Western Australia takes up one third of the continent, some 2,529,000 square kilometres and 12,500 kilometres of coastline from the Timor Sea to the Southern Ocean.
It was first sighted by the Dutch in 1616 but it was not until May 2 1829 that the British claimed it. It was not until the arrival of 9,718 convicts that the settlement finally found its feet and in 1856 Perth was proclaimed a city.
The discovery of gold at Kalgoorlie and diamonds in the Kimberley set the state on its way to housing some of the wealthiest Australians.
The capital of Western Australia, Perth, enjoys lots of sunshine, natural parklands and beach lifestyle.
With fantastic weather, clean uncrowded beaches, the city is situated on the banks of the Swan River which winds through the metropolis.
Free buses get you around the CBD where you can visit the Perth Mint, Swan Bells Tower, Art Gallery of WA and many more Perth tourist attractions.
The train and bus station is right in the centre of town, and accommodation options are plentiful catering to all budgets.
King Street is a haven for boutiques, art galleries, eateries and beautiful people. Be sure to be seen here.
Murray and Hay street malls is the place for quality department and fashion chain stores.
Lunch time locations can be found from the riverside to the beachfront.
If you're a nightlife fanatic then get to Northbridge, Mount Lawley, Leederville and Subiaco. And if you love the beach and surfing lifestyle then look no
further than Cottesloe or Scarborough.
Over 80 kilometres of white sandy beaches perfect for surfing and swimming are all that separate Perth from the Indian Ocean.
Kings Park botanical gardens offer a respite and relaxation together with some stunning views of this vibrant capital.
There are free barbecue facilities and plenty of picnic spots to dine among the gum trees.
If sport is more your thing, catch a game of cricket, Aussie Rules or rugby at one of the sporting stadiums. The WACA is on the "free bus" circuit.
You can take a ferry to South Perth, Fremantle or Rottnest Island to take that world-famous snap of Perth's skyline.
Or hop on the train to Mandurah for a long lazy lunch.
DON'T MISS
Ferry Trip at Fremantle, Kings Park, Lake Monger, Northbridge, Ocean Beaches, Perth Mint, Zoo, and sunset at the beach.
TOP EVENTS
Hopman Cup (Jan)
International Arts Festival (Jan-Feb)
Kings Park Wildflower Festival (Sept)
Rally Australia (Nov)