Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Welcome to Perth & West Coast Australia
If you subscribe to the 'life's a beach' school of thought, you'll
fall in love with Western Australia (WA) and its 12,500km of
spectacular coastline.
An Immense, Sparsely Populated Land
If the huge expanses of WA were a separate nation, it would be the planet's 10th-largest
country. Most of the state's population clings to the coast, yet you can wander along a
beach for hours without seeing another footprint, or be one of a handful of campers stargaz-
ing in a national park.
The south is a playground of white-sand beaches, expanses of springtime wildflowers
and lush green forests teeming with life. Up north in the Kimberley, you'll encounter wide
open spaces that conceal striking gorges, waterfalls and ancient rock formations.
Action Stations
WA has plenty for the active traveller. Traverse the 963km Bibbulmun Track (or focus on a
few spectacular day walks), or mountain bike the 1000km Munda Biddi Trail. Shorter but
equally interesting walks include wandering amid the wildflowers of the Stirling Range
National Park and negotiating Porongurup's granite formations. Dive and snorkel in stun-
ning marine parks and around fascinating shipwrecks, or surf around Margaret River and
kiteboard and windsurf off Lancelin's expansive beaches.
All Creatures Great & Small
WA's fauna includes kangaroos, emus and colourful parrots, and there is also the chance to
get acquainted with lesser-known local critters like quokkas, bilbies and potoroos. The WA
coast's lengthy dalliance with the Indian and Southern Oceans means opportunities to spot
marine wildlife also abound. Each year about 30,000 whales cruise the coast-hugging
'Humpback Hwy'. At Ningaloo Marine Park you can dive with the world's largest fish, the
whale shark, and at Rockingham, Bunbury and Monkey Mia you can interact with wild
dolphins.
