Travel Western Australia with B&B Accommodation
Western Australia makes up one-third of Australia's total land mass and is Australia’s largest state, covering 2.5 million square kilometers (1 million square miles). Western Australia is bordered largely by Australian Outback desert to the east. WA is bound by 12,500 kilometers (7,813 miles) of the world's most pristine coastline to the west and lapped by the majestic Indian Ocean.
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Western Australia is so large it extends into different climatic zones. When it is warm and dry in the north of the State, it is cool and wet in the south.
Western Australia has secluded, white sandy beaches and a sunny climate and is known for its brilliant blue skies which contrast with some of the world's most striking natural phenomena.
Discover the magnificent Ningaloo reef, the dolphins of Monkey Mia, amazing ancient landscapes - such as the Bungle Bungle range (350 million years old), the rugged red gorges of the Pilbara and the towering karri forests of South West Western Australia.
Bed and Breakfast accommodations can be found throughout West Australia and the B&B operators offer friendly hospitality and quality properties to travellers seeking accommodation.
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King George River The Kimberley Western Australia
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Perth - Capital City of Western Australia (WA)
Perth is situated on the glorious Swan River and bound by the Indian Ocean. With the fresh outdoor climate and well-planned street scapes, Perth is a perfect place to commence a West Australian holiday.
The fashionable 'West End' is where you will find exclusive shops selling jewellery, clothes, art and leather goods. Malls, arcades and major department stores are all easily accessible. For a wonderful night out, visit the many restaurants, bars and nightclubs in the Northbridge area.
Within easy walking distance of Perth, the 404 hectare Kings Park is the most wonderful place to picnic, cycle and appreciate the beauty of the City skyline and Swan River below. There is an amazing 17 hectares of botanical garden featuring 2,500 native and exotic plants and ornamental lakes.
Majestic grey gum trees - placed beneath which are memorial plaques to the fallen soldiers of two world wars - line the avenues through the park. The war memorial itself sits on top of the escarpment overlooking the City and there is a café and restaurant facility. The free bus will take you to and from the City and the Perth trams make tours of the park.
There are of course, museums, art galleries, the Perth Mint and Supreme Court Gardens to be visited, along with a ferry ride across the river to the wonderful Perth Zoo. The Barrack Street Ferry jetty has many outdoor cafes and the Bell Tower which houses the famous old bells from St. Martins in the Fields Church in London.
Perth has a comprehensive public transport system which includes a Central Area Transit (CAT) system, a ferry service on the Swan River and a suburban rail and bus network, connecting you to anywhere within the Metropolitan area. It is also well served by meter-operated taxis found at all major terminals, taxi ranks and major hotels and can also be hailed in the street. Large taxis are also available for transporting customers with wheelchairs.
Culture, People, Sport of Western Australia (WA)
Given the beautiful beaches and excellent climate, West Australians indulge in many outdoor pursuits, such as swimming, sailing, snorkeling, canoeing, fishing and many other water based activities. For the more strenuous who enjoy the extreme sports there are hot air ballooning, sky diving, rock climbing, abseiling and many other exciting things to do.
For those that wish to explore further afield, travel the very far north to the amazing Kimberley region and see the wonderful Australian Aboriginal rock paintings, or travel east to Hyden to the amazing Wave Rock, north to the world renowned 'Pinnacles' on the beach and close by visit the very unique Benedictine Monastery in New Norcia. Then further south to the Gap in Albany. There are many many more natural attractions to discover in this vast state of ours.
Regions and Natural Attractions of Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia has just recently been divided into 5 major Zones, in which are the various Regions as below.
Kimberley/Pilbara Region of Western Australia
The very red earth north of Western Australia encompasses these vast regions. The Pilbara with its incredible landscapes of ancient mountains, breathtaking gorges, vast plains and tranquil oases greet new explorers to the Pilbara. Engulfed by a 2.5 billion year old landscape are three world-class national parks, including Karijini, regarded as one of the natural jewels of Western Australia.
During the wet summer months monsoonal rains surge through the park's gorges, creating spectacular waterfalls and sheer cliffs. As the waters recede for the temperate winter, they leave fern and rush-fringed pools that are ideal for a cool swim after a walk along the scenic trails. Millstream-Chichester National Park is situated on the Fortescue River and is surrounded by lush waterlilies, ferns and the rare Livistonia (Millstream Palm). The Pilbara is the most prolific Aboriginal rock-engraving region in the world with over 10,000 carvings being found along the Burrup Pensinsula near Dampier.
Visit the mammoth Tom Price ore mine, the giant iron ore ships and ore trains nearly 3 km's long in Port Hedland. The town of Dampier is home to the world's largest natural gas project.
Kimberley wild and wonderful, is one of the world's last great wilderness areas, covering more than 420,000 square kilometers (261,000 miles), an area three times the size of England, it is home to only 25,000 people.
Remote and rugged, its landscape is truly spectacular with wide horizons, ancient gorges, picture-book rock pools and pristine beaches. It is a special place that will linger in your mind long after you have left.
Purnulu National Park is home of the thousands of huge beehive-shaped mounds of the Bungle Bungle. Cruise the waters of the mighty Fitzroy River where it has cut deep into the landscape producing the wonderful Geikie Gorge that is bordered by sheer walls of yellow, orange and grey.
A visit to the township of Broome is a must. Famous for its wonderful and colourful pearling past, it still produces some of the world's finest pearls. Relax and unwind on the soft clean sands of Cable Beach and swim in clear turquoise waters which extends 24 kilometers (15 miles) so you can choose a different spot every day and never get tired of the view. Travel further north along the pristine coastline and you will find the Buccaneer Archipelago or 'Thousand Islands'. Rugged red cliffs, cooling waters and white sandy beaches abound.
Kimberley is Mother Nature's remarkable creation.
North Coastal Region of Western Australia
The North Coast WA region encompasses the Coastal strip from Jurien Bay to Exmouth. Jurien Bay, Dongara and the major Port town of Geraldton are the home of the fishing grounds of the famous Western Australian Crayfish. See the amazing Abrolhos Islands, site of the famous 16th century Dutch ship wreck 'Batavia'. Travel further north and stay at the wonderful seaside Town of Kalbarri, then onto Denham, Shark Bay and visit the dolphins at Monkey Mia.
Stop off in Carnarvon where there is an abundance of banana and mango plantations. Then continue to Coral Bay and Exmouth home of the magnificent pristine Ningaloo Reef which extends for miles. Swim in the glorious waters and take a tour of the creeks and gorges in the Cape Range National Park.
South Coastal Region of Western Australia
The WA South Coast region extends from just before the coastal Port town of Bunbury and Busselton where you can walk along the mile long jetty where the old sailing ships carrying timber used to dock. Down through and beyond Albany almost to Ravensthorpe.
This wonderful area encompasses Bridgetown and surrounds - home of the apple growing orchards and the famous Margaret River wine region. Stay a few days and indulge yourself with wine tasting from the many world renowned wineries, gourmet restaurants and beautiful scenery. These areas are surrounded by wonderful little old 'hamlet' towns where you will find many artisans and woodcraft shops. Buy a beautiful memento carved from the magnificent Western Australian hardwood called 'jarrah'.
Augusta, is where three oceans meet below the lighthouse. Then move onto Pemberton home of the majestic forests. Continue your journey through Walpole/Nornalup and take a walk through the tree tops in the Valley of the Giants. Another hour will bring you to the lovely town of Denmark, nestled along the pretty river inlet.
A stay in Albany is a must. With its majestic coast line in King George Sound, this is the jewel in the crown of the south coast. Visit the old whaling Station (now a museum), the Gap, Natural Rock and many other scenic sites. The town of Albany was settled prior to Perth and has many wonderful heritage sites of interest to visit.
50 km inland from Albany is the pretty town of Mount Barker, originally the first of the apple orchards and now home to cherry orchards and wonderful wineries. A stop at Mount Romance will buy you soaps and perfumes from the exotic sandalwood tree and healing products made from Emu oil and tee tree. Don't forget to visit the Stirling and Porongorup ranges, about a 45 minute drive from Albany.
Goldfields/Outback Region of Western Australia
This huge part of Western Australia extends from the Coastal regions through to the border of our great State. It includes a vast area of the Nullabor Plains from the border to the Goldfields.
Take a trip back in time to the great gold rush days and spend some time in the thriving town of Kalgoorlie. The beautiful architecture of the Kalgoorlie buildings is something to see. Go panning for gold, travel down an old mine shaft and experience how it was 100 years ago. See the many old once thriving, now ghost towns that abound in the area. Kalgoorlie is approx. 7 hrs from Perth by car, passing through Hyden to see Wave Rock, or you can travel in comfort for 8 hours on the 'Prospector' train.
Further north in this region will take you to the real outback to Cue, Meekatharra and many other once thriving gold towns. There are still many working mines to this day. Across to the lush Murchison area and cattle stations, then down through the wheatfields farming areas.
Just 3 hours north of Perth by car through the North Coastal and part of the Outback region is known to many as the 'wildflower region', this area is home to one of the world's finest collections of flowering plants.
In this region (subject to seasonal rains), you can immerse yourself in, and wander through spectacular fields of yellow, pink and white coloured everlasting daisies during the season (late July - early September), and marvel at the well-known wreath flower.
From the Border at Eucla along the Coast, or South from Kalgoorlie is the beautiful coastal town of Esperance, one of Australia's fastest growing visitor destinations.
Graced with a temperate climate year round and sugar-white sand bordered by brilliant blue-water bays, the peace and simplicity of the region is a large part of its appeal. Void of high rise structures and crowds, Esperance is instead characterised by spectacular coastal scenery; an abundance of wildlife including seals, dolphins, whales, emus and sea eagles; pristine beaches; hundreds of islands and extensive national parks.
Esperance is one of the only places in Western Australia where you will see kangaroos sunbathing on the beach! It is a paradise for lovers of the water and sun. Its beaches are considered among the best in the world and while they provide ideal conditions for fishing, surfing, sailing and sandboarding, they are just as popular with nature lovers and sunbathers seeking relaxation.
The surrounding Recherche Archipelago, consisting of some 200 coastal islands, has a myriad of marine life in crystal clear water for divers and snorkelers to enjoy. One of the most popular water activities in the region is that of the Bay of Isles cruise or enjoy wonderful walking trails. When touring the region, be sure to visit highlights such as the Pink Lake - a natural phenomenon true to its name; explore the Cape Le Grand or Fitzgerald River National Parks; enjoy the unique four wheel driving tours along the coast; wander amongst the spectacular wildflowers during season; or purchase a unique leather souvenir made from local shark and fish skins.
Esperance offers you the chance to escape to a paradise all of your own. The warm sun, fresh air and long stretches of isolated beach make this an ideal place to 'get away from it all'.
Perth Metropolitan/outer Metropolitan Region of Western Australia
Extends from the cray fishing town of Lancelin, down the Coast to beyond Mandurah and the lovely Peel area. Inland taking in the old farming towns of Northam, Toodyay and York, the Perth hills and Swan Valley home to the oldest vineyards in Western Australia and extending down to Harvey and its abundance of dairy farms.
Just 132 kilometres north of Perth lies one of Australia's most important heritage sites. Founded by Dom Rosendo Salvado in 1846, New Norcia is today the home of 16 Benedictine monks. The architecture, with its strong Spanish flavour, dominates the Australian bush setting. 27 buildings are classified by the National Trust and the town as a whole is registered on the National Estate.
The buildings house richly decorated interiors, furnishings and post Renaissance Art containing one of the finest collections of art and paintings by Spanish and Italian masters and contemporary Australian artists and gifts from the Queen of Spain and a fascinating array of artefacts which tell the story of New Norcia's time as an aboriginal mission, a centre of the monk's extensive farming activities and as a place of education and culture.
A two hour drive will take you to the historical and beautiful farming districts of Northam, Toodyay and York, all joined by a Tourist loop road system. Often festivals and fun abound here. York is famous for its annual Jazz weekend in September.
One hour will take you to the beautiful Swan Valley, with its abundant wineries and gourmet restaurants. Continue your drive through the lovely Perth Hills and old townships. Fabulous for a weekend or more relaxation and enjoy the hospitality of the people who live in the semi- rural areas of Perth.
Drive north along the beach roads and visit Hilarys Boat Harbour and underwater world, swim at any of the pristine beaches, dig your toes into the soft white sand and build a castle.
After your time in Perth City, catch the ferry to Fremantle for a few days of fun and leisure. The old Port Town absolutely buzzes on the weekends, and festivals are regular events. Steeped in history and maritime lore there is glorious old Victorian buildings to explore; the original Fremantle Markets 104 years old is filled with wonderful fresh produce and antiques to funky mementos to buy. Restaurants of all nationality abound along the famous Cappuccino strip, where you will be entertained by buskers as you drink your coffee.
Take the Fremantle tram for a harbour or historical tour and discover the rich history of this wonderful old Port City as told by the 'trammies'. The new Maritime Museum is filled with relics and reminders of our maritime past, and of course includes the famous "Australia 11" yacht that snatched victory at Newport in the America's Cup contest in 1983. A visit to the old Prison is a must, along with the incredible old Gothic style building which is the Fremantle Arts Centre .. and many more.
To cap off your holiday in the City, then take a 30 minute ferry ride from Fremantle, or one hour from Perth to Rottnest Island (the locals call it 'Rotto') and chill out for a day or two - or more if you have the time. Stay at the resort, hotel or hire a bungalow. Swim, dive, snorkel, or just wander across this much loved treasure of an island with the guides who will tell you of its history and birdlife.
Down through to the seaside town of Rockingham, then on to Mandurah, 1 hour from Perth. Stay a few days in this area and visit the whole Peel region. Miles of inland estuaries teem in
season with delicious crabs and fishing and boating is the way of life. New canal subdivisions have been created providing a wonderful relaxed environment in which to live.
Then continue on your way to the South Coastal region, and you will drive through the gentle green pasture farming land where the milking herds graze.
More State Information for Western Australia (WA)
Red and Green Kangaroo Paw, (Anigozanthos manglesii) was proclaimed the floral emblem of Western Australia on 9 November 1960. It is one of about twelve species of the genus Anigozanthos which is restricted to the south-west of Western Australia. The family Haemodoraceae to which it belongs occurs in Australia, Papua New Guinea, South Africa and the Americas.
From June to November, the Mid West becomes alive with a magical parade of colour, considered the finest display of wildflowers anywhere in the world. This magic extends to the southwest with its own beautiful display of wild flowers which include exotic species of rare orchids.
Western Australia is host to not only our own species of wild birds but plays host as the winter home of as many 80 species of long distance migratory birds from the northern hemisphere.
A visit to our wonderful Rottnest Island is a must to see the quokkas - originally thought to be large rats by the first Dutch explorers - hence the name Rottnest Island. Take a cruise boat offshore and watch the humpback whale annual migration May-Dec. from Esperance to Broome. From March-May at beautiful pristine Ningaloo Reef one of the only places in the world where numbers of whale sharks appear in near shore waters. Swim with the Dolphins at Monkey Mia.
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