Choosing between the East or West Coast of Australia is one of the trickiest decisions you’ll make. Road tripping down under is an experience like no other, and largely down to Sydney’s international reputation and infrastructure, many tourists choose the East Coast.
If you’re looking for a wilder experience, the West Coast could be best suited to you. It’s one of the least densely populated areas in the whole world, and you’d be able to see awe-inspiring wildlife, get lost on miles of incredible trails, and discover the most delicious food.
But with international tourists spending over a hundred billion dollars in Australia every year, the popularity of the country as a whole remains unchanged. We’ve outlined a few tips to help you decide which part of Australia to visit.
Traveling to Australia on business?
Firstly, your decision needs to be guided by the nature of your visit. If you’re going to Australia purely on vacation, then you can choose your destinations by picking your favorite activities, beaches, and cities.
If you’re planning to work down under, the choice between east and west is a pivotal one.
Generally, we’d recommend the East Coast for business tourism – and the West Coast for adventures without a schedule. But there’s a lot more to it. Check out our tips for your trip below, and whichever side you choose, make sure you can take advantage of effortless visa processing with AuVisa.
Should you choose the East or West Coast of Australia? Here’s what you should think about
- If you’re looking for the hustle, go east
The best urban vibes can be found on the East Coast. In comparison, the West Coast of Australia offers a relaxed pace and a laid-back atmosphere – even in its largest city, which is Perth. But the East Coast is home to the most densely populated cities, including Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne too.
You’ll find plenty of job opportunities across this part of the country, but it’s important not to forget how much land mass we’re talking about. Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world and is the largest island. That makes it 32 times bigger than the United Kingdom.
- The best destinations for adventure
Both sides of Australia make fantastic choices for adventure and wildlife. The diverse climate of the East Coast ranges from temperate to tropical, meaning that you’ll find everything from rainforests to sandy, golden beaches.
Breathtaking natural beauty can be found at sites including the Great Barrier Reef and the Blue Mountains, perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. But on the West Coast, the tranquility is unmatched. From the Ningaloo Reef to the Pinnacles Desert, this side of the country offers a stripped-back, rugged experience. Expect striking rock formations and vast deserts.
- History, diversity and culture
If you want to immerse yourself in Australian culture, you need to understand the difference between the East and West coasts. On the East Coast you’ll find lively university cities teeming with bars, clubs, and restaurants, nestled amongst beautiful natural scenery and some of the best beaches in the world.
On the West Coast, deep-rooted indigenous heritage dominates an isolated but awe-inspiring natural environment. The entire state of Western Australia is home to 2.7 million people, which makes up just over 10% of the country’s total population. To connect to an authentic, historical understanding of the natural land, the West Coast will be your best choice.
Overview: East Coast for business
Unless you’re looking for an isolated adventure into the wilderness, you’ll see everything you’ve dreamed of on the East Coast.
One last tip: To give yourself some flexibility and an incredible starting point, you might choose to fly into Melbourne. This diverse city is quickly overtaking Sydney in size, and there’s plenty of culture, food, sport and nightlife on offer. But if you think you’ll be hitting the beach after a day at the office, Sydney could be better.
