By CarMany visitors to Western Australia use their car for the journey. It's often the trip of a lifetime. Unlike travel in the less remote areas, you need to prepare for the long distances between facilites.
For planning purposes consider the following: - Distance - Western Australia is on the far side of the country. Distances in the state are calculated in days, not hours. Getting to Fremantle from Sydney is 4.000 km, from Melbourne, 3.000 km and 2.500 km from Adelaide. If you are a die hard traveller, Weipa is a mere 6,000 km via the Eyre Highway, or 7,000 km via Kununurra. More info.
- Fuel - Prices vary greatly. Across the Nullarbor prices of $2 per litre and more are not unheard of.
- Accommodation - Accommodation is located near most road houses. It can vary from Motel, through Donga and Camping sites. More information about your Nullarbor trip is available.
- Safety - Night time driving in country areas is generally considered a high risk activity due to wild life on the road, including kangaroos, cattle, goats, sandgropers and camels.
- First Aid - Make sure you pack a kit and that it's complete before you set-out. It's often a long way between medical assistance.
- Service - Remember to service your vehicle before getting on the road. Spare parts are often 24 - 48 hours away in case of break-down.
- Tyre Pressure - Setting your tyre pressure to Economy, generally the hardest allowed on your vehicle can increase your fuel economy by more than 50%. This will also reduce tyre fatigue and heating.
- Fruit Fly Exclusion - Western Australia prohibits the importation of many fruits and vegetables, including Honey. You'll be required to throw them in the bin at the border, though we have been known to accept honey for storage at Eucla.
- Water - In isolated Road Houses, water may be in short or no supply. In those cases, don't expect to ask for your kettle to be refilled for free. Water is generally safe to drink, signage is required for non-potable water, but use common sense.
- Other - We drive on the left side of the road, run 240V/50Hz power, have running water in most places and have now got a few traffic lights.
| By AirAir travel in Western Australia is very common and highly recommended. Local transport can be organised via Hire Car, Taxi or Public Transport, depending on your requirements.
Remember when looking at discount airfares to consider the cost of checked luggage, in-flight refreshments and entertainment and other fees/taxes; some airlines charge these as extras.
Most airlines charge extra for phone bookings, so we recommend that you book and pay online.
QANTAS
Hire CarsDriving around using a hire car or campervan is a great way to discover the wide offerings of Western Australia. Check specific terms and conditions as they are often different across State borders. - Hidden Costs - When hiring a car in Western Australia, consider that there are often specific exclusions about use on unsealed roads and that under and over-body damage is generally at the hirer's expense.
- Safety - Night time driving in country areas is generally considered a high risk activity due to wild life on the road, including kangaroos, cattle, goats, sandgropers and camels.
- Insurance - Consider the $0 excess options as you'll be travelling for longer distances in an unfamiliar vehicle.
| AttractionsIf travel by road takes your fancy, consider turning left at Norseman and taking the coast route through Esperance, Albany, Margaret River, Busselton and seeing some of the South West of the state.
Attractions to Discover in WA are many and varied. Here is a quick list :
South West - Albany
- Busselton
- Caves
- Esperence
- Karri Forests
- Margaret River
- Walpole Tree Tops Walk
- Wave Rock
- Wineries
Goldfields - Gold Mine Tours
- Historic Buildings
- Super Pit
Kimberley - Broome and Cable Beach
- El Questro Wilderness Park
- King Leopold Ranges
- Lake Argyle
- Ord River Dam
Mid West - Geraldton Maritime Museum
- Hamlin Pool Stromatelites
- HMAS Sydney Memorial
- Kalbarri
- Monkey Mia
- Ningaloo Reef
- Pinnacles
- Shark Bay
- Wild Flowers
Pilbara - Dampier
- Exmouth
- 80 Mile Beach
- Karijini National Park
- Port Hedland
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