WA's geography

WA is the largest of the states/territories of Australia, occupying about one third of the land mass. Some of our cattle stations (farms) are the size of England!

Compared to size of the State, we have quite a small population with 2,140,000 people. 75% of Western Australians live in the capital city of Perth. 10% live in the south west and 15% live in cities and towns throughout of the State. 

Perth is the capital of Western Australia on the south-west coast and offers an easy-going lifestyle and beautiful natural attractions such as the Swan River, Kings Park bushland and numerous white beaches.

The South West is the most populated area outside of Perth and the most sought after locations for teaching in the country. The south west, with towns such as Bunbury, Margaret River and Manjimup, is known for its beautiful tall forests and world class wineries.

The Great Southern is located in the south of WA abutting the beautiful Southern Ocean which can be wild one day and brilliant blue calm the next. You’ll find the city of Albany and towns like Denmark and Mt Barker in this region.

To the east and north of Perth, the Wheatbelt region is home to wheat and sheep farming communities and includes towns like Merredin, Beverley and Bruce Rock.

The Goldfields region is located in the east of the state and includes the city of Kalgoorlie and towns of Leonora and Kambalda. These towns are famous for gold mining, historic townships and wide open spaces. It also stretches to the south coast and includes the town of Esperance.

Stretching from the coastline to the desert, the Mid-West and Gascoyne are found in the centre of the state. This area of the State is know for tourism, fishing, mining and agriculture and includes the small city of Geraldton and towns like Carnarvon and Denham on the coast and inland towns such as Meekatharra and Mt Magnet.

In the north of the State you’ll find the Pilbara region— known for vast cattle stations and mineral resources. There are coastal towns like Port Hedland and Karratha and inland towns like Newman and Tom Price.

The Kimberley is in the far north and is famous for rugged ancient landforms, remnant rainforest, deep red gorges and ancient Aboriginal culture. You’ll find coastal towns like Broome and Karratha and inland towns like Kununurra and Fitzroy Crossing.