Broome
Discover
Western Australia, Australia
Western Australia is defined by its scale. You can sleep on a Perth hostel bunk and be snorkelling Ningaloo Reef or standing at the red rocks of the Kimberley within a few days — if you’re ready for serious travel time and planning. That distance is the point: WA rewards the patient and penalises last-minute thinkers. Expect long bus or drive legs, seasonal cut-offs for campsites and patchy mobile coverage outside major towns. Budget hack: split campervan hire or join an overnight coach to save on accommodation and daylight driving; stock up at Coles, Woolworths or ALDI in the city and cook at hostels to shave big dollars off your trip.
Things to know
Get to know Western Australia
Top 4 things you need to know before travelling to Western Australia
Distances & practical transport
WA is huge — Perth to Exmouth is a 12+ hour drive. Use overnight coaches or budget flights for long legs and reserve one-way campervan hires in advance. In Perth use Transperth trains and buses (smartRider or pay-as-you-go), and ferries to Rottnest run daily from Fremantle and the CBD — book ferries and any national park campsites weeks ahead in high season.
Best seasons & weather
Coast: hot summers with strong sun (use SPF and reapply). The Kimberley is best in the dry season (May–Sept); roads close or become costly 4WD sand traps in wet months. Margaret River is mild and busiest in summer — book surf lessons and cellar-door tours at least a month ahead during school holidays.
Money, food and where to sleep
Supermarkets: Coles, Woolworths and ALDI have the cheapest staples. Hostels in Perth (CBD/Northbridge) or Freo are cheapest bases; camping and caravan parks save cash if you have cooking kit. Expect coin laundry and fuel costs to be a regular line in your budget — split fuel with travel mates where possible.
Safety and outdoor logistics
Sun and sea are the main hazards: swim between the flags, check local jellyfish/seasonal stinger warnings (Ningaloo/Broome), and carry water on long drives. Mobile coverage is patchy outside towns — download offline maps, leave an itinerary with someone and top up fuel whenever you can.
FAQ
Travel FAQs Western Australia
Common questions backpackers ask about Western Australia
Not for the south-west coast, Perth or major sealed routes. You’ll need 4WD for many Kimberley roads, inland tracks and some remote Cape Leveque/El Questro approaches. If in doubt, research each road’s status and hire appropriate vehicle or join a guided trip.
Give at least 10–14 days to hit Perth, Fremantle, Margaret River and a north-coast snorkel (Ningaloo) or Broome. For the Kimberley allow 7–10 extra days. Short trips work if you prioritise and accept long travel legs.
Yes — hospitality, farm and seasonal work (fruit picking, harvests, tourism) exist but are seasonal and region-specific. Apply to hostels, local job boards and recruitment agencies in regional towns; check visa conditions for work rights.
Ferries from Fremantle or Perth are the only public option. Book return fares early for weekend or summer travel; bring snacks to avoid café prices on the island and hire a bike to get around cheaply.