Closer Than You Think: Why Malaysians Are Opting for Western Australia’s Easy Getaways

For Malaysians seeking an overseas holiday that feels both exciting and effortless, Western Australia ticks all the boxes. Just a short flight from home, with a visa process designed to be straightforward, the state has become a favourite for families, couples, and even first-time travellers looking for a seamless experience abroad.

From the cosmopolitan energy of Perth to the tranquil vineyards of Margaret River and the vast Coral Coast, Western Australia offers a rare blend of accessibility and adventure. Here, the landscapes are dramatic, the pace of life is relaxed, and the possibilities for exploration are endless. Best of all, it is all closer and easier than many Malaysians realise.

1. Western Australia: Where five hours unlock a whole new world

AirAsia Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, credit to Karryon

With an average flight time of just five and a half hours, Perth is the nearest Australian capital to Malaysia. Travellers can fly direct from Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia X, or Batik Air, with multiple departures each week. For those based in Johor Bahru or Penang, seamless domestic connections via KLIA make the journey equally convenient.

Frequent promotions and competitive return fares add to the appeal, making Western Australia one of the most value-for-money long weekend or school holiday destinations available. Families travelling together, couples seeking a romantic break, or groups of friends planning a reunion can all find flights that fit easily into both schedules and budgets.

2. Visa made easy for Malaysians

Travelling to Western Australia is made even easier by the streamlined visa process. Malaysians are eligible for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), a visa that can be applied for through a mobile app for IOS and Android. Approvals are often granted within hours or just a few days, giving travellers peace of mind when planning their trip.

The ETA is a Visitor visa (subclass 601) valid for multiple short stays across a 12-month period, making it an excellent option for those who plan to return for school holidays, festive breaks, or spontaneous getaways. For travellers seeking longer visits, the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is also available online with minimal paperwork. The process is efficient, reliable, and designed with convenience in mind.

3. Seamless adventures await in Western Australia

Arriving in Perth, visitors find a city that is both vibrant and welcoming. The central business district is compact and highly walkable, with free public transport available through the city’s CAT bus network. Perth’s cafés, shopping precincts, and riverside parks are easy to navigate, making the city an ideal base for first-time visitors.

For those keen to explore further afield, Western Australia is renowned for its self-drive routes. Malaysian driver’s licences are recognised, provided they are in English. If the licence is not in English, an official English translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP) must also be carried. Car rentals are readily available from Perth Airport. Scenic routes such as Perth to Margaret River appeal to food and wine lovers, while the Coral Coast drive offers families the chance to spot dolphins, whale sharks (seasonal) and humpback whales. Closer to the city, day trips to the vibrant port city of Fremantle or the Perth Hills provide easy escapes into nature, all within an hour’s drive.

Travellers who prefer to sit back and relax will find a wealth of guided tour options. From multi-day adventures along the coast to gentle day tours through vineyards or wildflower country, professional operators ensure every detail is taken care of. These experiences are especially popular with multigenerational families, where grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy the journey together without the stress of planning.

Western Australia: Effortless and extraordinary

For Malaysians, Western Australia is the rare kind of destination that feels both far enough to inspire and close enough to manage with ease. It is a place where world-class wine meets rugged natural beauty, where vibrant city life is balanced by untouched wilderness, and where every journey feels accessible, affordable, and memorable.

So whether it is a family holiday, a quick couple’s retreat, or an adventurous road trip with friends, Western Australia makes it all possible without the complications that often come with international travel. Now is the perfect time to plan your escape. To discover itineraries, experiences, and the latest travel deals, visit https://www.westernaustralia.com/au/planyourtrip

###

ABOUT TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA (TOURISM WA)

Tourism WA is the WA Government agency responsible for promoting Western Australia as an incredible holiday and events destination. Our role is to inspire more people to visit WA from Australia and around the world.

We do this by marketing the state to the world through innovative campaigns; developing, attracting and promoting major sporting, arts, cultural and business events; working with government and the tourism industry to improve access, accommodation and tourism experiences for our visitors; and by informing and empowering the WA tourism industry through sharing key insights and global trends, building stakeholder relationships and providing leadership to the sector.

For more information visit tourism.wa.gov.au.

Media contact:

Tourism Western Australia

P: 08 9262 1666 I M: 0459 768 387 I E: media@westernaustralia.com

MSL Group Malaysia

M: +60 16-387 0846 | E: TWA_MSL_TEAM_MYT@mslgroup.com