Road trip planning

Western Australia covers about a third of the continent, and its regions range from cool southern forests to tropical wilderness. Planning a road trip here is different from planning one almost anywhere else: distances are huge, the climate varies dramatically by region and season, and some areas are very remote. Good planning makes your trip safer, more relaxed and more rewarding.

This section brings together practical guides for planning a road trip in regional WA. Use our drive planner on the home page to estimate driving days, rest breaks and fuel stops.

Guides in this section

• Distances and road safety in WA: distances from Perth, realistic driving days, wildlife, road trains, unsealed roads and fuel planning.
• Outback travel essentials: water, communication, vehicle preparation, heat, permits and biosecurity.
• The best time to visit regional WA: climate zones, seasons by region, wildflowers, marine life and seasonal hazards.
• National park passes and camping: park passes, campsite bookings, park rules and Leave No Trace.

Step 1: Choose your region and season

Match your destination to the season. The south is best in spring, summer and autumn, while the north is best in the cooler, drier months from about April or May to October. Read our guide to the best time to visit.

Step 2: Work out the distances

Use the drive planner to estimate driving days. Plan realistic distances, with breaks every two hours and arrival before dusk. Read our guide to distances and road safety.

Step 3: Choose your vehicle

• Car. Fine for sealed roads and most main attractions.
• Four-wheel drive. Needed for some beach tracks, remote parks and the Gibb River Road. Only drive off-road if you have the skills and equipment.
• Campervan or motorhome. Flexible and popular, but check size limits for some campgrounds and roads.
• Caravan. Popular with longer-term travellers. Check towing limits and campground suitability.

If hiring, check whether the agreement allows unsealed roads and remote areas, and book early in peak seasons.

Step 4: Book accommodation and campsites

Book early for school holidays, long weekends and peak seasons in popular areas such as the South West, Coral Coast, Ningaloo, Karijini and the Kimberley. Read our guide to national park passes and camping.

Step 5: Prepare for remote travel

If you're heading to remote areas, carry plenty of water, food and fuel, a personal locator beacon or satellite device, and leave a trip plan with someone. Read our guide to outback travel essentials.

Step 6: Check conditions before you go

• Roads: Main Roads WA's travel map.
• Parks: Parks and Wildlife Service WA alerts.
• Weather: Bureau of Meteorology forecasts and warnings.
• Fire and floods: Emergency WA.

Budgeting

Costs vary widely depending on how you travel. Major costs include fuel, accommodation or campsites, park passes, tours, food and vehicle hire. Fuel is usually more expensive in remote areas. We don't publish prices because they change frequently; check current prices with providers.

Biosecurity when entering WA

If you're driving into WA from another state, you'll pass a quarantine checkpoint. Many fruits, vegetables, plants and other items can't be brought into the state. Check the current rules before you travel.

Travelling with children

• Plan shorter driving days with regular breaks.
• Pack snacks, water and entertainment.
• Choose family-friendly accommodation and activities.
• Keep children close near cliffs, gorges and water.

Travelling with pets

Pets aren't allowed in most national parks, and poison baits laid to control feral animals can kill dogs. Some caravan parks accept pets. Check rules before you travel.

Time zone and daylight

Western Australia uses Australian Western Standard Time (UTC+8) and doesn't observe daylight saving. Sunset comes early in winter, so plan driving to arrive before dusk.

Using the drive planner

The drive planner on our home page estimates driving time from a distance and your average speed, then splits it into days using your daily driving limit. It also suggests rest breaks every two hours and fuel stops based on your vehicle's range, keeping a 25% reserve. Distances are rounded estimates, so check a route planner for your exact route.

Key points

Planning a road trip in regional WA means matching your destination to the season, planning realistic distances, choosing the right vehicle, booking early, preparing for remote travel and checking conditions before you go.