Perth and WA for backpackers

High wages, huge distances and some of the best road trips in the country.

Updated 12 October 2026

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Where to stay

Northbridge — hostels, bars and the cultural centre.
Fremantle — markets, beaches and a relaxed vibe.
Scarborough — beachside, quieter.

Hostelworld

The biggest range of hostels in every Aussie city and beach town.

Work

WA wages are among the highest in Australia. Hospitality is steady in Perth, and regional WA has farm work (Carnarvon, Kununurra, Margaret River vineyards), mining support roles and construction.

Remote roadhouses and resorts up north often include accommodation and can count as tourism and hospitality specified work.

Jobs in WA

Getting around

Transperth runs buses, trains and ferries with SmartRider. The CAT buses in central Perth are free. To see WA properly you’ll want a car or van — distances are enormous.

JUCY

Campervan hire for the road-trip-sleep-anywhere life.

Skyscanner

Compare domestic flights — often cheaper than the bus on long legs.

Road trips

Perth to Exmouth: Pinnacles, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Ningaloo Reef.
Margaret River and the South West.
Rottnest Island for a quokka selfie.

GetYourGuide

Reef trips, Fraser (K’gari) tours, Whitsundays sailing and more.

Keep reading

Sydney for backpackers: stay, work and play

Where to base yourself, how to find work fast, and the best free things to do.

Melbourne for backpackers: stay, work and play

Neighbourhoods, hospo jobs, the free tram zone and day trips worth the money.

Brisbane for backpackers

A cheap, sunny base between the Gold Coast, Noosa and farm work up north.