The South West Region
The Southwest Region of Western Australia as something for everyone only 2hrs from Perth we have Wineries ,Caves, Arts and Crafts, Forests and world class beaches.
The Great Southern Region
The Great Southern Region of Western Australia with Albany (4hrs from Perth) as the capital has plenty to offer as one of Australia`s largest wine regions and its nature-based attractions make it an intriguing place to visit.
The South East Region
The South east region has some of Western Australia`s most spectacular coastline and beaches to match any where in the world Due to its remoteness much of this part of the state is untouch. The major town is Esperance some 9hrs from Perth
Busselton and Dunsbourgh
Busselton one of the fastest growing region in WA and most popular spots with the locals is settled on Geographe bay excellent place for spotting migrating whales in season. 2.5hrs from Perth.
Margaret River and Augusta
Margaret River is the place to go for an adventure weekend or just to sample the local wine and exceptional food with its rugged coast and rolling fields all mixed together a place not to miss and an easy 3hr drive from Perth. Augusta 4hrs and a whale watchers paradise.
If you like laid-back places with beautiful scenery, plenty of things to do that are not too crowded, then don't miss the Margaret River area, from Cape Naturaliste in the North to Cape Leeuwin in the south, is a must.
Surfing on this coastline is legendary. Described by surfing world champion Mark Richards as 'one of the world's finest'. A free surfing guide to the area is available from the tourist bureau in Dunsborough.
If caves are your thing, then you are also in luck. There are over three hundred in the area between the capes. Jewel is the most beautiful cave, Mammoth Cave features a Jawbone of a fossilised Giant Wombat and Moondyne Cave has opportunities for an organised 'caving adventure'.
When you have had your fill of beaches and bleached blonde hair, and have taken an album full of stalactite photos, it is probably time to head for one of the wineries - what the Margaret River is probably most famous for. There are over 35 of them in the area and therefore, perhaps a good place to start is the Margaret River Regional Wine Centre in Cowaramup.
Major attraction of the South West
Fitzgerald River National Park.
The area now known as the Fitzgerald River National Park was once described by early pioneers of the region as 'worthless'. Today however, the Park is notable for its diverse and spectacular scenery, flora and fauna much of which includes species of native rare animals considered 'threatened'.
Surrounding the inlets of the Gairdner, Fitzgerald and Hamersley Rivers between Bremer Bay and Hopetoun lies one of the worlds premier and most diverse botanical regions. In excess of 1,800 beautiful and bizarre species of flowering plant can be found together with large numbers of Lichens, Mosses and Fungi. Whilst the region represents only a fraction of the State, these collectively represent nearly 20% of the total number of plant species in Western Australia a truly remarkable proportion.
The coastal hills known as the Barrens are the most distinctive land features in the park and many species of plant found nowhere else on earth are restricted to this undulating area. The Barrens are made up of ancient Quartzite's which is to say, tilted and folded back rock beds. A fine example of this can be seen at East Mount Barren where the layers once formed part of the sea bed. Subsequent compression and heating and the uplifting effect of the Earths crust has produced the layered effect clearly visible within The Barrens.
Sixty two plant species are found only in the Fitzgerald River National Park with a further 48 species more of less confined to the boundaries of the park itself.
The huge variety of vegetation provides a haven for native animals and birds and is home to at least 19 native animals making the park undoubtedly one of the most important in Australia in terms of faunal conservation. Several species have only recently been identified and formally classified. 'Worthless' the Park certainly is not and its international significance has been recognised in its designation as a World Biosphere Reserve.
The Park is around 180 kilometres north east of Albany and some 3 hours drive west of the Town of Esperance. Ideal times to visit is Spring (Sept- Nov) and Autumn (Mar-May).
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