 Australia's biggest state, Western Australia, expands over the whole western third of the Australian continent. Bounded by the Indian and Southern oceans, the Timor South East Asia and the Red Centre, Western Australia is truly enormous. Its 2.52 million square kilometres is bigger than the whole of Western Europe and nearly four times the size of Texas. Mostly untouched by settlement, this vast expanse is packed with wonders. It's and eco-tourist's dream.
The larger-than-life state display astounding contrasts: lush forest flourish in the south-west's Mediterranean climate; dazzling white saltpans dot the interior; big-city sophistication and easy living abounds in Perth; expanses of upright limestone pinnacles resembling neolithic standing stones lie to the north; rugged canyons traverse tropical savanna regions; fer-flung ghost towns and modern-day mining complexes lie shimmering under endless blue skies.
The state's immense north, a region that includes Drysdale River National Park and Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park, is one of the world's last frontiers.
Swan Bridge, near Perth, is Australia's oldest Aboriginal site, with stone tools and camp-fire charcoal dating back 39,500 years. The first outsiders to make contact with the west-coast Aborigines were traders from islands to the north (now Indonesia); the Portugese in the 15th century, followed by Dutch, French and English navigators. The region was proclaimed a British colony in 1829.
Australian Capital Territory - New South Wales - Northern Territory - Queensland - South Australia - Tasmania - Victoria
Australian Perspective
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