Western Australia

Australia rewards you for taking your time, and the West Coast is no exception.

With 2–3 weeks, you won’t be able to cover all of Western Australia — you’ll need to focus on one region and make peace with that.

If you want to travel the full stretch from Broome to Esperance, block out at least 2–3 months. Seriously — this place is enormous.

Australia isn’t a budget destination. The price level is noticeably higher than in most of Europe, and accommodation is often the biggest hit to your wallet along the west coast.

A mid-range hotel typically starts at around 100 euros (roughly $110 USD). That’s exactly why so many travelers go the campervan route — it’s genuinely much more affordable.

Restaurants aren’t cheap either. Expect to pay around 15 euros for a main course at a casual restaurant, and a beer runs between 6 and 8 euros. Supermarkets are only slightly pricier than back home.

Gas, on the other hand, is considerably cheaper than in most of Europe — good news if you’re planning a road trip.

English, obviously — but Australian English comes with its own charm.

Australians are genuinely warm and chatty. Unlike in some countries where “How are you?” is just a formality, Australians will actually tell you how their day’s going — and they’re equally curious about yours.

Don’t be surprised if a stranger calls you “Darling” or “Honey” either. It’s completely normal here, regardless of your age or gender. It’s just Australian friendliness — not a pick-up line.

Western Australia is a very safe destination overall. Crime exists, as it does anywhere, but it shouldn’t be a major concern for travelers.

As for the famous dangerous wildlife — yes, more venomous creatures live here than almost anywhere else on earth. But in reality, the chances of actually encountering one are pretty low.

A few sensible precautions will keep you covered:

• When hiking through the bush, wear sturdy shoes and long pants if you’re going off the beaten path.
• Stay calm if you spot a snake. Don’t reach for it or try to shoo it — just back away slowly.
• Wear a rash guard when swimming in the ocean. It protects against jellyfish stings and sunburn at the same time.
• Always take warnings from locals seriously — they know their patch.
• Watch for kangaroos on the road, especially around dusk. They have a habit of jumping out in front of vehicles with zero warning.

Shorts, flip-flops, sturdy shoes, and swimwear are the basics — you’ll live in all of them.

We also really recommend picking up a rash guard — a lightweight swim top that protects against jellyfish and sunburn. That said, it’s often easier (and cheaper) to buy one once you arrive.

Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Go for the highest SPF you can find — at least SPF 30, ideally SPF 50, especially if you burn easily. The Australian sun is no joke.

Australia uses a different outlet type than most of Europe and North America, so you’ll need an adapter. A universal travel adapter is the easiest solution — or you can pick one up locally when you land.

Tap water in Australia is safe to drink everywhere. The taste, though, takes some getting used to — it’s heavily chlorinated in many areas. In others, the water is filtered and tastes completely fine.

In restaurants, tap water is almost always free. A bottle will usually appear at your table, or there’s a self-serve station somewhere nearby.

If you’re lucky, it’ll be filtered and taste great. If not, expect that chlorine flavor — same as from the tap.