"The Golden West" Top 5 Page for this destination State of Western Australia by TheWanderingCamel

State of Western Australia Travel Guide: 7,393 reviews and 17,107 photos

Anigozanthus manglesii - State of Western Australia

Unique and wonderful

Kangaroo paws
- floral emblem of Western Australia -
like so many things about this great state,
unusual,
disconcerting
not necessarily attractive at first glance,
an acquired taste.
But, like the land they grow in, they come in an infinite variety,
their appeal grows on you
and they are wonderfully rewarding to cultivate.

The Outback

The desert in spring

One of the very best places to see how spectacular the West's wildflower display can be is to head into the old goldfields region of the Upper Murchison, 500km+ north of Perth, in Springtime, when the desert is awash with sheets of flowers that spread to the horizon.
Historic old towns, such as Cue, give a glimpse into the goldrush years, whilst in others - Yalgoo and Morawa -there is the fascinating work of the outback's architect-priest, John Hawes.

Heading down south

Winter beach -Margaret River

Head south from the capital, Perth, and you enter a world of green pastures, countless vineyards, deep forest, fantastic caves and miles and miles of unspoilt coastline. This is Perth's favourite getaway place and whether your interests lie in the fine wines, the great surf, the unique wildflowers or merely the simple pleasures of leaving the rat-race behind you for a while, 'Down South" is the place to head for in both winter and summer.
The pretty little town of Margaret River , right in the centre of the southern capes area, is an ideal place to base yourself as you set out to explore the region.

leyle

Intro Updated Jan 14, 2012
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Reviews (34)

Golden ghosts Off The Beaten Path (11)

Siberia and Ora Banda are just two of the many ghost towns that can be found scattered around the Eastern Goldfields... more travel advice

To say "I was here" - State of Western Australia

To say "I was here" Local Customs (1)

Miles and miles from anywhere (Kalgoorlie's the nearest town - and that's nearly 100 kilometres behind you), where once... more travel advice

The Golden Mile Off The Beaten Path (11)

The historic and important gold-mining twin city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a 600km drive from Perth - which does put it... more travel advice

An truly extraordinary experience - State of Western Australia

Australia Inside Off The Beaten Path (11)

Lake Ballard is about as far Off the Beaten Path as you could imagine. The "lake" is a vast salt pan, no different from... more travel advice

Restaurants (2)
See All Unbeatable pies!
Transportation (2)
See All Rottnest bikes
Warnings and Dangers (2)
See All Creepy crawlies

Things to Do (11)
See All A taste of the country ....
Favorites (3)
See All I'm not a rat ...
Hotels (2)
See All Comfort and charm

Comments (23)

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Trekki May 8, 2011 at 8:55 AM

Oh my, you made so many updates and added new ones since I travelled here in 2006 :-) But I still like to adopt a quokka :) And stay in New Norcia's guesthouse and... put a stone to remember. Very moving story!
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australia2 Oct 28, 2010 at 4:13 AM

Yes Leyle, a weed, a curse, and a salvation all at once!. Mulitfaceted !?
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Bwana_Brown Apr 9, 2009 at 5:56 PM

What an awesome tour through Western Australia! I would love to try the unique experiences of walking Lake Ballard & its statues as well as the tree-top walk! A visit with the New Norcia monks also sounds very intriguing.
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Kuznetsov_Sergey Jan 20, 2008 at 1:24 AM

Vivid page with very interesting details of flora and fauna! Pleased to read it on the background of Australian Open on TV. What a coincidence! Thanks Leyle for the virtual tour!
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MikeStarr5 Nov 28, 2007 at 6:18 PM

You were right, I really did enjoy seeing and reading about these wonderful sculptures. We are lucky here in Barking Town, the local council is spending a fortune on great public art. We are shortly to get a brand new work in the town sq
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tiabunna Oct 30, 2007 at 3:39 AM

You've reminded me how much of WA I haven't seen, Leyle! Fascinated by L Ballard, need to explore the Avon Valley, revisit the enchanted Tingle Trees, have to taste the pies! ):
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JLBG Mar 30, 2007 at 10:03 PM

Superb and amazing pinnacles are almost alike the "lost cities" of the Tassili! Interesting tip about the meat pie! Great "weed" photo! The statues in Menzies are a marvel and I like them very much. A fascinating page!
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VeronicaG Nov 19, 2006 at 3:08 PM

New Nortia Abbey, the tree top walk, lake Ballard's quirky sculptures and the little "rat" that isn't a rat...all make Western Australia some place special! Thanks for the introduction to this part of the world, Leyle!
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kokoryko Oct 17, 2006 at 1:45 PM

The lake Ballard sculptures are very interesting and strange; thanks for "moving" me, I love this Modigliani-type sculptures, specially when the pictures are good.
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budapest8 Aug 27, 2006 at 8:44 AM

Hi Lesley! WA looks like the kinda place I could spend a few months unwinding and exploring! I do miss the desert and its serence beauty and tranquility! Will check back later when I get my self back into gear for work etc.Tim