We have been blessed with quite a few visits to Western Australia. It is an extraordinary State. Get there if you can! Ed: Kevin Parker
Located on the expansive western third of the Australian continent, Western Australia (WA) is a region of incredible natural beauty and cultural diversity that captivates visitors from around the globe. Home to vibrant urban centers, ancient landscapes, stunning coastline, and a wealth of Indigenous history, it offers unique adventures to suit every travel style.
Around the size of Western Europe, WA accounts for one-third of the Australian continent. It boasts over 12,500 kilometres of coastline (20,000 including islands), the world’s oldest minerals and a host of natural wonders found nowhere else on Earth.
Of the State’s population of 2.7 million people, around three-quarters live in the Perth region. With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, Perth is Australia’s sunniest capital city. The city’s spectacular natural surroundings are rivalled only by its vibrant city life.
WA’s Aboriginal history dates back more than 50,000 years — making it one of the world’s oldest living cultures. Almost a third of Western Australians are born overseas and 15 per cent of the population speaks a language other than English at home.
Dreamlike experiences and natural wonders await you in every region of this grand and diverse State, and the varied climate — Mediterranean conditions in the south through to the northern tropics — means you’ll always find summer somewhere in WA.
Perth Capital of Western Australia
Starting with the state’s capital city, Perth, you’re introduced to Australia’s sunniest metropolis. Situated between the Swan River and the southwest coast, Perth offers a fusion of world-class beaches, nightlife, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
Visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden for expansive city views, explore the Art Gallery of Western Australia, or take a leisurely cruise along the Swan River.
Just off the coast, Rottnest Island is an idyllic escape known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the cute quokka, a small marsupial found only in Western Australia. Cycling around the car-free island is a popular way to take in the scenery.
Fremantle: History and Harbor Charm
South of Perth, the historic port city of Fremantle boasts Victorian and Georgian architecture, sea-faring history, and a rich cultural scene. Tour the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison, sample the catch of the day at Fishing Boat Harbour, or sip on craft beers in the city’s thriving microbrewery scene. Read More
Margaret River: A Gourmet and Surfing Haven in Western Australia
Travel further south, and you’ll find Margaret River, a region renowned for its wine, surfing, and remarkable limestone cave system. More than 120 wine producers are located in this region, many offering cellar door tastings. The region is also a food lover’s paradise, boasting artisan cheese makers, craft breweries, and gourmet restaurants serving local produce. Read More
Ningaloo Reef: Marine Wonders
In contrast to the green landscapes of the south, the state’s north is a dramatic blend of red desert and turquoise sea. Here you’ll find Ningaloo Reef, the world’s largest fringing reef, where you can snorkel alongside turtles, tropical fish, and, between March and July, even the majestic whale shark. Read More
Broome and The Kimberley: An Ancient Land
Further north, the multicultural pearling town of Broome offers breathtaking beaches like the famous Cable Beach, dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point, and the natural phenomenon of the Staircase to the Moon.
Beyond Broome lie the rugged landscapes of The Kimberley, one of the world’s last wilderness frontiers. Visit the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage Site known for its striking sandstone domes. Marvel at the ancient rock art in the Mitchell Plateau, or take a scenic flight over the Horizontal Falls, a natural phenomenon described by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”. Read More
Golden Outback: A Golden Wilderness
The state’s interior, known as the Golden Outback, offers a different kind of beauty. Explore gold rush history in towns like Kalgoorlie, witness the Super Pit – one of the largest open-cut gold mines in the world, or journey to Wave Rock, a natural granite formation shaped remarkably like a large wave.
In essence, Western Australia is unique in its diversity of experiences – from the modern and metropolitan to the ancient and untamed. A visit here is a chance to explore a landscape more ancient than the Amazon, engage with vibrant and diverse cultures, and immerse oneself in nature on a grand scale. It’s an epic adventure that offers both solace and excitement, and that’s exactly why people want to go there for their vacation. Read More
