Find answers to the most common questions about travel tips, safety, weather, transport, and more—so you can explore with confidence and ease.
There are several ways to get to Western Australia. The most popular driving routes are the epic road trip across the Nullarbor Plain from Adelaide and the East Coast, or via the Savannah Way into the tropics of the North West. There are direct flights to mainland Europe seasonally into Rome, and all year round into London. There are more than 30 international and domestic airlines servicing Perth from around the globe, and for a full list of carriers and routes click here to be taken to Perth Airport’s route map.
All international tourists require a valid visa to be granted access into Western Australia. You may wish to consider the different types of visas on offer as they all have various costs, eligibility and processing times. Visit our visa information page for more information.
Western Australia has 11 public holidays a year including Western Australia Day, Good Friday, New Year’s Day and Christmas Day. View the full list of public holidays and school holidays.
A working holiday is a great way to see and fund travel around Western Australia. The federal government of Australia offers a working holiday maker visa to participating countries. View the latest seasonal and hospitality jobs at westernaustralia.jobs.
In Western Australia emergency services (Police, Fire, Ambulance) can be reached by dialling 000.
Find emergency information by downloading the Emergency WA app.
Set watch zones for the locations you are travelling to and receive live updates on emergencies nearby.
Remember, emergencies are unpredictable and can happen suddenly, causing disruptions to power, internet and telecommunications systems. It’s important you know the different ways to stay informed during your travels.
Fishing is one of the most popular leisure activities in Western Australia, with pristine waters and an abundance of species found in our lakes, rivers and along our coast. For the latest fishing conditions check out the WillyWeather website for forecasted wind, swell and tide reports, and the Department of Fisheries website for more information on licences and requirements.
You must be 18 to drink alcohol in Western Australia. Any alcohol at all will affect your ability to drive.
In Australia, it is an offence to drive while your BAC is 0.05 or above.
GMT+8
To help you practice sustainable travel in Western Australia look out for the EcoStar accreditation symbol on tours and accommodation listings.
Western Australia has a myriad of beautiful rivers and waterways. It's important to respect the power of our waterways and stay safe when enjoying them. View River Safety tips at Royal Life Saving Western Australia.
In Australia, we use Australian dollars – not to be confused with US, Hong Kong or any other dollars. XE Currency Converter will help you convert your own currency at the market exchange rates.
Currency exchange is available at banks, hotels and international airports. Cirrus-compatible ATMs are everywhere, banks line most main streets, and credit cards are widely accepted. Keep in mind, there’s an AUD$10,000 limit for bringing cash into the country (if you bring more, you’ll have to declare it at the border).
Western Australia has a varied climate broadly split across two zones. The south of the State has a largely Mediterranean climate, with pleasant autumn, spring and summers, and cooler wetter winters. In the north and above the Tropic of Capricorn the weather becomes increasingly warm and wet in the summer – this is when our waterfalls are at full flow in the Kimberley, and dry and warm in the winter, spring and autumn. These two climate systems mean you can find a warm sunny place in Western Australia year-round. It’s always summer somewhere.
Western Australia is home to one of the world’s largest annual wildflower blooms, as a swathe of colour sweeps down from the Kimberley, blanketing the Coral Coast and into the national parks, roadsides and gardens of the South West. The six-month flowering season begins in June in the Pilbara, Goldfields and along the Coral Coast. By September, it moves south and reaches Perth, finishing with a flurry in October and November throughout the South West.
Western Australia’s main road network is fully sealed, and can be accessed with a two-wheel drive car or motorcycle. There are also a range of four-wheel drive tracks around the State, and before venturing off the bitumen it is recommended that you inform others of your travel plans, and take recovery equipment, water and 2-way radios. For a list of off-road tracks and trails visit the TrailsWA website.
Free CAT buses travel a network of attractions in and around the city centre. Just look out for the cat symbol at bus stops around the city and hop on.
Travelling on public transport is a great way to see Perth and Western Australia. Tickets can be bought at stations using cash, or your credit/debit card, or you can buy a Smartrider card and add credit to tap at stations. You can find more information at the Public Transport Authority website.