In many ways, Western Australia represents both the nation’s future and its past. Until recently, the region was the country-bumpkin relative of its city-slicker eastern cousins; only the hardy and adventurous would venture here to work, surf, and experience the outback in its vast, most isolated glory. But consistent growth over the last forty years—particularly in the thriving iron ore and gold mining industries—has helped transform the region into a major player on Australia’s economic stage and a tourist destination in its own right.
These days, there’s something here for everyone. Perth, the region’s biggest city with a population of 1.5 million, offers cafes, concerts, and cosmopolitanism on par with any of the East’s biggest metropolises. The Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay World Heritage Region both give the Great Barrier Reef a run for its money; the massive forests of the Southwest house some of Australia’s biggest, oldest, and most beautiful trees; and the Margaret River vineyards produce some of the nation’s most highly esteemed vintages.
Despite recent growth, sophistication, and a new emphasis on tourism, Western Australia has largely maintained its country, small-town feel. Jaded, urbanite attitude melts away in these humble towns. Westralians promote their lifestyle, their region, and its strengths with a pride that’s truly old-school.
Because of the vast distances between towns and the dearth of long-haul transportation, many travelers—even those on a budget—buy cars or campervans for long visits (see Buying and Selling Used Cars) ...more
Flights arrive at and depart from Perth Airport, east of the city. The international terminal is 8km away from all domestic terminals; keep this in mind if you’re planning a connection. If you are ...more
Although Perth’s streets are not quite aligned north-south or east-west, it helps to think of them as such, and locals will understand what you mean if you refer to them that way. The north-south streets ...more
Northbridge and the CBD are both compact and easy to navigate on foot. Free CAT buses whisk passengers around central Perth and Fremantle, and central Perth is a free transit zone for all buses and trains ...more
Tourist Office: Perth Visitors Centre (☎ 1300 361 351), on the corner of Wellington St. and Forrest Pl. Books tours and sells maps of WA. Open Sept.-Apr. M-Th 8:30am-6pm, F 8:30am-7pm, Sa 9:30am-4 ...more
Most of Perth’s hostels are located in Northbridge, though hostels in the CBD may offer more privacy and space. Kitchen, laundry, Internet, and linen are all standard in hostels; many also offer ...more
Perth has received many accolades for its multicultural cuisine. Northbridge is full of Asian restaurants, particularly along William St. Meanwhile, James St. takes you from Greece to Thailand and back ...more
Swan Bells. Perth’s most recognizable landmark is also one of the world’s largest musical instruments—a glass bell tower designed to recall the city’s ship-building past. Perched like a swan ...more
Perth’s laid-back attitude keeps the pubs, clubs, and cafes hopping. Northbridge starts partying around 10pm and rages late into weekend nights. Mt. Lawley and Subiaco have more upscale, subdued nightlife ...more
Tourism in the Southwest is booming, and it’s not hard to see why—Mother Nature has been kind to the region. The adventurous can hike in the Stirling and Porongurup ranges, dive with dolphins in ...more
The easiest way to see the Southwest is by car; many sights are well off the bus routes, and public transportation is often inadequate or nonexistent. Once completely out of Perth, the 3hr. drive south ...more
Margaret River lies 100km south of Bunbury on the Bussell Highway (Hwy. 10), which becomes the town’s main street. The scenic Caves Road branches off the Bussell Hwy. at Busselton, 52km from Bunbury ...more
The lack of centralized attractions means transportation can be a hassle. Buses run by South West Coachlines depart Margaret River from Charles West St., two blocks from the Bussell Hwy., and goes to Perth ...more
Tourist Offices: Augusta Visitor Centre (☎ 08 9758 0166), on the corner of Bussell Hwy. and Ellis St. Free accommodation booking. Open daily 9am-5pm. Busselton Tourist Bureau ...more
Visitors to the Margaret River area can choose to stay in a wide range of settings, from vineyards to beaches to tuart forests. Upscale options tend to be the norm—with wine comes money, and luxury ...more
Because of the high standards for food and wine in the Margaret River area, eating out can be sensational. Cafes, bistros, restaurants, and gourmands line Bussell Hwy. and its few side streets in town ...more
The Margaret River area boasts numerous farms that offer food tastings, demonstrations, and farmstays. There are also dozens of regional art galleries around the wine country. In Dunsborough, these are ...more
Although Australian wine can stand on its own, many food artisans peddle their wares around Margaret River, providing samples of their own to accompany any vintage. Begin your behind-the-scenes culinary ...more
In 1893, hundreds of kilometers east of Perth, a group of Irish prospectors stumbled onto the Golden Mile, the most gold-rich square mile in the world. Thus the city of Kalgoorlie was born, and to this ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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