Western Australia is the country's biggest state and covers one third of its area.  It has a Mediterranean climate in the south, whilst in the north it is tropical.  The southern summer (November to March) is the best time to visit the south west, whilst the southern winter (April to October) is best for visiting the northern parts.  The state is flanked by the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean and the Great Southern Ocean and 12,500 kms. of coastline!  The total state has a population of 1.75 million, of which approximately 1.1 million live in Perth, the State Capital.  The area is unspoilt and uncrowded, and its tourism is becoming an ever-growing industry.  It is 4 hours' less flying time from the UK than the Australian East coast destinations.  Its attractions include Outback, coral reef, vineyards, limestone caves, colourful wildflowers and timber forests, stunning beaches and wildlife activities such as whale-watching.

Perth

Built on the banks of the Swan River, and with a superb sunny climate and sparkling beaches, Perth is a relaxed modern city.  The sea beaches are ideal for surfing, the nearest being City Beach, but there are also calmer beaches alongside the Swan River including Como and Point Walter.

Kings Park, overlooking the city, is a popular picnic area with walking trails and a botanic garden famous for its spring wildflowers.  The Wildflower Festival is held there in September.  Other attractions include:

• the Perth Tram (for $12 adults can alight and rejoin at will - children half price)
• the Art Gallery of Western Australia containing Aboriginal art, as well as Australian and and international art and culture
• Perth Zoo, set in beautiful landscaped gardens
• the Swan Valley wineries, a 30-minute drive from Perth
• Lake Monger, 10 minutes north, famous for its many black swans
• Underwater World Perth, full of sea creatures including sharks and stingrays
• Adventure World - an award winning theme park with over 30 rides and attractions
• a cruise downstream to the bustling port of Fremantle at the mouth of the Swan.  (Here you can visit the Arts Centre, Maritime Museum and Round House)
• a cruise upstream to the Swan Valley vineyards

Perth

Rottnest Island is 18 kms. off the coast of Fremantle.  The island is known for its quokkas (small marsupials), beautiful beaches, and clear water teeming with marine life.  There are three ferries daily from Perth, Fremantle and Hillarys to the island, and cycling is the main form of transport there.  There are also good opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, fishing, sailing, golf and hiking.

These are to be found 42 kms. south of Perth and are accessible by ferry.  They are part of the Shoalwater Marine Park and contain penguins, sea lions, dolphins, rare birds, hermit caves and spectacular rock formations.  (Only open from October to May).

This is a town 280 kms. of Perth which is noted for its wineries, surfing beaches, nearby limestone caves and the annual Leeuwin Estate concert.

Esperance is a town along the south coast which is surrounded by magnificent national parks, all relatively undiscovered, with striking scenery.

260 kms. north of Perth, and part of the Nambung National Park, these are fossilised remains of an ancient forest.  Thousands of limestone pillars, up to 4m tall, rise out of a stark landscape of yellow sand.  Best visited on a full day coach or 4WD tour from Perth.

Another landmark, 340 kms. east of Perth, this rises 15 m. abvove the ground like a giant wave.  Daily tours from Perth pass through the Darling Ranges, and magnificent jarrah forests.

830 kms. north of Perth, this is the place to encounter friendly dolphins as they swim into the shallow waters each day

Further north still, this is Australia's closest fringing reef, and the focus of Ningaloo Marine Park.  The world's biggest fish, the whale shark, regularly visits these waters during March to early June.  Access is by boat from Coral Bay, or directly from the beach.