Famous Wave Rock

Western Australia (Pop over 2 million)

Western Australia is the country’s largest state. It covers about one third of the continent (over 2.5 million sq km) and the coastline alone is 12 500 km in length. Convicts began arriving in 1850 and built many fine buildings and roads for the fledgling colony including the Perth to Albany road, Perth Town Hall and Fremantle Prison. WA is bordered by the Northern Territory and South Australia and the locals are sometimes colloquially called ‘sandgropers’ after a Perth sand dune insect. With only about 10% of the nation’s population, WA generates approx 30% of its export revenues. Major industries include mining (iron ore, natural gas, nickel, gold), construction, agriculture (wheat, barley, sheep), manufacturing, property and business services and tourism. Capital city, Perth is a major banking and finance centre with a population of 1.5 million representing about 80% of the state’s total population. A pretty and cosmopolitan city situated on the Swan River that is said to be Australia’s sunniest capital. Just off the coast is intriguing Rottnest Island home to the famous quokkas. The South-West corner contains Margaret River and other well known wine growing areas as well as the towering karri and jarrah forests. The Golden Outback area sits east of Perth (comprising historic Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie) with the Nullabor Plain further east stretching into South Australia. North of Perth is the spectacular Mid West and Coral Coast (including the stunning Pinnacles, the Ningaloo Reef and the Pilbara region) and North West WA (Kimberley area) with countless national parks, diverse natural landscapes and magnificent scenery. The state’s national floral emblem is the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw.

Visitor Information Centre: Cnr Forrest Pl & Wellington St, Perth. Tel (08) 9483 1111 or 1300 361 351.