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Western Australia

The most common tourist route involves going to Sydney and/or Queensland to see the Barrier Reef and then the Northern Territory to see Uluru, Kings Canyon and the Olgas. Particularly because of its geographical isolation from the rest of the country, Western Australia is often bypassed which is a shame because it is an amazing state with unique and incredible natural wonders.

Western Australia's capital is Perth which is very well known for it the natural setting of its city composing of long white pristine beaches, massive gardens, bushland and harbour. The city has a large range of accommodation and food options, from budget to the luxury of 5 stars. As far as eating goes, it is absolutely necessary to try the crayfish which is exported all over the world and commonly known overseas as 'rock lobster'. Western Australia has a strong Cray Fish industry.

Another extremely strong industry in WA is diamond mining. The Argyle Mine is the largest single diamond mine in the world. Tours to the mine and the large Argyle Lake are held regularly.

If you have keen interests in mining then continue on to Kalgoorlie or Broome. Kalgoorlie has gold mines and Broome is home to WA's pearling industry. Both mines can be toured, Broome also very popular for its beautiful beaches.

Speaking of beaches, Western Australia has its fair share of beaches with miles and miles of them to choose from. Rottnest Island is close to the city and has some of the best beaches. The island is named after the small marsupial that resembles a miniature kangaroo, the Rottnest quokka. Rottnest Quokkas are found frequently throughout this island in addition to the odd peacock wandering here and there. Rottnest with white clear blue water beaches around it’s entire coast is great for diving, snorkelling and a range of water sports.

For more serious diving you should head north to Ningaloo Reef. This is famous for its Whale Shark, the only place in the world where the shark is seen on a regular basis. Snorkelling is also available. Many divers believe that this reef is actually more beautiful than that of the more frequented Great Barrier Reef in Queensland which has been somewhat spoilt by tourism, overcrowding and the infamous 'crown-of-thorns' starfish. Ningaloo is close to the famous Monkey Mia, home to the dolphins. The Mid-Northwest is also the place to go to see many natural rock formations and canyons which rival those of Northern Territories famous tourist attractions. WA's Mount Augustus is the world’s largest rock, twice the size of Uluru.

WA's other famous geological formations can be found around Kununurra, the Kimberley region and the south of WA. In the south two unique and unusual rock formations can be found, Wave Rock and the Pinnacles. Wave rock is an enormous granite rock that has been eroded such that the shape resembles a long, giant wave. The Pinnacles are rock forms that have survived after the soil around them eroded. They are a sight to behold, a fantastic photo opportunity. Southern Western Australia has the incredible Karri forests, with trees that are over 300 years old. The south is also famous for another type of flora and vineyards that produce some wonderful wines exported worldwide.

All these things are just a small porition of what this vast state has to offer. Though not marketed quite as strongly, this state has much to offer those wanting to see a diverse piece of natural Australia.