Western Australia

Australia’s most sparsely populated state, this is proper outback territory, home to red rocks, desolate lunar landscapes and sparse deserts. The region’s main city is Perth, and also the major centre of population. The state actually makes up one third of the whole continent of Australia, yet is only home to 2.1 million people; 85% of the population live in the south west corner, in or around Perth, the capital.

If you’re looking for somewhere to get away from it all, Western Australia is the state. You can walk for miles down deserted tracts of beach, or head inland and explore the desolate bush regions and feel totally isolated from the rest of humanity. Those who like it hot will also like Western Australia - there are more than 315 days of sunshine here very year, with average temperatures sitting at a balmy 32 degrees in the south of the region during the summer months.

Western Australia Facts

Capital	Perth
Population	2.1 million (of which 1.5 million live in Perth)
Size	2,645,615 sq km (1,021,478 sq miles)
Climate	The south west is relatively temperate, while the northern tropical regions experience a monsoon climate and can endure heavy rain
Visitor Site	Explore WA

Western Australia is home to the Kimberley, whose red rugged ranges and breathtaking waterfalls provided the backdrop to Baz Luhrmann’s latest epic, Australia. Home to Broome and it’s famous Cable Beach, the ancient wilderness of Kununrra, and Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage listed site and the home of the Bungle Bungle red rock range, there is a real sense of antiquity in the Kimberley - many call this the authentic Australia.

Heading back to the coast, aside from Perth a must visit is Margaret River, the original surfers town and a great place to kick back and enjoy the fine food, wine and of course, surfing. Next on the list is the rugged coastal scenery of Albany, a convict town and previously the heart of the whaling industry. While whaling ended in 1978, today Albany is now the centre of Western Australia’s whale watching tourist industry.

World Heritage listed Shark’s Bay is a truly unique getaway. Wilderness and natural wonders abound here, with the many bays and inlets boasting a range of rare fossils, shells and marine life. On the list of must-sees is Shell Beach, a 6 km long beach comprised of tiny white shells rather than sand, Monkey Mia where the dolphins swim to shore to greet the visitors, and the mysterious Hamelin Pool stromatolites, the world oldest and largest living fossils.

If all that isn’t enough for you, how about Camel riding on Cable Beach; snorkelling around the shipwrecks on Rottnest Island; hiking the forests of Karri; or exploring the gold rush town of Kalgoorlie. Western Australia really does have a unique array of experiences, making this one of the most fascinating states in the country. To find out more about Western Australia visit the WA official tourist information site.

Are you thinking of moving to Western Australia? Then check out our guide on living in Australia as well as our migration city guides. We’ve covered everything from relocating your pets to transport links and house prices. If there’s anything we’ve missed, then our friendly Australian community will be able to fill in the gaps, just ask them a question and you’ll have an answer within minutes, plus it’s FREE to sign up!