Winter Getaway Guide - Western Australia

29-Nov-2011 Winter holidays are not only about taking skiing trips. Have you ever considered visiting Western Australia for Christmas? In the first place, it is summer there and sunny skies, warm dry days and a turquoise sea are part and parcel of your visit, as well as a nearly endless list of things to do and places to see in this diverse area which makes up about a third of Australia.

Western Australia is divided into five regions, which are the North West, Golden Outback, Coral Coast, Perth area and South West, each of which contains something unique and fascinating to visit. Many of the activities are outdoor ones because of the excellent Mediterranean weather at this time of the year. At the massive sandstone structures of the Bungle Bungle Range you can go camping under the stars or 4X4 driving. The spectacular Karijini National Park also features four wheel drive trails and many great and graded walking trails for hiking.

Diving enthusiasts will love Ningaloo Reef and its beautiful underwater coral landscapes teeming with tropical fish. At Monkey Mia you can interact in the shallow water with wild bottle nose dolphins regularly visiting the bay. If you arrive in November, you could still catch some whale watching along the coast or the last of the spectacular kilometre upon kilometre carpets of wild flowers.

During the Valley of Giants Tree Top Walk, you move on a light weight wooden platform bridge 40 metres above ground level among massive tingle trees, some over 400 years old. The Gormley statues on the salty Lake Ballard, sculpted by world renowned artist Antony Gormley, are made of black steel and represent 51 of the local inhabitants. They are spread over ten square kilometres and draw organised tours and individuals alike.

The Gyorn Gyorn paintings are traditional and contemporary aboriginal art - some as old as 60,000 years, such as the Bradshaw Paintings rock art in the Kimberley. The Mowanjum Art Centre near Derby features great indigenous work from the local area. The laid back Margaret River Wine Region in the south west features beautiful vineyards, spectacular swimming and surfing beaches, stunning natural scenery and gourmet food and drink experiences.

Perth City features many attractions, such as the Botanic Gardens and Berndt Museum of Anthropology, the Zoo, SciTech Science Museum and the Aquarium of Western Australia, also called the AQWA. A large variety of cruises and trips originate from Perth and making use of First Choice discount vouchers could save you a considerable amount during your stay in this fascinating region of Australia.

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