Exploring East vs. West Australia
Hello everyone!
I’m heading to Australia for a three-week adventure in April and I’m trying to decide whether to concentrate on the East or the West.
As a nature enthusiast, I prefer hiking and immersing myself in the great outdoors over city life or nightlife. The rugged beauty of the West definitely appeals to me, but I’ve heard from many folks that the East is a must-see for first-time visitors.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations!
Update: I’m blown away by the amazing responses from this community! I think I’ve settled on a plan for this trip, but it’s clear I’ll need to return—there are just too many incredible suggestions here that I don’t want to miss out on! Thank you all!
Hey there!
It sounds like you’ve got an exciting trip ahead! Given your love for nature and hiking, both East and West Australia have incredible offerings, so it really depends on what kind of landscapes you’re most drawn to.
East Australia is definitely more popular for first-time visitors, especially with iconic destinations like the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Blue Mountains. You’ll find plenty of mind-blowing hikes and diverse ecosystems, plus some stunning coastal scenery. The Cairns and Port Douglas areas are great for exploring the reef and surrounding rainforests, while places like the Blue Mountains offer breathtaking views and excellent hiking trails.
On the other hand, West Australia offers a more rugged and remote experience. The landscapes are quite diverse, from the red deserts of the Outback to the stunning coastline along the Ningaloo Reef and the Karijini National Park, which is absolutely fantastic for hiking and exploring gorges. If you’re after solitude and unique geological formations, places like the Bungle Bungles and the Pinnacles are worth the trip.
Ultimately, if you’re leaning more towards the rugged natural beauty of West Australia and feel you could fit in a clean, scenic itinerary there, you might want to prioritize that. However, if it’s your first trip and you want to experience a mix of iconic spots and don’t mind a bit more tourist activity, the East coast is definitely a great start.
No matter which side you choose, you’ll find plenty of nature to fall in love with! And it sounds like you’re planning to come back for round two, which is always a great option to explore the other side. Happy travels!