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Australia Destinations

Western Australia From Top to Bottom – Road Trip

The State of Western Australia is arguably Australia’s most diverse state in so many ways. From the top to the bottom, from the east to the west, this state has so many extraordinary features it is hard to know where to start.

In the north, Cape Leveque which is approximately 200klm from Broome has an unsealed road which requires a 4WD vehicle. No permit is required however, if you are staying, entry fees will apply. This is an excellent spot for fishing, swimming, scenic flights and much more.

To the south, 40 years ago The Margaret River region had its first vines planted and now has over 200 vineyards producing award winning wines.

Entering from the north the first towns are the historic, pioneering Kununurra and Wyndham.

Kununurra is considered to be the gateway to the Eastern Kimberley. Although the township is relatively young it is located on an ancient landscape. An irrigation system has created a permanent waterway from a series of waterholes and is very popular with the tourists. The Kununurra Lake is a fabulous stop over for water sport lovers. Lake Argyle is so big it could almost be classified as an inland sea and a great spot for canoeing and bird watching. The highest point in the region is Kelly’s Knob and a must see at sunset.

Wyndham; Top Town of the West, the port of Wyndham is a major export point for live cattle and supplies for the Argyle Diamond Mine, which is one of the world’s largest suppliers of diamonds.

From Wyndham you can explore El Questro Station and Parry Creek Wildlife Reserve to name just a couple of fabulous attractions in the area.

Moving on, Halls Creek is located on the edges of the Great Sandy Desert and the Tanami Desert. Just 152kms south of Halls Creek is the famous Wolfe Creek, made famous by the movie of the same name. More significantly Wolfe Creek Crater is the second largest meteorite crater in the world and is said to have collided with the earth some 2 million years ago. It is well worth the trip. Fitzroy Crossing on the banks of the Fitzroy River is situated in the centre of some of the best grazing country in Australia. Fitzroy Crossing is 114 meters above sea level and surrounded by flood plains.

December through to March can prove difficult travelling here due to the wet season when the countryside is transformed into a sea of green. Close by is Geike Gorge National Park. The gorge was carved out by the Fitzroy River and is approximately 350 million years old. This area is also noted for its famous Kimberley region, which includes the incredible Bungle Bungle ranges. Broome is next on the coast, famous for many years and to this day for its pearling activities.

Moving south we enter into vast mining areas beginning with the mighty Pilbara. Covering 500,000 square kilometres, the ranges stretch all the way down to Kalgoorlie (a gold town and the largest outback city in Australia) in the south. The township of Marble Bar is said to be one of the hottest towns in Australia. With a population of just 410 people, it is still a prosperous centre for tin, gold, silver, zinc, lead, jade and copper.. There are also many mining based towns inland here including Tom Price, Newman and Paraburdoo. On the coast we have the very popular Exmouth to Coral bay areas. The Exmouth region is one of the few areas in Australia where you can experience both Ranges and Reefs. The Cape Range National Park has spectacular gorges to Ningaloo Marine Park, a 260 kilometre marine park with the closest reef just 100 meters off the mainland. A great place for all water sports and should not be overlooked when moving through this state.

Inland in central Western Australia are several deserts including the Gibson, Little Sandy and Great Victoria Deserts. Of course at the southern end is the western section of the famous Nullarbor Plains.

Back on the coast and heading south there are many exciting dynamic towns to enjoy as you head to the capitol of Western Australia, Perth. Towns that are also major tourist attractions and some also involving commerce and/or a port activity.

Carnarvon, Monkey Mia with its dolphins and Geraldton are all interesting centres, both as a holiday destination or commercial/retail centres.

Next we have the capital and very attractive city and of Perth, with its fantastic weather and the beautiful Swan River running through the city attracting plenty of boating activities. The city has something for everyone from the nightlife of Subiaco to Scarborough with its beach culture. An hour south is the lovely restored Fremantle. An America’s Cup defence was staged here and if nothing else resulted in the port being today an up to date cosmopolitan centre for all to either live in or enjoy on holiday breaks.

The Margaret River region in the south west corner of Western Australia is one of the most picturesque areas in all of Australia, with many of our leading wineries found here.

The south coast of Western Australia including the townships of Albany and Esperance contains some of the most ruggedly beautiful coastline to be found anywhere in the world. The cliffs of The Great Australian Bite are absolutely not to be missed.

As you can see from this brief glimpse of Western Australia, a holiday tour by any means available to you will only leave you searching your mind for adequate superlatives to describe the experience. Possibly the most common way to explore this wonderful state is by road and car rental is freely available throughout the state if required. Generally speaking the roads in Western Australia are of a good standard and the amenities along the way are excellent. So have a safe trip and “happy holidays”.