australia. This tour is only for fit and active people, who can hike 5-9kms a day over uneven terrain, often in high temperatures. Temperatures can be ext...
From $3695 AUD
Kimberley Mega Safari - Alice Springs to Darwin Discover the true expanse of the North Western region of Australia from the vastness of the Tanami Desert to the beauty of Windjana Gorge and the water falls of Litchfield. Experience all the diversity of this great land. Destinations Alice Springs Tanami Tra...
From $4450 AUD
Greyhound Bus Pass- Perth to Broome Enjoy the spectacular Western Australian coastline and the Indian Ocean. Visit the historic pearling centre of Broome and the Dolphins at Monkey Mia. Valid: 183 Days Travel Distance: approx 4115km Incl Transfers: A, B, C NOTE: Concession rate metioned above applies to ISIC, VIP, YHA, G...
