Setting out on a budget-friendly adventure through Western Australia is an incredible way to experience the incredible diversity of this vast state. In this article, we will guide you through the best things to do on a budget in Western Australia. Plus, we'll reveal a secret to unlocking the full potential of your journey: hiring a campervan. With the freedom and flexibility of a campervan, you can explore Western Australia at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and create unforgettable memories along the way. So, let's dive into the wonders of Western Australia, powered by the joy of budget campervan travel.
Image: Tourism Western Australia
What’s Western Australia known for
When it comes to Western Australia, there's a world of adventure waiting to be explored. As the largest state in Australia, covering nearly one-third of the country, it boasts an array of stunning destinations. The vibrant capital of Perth serves as the gateway to endless adventure – hiking through the rugged red of the Outback, swimming in the crystal blue waters and roaming through other-worldly bushland.
In particular, Western Australia is renowned for its diversity of regions, such as the world-famous Margaret River, with its exquisite wineries and breathtaking coastal scenery, the arid Outback of the Kimberley, with its ancient Aboriginal art sites, and the pristine waters and marine life of the Coral Coast. And let's not forget that Western Australia proudly hosts the world's largest monocline, Mt Augustus (known as Burringurrah by the local Indigenous people) – as well as being the home base for one of the largest fringing reefs in the world, and one of only a few places where you can swim with the majestic whale sharks!
Safe to say, there is plenty to explore on a road trip to Western Australia – many of which are very budget-friendly!
What you need to know before exploring Western Australia
Before setting off on your adventure to Western Australia, it's a good idea to get an understanding of the local weather and some of the safety precautions you may need to consider when planning a campervan trip here. Here are a few of the top considerations when planning a Western Australia road trip:
Check the weather
Overall, the region's weather can vary significantly, so understanding the climate is crucial. Summers are characterized by hot and dry conditions, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to a sweltering 48°C. Winters, on the other hand, are relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 19°C. The months from September to November and March to May are generally considered the best times to road trip Western Australia, as the weather is mild and pleasant. However, it's always a good idea to check the specific weather conditions for the region you plan to visit, as wet seasons and conditions vary greatly from north to south.
Pack emergency supplies
The vast Australian Outback can be harsh and remote, so it's a great idea to carry an ample supply of water, food, and emergency provisions (just in case!). This is also one of the many great ways to get the most from your budget while exploring Western Australia. The cost of food can be significantly higher in more remote regions of WA, so packing a healthy supply of food is a great way to see and do more in Western Australia on a budget.
Be aware of wildlife
The Outback regions of WA are abundant with native Australian wildlife – from kangaroos to dingos and all the beautiful animals in between. When you encounter these animals along your path, it's important to respect the local wildlife by observing them from a safe distance and being mindful of their natural habitats.
Image: Tourism Western Australia
The best things to do in Western Australia
Now that you have the essentials – let's dive into the best things to do in Western Australia on a budget. From breathtaking national parks to vibrant cities, here are some must-visit destinations and activities that will make your Western Australia adventure truly memorable.
Walk the Kalamunda National Park
Kalamunda National Park is just a short drive 35-minute drive from the CBD of Perth and is the perfect place to get in some hiking or mountain biking close to the city. With towering eucalyptus trees and breathtaking views of the Perth hills, Kalamunda has an extensive trail network perfect for exploring this area's diverse landscapes, beautiful waterfalls and vibrant wildflowers. The park also has plenty of mountain bike trails that range from fast and flowy to tight and technical.
Before heading out on your adventure, you might consider stopping into the Kalamunda Artisan Markets, which run on the first Saturday of every month and host over 130 stalls, showcasing everything from local fashion designers to gourmet foods. With its close proximity to Perth, Kalamunda provides the perfect escape from city life, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serenity of the Australian bush.
Discover the vibrant city of Perth
No trip to Western Australia is complete without exploring the vibrant city of Perth. This capital of Western Australia effortlessly combines modernity with cultural richness. Its skyline is adorned with striking modern architecture, while the streets are a haven for art enthusiasts, boasting a lively arts scene that can be explored at the Perth Cultural Centre and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
Beyond this, the city offers a wealth of experiences, from historical museums to bustling markets. Delve into the culinary delights of Northbridge, and take in the breathtaking views from Kings Park and the Botanic Garden – an oasis in the heart of the city. Then head out to Cottesloe Beach to cool down after a day exploring the city. To help make your budget stretch as far as possible, you can also make use of the freeCAT (Central Area Transit) buses that will take you between popular attractions within the city.
Marvel at the Pinnacles
Make your way to Nambung National Park to witness the otherworldly landscape of the Pinnacles. These ancient limestone formations rise from the desert floor, some reaching up to several meters in height! Explore the Pinnacles Desert on foot or take a scenic drive in your campervan through the park’s 4 km loop, marvelling at the sea of towering spires that surround you. If you have room in your budget, opt for a guided tour to learn more about the geology and history of this extraordinary place.
Explore Ningaloo Reef
For an incredible underwater adventure, head to Ningaloo Reef – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site teeming with marine life. This pristine coral reef stretches over 300 kilometres and is home to an abundance of marine life and breathtaking underwater landscapes. You can access pretty much all of the best spots straight off the beach within the national park (all for the cost of a national park pass!). However, if your budget allows it, one of the most incredible experiences at Ningaloo Reef is going on a boat tour to go swimming with majestic whale sharks, humpbacks, and manta rays. For those who prefer to stay dry, taking a boat tour or joining a glass-bottom boat excursion is the perfect way to marvel at the reef's beauty from above. Regardless of how you spend your day, the best free thing to do in Exmouth is to end the day with a sunset at the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. This is best between June and November during humpback whale migration, as you can watch as the sky lights up in all directions and whales breach, wave and tail-slap just offshore in the distance.
Experience the stunning waterfalls of the Kimberley
In the remote and rugged region of the Kimberley, you'll discover some of Western Australia's most breathtaking waterfalls. Cascading down rugged cliffs and surrounded by some gorgeous wilderness, these natural wonders are a must-do on any Western Australia road trip. Among the must-see waterfalls are the majestic King George Falls, with its twin cascades plummeting 100 meters from the cliff tops to the tidal waters below. Bell Gorge is another gem, featuring natural swimming pools and stunning scenery. And last but not least, Mitchell Falls is a true spectacle, boasting multi-tiered cascades — Perfect for photographers looking to perfect their craft. Exploring these waterfalls allows you to immerse yourself in the Kimberley's untouched wilderness and (best of all!) cost you no more than time and the means of getting there.
Image: Tourism Western Australia
Watch the whales along Perth’s Coastline
Perth's coastline offers a front-row seat to the annual migration of humpback whales. From September to November, these magnificent creatures make their way along the coast and are known for making quite a show of it as they do! Going whale watching in Perth is the perfect opportunity to witness these gentle giants as they breach, tail slap, and play in the water. If the budget allows, we highly recommend joining a whale-watching tour. However, for the free version, you can also take advantage of one of the many viewing points along the coastline, including Hillarys Boat Harbour, Cape Naturaliste, or Cape Leeuwin, and take in the beauty of these gorgeous creatures.
Head to Rottnest Island
Just a short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island is a coastal paradise packed with white sand, clear waters, adorable quokkas and delicious local restaurants and cafes. One of the highlights of a visit to ‘Rotto’ (as it is affectionately known) is meeting the adorable Quokkas – a small marsupial known for their friendly and adorable appearance. Native to Western Australia, particularly Rottnest Island, they have become famous for their smiling faces and their reputation as the "happiest animal on Earth."
One of the best ways to explore the island is by renting a bicycle. You can choose to rent one on the island or bring your own in your camper. Alternatively, you can choose to take a guided walking tour to discover this island’s rich history and natural wonders. No matter your adventure style, don't forget to bring your snorkelling or diving gear, as there is an abundance of vibrant marine life and underwater reefs surrounding the island. And if you are looking to save on eating out, try to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while soaking up the afternoon rays at one of the many pristine beaches.
Indulge in wine in Margaret River
Wine enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise in Margaret River. This renowned wine region in Western Australia is the perfect spot to take a scenic drive through the region's vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting. These are easily one of the best ways to experience the best wineries and sample exquisite vintages – not to mention they are the perfect pairing with locally produced artisanal cheeses and gourmet delights! Many of these samplings are very affordable, and some are even complimentary with a purchase!
Aside from touring the picturesque vineyards, Margaret River is a hotspot for budget-friendly travel, including wandering along the Cape-to-Cape track, meeting the sting rays at Hamelin Beach, wandering along Busselton Jetty and more! For more ideas, check out the best things to do in Margaret River on a budget for some more inspiration.
The best way to see and do more is with a Mighty camper
From the vibrant city of Perth to the natural wonders of the Kimberley region, Western Australia offers an array of unforgettable experiences for travellers on a budget. With so much space to cover and so many things to do, the best way to get out there and see it all is to hire a Mighty campervan and hit the road. Mighty campers offers plenty of budget-friendly options for you to set out on an Australian campervan road trip to uncover the hidden gems of this wild state. If you are looking for more inspiration on what to see while on your Western Australia road trip, make sure to check out the Mighty blog.
