Western Australia

Western Australia facts

Western Australia is the largest state or territory in Australia. It has a total size of close to 2,500,000 square kilometres and takes up a whopping third of the entire country. It has a population of 2.2 million people, with the majority of these people living in Perth
Perth is the capital city of Western Australia and is Australia's 4th largest city in terms of size and population. It has a population of just under 1.7 million and is often referred to as the most isolated capital city in the world. Perth is in fact closer to Jakarta in Indonesia and Singapore than it is to Canberra
Western Australia is extremely vast in it's population spread, with large parts of the country remaining uninhabited due to it's desert landscape
Perth is on average the sunniest capital city on the planet
There are more Aboriginal art works in Western Australia than in any other place on the entire planet
Perth is also home to the largest inner city park in the world. The park is Kings Park and is even bigger than Central Park in New York
There is a small stretch of sea to the north of Western Australia which separates it from the islands of Indonesia. This is the closest area of distance between Australia and Indonesia
Mining is the dominant industry in Western Australia, with all parts of the country supplying a wide variety of materials. The industry is not only the backbone of the state, but the majority of Australia as well
Given the isolation of Western Australia, there is a movement from some groups in the state that would like to see it secede from the rest of Australia and become it's own separate country
Perth is home to the Red Bull Air race annually and it's only stop in Australia
The oldest outdoor movie theatre in the world can be found in Broome in the northern part of Western Australia
Western Australia shares borders with South Australia and the Northern Territory and is the only part of Australia that is on the Indian Ocean

Western Australia

Western Australia is the country’s largest state, stretching from the north to the south of the west half of the continent. Needless to say this vast expanse varies greatly in landscape and climate, from the dry heat of the outback to the sparkle of the longest coastline in Australia.

This state is famous for its white beaches lapped by the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, making swimming, surfing, fishing and snorkeling popular activities for locals and visitors alike. Favourites include Broome’s Cable Beach, Surfer’s Point in the Margaret River region and Cottesloe Beach in Perth. Divers may encounter the majestic whale shark in the clear waters of the Ningaloo Reef on the mid north coast, as well as manta rays, sea lions, dolphins, sea turtles, as well as an array of tropical fish and coral.

The capital city of Perth has a relaxed, sun-worshipping culture balanced with the exciting cosmopolitan pulse of the inner city. The Swan River cuts through the centre of town and may be enjoyed from the bike paths, picnic spots and walk ways that line the shores. Hiring a sailboat is unique way for water enthusiasts to experience the river and the beautiful Perth skyline.

Perth’s food culture has the very best of world cuisine combined with incredibly fresh local seafood and fine wines. Night owls won’t be disappointed in the array of live music venues, sophisticated bars, pumping clubs and laid-back pubs to choose from. For those who seek a more artistic encounter, Perth has a thriving arts culture with museums, theatres and galleries, many of which specialize in exhibiting both traditional and contemporary indigenous art.   

The nearby town centre of Fremantle, just south of Perth, is an eclectic, colourful hub that attracts a mix of alternative personalities such as artists and designers. With a seven-day shopping week and a wide selection of cafes, markets and tourist attractions (such as the historic Fremantle Gaol), this is a worthy stopover. South again, the holiday-resort town of Rockingham is one of the earliest points of settlement in Western Australia, which today has become a historically-rich coastal retreat away from the urban bustle.

In the Southern corner of Western Australia is the Margaret River region, a holiday-makers haven which up until relatively recently was an obscure rural community. Wines may be tasted and purchased in the many quaint wineries dotted around the countryside, complimented by world-class restaurants and accommodation ranging from cosy bed and breakfasts to luxury chalets. A scenic drive through the Margaret River is a great way to absorb the Mediterranean ambiance of the area, particular during the wildflower season between August and October. For a memorable whale watching experience, majestic Southern Right and Humpback whales may be spotted off the coast in Flinders Bay during their migration season from June to September.

Western Australia is renowned for its stunning native flora, which is best experienced by hiking through one of the many national parks on a guided tour. Banksias, wattle flowers, orchids and kangaroo paws come into full bloom in early spring, spreading colour and vibrancy throughout the state’s forests. Kalbarri National Park, Stirling Range National Park, Walpole-Nornalup National Park and Yanchep National Park are just some parks in the Southern half of Western Australia that blaze with floral colour during the spring months. Slightly north of Perth is Nambung National Park in the Pinnacles Desert, whose landscape features not only wildflowers but also bizarre limestone rock formations.

The seaside township of Broome, located further north along the Western Australian coast, is a multicultural jewel that thrives on the back of the local pearling industry. Immigrants from all over Asia historically contributed to the growth of the town, which still harvests some of the most coveted pearl specimens in the world. The scenery in Broome varies from sparkling waters to ancient ochre cliffs, such as Gantheaume Point, a site famous for ancient dinosaur footprint fossils. Broome is also gateway to the Kimberly Region, an expanse of ancient gorges, rock formations and desert plains; some might recognize this scenery from Baz Luhrmann’s recent film ‘Australia’. Highlights include the majestic Mitchell Falls and the Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles), best visited during the dry season between May and October.

Western Australia

Western Australia (WA)

WA the biggest state in Australia and Perth is the capital city. Summers in Western Australia are usually hot and dry with high temperatures, the hottest month is February.  Most of the rainfall occurs in winter and the season remains moderately cool and wet. Perth and the rest of WA is a thriving cultural scene. They have a very strong and supportive local music scene and the oldest running international arts festival.

The festival was created by the University of Western Australia and is known as the Perth International Arts Festival. It was established in 1953 and runs for three weeks in February.  The event conjures international interest in local artists while also inviting performers from around the world to contribute to the festival.
Popular spots in Western Australia include the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, a popular spot for tourists because of the clear, blue water and famous for their friendly bottle-nosed dolphins. Nigaloo Reef is a two hour flight north of Perth. It is one of the world’s largest fringe coral reefs.

Western Australia with Kids

A Family adventure to Western Australia

The largest state in Australia is big. Very big. So big that it's probably impossible for you and your family to see every last bit of it. However there are still a wide variety of attractions that you can all enjoy to make your stay in Western Australia memorable! So much of the state is untouched by humans which means a wide variety of natural scenery that is just waiting for you to explore. Up north you can take your kids on a fun four wheel driving adventure through the Kimberley region.

Here you will be surrounded by some monolithic red rocks that cower over you and get up close and personal with some stunning and haunting Aboriginal art work. If you are into surfing and want to take your kids for a lesson, find one of the numerous beaches across the state for some of the best surf anywhere in the world. You can even find places to walk amongst the trees in some tree top walkways. In the capital city of Perth you will want to get out of the sun, as the city boasts the title of the sunniest capital city in Australia.

Make sure you visit Adventure World which is the biggest water theme park in all of Western Australia. It has everything you can imagine from man made lakes, gardens, 30 different rides and even an island castle to explore! After your visit there, you can visit Whiteman Park and discover some amazing bushland, train and tram rides along with camel rides, motor museum, sheep shearing lessons and numerous walk and cycle ways for you to make a day out for you and your family. If you venture out of Perth you can go to the nearby Fremantle and make a visit to the Maritime Museum of Western Australia. Here your kids will learn everything to do with boats and see a real submarine and shipwreck! Whilst you are in Fremantle, head out to Rottnest Island to see some unique wildlife and amazing scenery. One of the best attractions when in Western Australia is Monkey Mia at Shark Bay.

Here you will be so close to Dolphins that you will be amazed that they aren't on land buying you a drink! Nearby you will also be witness to the world's largest and oldest fossils! So make sure you leave plenty of time to explore Western Australia and see what it is all really about!

Australia's largest state, Western Australia comprises nearly one-third of the Australian continent. With 2,529,875 square kilometers, it is the size of Western Europe, yet it has a population of only a little over 2 million people. Most of the population lives in or around the capital Perth (pop 1.5 million), so large areas of the state are so sparsely populated that you can drive hundreds of kilometers without seeing a town.In spite of its sparse population, Western Australia features some of the country’s most amazing natural scenery.The Kimberley region in the far north, the stunning Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park, Margaret River region and the awesome gorges in the Karajini National Park are just some of the truly amazing scenic attractions the state has to offer.