Lexi Webster
Western Australia (WA) is the largest state in Australia, occupying roughly one-third of the country's total area. WA is home to the state capital Perth, which is famed for its serene, uncrowded beaches, parklands, fresh seafood, and art and culture scene. The region has a diverse range of climates, including tropical conditions in the Kimberley, deserts in the interior, and a Mediterranean climate in the southwest and southern coastal areas. WA has the lowest amount of rainfall compared to any other Australian state, with an average of 3,000 hours of sunlight per year. The west coast of Australia is less touristy compared to the east, offering visitors a more secluded experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State | Western Australia (WA) |
| Country | Australia |
| Population (2021) | 2,660,026 |
| Population (June 2024) | 2,965,000 |
| Area | 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq mi) or 2,529,875 square km (976,790 sq mi) |
| Capital | Perth |
| Percentage of national population (June 2024) | 10.9% |
| Percentage of population living in the southwest corner | Over 90% |
| Percentage of population living in Perth | Around 80% |
| Industries | Mining, agriculture, fishing, pearling, whaling (ceased in 1978), tourism, sandalwood oil and incense production |
| Natural Attractions | Coral Coast, Ningaloo Reef, The Kimberley, Rottnest Island, Margaret River, Limestone Pinnacles in Nambung National Park, Mount Meharry, Hamersley Range in Karijini National Park, Bluff Knoll, Stirling Range, Yilgarn Block |
| Climate | Tropical, desert, Mediterranean |
| Annual hours of sunlight | 3,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia's landscape and climate
Western Australia (WA) is the largest state in Australia, occupying roughly one-third of the country's total area. It is also the second-largest subdivision of any country on Earth. WA has a diverse range of climates and landscapes, from tropical conditions in the north to deserts in the interior, and a Mediterranean climate in the south-west and southern coastal areas. The state is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Southern Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east, and South Australia to the south-east.
The landscape of Western Australia consists primarily of broad plateaus articulated by several mountain ranges, with immense deserts to the east. The Kimberley region in the far north is a multisectioned plateau, with a rugged coastline characterised by strong currents and a tidal range that can reach 39 feet (12 metres). The rolling inland areas are sparsely wooded and scattered with bristly grasses. The Fitzroy and Ord rivers delineate the southern and eastern borders of the Kimberley, which is home to the Great Sandy Desert and the Gibson Desert. To the south of the Kimberley region stand the 26-to-30-foot (8-to-9-metre) linear sand dunes of the Great Sandy Desert.
The Pilbara region, located southwest of the Great Sandy Desert, is a rugged and arid landscape of ancient folded and uplifted rocks. The region includes the spectacular red gorges of the Hamersley Range in Karijini National Park and Mount Meharry, Western Australia’s highest point at 4,111 feet (1,253 metres) above sea level. On the coast, limestone ranges and gorges make up the arid Cape Range on the peninsula to the west of Exmouth Gulf.
The Yilgarn block, a stable granite-gneiss shield area, constitutes most of the southwestern segment of Western Australia. The gently undulating, weathered plateau of the Yilgarn block lies between 1,000 and 2,000 feet (300 and 600 metres) above sea level. It is bounded to the east by the Nullarbor Plain, a flat, waterless, treeless limestone plain that stretches for about 700 km along the southern coast. To the west of the Yilgarn block lies the Darling Range, which separates it from the coastal plain of the Perth Basin. The extreme south of the block rises abruptly to form a rugged granite coastline with white sandy bays and offshore islands.
Western Australia's climate is influenced by its size and isolation, with the state divided climatically by a belt of descending dry high-pressure system airflow along the Tropic of Capricorn. The northern part of the state experiences a summer rainfall pattern, warm dry offshore winds in winter, and humid tropical onshore airflows in summer, coupled with thunderstorms and occasional cyclones. The southern part of the state, including the capital city Perth, has a Mediterranean climate with winter rainfall.
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The state's economy and industry
Western Australia (WA), the westernmost state of Australia, has a diverse economy driven by its mining sector, agriculture, and tourism. Covering an area of 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq mi), it is the largest state in Australia and the second-largest subdivision of any country on Earth. As of June 2024, Western Australia had a population of 2.965 million people, accounting for 10.9% of Australia's total population.
Mining and Natural Resources
Western Australia's mining sector is a significant contributor to the state's economy, with iron ore mining being the most prominent. The state is also a major producer of offshore petroleum and natural gas. Additionally, gold mining and the extraction of various other mineral commodities play a vital role in the state's economy, with Perth serving as a central hub for associated services.
Agriculture and Fishing
Agriculture is another key industry in Western Australia, particularly in the Wheatbelt and the temperate southern coastal regions. Pastoralism in marginal grassland areas, forestry in the southwest, and fishing, including pearling and (historically) whaling, are also important economic activities. Western Australia has a diverse range of climates, from tropical conditions in the Kimberley region to deserts in the interior, allowing for a variety of agricultural activities.
Tourism
Tourism is an increasingly vital sector in Western Australia's economy. The state attracted approximately 7,000,000 overnight visitors in the year ending December 2012, generating A$6 billion in revenue. The state's unique natural attractions, such as the Kimberley Region, Rottnest Island, and the Margaret River wine region, contribute to its appeal. The capital city, Perth, is also a significant tourist destination, known for its serene beaches, parklands, and fresh seafood.
Other Industries
In addition to the primary sectors mentioned above, Western Australia has a range of secondary industries. These include food processing, animal feed production, brewing, and printing. The state is also home to the nation's largest oil refinery and has a significant fishing industry, with products such as rock lobsters, prawns, crabs, and tuna processed along the west coast.
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History of human settlement
Western Australia (WA) is the largest state in Australia, occupying roughly one-third of the country's total area. The state is home to a diverse range of climates, from tropical conditions in the Kimberley region to deserts in the interior, such as the Great Sandy Desert and the Gibson Desert. The southwest of the state enjoys a Mediterranean climate.
The first human inhabitants of Australia, the Aboriginal Australians, arrived from the north between 40,000 and 70,000 years ago. Over time, they settled throughout continental Australia and the nearby islands. By the time European explorers began arriving in the early 17th century, Indigenous Australians were long established throughout Western Australia.
The first Europeans to visit Western Australia were the Dutch Dirk Hartog expedition, who landed at what is now known as Cape Inscription, Dirk Hartog Island, in 1616. For the rest of the 17th century, other Dutch and British explorers encountered the Western Australian coast, usually unintentionally, as evidenced by the many shipwrecks along the coast. Abel Tasman named the continent New Holland in 1644. In 1770, Lieutenant James Cook charted the east coast of Australia and claimed it for Great Britain.
In 1788, the First Fleet of British ships arrived at Botany Bay in Sydney to establish a penal colony. Between 1788 and 1792, convicts and their gaolers made up the majority of the population in the new colony. However, a free population soon began to grow, consisting of emancipated convicts, locally born children, former soldiers, and free settlers from Britain. The new settlement struggled with near starvation and immense isolation. After the colony's governor, Phillip, departed for England in 1792, the military officers began acquiring land and importing consumer goods from visiting ships. Former convicts also began farming granted land and engaging in trade.
In 1815, a road across the Blue Mountains was completed, opening the way for large-scale farming and grazing west of the Great Dividing Range. By 1820, British settlement was largely confined to a 100-kilometre radius around Sydney and the central plain of Van Diemen's Land (now known as Tasmania).
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Wildlife and nature
Western Australia, the westernmost state of Australia, is known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The state boasts a variety of climates, ranging from tropical conditions in the Kimberley region to deserts in the interior, such as the Great Sandy Desert and the Gibson Desert. The southwest of the state enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The landscape of Western Australia varies from rugged coastlines to broad plateaus and mountain ranges. The Ningaloo Coast, where the desert meets the sea, is a notable natural wonder, with its spectacular fringing reef attracting thousands of species of fish, including whale sharks, seahorses, and manta rays.
Western Australia is home to some unique wildlife, including the quokka, found on Rottnest Island, and the numbat, one of the world's most endangered animals, with only around 800 mature individuals left in the wild. The state also offers the opportunity to swim with whale sharks and spot humpback whales, orcas, and dolphins. On land, kangaroos can be found lounging on the shores of Lucky Bay.
The Bungle Bungle Range in the Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage site, showcases the natural beauty of Western Australia with its extraordinary magnitude. The Valley of the Giants in the South West is another notable attraction, featuring towering trees. The state also boasts the spectacular red gorges of the Hamersley Range in Karijini National Park, with Mount Meharry, Western Australia's highest point, located nearby.
The Yilgarn block, a stable granite-gneiss shield area, is a unique geological feature in southwestern Western Australia. The gently undulating, weathered plateau of the Yilgarn block rises to an elevation of 3,596 feet (1,096 meters) in the Stirling Range, resulting in a rugged granite coastline with white sandy bays and offshore islands.
The Nullarbor Plain, located to the east of the Yilgarn block, is a flat, waterless, and treeless expanse of marine limestone that terminates at the Southern Ocean with dramatic coastal cliffs. The Darling Range, running north-south for about 200 miles (320 km), separates the Yilgarn block from the coastal plain of the Perth Basin.
The Pilbara region, southwest of the Great Sandy Desert, presents a rugged and arid landscape of ancient rocks, including the spectacular red gorges of the Hamersley Range. The North Pole area within this region boasts some of the world's oldest fossil stromatolites, dating back about 3.5 billion years.
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Tourism and attractions
Western Australia, the westernmost state of Australia, is a haven for tourists seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. From its rugged coastline to its diverse landscapes, Western Australia offers a range of attractions that cater to all types of travellers.
For those seeking a nature escape, the Coral Coast, Ningaloo Reef, and the Kimberley Region are must-visits. The Kimberley, in particular, offers a true Outback experience with its dramatic landscapes, unique rock formations, and abundant wildlife. The region is also known for its tropical conditions and the presence of the world's largest Indian sandalwood plantations.
Adventure seekers can explore the challenging trails of Hancock Gorge or Karijini National Park, with its idyllic swimming holes and waterfalls. The West Coast also boasts unique attractions like an artificial lagoon for shark feedings near Denham, and the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung, with its vast expanse of limestone pinnacles.
For those interested in history and culture, the Martumili Artists gallery and the HMAS Sydney II Memorial in Geraldton offer insights into the region's art and commemorate its past. The East Pilbara Arts Centre and the Shipwreck Gallery also provide cultural and historical context. Additionally, the world's largest concentration of ancient rock art in Murujuga, dating back over 30,000 years, is a significant attraction.
Food and wine enthusiasts will relish the premium wine and culinary experiences of the Margaret River Region, while beachgoers can enjoy the serene, uncrowded beaches of Perth and the famous Cable Beach in Broome, renowned for its sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
With its diverse range of attractions, Western Australia promises an unforgettable journey through nature, culture, and indulgence.
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Frequently asked questions
Western Australia (WA) is the largest state in Australia and is situated on the west coast of the country.
The capital of Western Australia is Perth, which is famed for its serene, uncrowded beaches, parklands, fresh seafood, and art and culture scene.
Western Australia has a diverse range of climates and attractions, including the dramatic Kimberley Region, the idyllic Rottnest Island, and the premium wine and surf region of Margaret River.
As of June 2024, the state of Western Australia has a population of 2.965 million people, representing 10.9% of Australia's total population.
Western Australia's economy is driven by its mining sector, agriculture, and tourism. The state is also known for its production of western rock lobsters, prawns, crabs, and pearl fishing in the Kimberley region.
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