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Australia is divided into six states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Each state has its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and attractions. Western Australia, the westernmost state, boasts a diverse range of climates and landscapes, from tropical conditions in the Kimberley Region to deserts and idyllic islands. The state's capital, Perth, is located 670 kilometres south of Steep Point, the westernmost point of mainland Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Westernmost State Capital of Australia | Perth |
| State | Western Australia |
| Population | 2.1 million (2022) |
| Area | 5,403 km² |
| Founded | 1829 |
| Time Zone | Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) (UTC+8) |
| Climate | Mediterranean |
| Nicknames | The Wildflower Capital, City of Lights |
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What You'll Learn
Perth is Western Australia's capital
Perth is the capital of Western Australia (WA), the westernmost state of Australia. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Southern Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the northeast, and South Australia to the southeast.
The British claimed Western Australia in 1827 and established the Swan River Colony with Perth as its capital in 1829. The colony was granted responsible government in 1890 and federated with the other colonies in 1901.
Perth is a major centre for mining-associated services, with Western Australia's mining sector being a key driver of the state's economy. The state also has a significant iron ore mining industry, as well as petroleum and natural gas resources. Outside of mining, primary industries such as agriculture, pastoralism, and fishing contribute significantly to the economy.
Perth is home to around 80% of Western Australia's population, with the remainder of the state being sparsely populated. The city has five broadcast television stations and is served by several newspapers, including The West Australian and The Weekend West.
As the state capital, Perth is a central hub for associated services and industries, driving economic growth and development in Western Australia.
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The British claimed WA in 1827
Australia's westernmost state capital is Perth, which is the capital of Western Australia (WA).
Western Australia has a long and complex history of colonisation. The human history of the region dates back "over 50,000 years ago and possibly as much as 70,000 years ago" with the arrival of Aboriginal Australians. The first recorded European contact was in 1616 when Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog landed on the west coast. However, the Dutch took no further interest in the region, and so it remained unoccupied by Europeans until the 19th century.
In 1826, the Governor of New South Wales, Ralph Darling, became concerned about potential French colonisation of the west coast of Australia. In response, he ordered an expedition led by Major Edmund Lockyer to stake a claim for the British Crown. On 21 January 1827, Lockyer formally annexed the western portion of Australia, now known as Western Australia, in a ceremony at King George Sound. This marked the first time that the whole of Australia was claimed as British territory.
The British establishment of the Swan River Colony in 1829, with Perth as its capital, further solidified their claim to Western Australia. The colony was intended to be for free settlers only, financed by private investors who encouraged immigration to the region. By 1832, the British settler population of the colony had reached around 1,500, and the official name was changed to Western Australia.
The colonisation of Western Australia had significant implications for the region's Indigenous peoples, who had been present for tens of thousands of years. The British government's concerns about the small number of European settlers in the vast territory led to efforts to safeguard Aboriginal interests before granting self-government in 1890. However, the provision to reserve a percentage of colonial revenue for Aboriginal purposes was resented and later repealed in 1897.
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The capital was established in 1829
Western Australia is Australia's westernmost state, and Perth is its capital. The capital was established in 1829 when the British claimed Western Australia and founded the Swan River Colony with Perth as its administrative centre.
The Swan River Colony was established on the Swan River by Captain James Stirling. By 1832, just three years after its founding, the British settler population of the colony had already reached around 1,500. The official name of the colony was changed to Western Australia in February of that same year.
The colony comprised two separate townsites, which slowly developed into what are now the port city of Fremantle and the state's capital, Perth. York was the first inland settlement in Western Australia, situated 97 kilometres (60 mi) east of Perth and settled in September 1831.
Perth is now a major centre for mining-associated services, as Western Australia's mining sector is a key driver of the state's economy. The state also has a significant iron ore mining industry, as well as petroleum and natural gas resources. Gold mining also retains a significant presence in the state.
Perth is located 670 kilometres (420 mi) north of Steep Point, the westernmost point of mainland Australia.
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WA is Australia's largest state
Western Australia (WA) is Australia's westernmost state and its largest state by land area. Covering an area of about 975,598 square miles, it accounts for 32.9% of Australia's total land area. To put that into perspective, Western Australia is the second-largest subdivision of any country on Earth.
The state is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Southern Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the northeast, and South Australia to the southeast. It offers a diverse range of climates, from tropical conditions in the Kimberley region to deserts in the interior, including the Great Sandy Desert, the Little Sandy Desert, the Gibson Desert, and the Great Victoria Desert. The southwest and southern coastal areas of Western Australia enjoy a Mediterranean climate.
Western Australia has a rich geological history, dating back 4.4 billion years to the formation of Hadean zircons. The earliest direct known life on land, stromatolites, were created by microbes around 3.48 billion years ago. The state is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with approximately 630 species of birds and 11,358 native vascular plant species.
The state's capital, Perth, is located on the southwestern coast and is home to around 80% of the state's population. The city serves as a major hub for mining and associated services, with Western Australia being the world's largest producer of iron ore and a significant source of gold, bauxite, and natural gas. Outside of mining, primary industries such as agriculture, pastoralism, forestry, and fishing also contribute significantly to the state's economy.
Western Australia has a unique history, with Indigenous peoples present for tens of thousands of years. Dutch explorers, like Dirk Hartog, visited the region in the 17th century, and the British claimed Western Australia in 1827. The discovery of gold in the late 19th century led to a significant population influx, and the state has continued to grow and develop into the diverse and expansive region it is today.
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Perth is a hub for mining services
Western Australia (WA) is the westernmost state of Australia. The state capital, Perth, is situated on Australia's west coast and is known as a hub for mining, energy, and technology.
Perth is a major centre for mining services. The Western Australian gold rushes of the late 19th century resulted in a significant population influx. Gold mining continues to be a significant presence in the state, with other mineral commodities being mined, including iron ore, petroleum, and natural gas.
The global mining company Rio Tinto has a significant presence in Perth, operating the world's first automated heavy-haul rail network, AutoHaul, from the city. This network transports iron ore from mines in the Pilbara region to ports in Western Australia, with around 80% of the mining haul truck fleet across the company's Pilbara sites being autonomous. Rio Tinto also operates autonomous trucks, trains, and drills at its mines, ports, and rail systems from its state-of-the-art Operations Centre in Perth.
In addition to Rio Tinto, several other mining companies and startups are based in Perth, including Mining People International (MPI), Red Dirt, Mining Employment Services, and Hays. The city's proximity to mining sites, such as those in Bunbury, Mandurah, and Boddington, makes it an ideal location for mining services and operations.
Perth's role as a mining hub is further enhanced by its focus on technology and innovation. Rio Tinto created a venture capital fund to invest in technology and startups, backing several companies developing technologies in cleantech, hydrogen, battery materials, and graphene, among others. The city aims to become the "Silicon Valley of mining technologies," with Western Australia being one of the most productive and diversified mining regions globally.
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Frequently asked questions
Perth is the westernmost state capital of Australia. It is the state capital of Western Australia.
Around 80% of Western Australia's population lives in Perth, amounting to about 2.372 million people as of June 2024.
Mining and primary industries are significant contributors to the economy of Western Australia. Perth is a major centre for mining services.
Perth was established as the capital of the Swan River Colony in 1829. The colony was granted responsible government in 1890 and federated with the other colonies in 1901.
Perth is known for its surrounding natural landscapes, such as the dramatic Kimberley Region, Rottnest Island, and the wine and surf region of Margaret River.
