+1 800 554 9059When Is The Best Time To Visit Western Australia?
November 14, 2022
Picture it. You are on a dream vacation in Australia. Taking in the sights, sounds, and all that the beautiful country has to offer. What do you see?
Like most people, you probably envision a trip to the Sydney Opera House, exploring the Blue Mountains, and some time spent wandering in Brisbane—and that’s a stunning trip.
But, for one who wants to take the path less chartered, Western Australia is a world of adventure waiting to unfold. Learn about the best time to visit Western Australia with your dream experiences in mind.
Where Is Western Australia?
Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, made up of just five states. That makes this destination one that you can visit again and again without ever seeing all there is to offer. For comparison, Australia has a population density of 3.3 people per square kilometer vs. the USA, which has 36 people per kilometer. Since these countries are of similar geographical size, you can see that Australia truly is a beautiful and pristine wilderness, with much of that wilderness located in Western Australia, the largest of the five states.
Western Australia takes up the entire western one-third of the country and is bordered by the Indian Ocean. It has a myriad of climates based on where you go, from four seasons, to tropical, to arid. So, timing your trip is extremely important depending on what you want to see.
Best Time To Visit Western Australia
Because of the many different climates in Western Australia, you can visit this destination year-round. But, depending on your travel goals and where you would like to stay, some times of the year are better than others in specific locations. So, we will break down the travel times for you below.
Where Is The Tropic Of Capricorn (TOC)
Before diving into the seasons, we need to understand the circle of latitude, the Tropic of Capricorn. This circle wraps around the globe, creating a fluctuating line through southern Africa, South America, and Australia. Here is where the southern temperate zones and northern tropics meet. This makes the southern part of Australia perfect for a Summer getaway, November through March, and the northern region for May to October when temperatures are mild.
When To Explore Perth
South of TOC
With its Mediterranean weather, Perth can be visited year-round. But, for visitors who want to hit the beach, experts suggest booking your tickets between November and April. However, the locals might disagree—visiting the beach all year. Since Perth is one of the most isolated capital cities on earth, it is surrounded by stunning sites on all sides. Skip the beach to explore the desert, or head out on a tour to take advantage of the beauty around the city. You won’t be disappointed by this growing metropolis.
Western Australia’s Whale Migration Season
North and South of TOC
One of the most spectacular things to do in Western Australia is to witness the beautiful whale migration. Between July and October, the humpbacks, southern rights, and blue whales put on a stunning show near the coast. We love to send our clients on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to explore the famous Ningaloo Reef to hopefully see some whale sharks and humpback whales like you could never imagine. This trip is packed with adventures and is called Western Australia’s Wine, Whales & Quokkas trip.
Turtle Nesting On The Ningaloo Coast
North of TOC
The Ningaloo coast is also famous for its turtle breeding. Between December and March, turtles shimmy their way up the coast to lay their eggs; six weeks later, tons of hatchlings come alive. They then use their instincts to take themselves back into the water to begin a long and bountiful life.
When To Visit Rottnest Island
South of TOC
Rottnest Island has a beautiful Mediterranean climate but can also display the extremes, offering days of sweltering heat and little shade. So, we like to send people out between October and April. You can catch calmer seas in this time frame, which is perfect for exploring in whatever way you please.
Swim With Whale Sharks In Western Australia
North and South TOC
Whale sharks are beautiful and docile. Getting up close and personal with them with the help of a passionate ecological local guide is something from a storybook. The best time to capture their stunning display is between March and July. Only one in three million people will get to swim with these, the world’s biggest fish, in their lifetime. Talk about adventure!
Hang Out With Quokkas On Rottnest Island
South of TOC
These cute little scavengers are not afraid of humans and can be visited yearly. But, if you want the ultimate quokka experience to catch these smiling animals with their babies, we recommend visiting right after the breeding season. In this timeframe, you can see the mama quokkas with their little joeys in their pouches. This remarkable phenomenon lasts for around six months, between April and December. We love the joy the “happiest animals on earth” bring our fellow travelers.
There is so much to see and do in this exhilarating state. And our team has seen firsthand the wonders of Western Australia. Lindsay Santoro, our Western Australia expert, shares her experience here! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more information and how we can plan a trip to fit your needs. We would love to design the perfect itinerary for you.