Western Australia
Broome: Broome, a unique, exotic town that is the southern gateway to the raw wilderness of the Kimberley. The town is a fascinating place with a mixture of cultures created by those who came in search of pearling wealth. Pearling still remains one of the town's leading industries. Wander through Chinatown, the original commercial centre, which is now home to some of the world's finest pearl showrooms. Purchasing a souvenir is a must. Daily tours are also available to the Willie Creek Pearl Farm where you can see a working pearl farm and learn more about the many interesting facets of the pearling industry. Broome is washed by the turquoise waters of Cable Beach. Said to be one of the most stunning beaches in the world, it stretches 24 kilometres (15 miles) along the coast and features clean white sand and offers some incredible sunsets. At Gantheaume Point nature has left a unique calling card. Dinosaur footprints, more than 130 million years old, can be seen at low tide embedded into the rock. It is also an ideal spot to view the red craggy cliffs of the Broome peninsula. Just outside Broome is the Broome Bird Observatory where you can see the thousands of migratory birds that visit there from September to March. The Observatory is the most well regarded bird watching site in the world and should not be missed by visitors to the area. Why not try a relaxing game of golf at the Broome Golf Club. It is the only 18-hole golf course with green greens and fairways between Geraldton and Darwin. All visitors are welcome. Broome, a perfect hideaway on the Kimberley coast.
Bungle Bungles: Situated in the Purnululu National Park the "bungles" as they are known locally are one of the worlds most unusual geological formations Thousands of beehive shaped hills and mounds rise up out of the plain, striped in red, orange and black bands these hills have been described as a wonderland that waited three hundred and fifty million years to be found. You can reach the "Bungles" by 4 wheel drive from April to December (camping only). They must be seen from the ground and the air. Fixed wing flightseeing trips operate from Kununurra and helicopter flights are available from the nearby settlement of Turkey Creek.
Central Kimberley: Wild and wonderful, the Kimberley is one of the world's last great wilderness areas. Covering more than 420,000 square kilometres (261,000 miles), an area three times the size of England, it is home to only 25,000 people. This means that there are fewer people per kilometre than almost any other place on the planet. Remote and rugged, its landscape is truly spectacular. With wide horizons, ancient gorges, picture-book rock pools and pristine beaches, it is a special place that will linger in your mind long after you have left. Take a trip into Purnululu National Park where you will marvel at the thousands of huge beehive-shaped mounds of the Bungle Bungle. Striped in orange and black colours, these sandstone mounds rise majestically from the red earth and are one of Western Australia's most significant natural features. Cruise the waters of the mighty Fitzroy River. See where it has cut deep into the landscape producing the wonderful Geikie Gorge that is bordered by sheer walls of yellow, orange and grey. On the coast is the township of Broome, a tranquil tropical spot, world famous for its pearling industry. Relax and unwind on the soft clean sands of Cable Beach, swim in clear turquoise waters. The beach extends 24 kilometres (15 miles) so you can choose a different spot every day and never get tired of the view. Travel further north along the remote and pristine Kimberley coastline and you will find the Buccaneer Archipelago or 'Thousand Islands'. Rugged red cliffs, cooling waters and white sandy beaches abound. The Kimberley has a tropical summer and dry winter and this diverse climate changes the landscape from season to season. Whichever season you choose you are sure to agree that Mother Nature was remarkable when she created the Kimberley.
Kununurra: Kununurra is the Kimberley's gateway from the east. It offers access to an enormous variety of unique and colourful Kimberley adventures. A pleasant, modern town, Kununurra is also one of the largest towns in the region with some 6,000 residents. Many local tour operators use this as a base for their Kimberley excursions and offer a range of exciting activity options. From Kununurra you can explore the 300-million-year-old sandstone cliffs of the Hidden Valley National Park which is also known as Miramar by the Aboriginals. Take a cruise on Lake Argyle. With its 1,000 square kilometres (386 square miles) it is more like an inland sea than a lake. This vast body of water has formed its own eco-system where you can find many examples of native flora and fauna. While in the area why not book a tour of the Argyle Diamond Mine. The mine produces some 34 million carats of diamonds per year... that's more than one-third of the world's total production and includes the rare pink Argyle diamonds.
Mid West: Incorporating Western Australia's Mid West region as well as the Gascoyne Coast. Where the desert meets the ocean. The fine beaches and small coastal towns have fascinating landscapes and a wonderous abundance of wildlife. Ningaloo Reef meets the beach at North West Cape. The 260km long virtually untouched barrier reef protects shallow lagoons with dazzling white sandy beaches. There are over 500 species of fish and 220 species of coral. A wonderful natural experience for young and old alike. Gateway to the Mid West (Batavia) Coast, the Abrolhos Islands, historical Greenough, unique wildflowers and the rugged Australian outback. On the way to the dolphins of monkey mia, the gorges of Kalbarri and the whale sharks of Ningaloo reef. An Outback holiday in the Mid West is ideal for those who want a change from the noise and hustle and bustle of the big cities. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in wildflowers and savour the sweet scent of everlastings and bush flowers that hang on the crystal clear night air.
Perth: Perth is the capital of Western Australia. Situated on the Swan River and only a few kilometres from the beaches, Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate - with more hours of sunshine than any other Australian capital. The beautiful city of Perth overlooks the vast and tranquil waters of the Swan River which flows down from the Darling Ranges. Perth has a series of gardens, parks and reserves. Kings Park, just a short walk from the city centre is a bush parkland with views of the city and the river. The 400 hectare parkland is situated around the green slopes Mt Eliza and is a dramatic contrast with Perth's skyline and the distant blue hills of the Darling Ranges. The Swan River was named in 1797 by the Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh who was impressed by the number of beautiful black swans. It runs through one of WA's traditional wine growing regions and many different cruises along into waters are available. The bustling Port Fremantle lies 19km south-west of Perth where the Swan River meets the Indian Ocean. Fremantle offers a rich fabric of Australian heritage, a lively arts and crafts scene, sophisticated cafes and restaurants and a vibrant multicultural scene. 20km off the coast is Rottnest Island. Its crystal clear beaches and bays are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, windsurfing, boating and fishing. There are no cars on the island - transportation is by foot or bicycle. The island is only 11km long and a maximum of 5km across. On the Swan River plain, 254 kms north of Perth, midway to Geralton lies the Nambung National Park. The park contains one of Australia's most fascinating landscapes - The Pinnacles Desert. The natural limestone sculptures can reach up to 5m high and display in a variety of colours. Nambung National Park is also reknown for it's wildlife of western grey kangaroos, brush wallabies and honey possums plus a wide variety of reptiles and a huge array of birds. it is an amazing area for birdwatchers.