Flanked by the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean and the Great Southern Ocean, Western Australia is Australia’s largest state.  Perth is the capital and an interesting fact about Perth is that it is actually located closer to Singapore and Jakarta than it is to the capital Canberra in (ACT) Australia Capital Territory in the heart of New South Wales. 

Agriculture is the major export industry here with wheat, wool, beef and lamb being the main products. There is a wide diversity of activities to explore including wilderness adventures in the outback, diving on coral reefs or take a trip to one of the many popular hot spots of Kimberley Region, Broome, Gibb River Road, The Pinnacles, Albany, Kalgoorlie, Monkey Mia and the Margaret River.

There are also two distinct seasonal variations. In the southern half of the State there are four seasons - summer, autumn, winter and spring, and in the north there are just two, wet and dry.  The dry season usually last from April-September and temperatures range from 34 degrees during the day to 24 degrees at night. 

The wet season runs from October to March. The Southwest region averages a maximum of around 32 degrees in summer and 14 degrees in the winter. Perth has more sunny days per year than any other Australian capital city so sunshine is usually standard.

Car
The car is a great way of exploring Western Australia. Many of the highway roads are excellent but they are limited. Be careful of dust rising from other vehicles and watch out for kangaroos and cattle who like to roam the roads so drive with caution.

The best highways are;

• Albany Highway runs from Perth to Albany, with very few attractions. If you are looking for something scenic then take the coastal road.
• Great Eastern Highway, from Perth to Kalgoorlie, is the main route for travellers.
• South West Highway, from near Walpole to Perth via Bunbury.
• Brand Highway, from Perth to Geraldton.
• North West Coastal Highway, a mainly coastal route from Geraldton to the Great Northern Highway near Port Hedland.
• Great Northern Highway, up to the the Northern extremity of the state.
• Victoria Highway, connects the Great Northern highway to the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory.

Bus

• Transwa operates regular coach services that connect all the major towns in Western Australia. The coaches are fitted with TV facilities and are comfortable for long distances.
• Greyhound coaches also operate regular services between the main towns in the region. All coaches are equipped with air conditioning.

A word of warning:
If you decide to travel across WA by road, make sure you are ready for a lot of driving even if you plan to just go to the next town. We would strongly advise that if you decide to leave the Highways then you must consider renting a 4WD. You may need the rental company’s authorisation to drive off road so make sure you ask. Driving on outback tracks should definitively not be taken lightly, especially if you have no experience driving in the Australian desert. Petrol supply is scarce, water is rare and it could be weeks before anyone finds you if you break down.