WA reopening guide: Entry rules, travel vouchers and things to do

Western Australia is ready to welcome you back.

It's the last of Australia's hard internal borders to come down, but after a short delay Western Australia is finally opening from 12:01am Thursday, 3 March.

Before you head West, there are a few things to consider, so read on and get prepared for your reunions with family, friends and of course the quokkas on Rottnest Island.

Western Australia entry rules

• Registration. You'll need to complete a G2G Pass before you enter Western Australia.
• Vaccination status. To get into Western Australia, you'll need to be "up-to-date" with your vaccinations. This is the new phrasing the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is using as we move away from "fully vaccinated". In this context, "up to date" means you'll need to have had 2 doses of an approved vaccine plus your booster (if you're eligible).
• Testing. You'll need to take a rapid antigen test within 12 hours of arrival and report any positive result (a test will be provided for free at the border). It's not clear at this stage if you need to provide authorities with any proof of a negative test, but it's good practice to take a picture of your negative test and serial number on the packaging just in case.

Restrictions within Western Australia

Western Australia is seeing a rise in its number of COVID-19 cases. It's adjusting its COVID settings the same day the border opens.

All businesses are allowed to open, but there are gathering and capacity limits in place. It's a good idea to book things in advance.

See what's open in Perth.

Travel vouchers and flights

Tourism WA is giving away half a million dollars in the form of 3,400 "Gifts from Western Australia" vouchers.

These are 2-person vouchers worth between $150 to $2,200 for things such as a 3-day tour of Margaret River, stargazing at the Pinnacles, swimming with dolphins, Penguin Island tours and skydiving at Rottnest Island.

Vouchers will be provided to arrivals at Perth Airport to encourage visitors to support local tourism.

Those arriving on the first flights from Sydney and Melbourne will also receive an extra gift – 1 of 200 toy quokkas. (Sorry to those who miss out).

Speaking of flights, we've checked Skyscanner and can confirm direct flights are up and running to Perth from most capital cities.

We've seen return flights to Perth this month from the following cities:

• Adelaide from $257
• Cairns from $314
• Brisbane from $349
• Sydney from $331
• Melbourne from $369
• Hobart from $473
• Darwin from $610

If you're not in a hurry, flights are cheaper later in the month when the initial rush has died down.

Things to do in Western Australia

We'll forgive you if you've forgotten just exactly what Western Australia has on offer. Let's remind you:

• Explore Perth like a local. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. It's the same in Perth. Explore the city up close with a local guide.
• Cruise down the Swan River. Enjoy a leisure cruise down the Swan River at twilight. It's a great way to unwind and see the Perth skyline.
• Travel up to Broome. You've seen the pictures of camel rides at sunset on Cable Beach, right? Now's your chance to do it yourself.
• Tour the Margaret River wine region. If you've already been to the Hunter or Barossa Valleys, you need to put Margeret River on your list. If artisanal cheeses and wine aren't your thing, check out an adventure camping tour including Esperance. You'll see some of the most pristine parts of the state.
• See the Pinnacles. The Pinnacles Desert features one of Australia's most unique limestone formations.
• Head across to Rottnest Island. The home of the world's happiest marsupial, the quokka. We won't apologise for going on about them. You may also like to skydive from 15,000 feet over the island for a better view.

Things to consider before you book travel to Western Australia

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Western Australia. You may want to pack some rapid antigen tests in case you need (or want) to take a test. Consider taking out travel insurance that covers COVID-19 as well.

Western Australia's borders have been very volatile while the government has tried to keep COVID-19 cases from other states spilling over. Now that COVID-19 is spreading in Western Australia, it's more likely the government will keep the border open.

It's a good idea to check your airline's flexibility policy. Jetstar is offering no change fee on bookings made before 30 April for travel until 31 August 2023. Virgin is offering unlimited date changes or travel credits until 30 April. In case of date changes, you may still be stung with the fare difference.