Never-ending roads in dried out deserts are often used to represent Australia when in truth, the country has a crazy amount of diversity within its various regions.

There’s plenty of green to be found if that’s the goal. Australia’s various archipelagos shouldn’t be counted out as island vacation destinations either.

Various ethnic groups present in certain areas and absent in others further diversify each town. With the culture varying so much from city to city, the western and eastern coasts can only be drastically different.

In this list, we’ll work through the pros and cons of each coast to help you make the decision between them. Here are Australia’s west coast vs the east and 20 photos to help you choose one over the other.

20 West: Out here you’re on your own

The western coast holds a fraction of the eastern coast’s population and spreads it out over an equal amount of land, according to World Atlas. You won’t be bumping into anyone on the beach here. This coast is the optimal path to escape civilization once the crowds get old.

19 East: Skip the mainland and head for Tasmania

Down in the southernmost part of Australia, visitors who fear the heat will find Tasmania more suitable. According to the DHHS, Tasmania also “has some of the cleanest air in the world.” Take a trek through the island’s hills and breathe in deep to experience one of Tasmania’s finest qualities.

18 West: Explore untouched landscapes

Big cities have yet to spring up on much of the west coast. Huge swathes of desert and beach are still waiting for travelers to come and reveal everything that they have to offer. Daring travelers are welcome to make pioneers of themselves by straying from designated destinations.

17 East: Skies full of hot air balloons

For one week in March, a flock of hot air balloons takes off from the Old Parliament House lawns in the early morning. This manmade rainbow is seen in Australia’s capital city of Canberra on the southeastern coast. Take in live music and enjoy lunch while there.

16 West: Walk through the trees

Western Australia gets greener along its edges, and that’s where you’ll find the Valley of The Giants. The region’s most popular feature is the long bridge that cuts through the forest canopy. Valley Of the Giants lists treks, surfing, and canoeing as other ways to take advantage of the scenery.

15 East: Visit the Great Barrier Reef

Diving off the northeastern coast of Australia brings visitors into a reef large enough to be its own world. Its size can’t be matched and the experience can’t be, either. Anyone in the mood to be amazed shouldn’t miss out on a dive if they’re in the area.

14 West: Swim with whale sharks

Sure, the east coast has got the Great Barrier Reef, but the west has its own smaller version that offers a much bigger surprise: whale sharks. Ningaloo Reef is the only place in Australia that whale sharks visit in large numbers on a regular schedule, according to Whale Shark Dive.

13 East: Avoid Australia's typical heat

When dreaming of a destination to escape to for a winter holiday blanketed in snow, that destination probably isn’t Australia. However, snow does come down in the east, according to Tourist Maker. Cities up in the mountains even have their own ski resorts such as Falls Creek and Mount Buller.

12 West: Forget about kangaroos and meet a quokka

Another marsupial is slowly stealing the spotlight from kangaroos: the quokka. Unlike the former which is known for its ferocious fists and mighty kick, the quokka is known for its chubby cheeks and adorable smile. These animals can only be found in Western Australia, according to National Geographic.

11 East: Fit multiple cities into one trip

Perth is just about the only major city that comes up when discussing Western Australia. But the east coast doesn’t just offer urban living, it offers a variety. Visitors can jump from city to city until they find the one that’s right for them. We personally recommend visiting Melbourne.

10 West: Unwind on spotless beaches as the sun sets

Beaches in eastern Australia dry up the further north you go. On the other hand, Western Australia has a variety of gorgeous, secluded options to choose from, according to Australia. The sun also sets on this coast, making an evening on the beach a little more magical.

9 East: A musical festival for every genre

Partygoers turn out in huge numbers in the shoreside cities of eastern Australia, making their music festivals some of the biggest in the world. There are plenty of options, from the huge Splendor in the Grass festival in New South Wales to the smaller St. Kilda beach bash in Melbourne.

8 West: Lush wine country surrounded by desert

Western Australia's wine country made it to our list of incredible destinations to visit because of its unexpected location in Australia’s driest state. The river at the center of the region accounts for green forests and a long list of wineries each with their own distinct flavors.

7 East: Indigenous communities in larger numbers

According to Creative Spirits, “almost two thirds of Aboriginal people live in Australia's eastern states.” Tours will take visitors to sacred locations and ancient rock art collections where lingering legends are explained. Descendants of the groups responsible for these sites also perform traditional music and dances at cultural centers.

6 West: Waterfalls “Fall” Sideways on this end of the world

Water blasts through the gap between two rocky mountain ranges in Talbot Bay, creating the visual of a waterfall that runs horizontally. Visitors can take a kayak or boat through the narrow passage for the feeling of sliding through the foamy waters of a waterfall without the dangerous drop.

5 East: Be a part of the crowd wherever you go

Just about every well-known city including Brisbane, Newcastle, and Sydney, is squeezed into the eastern coast. If getting to know the locals is part of your traveling routine, the east coast is the place to do it. Solo travelers prone to loneliness will also be more at home here.

4 West: The stars shine brighter

Western Australia’s personal night light blinks into brilliant action when the sun disappears. Pollution from busy urban areas that never quite turn off the lights is kept to the minimum out in the country, according to Australia’s Golden Outback. Visitors are given a clear view of Australia’s nocturnal landmarks.

3 East: Easy transportation from destination to destination

Being forced to spend hours on a lengthy highway is a realistic worry to have if you don’t want to limit your time in Western Australia to one region. Meanwhile, the east has trains, buses, and taxis at the ready for transport between cities, according to Lonely Planet.

2 West: Daylight has an extended stay

The sun shines more in Western Australia than anywhere else in the nation, according to Perth Now. Anyone who finds the darkness that comes with winter hard to deal with will find that problem minimized by a vacation on the west coast. Optimal hours for outdoor activities are also increased.

1 East: Australia's best party towns

Australia is known to be a country with plenty of party places. Small pubs are easy to come by, but getting into wild clubs and cool bars requires heading into the big cities. The west has its populated capital, but the east benefits from having more than one urban option.