Western Australian Holiday

The Wildflower State

Western Australia is the state of many wonders. 

Perth itself is a rich cosmopolitan city riding high on the revenue of Western Australia's mineral rich north. Just a few kilometers south of Perth is Fremantle the home to Australia's successful America's cup campaigns.  I resided in Fremantle in the 1970's (prior to the America's Cup), and had the good fortune to go back there last year - wow what a difference!  Fremantle has transformed into a thing of beauty and a must visit place in WA.  whilst in Fremantle don't forget to jump on the ferry over the magical and historical Rottnest Island.  Perth is blessed with some of the finest beach side suburbs you will find anywhere in Australia and is full of beautiful gardens and reserves.  Kings Park is a must see.

South of Perth are the wine growing regions of Margaret River, and the seaside towns of Bunbury and Busselton. You will also find towering Karri tree forests and national parks. 

The great southern coastline across the bottom of WA has some of Australia's most spectacular coastal scenery, and the jewel in this crown is the oldest European settlement in WA, the town of Albany.

East of Perth along the Nullabor is the Gold mining town of Kalgoorlie.  This is probably Australia's closet thing to the USA's wild west.

If the outback experience is what you are looking for then head north from Perth along the North West Coastal Highway.  Your first stop will likely be another beautiful seaside town called Geraldton.  It's a little more than half way between Perth and the dolphin experience of Monkey Mia in Shark Bay.  Travelling North you will pass through Carnarvon with it banana plantations, past the Exmouth peninsula and finally arrive at the Pilbara.

I have lived and worked in the Pilbara and it is the most magical place I have ever been.  The stark contracts of red earth and yawning open cut mines gives way to some breathtaking gorge scenery.  If that is not enough travelling further north takes you to the Kimberley Ranges and the old pearl town on Broom and to Kunanurra and the Ord River. 

There is so much to say about this state, you could easily spend your entire holiday here alone.  If you go there in between July and November, different parts of the state become emblazoned with native wild flowers for an added spectacular vista.