Western Australia

Western Australia (WA) is by far the largest state in the whole of Oz,  and stretches the length of the western part of the continent. Although WA is the largest Australian state it is also the least populated, with the majority of its residents residing in the state capital Perth. The reason for its low population is that parts of WA are remote, and unforgiving with the red centre spreading out towards the coast and the Indian Ocean.

Western Australia's climate is dependant on what part of the state you are in at any given time of the year. The northern reaches of WA provide a tropical climate that is warm all year round, but experiences heavy rainfall during the summer months that can make travel hard, or even impossible. As you head south the centre of the state experiences some of the driest in the country, with phenomenal temperatures in the summer months and hot temperatures during the winter. The south of Western Australia is more temperate and experiences long hot, dry summers with a record number of sunny days for the country, while winter months bring scattered rain and cooler temperatures.

As you would expect from a state whose coastline stretches for thousands of miles along the Indian Ocean, its coastline is simply breathtaking. Popular beaches in the suburbs of Perth such as Scarborough and Cottesloe offer surfing and swimming, while Cable Beach further north stretches for miles and presents visitors with miles of deserted sands. One of Western Australia's best kept secrets in Ningaloo Reef, located off the coast around Exmouth, which some divers believe to be on par with its east coast counterpart.

The coastal scenery of WA is not to be missed but there are other attractions for the backpacker to the state. The wineries of the south are very popular, and national parks to the north such as the Bungle Bungles also attract visitors during the winter months.

Most towns and cities are restricted to the coast of Western Australia with the capital being no exception. As you head up the west coast you come across many towns hugging the coastline. The main backpacker destinations up the coast are the outpost towns of Exmouth and Broom; that hold their own wonders for backpackers in Australia. Other towns dotted up the coast include Geraldton and Carnarvon that hold little of interest for the traveller backpacking Australia.

Accommodation in WA can be found in abundance in the capital Perth. Perth backpacker hostels are found all over the city and the suburbs with reasonable rates for the traveller. Other destinations have a much more limited selection with Broome backpacker hostels and Exmouth backpacker hostels being limited to only two or three backpacker hostels in each destination. Be sure to book ahead in busy periods.