Plan Your Visit

Before you visit Western Australia, read through our fast facts and travel tips including driving in WA, visas and getting around.

Fast facts

• Western Australia, Australia's largest state is 2,525,500 sq km, about the same size as Western Europe.
• The population is around 2.5 million. About 1.9 million live in the capital city, Perth. (2016 Census)
• Perth enjoys a true Mediterranean climate with long hot summers, December - February and mild cool winters, June - August.
• Perth has incredibly blue skies and more hours of sunshine than any other Australian capital city - around 8 hours a day.
• Be sun smart - the Western Australian sun is very strong. To avoid sunburn, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, especially between 10am and 3pm.

Getting here

• Perth is Australia's western gateway and a major hub for international air services from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the United Kingdom and Europe.
• Domestic airlines operate daily services to Perth from the Eastern States. There are also regional services from Perth to many destinations within the state.

Getting around

• Perth Airport is 20 km east of the city. Taxi's are available from both the domestic and international terminals and it is a 20-30 minute journey.
• Perth and Fremantle are serviced by an efficient public transport system as well as a free shuttle bus, the Central Area Transit - CAT. Fremantle is 20 km from Perth city or 20 minutes by car.
• Perth's beaches are some of the best  in Australia and are just  15-20 minutes by car from the city.

Visas

All people, except Australian and New Zealand passport holders, require a visa to enter Australia. For information concerning different viasa available, contact your Australian consulate in your home country.

Driving

• Visitors to Western Australia may drive on a valid overseas driver's licence for the same class of vehicle.
• Vehicles travel on the left hand side of the road and the wearing of seat belts is compulsory for all passengers.