Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, occupying the western third of the continent. It is larger in size than western Europe. The large majority of the the 2 million inhabitants live in the southwestern part of the state, in or close to the state capital of Perth, the capital and the most isolated city of this size anywhere in the world. Beyond the coast, Western Australia's vast interior is very sparsely populated, with only a handful of townships with over a few thousand residents. Mining settlements and cattle stations are thinly-spread so it is all to easy to find yourself alone in a 100 mile radius. It encompasses climatic zones from the monsoonal and tropical north, to the temperate and mediterranean south, and the desert and barren inland. The state's main attraction resides precisely in its overall remoteness and huge expanses of untouched scenery. |
Attractions, Activities and Events in Western Australia
Fremantle Prison
Built by convicts in the 1850s and used as a place of incarceration for 136 years, the empty prison with its solitary cells and gallows is a monument to a system of punishment that is uncomfortably recent.
Prison Day Tours highlight convict and prison life, daring escapes and colourful characters in tales laced with prison humour.
Visitors can descend 20 meters below the Prison to explore a one kilometre labyrinth of tunnels by foot and by boat on a Tunnels Tour or delve into the darker side of the Prison's history at night on a spooky Torchlight Tour. The state's only World Heritage listed building and the only World Heritage listed site in the Perth metropolitan region.
Adult AUD$19-60, Child AUD$10-40, Family AUD$53-72.
Open seven days a week, excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day. The Prison Gatehouse is open from 9.00am until 5.00pm daily.
Source: Fremantle Prison Official Website
Built by convicts in the 1850s and used as a place of incarceration for 136 years, the empty prison with its solitary cells and gallows is a monument to a system of punishment that is uncomfortably recent.
Prison Day Tours highlight convict and prison life, daring escapes and colourful characters in tales laced with prison humour.
Visitors can descend 20 meters below the Prison to explore a one kilometre labyrinth of tunnels by foot and by boat on a Tunnels Tour or delve into the darker side of the Prison's history at night on a spooky Torchlight Tour. The state's only World Heritage listed building and the only World Heritage listed site in the Perth metropolitan region.
Adult AUD$19-60, Child AUD$10-40, Family AUD$53-72.
Open seven days a week, excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day. The Prison Gatehouse is open from 9.00am until 5.00pm daily.
Source: Fremantle Prison Official Website
Aquarium of Western Australia
From the icy waters of the southern ocean to the tropical wonderland of coral reefs in the Far North, AQWA takes you on an underwater journey to discover the incredible and unique marine life of Western Australia. There are over 40 stunning exhibits including one of the largest living coral reef exhibits in the world and AQWA’s shipwreck coast – Australia’s largest aquarium. It is also the 10th largest in the world! In total AQWA holds over 4 million litres of water and is home to over 4,000 fish.
Adult AUD$29, Child (4-15 years) AUD$15,Family Pass AUD$79
Open 7 days 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
If you dare, you can scuba dive with sharks in the Shipwreck Coast feature aquarium.
AQWA is in Hillarys Boat Harbour, a 20 minute drive north from Perth via the Mitchell Freeway.
Source: Aquarium of Western Australia Official Website
From the icy waters of the southern ocean to the tropical wonderland of coral reefs in the Far North, AQWA takes you on an underwater journey to discover the incredible and unique marine life of Western Australia. There are over 40 stunning exhibits including one of the largest living coral reef exhibits in the world and AQWA’s shipwreck coast – Australia’s largest aquarium. It is also the 10th largest in the world! In total AQWA holds over 4 million litres of water and is home to over 4,000 fish.
Adult AUD$29, Child (4-15 years) AUD$15,Family Pass AUD$79
Open 7 days 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
If you dare, you can scuba dive with sharks in the Shipwreck Coast feature aquarium.
AQWA is in Hillarys Boat Harbour, a 20 minute drive north from Perth via the Mitchell Freeway.
Source: Aquarium of Western Australia Official Website
Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park
Earning a place on the National and World Heritage lists, Purnululu National Park is home to the Bungle Bungle Range of Western Australia's Kimberley region. Covering almost 240,000 hectares, the area has long been used by Indigenous people during the wet season, when plant and animal life was abundant. Yet the Bungle Bungle Range remained hidden from the outside world until 1983, surely making it one of the best kept secrets in history.
Take in the full spectacle of these curious beehive domes on a scenic flight from Kununurra or Broome. Access to the park by road is via Spring Creek Track, from the Great Northern Highway approximately 250 km south of Kununurra, to the track's end at the visitor centre. The track is 53 km long and is usable only in the dry season (about 1 April to 31 December).
For independent campers, Purnululu National Park has two public campgrounds. If camping isn't your thing, you can compromise by booking one of the safari style luxury tents in the permanent tented camps in Purnululu through one of the tour operators.
Sources: Kimberly Australia.com, Western Australia.com
Earning a place on the National and World Heritage lists, Purnululu National Park is home to the Bungle Bungle Range of Western Australia's Kimberley region. Covering almost 240,000 hectares, the area has long been used by Indigenous people during the wet season, when plant and animal life was abundant. Yet the Bungle Bungle Range remained hidden from the outside world until 1983, surely making it one of the best kept secrets in history.
Take in the full spectacle of these curious beehive domes on a scenic flight from Kununurra or Broome. Access to the park by road is via Spring Creek Track, from the Great Northern Highway approximately 250 km south of Kununurra, to the track's end at the visitor centre. The track is 53 km long and is usable only in the dry season (about 1 April to 31 December).
For independent campers, Purnululu National Park has two public campgrounds. If camping isn't your thing, you can compromise by booking one of the safari style luxury tents in the permanent tented camps in Purnululu through one of the tour operators.
Sources: Kimberly Australia.com, Western Australia.com
Broome Aboriginal Culture Tour
Run by Kujurta Buru Pty Ltd, gain a unique insight into the traditions, history and contemporary life of Aboriginal people in Broome. Share in the stories as you visit important country for the Aboriginal people of the Yawuru language group.
Learn traditional fishing methods, watch a demonstration of hunting techniques, taste local bush tucker, hear about Aboriginal history and culture and try your hand at throwing a boomerang or spear.
Tours are conducted Monday to Friday and total time on tour is approximately 3 hours. Adults AUD$88, Children AUD$44
Bring hat, sunscreen, personal water bottle, walking shoes. Includes morning tea, air-conditioned bus, guided tour with expert indigenous guide, pick up and drop off from your Broome accommodation. Occasionally the weather or cultural considerations may prevent or restrict access to certain sites. Tours may be restructured, rescheduled or cancelled by the operator at any time.
Source:Kujurta Buru Website
Run by Kujurta Buru Pty Ltd, gain a unique insight into the traditions, history and contemporary life of Aboriginal people in Broome. Share in the stories as you visit important country for the Aboriginal people of the Yawuru language group.
Learn traditional fishing methods, watch a demonstration of hunting techniques, taste local bush tucker, hear about Aboriginal history and culture and try your hand at throwing a boomerang or spear.
Tours are conducted Monday to Friday and total time on tour is approximately 3 hours. Adults AUD$88, Children AUD$44
Bring hat, sunscreen, personal water bottle, walking shoes. Includes morning tea, air-conditioned bus, guided tour with expert indigenous guide, pick up and drop off from your Broome accommodation. Occasionally the weather or cultural considerations may prevent or restrict access to certain sites. Tours may be restructured, rescheduled or cancelled by the operator at any time.
Source:Kujurta Buru Website
Swan Valley Day Tour
A full day experience with Country Escapes in WA Tours in Swan Valley. The Swan Valley is Perth’s oldest local agriculture region and Western Australia’s oldest wine region.
Visit historic Guildford, sample handmade chocolates and feed kangaroos at Caversham Wildlife Park. Enjoy lunch at River Bank estate and see local artisan creations at a pottery gallery. This tour is flexible and can be tailored to your interests to take in other galleries, wineries, micro breweries.
Tour includes morning tea at the Chocolate Factory, entry fees Caversham Wildlife Park, lunch at River Bank Estate with a glass of wine.
Tours depart 9am, 7 days a week. Return time approx 4pm. Adults from AUD$185.
Source: Country Escapes in WA Tours Website
A full day experience with Country Escapes in WA Tours in Swan Valley. The Swan Valley is Perth’s oldest local agriculture region and Western Australia’s oldest wine region.
Visit historic Guildford, sample handmade chocolates and feed kangaroos at Caversham Wildlife Park. Enjoy lunch at River Bank estate and see local artisan creations at a pottery gallery. This tour is flexible and can be tailored to your interests to take in other galleries, wineries, micro breweries.
Tour includes morning tea at the Chocolate Factory, entry fees Caversham Wildlife Park, lunch at River Bank Estate with a glass of wine.
Tours depart 9am, 7 days a week. Return time approx 4pm. Adults from AUD$185.
Source: Country Escapes in WA Tours Website
Western Australian Circus Festival - 25 Jan 2014 - 27 Jan 2014
Entertainment for all, big and small, featuring national and international circus artists, live music, big top, main stage, camping area, markets, kids workshop, flying trapeze, good food and nightly cabaret shows!
This is a three day celebration of circus. Circus shows are performed from midday to midnight on all three days of the festival.
Performers come from all over the world and perform every circus skill you've ever heard of (and more) in both large and small troupes. Festival Training Week starts on January 19th - 23rd for anyone wanting to learn or try some circus performance skills. A five day workshop program with tutors from around the globe.
Adult one day: $55 • Adult three day: $100, Child one day $30 • Child three day: $55, Family one day (2+2): $120 • Family three day (2+2): $220
Where: Lunar Circus Site, Karridale, Margaret River ( 277 kilometres (172 mi) south of Perth).
Sources: WACF Facebook Page, WesternAustralia.com
Entertainment for all, big and small, featuring national and international circus artists, live music, big top, main stage, camping area, markets, kids workshop, flying trapeze, good food and nightly cabaret shows!
This is a three day celebration of circus. Circus shows are performed from midday to midnight on all three days of the festival.
Performers come from all over the world and perform every circus skill you've ever heard of (and more) in both large and small troupes. Festival Training Week starts on January 19th - 23rd for anyone wanting to learn or try some circus performance skills. A five day workshop program with tutors from around the globe.
Adult one day: $55 • Adult three day: $100, Child one day $30 • Child three day: $55, Family one day (2+2): $120 • Family three day (2+2): $220
Where: Lunar Circus Site, Karridale, Margaret River ( 277 kilometres (172 mi) south of Perth).
Sources: WACF Facebook Page, WesternAustralia.com
The Kelloggs Nutri-Grain Ironman Series and Ironwoman Series - 31 Jan 2014
Australia's top Surf Life Saving athletes will battle it out for the top title in the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain IronMan and IronWoman Series this summer. The competition will test the endurance, power, skill and speed of 18 Ironmen and 18 Ironwomen when they hit the sand at Scarborough Beach.
Scarborough Beach, The Esplanade, Scarborough, Perth.
For almost 30 years, Kellogg’s have partnered with Surf Life Saving Australia to deliver this sporting event that has not only produced some of Australia’s finest and fittest athletes, but has also helped drive membership for Surf Life Saving. The Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain IronMan Series and IronWoman Series has grown to become the world’s elite surf sports competition and one of summer’s most iconic events – where only the best of the best have their chance to claim the prize pool, the glory and the prestige of being the crowned the Series Champion. It is survival of the fittest.
Australia's top Surf Life Saving athletes will battle it out for the top title in the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain IronMan and IronWoman Series this summer. The competition will test the endurance, power, skill and speed of 18 Ironmen and 18 Ironwomen when they hit the sand at Scarborough Beach.
Scarborough Beach, The Esplanade, Scarborough, Perth.
For almost 30 years, Kellogg’s have partnered with Surf Life Saving Australia to deliver this sporting event that has not only produced some of Australia’s finest and fittest athletes, but has also helped drive membership for Surf Life Saving. The Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain IronMan Series and IronWoman Series has grown to become the world’s elite surf sports competition and one of summer’s most iconic events – where only the best of the best have their chance to claim the prize pool, the glory and the prestige of being the crowned the Series Champion. It is survival of the fittest.