Arguably the largest state in
the world, Western Australia covers one-third of the Australian
continent. Spanning over 2.5 million square kilometres (1 million
square miles), Western Australia extends into different climatic
zones simultaneously. When it is warm and dry in the north of the
State, it is cool and wet in the south - that's how big Western
Australia is.
Bordered
largely by desert to the east, Western Australia is bound by 12,500
kilometres (7,813 miles) of the world's most pristine coastline to
the west.
Western
Australia is adored for its brilliant blue skies, warm sunny
climate and white sandy beaches. It is a land blessed with some of
the world's most precious natural phenomena including the dolphins
of Monkey Mia, the 350-million-year-old Bungle Bungle range and the
towering karri forests of the South West.
Essentially a primary
producer, Western Australia has a wealth of natural resources
including gold, iron ore, gas and minerals. Perth, the capital city
of the State, is home to 1.38 million people and enjoys more hours
of sunshine than any other capital city in Australia. Sophisticated
yet uncomplicated, the lifestyle in Western Australia is a relaxed
one.
The South
West
The South West Region of
Western Australia covers an area of 23,970 square kilometres and is
located in the magnificent south west corner of the State. Facing
the Indian and Southern Oceans the region is renowned for its
seaside playgrounds, surf and famous wines; its interior, aptly
describes as Western Australia's green belt is home to ancient
forests and bountiful farmland.
The South West is the most
diverse regional economy of the State. Extensive mineral wealth has
made the region a major world producer of alumina and mineral
sands. The economy is also based on strong agricultural,
horticultural and emerging aquaculture industries, timber and
forest products, viticulture and tourism. Attractions including
national parks, forests, beaches, wineries and eco-tourism sites
have credited the region as the most popular tourist destination
outside Perth.
More than 123,000 people live
in the region and with a growth rate three times that of the
national average the South West has one of the fastest growing
populations of regional Western Australia.
