How big is Western Australia?
Western Australia has an area of 2,527,013 square kilometres. If independent, it would be the 10th largest country in the world. WA is around 10.5 times the size of the UK.
Many travellers are taken aback by the size of Western Australia. They expect it to be big, but not THAT big. According to the Australian government’s Geoscience Australia department, the size of Western Australia is 2,527,013 square kilometres. This is 32.9% of Australia’s total area – just under a third.
Given that Western Australia’s population is about 2.6 million, the area of WA is staggeringly large. The population density of Western Australia effectively allows every resident to have a square kilometre to themselves.
How big is Western Australia, comparatively?
But how big is Western Australia compared to other Australian states? Well, it’s the largest state in the country for starters, easily bigger than second-placed Queensland. Western Australia is just over two-and-a-half times the size of South Australia. Or, alternatively, just under twice the size of the Northern Territory. Looking at the smaller chunks of Australia, Western Australia is approximately 37 times the size of Tasmania. And for a ridiculous difference, WA is 1,072 times the size of the Australian Capital Territory.
The size of Western Australia vs other countries
On an international scale, Western Australia is around ten-and-a-half times the size of the United Kingdom. If it was an independent country, Western Australia would be the 10th largest country in the world. How big is Western Australia? Well it’s smaller than Argentina or Kazakhstan and larger than Algeria or DRC Congo.
Compared to US states, Western Australia is about one-and-a-half times the size of Alaska and about three-and-a-half times the size of Texas.
Things to do in Western Australia
The size of Western Australia is intimidating, but it’s popular with second time visitors to Australia flying into Perth. The state has a wealth of attractions, from pearl farms in Broome to whale-watching tours in Albany.
In between, you can see stingrays on the beach near Margaret River, swim with dolphins from the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury, see quokkas on Rottnest Island after taking the ferry from Perth, then snorkel with whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef near Exmouth.
More Western Australia information
Are there direct flights to Australia from the UK?
Where is New Norcia, Australia’s only monastic town?
Can I rent a car at Geraldton Airport?
What is the Roundhouse in Fremantle?
How long is the drive from Kalgoorlie to Perth?