Is Western Australia Worth Visiting? My Honest Take

On By saar.decosterIn Australia

When planning a trip around Australia, most travellers automatically think of the East Coast. Sydney, Byron Bay, the Whitsundays, Cairns… it’s the classic backpacker route, and for good reason.

But what about the West Coast?

After travelling along both coasts, I can honestly say that Western Australia is absolutely worth visiting, but it’s a completely different experience from the East Coast.

During my West Coast Australia road trip, I discovered some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen, incredible wildlife, dramatic landscapes and sunsets that made me want to stop everything and just watch.

But Western Australia isn’t perfect for everyone. The distances are huge, public transport is limited, and you won’t find the same constant party atmosphere as on the East Coast.

So, is Western Australia worth visiting? In my opinion, yes. But whether it’s right for you depends on the kind of Australian adventure you’re looking for.

In this guide, I’ll share what I loved about Western Australia, what surprised me, the downsides you should know about and how it compares to Australia’s East Coast.

Why Western Australia Feels So Different

The biggest difference between Australia’s East and West Coasts is the pace of travelling.

The East Coast is full of backpacker hostels, social nights out, organised tours and popular stops where you constantly meet other travellers. Think of places like Sydney, K’gari and Cairns, where there’s always something happening.

Western Australia feels different.

Think long roads, huge open landscapes, small coastal towns and stretches of coastline where you can find yourself almost completely alone. Instead of rushing from one famous attraction to the next, there’s more room to slow down and enjoy the journey.

At first, the quietness might feel a little strange, especially if you’re used to the busy backpacker scene on the East Coast.

But that’s exactly what makes Western Australia special.

You start appreciating the journey between destinations just as much as the destinations themselves. You can spend an afternoon exploring a beach, watch the sunset without a crowd around you and enjoy the feeling of having so much space.

After travelling through Western Australia, I realised that it isn’t simply another region to add to your Australian itinerary. It’s a completely different way to experience the country.

Kalbarri National Park in Western Australia during a West Coast Australia travel diary, showing dramatic red cliffs, deep canyons and vast open landscapes.
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5 Reasons Western Australia Is Worth Visiting

1. The Beaches Are Absolutely Beautiful

If you’re wondering whether Western Australia is worth visiting for its beaches alone, I’d say yes.

The coastline was one of my favourite parts of the trip. Think bright turquoise water, white sand, rugged cliffs and beaches that feel much quieter than some of Australia’s more famous coastal hotspots.

Places like Shark Bay, Coral Bay and Exmouth offer completely different coastal landscapes, but they all show just how beautiful this part of Australia can be.

What I particularly loved was the feeling of space. Western Australia doesn’t always feel like a destination where you have to fight through crowds to enjoy a beautiful view.

Of course, not every beach is suitable for swimming, and conditions can vary. Always check local advice, currents and marine warnings before getting into the water.

But if you love coastal scenery, beach stops and road trips with plenty of spontaneous detours, Western Australia is hard to beat.

2. The Wildlife Experiences Are Incredible

Another big reason to visit Western Australia is the wildlife.

During my trip, I experienced some unforgettable encounters, including:

Whale sharks near Exmouth: Swimming with whale sharks was one of the most surreal wildlife experiences associated with this region.

Quokkas on Rottnest Island: These famous little marsupials are one of the island’s biggest highlights.

Wild dolphins at Monkey Mia: Seeing dolphins close to shore was a memorable experience during my time in Shark Bay.

Sea turtles: The coastline around Ningaloo Reef offers opportunities to spot marine life, including turtles.

Emus: I even encountered emus walking around campsites, which is a pretty good reminder that Australian wildlife doesn’t always stay where you’d expect it to.

Wild dolphins swimming close to shore at Monkey Mia in Shark Bay Western Australia during sunrise

What I loved most was how wildlife experiences became part of the journey rather than something you had to travel to a zoo to see.

Of course, sightings are never guaranteed, and wildlife should always be observed responsibly. But if seeing animals in their natural environment is high on your travel wish list, Western Australia has plenty to offer.

3. The Sunsets Are Worth Stopping For

I know sunsets are mentioned in almost every travel guide, but the sunsets along Western Australia’s coast genuinely became one of my favourite parts of the trip.

Whether I was around Kalbarri, Denham or Exmouth, the evening light seemed to transform the landscape.

Some evenings brought golden skies over the ocean, while others turned the surrounding landscape into a mix of orange, pink and purple.

Sunset at Chinamans Beach during a West Coast Australia travel diary, with golden light over the ocean, calm waves and a remote Western Australia coastline.

What made these moments even better was that they often didn’t require any planning. You could finish exploring for the day, find a beach or viewpoint and simply stay until the sun disappeared.

After spending time travelling through busier parts of Australia, I loved having these quieter moments.

If you’re planning a West Coast road trip, leave some space in your itinerary for sunset stops. You don’t need to turn every evening into another activity to enjoy it.

4. It’s Perfect for Slow Travel and Road Trips

Western Australia is a destination where the journey matters just as much as the places you visit.

You can drive for hours through changing landscapes, stop at a small coastal town you hadn’t planned to visit and discover beaches or viewpoints along the way.

There’s less pressure to fill every day with activities. Sometimes the best moments come from taking your time rather than trying to tick off every attraction.

Group tour bus parked at sunset during a West Coast Australia travel diary, with warm golden light over the Western Australian landscape after a long day of driving.

For me, this was one of the biggest reasons Western Australia was worth visiting. It encouraged me to slow down and enjoy the places I was travelling through instead of constantly thinking about the next stop.

If you’re planning your own trip, read my Ultimate West Coast Australia Road Trip: Perth to Exmouth. It covers the route and the places I’d consider including in a coastal itinerary.

5. It Feels Like a Different Side of Australia

One thing I appreciated most about Western Australia was how different it felt from the Australia I’d experienced on the East Coast.

The landscapes are often more open, the towns can be quieter, and the feeling of distance is much more noticeable.

You don’t necessarily have a busy backpacker itinerary planned for every day. Instead, you might spend your time exploring a national park, swimming at a beach, watching wildlife or driving to your next destination.

If you enjoy independent travel, nature and discovering places that feel a little less hectic, Western Australia can be a refreshing change.

It’s not that the East Coast is less beautiful or that Western Australia is completely untouched. It’s simply a different kind of travel experience, and that’s exactly why I think both coasts are worth exploring if you have the time.

The Downsides of Visiting Western Australia

Of course, I don’t want to make Western Australia sound perfect. There are a few things worth considering before planning your trip.

1. The Distances Are Huge

This is probably the most important thing to know before visiting Western Australia.

The state is enormous, and destinations that look relatively close together on a map can involve long driving days.

You can spend hours on the road between stops, so it’s important to plan realistic driving times and avoid squeezing too many destinations into a short trip.

If you’re travelling from Perth to Exmouth, for example, you’ll want enough time to enjoy the places along the way instead of treating the entire route as one long drive.

My advice? Plan fewer stops and give yourself more time at each destination. You’ll enjoy the trip much more if you’re not constantly rushing.

2. Getting Around Can Be Difficult Without a Car

Unlike Australia’s East Coast, Western Australia doesn’t have the same straightforward backpacker route connecting every popular destination.

Public transport options can be limited between smaller coastal towns and natural attractions. If you want to explore independently, a rental car or campervan can make a big difference.

You can also join organised tours, which may be a better option if you don’t drive or don’t want to organise a road trip yourself.

If you’re deciding how to travel around Australia, I’ve written a guide comparing the options: Getting Around Australia: Car, Camper or Greyhound Bus?.

3. It’s Quieter Than the East Coast

If you’re travelling solo and hoping to meet people every day, Western Australia might require a little more effort.

There are hostels, tours and social opportunities, but you shouldn’t expect the same constant stream of backpackers and nightlife that you’ll find along some parts of the East Coast.

I personally enjoyed the slower pace, but it won’t suit everyone.

If your ideal trip involves meeting new people at hostels, going out several nights a week and moving along a well-established backpacker route, the East Coast might be the easier choice.

If you’d rather spend time in nature and enjoy a quieter kind of adventure, Western Australia could be exactly what you’re looking for.

The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, Western Australia, on a West Coast Australia itinerary, with limestone formations rising from the golden sand.

4. Flies and Heat Can Be a Challenge

Western Australia’s weather can be beautiful, but the heat and flies can occasionally make outdoor activities less comfortable.

Conditions depend on the season and the region you’re visiting. Some places can get extremely hot, particularly in summer, while flies can be frustrating in certain areas and conditions.

This doesn’t mean you should avoid visiting. It simply means you should plan around the weather, carry enough water, protect yourself from the sun and pack practical clothing.

If you’re flexible with your dates, my guide to the best time to visit Western Australia can help you choose a season that suits your route.

Western Australia vs the East Coast: Which Is Better?

If you’re deciding between Australia’s East and West Coasts, I wouldn’t say one is automatically better than the other. They offer different experiences.

Western AustraliaAustralia’s East Coast
Quieter coastal towns and open landscapesMore established backpacker hubs
Incredible beaches and nature-focused experiencesA mix of beaches, cities and famous attractions
Long distances and more independent road tripsMore transport and tour options on popular routes
Less emphasis on nightlife in many destinationsMore opportunities for parties and social hostels
Great for wildlife and scenic drivesGreat for first-time backpackers and meeting other travellers

After travelling both coasts, I wouldn’t want to choose just one. The East Coast has an incredible social atmosphere and plenty of iconic stops, while Western Australia offers a different kind of beauty and a slower pace.

If you’re curious about how they compare in more detail, read my guide: East Coast vs West Coast Australia: Which Should You Choose?.

How Much Time Do You Need in Western Australia?

I’d recommend allowing around two weeks for a West Coast road trip from Perth towards Exmouth.

That gives you time to explore highlights such as Perth, Rottnest Island, Kalbarri National Park, Shark Bay, Coral Bay and Exmouth, depending on your pace and route.

If you have less time, you can still visit Western Australia, but I’d focus on a smaller area rather than trying to cover huge distances in a few days.

If you have three weeks or longer, you’ll have more flexibility to spend extra time at your favourite stops, explore additional places and take things at a slower pace.

For a more detailed breakdown, read my guide: How Many Days in Western Australia Do You Need? 7, 10, 14 & 21 Day Itineraries.

Is Western Australia Worth Visiting for First-Time Backpackers?

Yes, but it depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your trip.

If this is your first time in Australia and you want an easy route with lots of hostels, social activities and transport connections, the East Coast may be a more straightforward starting point.

Western Australia is a great choice if you’re interested in road trips, wildlife, beaches and nature. It’s especially rewarding if you have enough time to explore at a comfortable pace.

You don’t necessarily need to be an experienced traveller to visit, but you do need to plan transport and distances carefully.

If you’re travelling solo, consider joining a tour or looking into shared road trips if you don’t want to rent a vehicle on your own.

You can also explore my Australia Travel Guide for more inspiration and practical advice.

So, Is Western Australia Worth Visiting?

Yes, Western Australia is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you love nature, beaches, wildlife and road trips.

For me, the highlights weren’t just the famous attractions. They were the quiet beaches, the unexpected wildlife encounters, the sunsets and the feeling of having enough time to enjoy each place.

But I also think it’s important to be realistic. Western Australia is vast, getting around can be challenging without a car or organised tour, and the atmosphere is generally quieter than on the East Coast.

I’d recommend it to travellers who are happy to embrace the journey rather than rush through a checklist of attractions.

And if you have enough time to explore both coasts, even better. They show two very different sides of Australia, and experiencing both gave me a much fuller picture of the country.

My Final Thoughts

After completing my own West Coast Australia road trip and looking back on my West Coast Australia travel diary, I left with a completely different perspective on this part of the country.

It wasn’t just about ticking destinations off a list. It was about slowing down enough to appreciate the places in between.

So, if you’re still wondering whether Western Australia is worth visiting, my answer is yes.

Just don’t expect it to feel like the East Coast. That’s precisely what makes it special.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Is Western Australia Worth Visiting?

Is Western Australia worth visiting?

Yes. Western Australia is worth visiting if you love beautiful beaches, wildlife, national parks and road trips. It’s quieter and more spread out than the East Coast, so it’s best suited to travellers who enjoy nature and don’t mind covering long distances.

Is Western Australia better than the East Coast?

Neither coast is automatically better. The East Coast offers a more established backpacker route, more social hostels and easier transport between popular stops. Western Australia is ideal for quieter beaches, wildlife encounters and scenic road trips. I loved experiencing both because they offer such different travel experiences.

How many days do you need in Western Australia?

I’d recommend around two weeks for a road trip from Perth to Exmouth, although the ideal duration depends on how many stops you want to include. With less time, focus on a smaller region instead of trying to cover the entire coast.

Is Western Australia good for solo travellers?

Yes, but solo travellers should plan transport carefully. You can join organised tours, stay in hostels and look for shared road trips. The social atmosphere can be quieter than on the East Coast, especially in smaller coastal towns.

Do you need a car to visit Western Australia?

A car or campervan gives you the most flexibility for exploring the West Coast. However, you can also visit some destinations through organised tours and other transport options. Check connections in advance because public transport between smaller towns and attractions can be limited.

What is the best time to visit Western Australia?

For a Perth to Exmouth road trip, April and May are good months to consider because temperatures are generally more comfortable and these months fall within the usual whale shark season. Spring is another option, especially if you want to see wildflowers. The best timing depends on your route and priorities.

Is Western Australia expensive to travel around?

Costs depend on your transport, accommodation and activities. Long driving distances mean fuel can add up, while car hire, campervan rental and organised tours can form a significant part of your budget. Planning your route carefully and sharing transport where possible can help manage costs.

Is Western Australia worth visiting if you only have two weeks in Australia?

It can be, especially if you love nature and road trips. However, if you want to visit many famous cities and experience a busy backpacker scene, the East Coast may be easier to explore in a short time. If Western Australia is what excites you most, two weeks can still make for a memorable trip when you focus on a realistic route.

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