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West Coast
All you need to know about West Coast
So you’ve travelled Australia’s East Coast and you’re wondering what’s next? The answer, Australia’s West Coast. With beaches to rival the Whitsundays (yes, really!) and home to the most amazing nature, hello whale sharks, this state should be high on your list. While a little harder to travel then the East Coast (sadly no Greyhounds go here) it’s potentially more rewarding. Either grab a camper and your friends for a road trip of a lifetime, or let someone else take care of the itinerary with a guided tour.
Plan Your Adventure
Not sure how to go about exploring this amazing state? Join us on either our annual Welcome to West Coast Community Tour or chat to our community team to plan your own epic personalised adventure.
West Coast Destinations
Perth
Rottnest Island
Kalbarri National Park
Ningaloo Reef
Exmouth
Karijini National Park
Broome
The Kimberleys
South West
"Raw rugged Australia at its finest. In my opinion, it has the most beautiful beaches, i've never seen blues like it before! WA is phenomenal."
Oisin
Perth
Key Characteristics
Perth may be smaller than Melbourne and Sydney, but as the West Coast’s capital, this urban oasis is well worth visiting. In the city, wander around markets and shops, stroll through the abundance of parks and enjoy the local food scene. If you’re after some culture, you’ll find museums and galleries. Oh and Perth’s beautiful beaches are nice and nearby too! Further out the city there are vineyards to explore and of course the whole west coast to backpack.
Type Of Traveller It Suits
Perth has that perfect laid-back feel we love about Australia, as a smaller city, you really can see it all in a day or two. Start off by getting an overview of the city, with a little walk through Kings Park, not only is it one of the biggest city parks in the world, it also has a great sprawling view of Perth. Back in the city you could spend hours meandering around the city’s offerings and checking out the happy hours too. Leave time too, to get to the beaches with the white sands of Cosmo Beach and great snorkelling at Mettams Pool not to be missed.
Backpacker Tips
After a backpacker secret? We love the beach suburb of Fremantle, a train ride out of Perth with stunning beaches, a weekly market and those cool surf town vibes. Spend a few nights in the hostel here as a base out of the city, learn about the convict history in Fremantle Prison, then spend the afternoon at the beautiful beaches.
When it comes to tours in Perth, this is your starting point for some incredible trips either north up to Exmouth and Broome or south east over to Esperance. Thinking of hanging around in Perth for a little while? You’re spoilt for choice with day trips: catch the ferry to Rottnest Island, discover food and wine tasting tours or learn about the convict history of the city.
Visit The West Coast on These Tours
Welcome to Travel holds an annual Community Tour to Australia’s West Coast. Don’t miss booking on to our next one which will be held in 2025!
7 Days / 6 Nights
Welcome to West Coast
Explore Australia’s West Coast on this annual Community Tour.
Rottnest Island
Key Characteristics
We only need to say one word to convince you to go to Rottnest Island: quokkas. These beyond cute creatures call Rottnest Island home, so this is your best chance to catch them for a selfie. Other than the quokkas this island is stunning, with crystal clear water, white sand beaches to snorkel in and lush vegetation, you’ll feel the city of Perth is much further than 19km away.
Type Of Traveller It Suits
The best way to explore Rottnest is by bike. Cycle around the island, stopping at every beach you come to (you’ll thank us for that). There are 63 beaches on this island, so while you won’t get around them all, you’ll absolutely enjoy the ones you do see! Snorkel, swim or just lounge on that gorgeous white sand. Then when you’re ready to explore again start keeping an eye out for the quokkas.
Backpacker Tips
If you’re able to visit Perth and Rottnest between September and November, you’re in luck, because this is whale season. Humpback Whales migrate past Rottnest Island and can be found in their sheltered waters. So if you’re keen to see more than just a quokka, plan your timing for a spring trip.
When it comes to tour options to get to Rottnest Island, there are thankfully options for every budget, ranging from trips that include just your ferry to get here, to ferry with bike hire and full guided tours. There’s a reason this is one of the most popular day tours from Perth, with nature at every turn and an island-paradise so close to the city-centre, make sure Rottnest is on your West Coast list.
Kalbarri National Park
Key Characteristics
Okay so you’re ready to leave Perth behind, but where do you go next? Head north to Kalbarri National Park to see what Western Australia really has to offer. This national park is pretty big, to the south you’ll find incredible cliffs and the ocean, inland to the north east you’ll uncover ancient rock formations and stunning river gorges.
Type Of Traveller It Suits
Kalbarri National Park is a totally different experience to the glorious beaches of the East Coast. This is your chance to feel truly surrounded by nature, not just because the phone signal here can be described as patchy at best. But more due to this amazing landscape, sandstone rock formations dominate this region and as you head further inland you’ll discover just how impressive the force of mother nature can be.
Backpacker Tips
Make sure you’re looking up when you’re exploring Kalbarri, especially when you get to The Stromatolites aka ancient rocks. But these aren’t just any rocks, the fossils here could be the earliest evidence of life on earth… but we’ll let you don Indianan Jone’s hat to decide. Next marvel at the wonders of The Murchison Gorge and don’t forget to grab a pic at Nature’s Window.
While there’s plenty to see here from just walking around, if you want a different view, this is your time to go abseiling. Cascade yourself down these ancient rock formations, and while you’re hanging over the edge don’t forget to take in the views.
Ningaloo Reef
Key Characteristics
You’ve heard of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, but this isn’t the only reef with UNESCO World Heritage Site status in Australia. Putting in a strong competition is Ningaloo Reef, which lies just off the coast of Ningaloo (roughly 1,200 km from Perth). It’s well worth the trip north to experience the sea life here, with manta rays swimming in the shores as well as turtles and fish, you can snorkel to your heart’s content here.
Type Of Traveller It Suits
If you love nature and especially marine life you should make a beeline for Ningaloo Reef, this stunning reef is home to manta rays, turtles, humpback whales and whale sharks. While the truly best place to swim with Whale Sharks is slightly further north nearer Exmouth (more on that below) there’s still so much to see here.
Backpacker Tips
If you’re travelling on a tighter budget, you may consider investing in your own snorkel here. This is because the reef is pretty close to the shoreline so you can still swim with an abundance of fish and maybe a turtle if you’re lucky, without the need of a tour. That being said, if you have the budget, definitely consider a tour here, these can range from snorkel trips to glass bottom boats to swimming with manta rays! So you can pick the one for your budget and love of nature.
If you’re here at the right time of year (September to November) you can also swim with or watch humpback whales as they migrate along the West Coast. The rest of the year you’ll have to make do with turtles and manta rays, it’s a hard life. If you’re not too keen on getting into the water, glass bottom boat tours ensure you can still see marine life without the need to get wet.
Exmouth
Key Characteristics
Australia really is the land that keeps on giving when it comes to animals. You’ve ticked off the obvious kangaroos and koalas, you’ve swum with so many fish you’ve lost count. You might have even seen penguins and quokkas. But that’s all nothing compared to what Exmouth has on offer. Drumroll please: Whale Sharks. Yep you heard that right, these graceful sea creatures make their way past the coastline between March and August and you can swim with them.
Backpacker Tips
Exmouth is the place to come snorkelling and scuba diving, there is so much sea life to see. And when Whale Shark season is underway this spot is the hot spot for tourists. Our biggest tip? Book your whale shark tour and your accommodation nice and early as we know from experience this can sell out. But that’s not all, as the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef which we’ve tempted you with already, there are still manta rays, turtles and more to see. Then once you’ve snorkelled the whole of the reef, head closer inland to scuba at Navy Pier, one of the best land dive sites to explore.
Away from the water’s edge is just as tempting. Once you tear yourself away from the turquoise waters, take time to chill out on the white sandy beaches. Then if you have the energy (and the time!) take in the wider area, from the town of Exmouth to further afield at Cape Range where you’ll find canyons and ancient cliffs not to mention kangaroos and echidnas.
When it comes to researching the perfect tour to swim with Whale Sharks, you don’t need to do a thing… well you do need to do one thing. Get in touch with us with your dates and we’ll match you up with the perfect whale shark tour. Also keep an eye on our West Coast Community Tours, we only run these a few times a year, but we always make sure they’re in Whale Shark season so join us from Perth to Exmouth for a trip of a lifetime with the WTT fam.
Karijini National Park
Key Characteristics
So first things first, Karijini National Park is best explored on foot. So this is for you if you have your hiking boots at the ready and a thirst for adventure. But what’s on offer? Well Karijini has a bit of everything. Incredible cliff top walks and unbelievable lookouts, then in the gorges themselves you’ll find swimming holes, waterfalls and vertical canyons to stare at. Do we need to tempt you anymore?
Backpacker Tips
This place is huge! And you could spend days or weeks hiking around and exploring. But let’s cut to the chase. Get ready to spot gigantic rock formations that glow red in the afternoon sun, magical waterfalls with pristine swimming holes and clear starry skies.
Thankfully those of us without the desire to hike for days can still enjoy the best of Karijini. Start by walking the Gorge Rim Track to Dales Gorge (this section is only 2km, aka anyone can do it), then continue on to Fortescue Falls (only another km). With that hike ticked off you can sit back and enjoy your rewards, a pretty spectacular waterfall. Then in the north of the Park, make a beeline to Oxer Lookout for incredible views over not one, not two, but four gorges!
As Karijini National Park is quite the drive from Perth (about 15 hours non-stop) this park is best explored as part of a road trip towards Exmouth or on a guided tour. Whichever option your pondering over, get in touch and we can help find the best option for you.
Broome
Key Characteristics
Much further north but well worth the journey, Broome is vibrant, multicultural and tropical, its unique combination makes it well worth a visit. But what does that mean? Well with a strong Aboriginal presence mixed with immigrants from Indonesia, China, Japan and Europe you’ll find a mish-mash of cultural offerings, excellent food and a buzz about this town that’s truly unique. That’s not all on offer. You’re in red dirt country now. Explore deep red ground next to aqua coloured seas, long beaches and rugged scenery.
Backpacker Tips
If you’re wanting to see a whole new side of Australia the north of WA feels it’s many miles away from the cities of Melbourne and Sydney. This tropical town has been a resort town for many years, so it is packed with activities… some are a little more unique. Yep, this is the perfect spot for a camel ride along the beach. But that’s not all, there are real life dino tracks to be found in the surrounding red rocks, you can take a tour around a pearl farm and still see the glorious beaches you’ve come to expect from WA. Sign me up!
The first place you have to go to is Cable Beach, which is staggering 22km long! You won’t be able to explore all of it and that’s ok but you should certainly see some of it. If you’re feeling more adventurous, book a sunset camel ride along the beach, or if your backpack budget won’t stretch to the ride, wander down to watch the camels ride past for a magical evening.
Wondering how on earth you can travel to Broome? Without the handy Greyhound bus your best two options are via camper van or on a booked tour. As this is a massive drive from Perth (nearly 24 hours of non-stop driving, eek) we recommend a tour so you can sit back, relax and be driven to the best spots. You can take in Broome either on a tour from Perth or the slightly closer Darwin.
The Kimberleys
Key Characteristics
Get ready to be immersed in a whole new and at times isolated rugged landscape, this is one of the least populated places on Earth. The Kimberleys are ancient and spectacular. Your camera roll is going to be looking a little different from the scores of white beaches so get ready to feel disconnected. Picture majestic canyons, freshwater swimming holes and outback stations – this is the real deal. Then be the envy of all your mates as you tell them this is the place to be in Australia.
Backpacker Tips
How do you even start with exploring The Kimberley? There’s almost too much to see and do here. But what we think should be on your bucket list are: the incredible waterfall Horizontal Falls, the amazing rock formations of Bungle Bungle Range which are a mind-boggling 360-million-years old and not forgetting the ancient rock art galleries hidden in the rivers and bays.
This is a destination for a proper adventure, it can also be pretty inaccessible in the wet season of November to April so deffo travel during dry season… unless you want to be washed away. Then keep away from some of the stunning looking creeks as you go as you’re in croc country. But we don’t want to scare you off, The Kimberley is an awesome destination combining towering limestone cliffs with beautiful rock pools for a true Aussie adventure.
But how can you possibly see all of that? Again there are two main options, by car or via a tour. As this is such a remote part of Australia, you need to be a pretty confident outback driver to take this on on your own – and ideally with a four-wheel drive. If you’d prefer to sit back and enjoy there are tours that cover The Kimberley that stretch from Broome to Darwin and vice versa, so you’ll take in some epic scenery as you go.
South West
Key Characteristics
So you’ve heard of Esperance the home of a kangaroo-filled beach (yes really!) and incredible pink lakes and you’re maybe thinking if you should road trip Perth to Exmouth in the north or head west from Perth to Esperance. Well we’re not going to make it an easy decision because we think the South West of WA is well worth a visit. It’s got incredible beaches, all your Aussie wildlife and feels a little off the backpacker beaten track, get ready for an adventure.
Backpacker Tips
Esperance may be your goal, but the South West has so many offerings. Get ready for some long drives and the slower pace of life that the Aussies love. Starting in Perth head to the wine region of Margaret River but that’s not all Margaret River has in stall, take a detour to Hamelin Beach where stingrays can come right up to shore. Further south west, stop at the Green Pools for a beach day near Denmark then take in the slow pace of life at the stunning coastal town of Albany.
But it’s Esperance you’ve come to see, spend a day at Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park which dare we say might just might be the best beach in Australia (sorry Whitehaven). Aim to arrive before sunrise which is when you’ll have the best chance of seeing kangaroos on the beach for that truly iconic Aussie photo. You could spend at least another day exploring the National Park, and we also love Hellfire Bay in the Park too. And how could we forget that iconic pink lake? For the very best views you want a scenic flight, but a drive alongside still offers some of that pink hue.
One of the best ways to experience the South West is on a road trip so grab a mate and we can hire you a camper and set you off on your way. We’d recommend a minimum of a week to take in the South West and pace out those long drives but 8-10 days is probably ideal.
Visit The West Coast on These Tours
Welcome to Travel holds an annual Community Tour to Australia’s West Coast. Don’t miss booking on to our next one which will be held in 2025!
7 Days / 6 Nights
Welcome to West Coast
Explore Australia’s West Coast on this annual Community Tour.
Travel is all about meeting people
Before Your Tour
Connect with future travellers
Our official Facebook group to help future travellers connect with one another, ask questions and get expert advice.
When Booked On a Tour
Connect with your group on WhatsApp
A week before your tour, you’ll be added to a WhatsApp group chat that includes all of your future new friends and Guide that will be joining you on tour. Get to know each other beforehand, plan meetups, share tour bants and pics, and keep in touch here well after the tour ends.
After Your Tour
Connect with the WTT Community
Our official Facebook group for everyone who has travelled with Welcome to Travel. Your tour may be over but we want to make sure we stay in touch, know all about your travels and be a community that helps one another.
Want To Know More About West Coast?
We love to hear from you and help you with your travel plans. If you have any questions at all then feel free to get in touch. Not only can you message us, we also offer free travel advice calls meaning you can have a real conversation with a real person that’s been in your shoes.
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