Damon Mcknight
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, with a land area of 2,527,013 square kilometres. It is also the second-largest subdivision of any country on Earth. With a population of 2.66 million as of the 2021 census, it is the fourth most populous state in Australia. Perth, the state capital, is Australia's fourth-largest city and home to around 80% of Western Australia's population. But which town in Western Australia is the highest?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the highest town | Perth |
| Population of Perth | 2,309,388 (2023) |
| Population of Perth Metropolitan Area | 2,043,138 (2017) |
| Percentage of the state population living in Perth | 80% |
| Percentage of British-born population in Perth | 10.3% (2011) |
| Highest temperature recorded in Western Australia | 50.7 °C (2022, Onslow) |
| Lowest temperature recorded in Western Australia | −7.2 °C (2008, Eyre Bird Observatory) |
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What You'll Learn
Perth: the state's capital and Australia's fourth-largest city
Perth is the capital city of Western Australia and the fourth-largest city in Australia by population. It is considered one of the world's most liveable cities and was ranked as a Beta global city in 2020 by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. As of 2023, Perth has a population of over 2.3 million within Greater Perth, with the majority of its population living in the metropolitan area.
The city is situated on the Swan Coastal Plain between the Indian Ocean and the Darling Scarp. It was founded by Captain James Stirling in 1829 as the administrative centre of the Swan River Colony, on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. The city's central business district and port of Fremantle are located on the Swan River, with the metropolitan area spanning 125 kilometres (78 miles) from Two Rocks in the north to Singleton in the south, and 45 kilometres (28 miles) from the west coast to Sawyers Valley in the east.
Perth has a diverse range of natural and cultural attractions. Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the world's largest inner-city parks and is a popular destination, along with Cottesloe Beach and Rottnest Island. The city also boasts heritage buildings such as the Perth Mint and the World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison, as well as several universities and a thriving cultural mix of communities.
Perth has a moderate climate for most of the year, with hot temperatures in January and February, and cool and damp weather in June and July. The city is accessible by highways, the transcontinental railway, the port of Fremantle, and Perth Airport.
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York: the first inland settlement in Western Australia
York, the first inland settlement in Western Australia, is situated 97 kilometres (60 mi) east of Perth. It was settled on 16 September 1831 and served as the staging point for early explorers who went on to discover the rich gold reserves of Kalgoorlie.
York was the first inland settlement in Western Australia, predating the establishment of the colony's port city of Fremantle and the state capital, Perth. The settlement of York holds historical significance as it was the starting point for the exploration and discovery of the region's natural resources, particularly gold.
The early years of York were characterised by slow population growth. This changed significantly in the 1890s when substantial gold discoveries were made in the nearby area of Kalgoorlie. The discovery of gold attracted people to the region, leading to a rapid increase in the population of York and the surrounding areas. This gold rush played a crucial role in shaping the economic and demographic landscape of Western Australia during that period.
In addition to its historical significance, York also holds cultural and architectural value. The town boasts well-preserved historic buildings, reflecting the architectural styles of the early settlement period. The York Courthouse, for example, is a prominent landmark that showcases the town's rich heritage. The town's cultural life is also vibrant, with various festivals and events held throughout the year, celebrating York's unique history and cultural identity.
Today, York stands as a testament to the early days of Western Australia's colonisation and development. Its role as the gateway to the region's goldfields has secured its place in the state's history. York continues to be a popular destination for those interested in exploring the state's pioneering past, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the first inland settlers.
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Snow in WA: rare, but occurs in Stirling Range near Albany
Western Australia has a diverse range of climates, from tropical conditions in the north to deserts in the interior and a Mediterranean climate in the coastal southwest and south. Snow is rare in Western Australia and typically occurs only in the Stirling Range near Albany. This mountain range is the only one far enough south and sufficiently elevated for snow. Even here, snowfalls rarely exceed 5 cm and usually melt within a day. The nearby Porongurup Range may also, on rare occasions, see snow. Outside of these areas, snow is a major event, usually occurring in hilly areas of southwestern Australia.
The Stirling Range includes Bluff Knoll, which, at 794 m, is southern Western Australia's highest peak. Snow forecasts and reports are regularly provided for Bluff Knoll, and skiing and snowboarding are possible when conditions are right.
The highest temperature recorded in Western Australia was 50.7 °C (123.3 °F) in Onslow in January 2022. The lowest temperature recorded was −7.2 °C (19.0 °F) at Eyre Bird Observatory in August 2008.
The town of York, situated 97 km east of Perth, was the first inland settlement in Western Australia. It was settled in 1831 and served as a staging point for explorers who discovered the rich gold reserves of Kalgoorlie. Today, the highest proportion of British-born Australians can be found in Perth, which is also the state capital and home to around 80% of Western Australia's population.
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Population: 2.965 million as of June 2024
Western Australia is a large state, covering 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq mi). As of June 2024, it is home to 2.965 million people, accounting for 10.9% of Australia's total population. This makes it the fourth most populous state in the country.
The majority of Western Australia's population is concentrated in the south-west corner of the state, with around 80% living in the capital city of Perth. Perth is located on Australia's west coast and is renowned for its natural attractions, including Kings Park, one of the world's largest urban parks, stunning coral reefs, and Rottnest Island. With a population of approximately 2,043,138 in its metropolitan area (including Mandurah) as of June 2017, Perth is Australia's fourth-largest city. It has a strong British influence, with 10.3% of its population being British-born as of 2011, the highest proportion in any Australian state.
Outside of Perth, other significant population centres in Western Australia include Bunbury (73,989), Geraldton (37,961), Kalgoorlie-Boulder (30,420), Albany (33,998), Karratha (16,446), Broome (14,501), and Port Hedland (14,285). These towns and cities are scattered across the vast state, leaving much of the interior sparsely populated.
The population of Western Australia has grown over time, with significant increases occurring after World War II, when the state received large waves of immigration from Italy, Croatia, and Macedonia, in addition to the ongoing influx of British immigrants. Despite this, the state's population remains unevenly distributed, with the vast majority concentrated in the south-west, particularly in Perth and its surrounding areas.
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Climate: from tropical to semi-arid and Mediterranean
Western Australia has a diverse range of climates, ranging from tropical to semi-arid and Mediterranean. The northern and southern parts of the state have contrasting climates, with the north experiencing a tropical climate with summer rainfall, and the south enjoying a Mediterranean climate. The Kimberley region in the north also experiences tropical conditions.
The state's interior is characterised by deserts, including the Great Sandy Desert, the Little Sandy Desert, the Gibson Desert, and the Great Victoria Desert. The southwest of the state, including the Margaret River wine-growing area, has a Mediterranean climate, known for its cool temperatures that support winemaking. The coastal strip of Western Australia, including the Swan Coastal Plain around Perth, experiences a mix of climatic influences from the ocean.
The highest town in Western Australia is likely to be located in the state's mountainous regions, such as the Stirling Range or the Kimberley region, which may have a different climate from the surrounding areas due to altitude. However, specific climate information for these high-altitude locations is not readily available.
Western Australia generally experiences long, hot, and dry summers, with the highest observed temperature reaching 50.7 °C (123.3 °F) in Onslow in January 2022. The state also has a variable rainfall pattern, with low average annual rainfall but intense seasonal falls in the tropics. Frosts may occur in the southern part of the state, and snow is rare, but it has been recorded in the Stirling Range.
The diverse climates of Western Australia support a wealth of flora and fauna. The state is home to around 630 species of birds and 10,000 native vascular plant species. The southwestern region is particularly renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity.
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