Western Australia
RICH seam
The ‘global
recession’ that has a fi rm grip on much of the world seems to have made a detour around Western Australia – but tourists should be sure to drop by Australia’s most remote state, says
Steve Hartridge W
estern Australia – so huge that India would comfort- ably fi t inside its borders
– is booming, although its hotels and regional fl ights are packed mainly with miners, surveyors and executives involved with the various minerals industries that have made WA the wealthiest region in Australia. But the tourism industry is also
enjoying the fruits of the state’s natural resources wealth: regional air-strips have been reopened and upgraded (making Western Australia’s more remote locations more accessible for visitors), hotels are being built and new roads – such as the one between Perth and Margaret River – are making it easier and quicker to get between many of the key tourism attractions. Australia’s most remote state often doesn’t fi gure on the itinerary of fi rst- time visitors to Australia but it is the perfect recommendation for second- or even third-timers, according to Clare Haynes, Product Manager at Premier Holidays. “Western Australia is arguably one
of the most stunning regions in the country and boasts an array of awe- inspiring natural landscapes…it is the perfect recommendation for clients familiar with travelling in Australia, although we also see a lot of repeat bookers,” she added. Most of those visitors will arrive into
Perth, the state’s gateway and capital which is undergoing an infrastructure boom that will make the city on the Swan River a more enticing draw.
42 October 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
On the drawing board are several major projects, the biggest being the $440-million Perth Waterfront project that will connect the Swan River to Perth’s central business district (CBD). Work has started on a plan that will see 10 hectares of riverfront land developed into a precinct that will include several hotel sites, an Indigenous cultural centre, and waterfront recreation attractions. Those visiting Perth today can
experience several new restaurants and bars, such as The Aviary, a sophisticated two-storey venue on William Street. It has a circular lounge bar and a restaurant but its main draw is the city’s largest rooftop bar. Also being developed is an ‘alleyway circuit’ with intimate bars and cosy eateries. Chic King and Murray Street are fi lled with shopping malls and restaurants and trendy Northbridge is a top nightspot. A day trip to Fremantle, Perth’s hard-
working industrial sister, is a must. Take a Captain Cook Swan River cruise (about one hour), to explore ‘Freo’s’ historic streets, sip a beer on the river at Little Creatures brewery and join a tour of the town’s old prison. Rottnest Island, Perth’s own island getaway, is just a 20-minute ferry ride from the historic port city of Fremantle, or 40 minutes down the Swan River. Relax on the beach – there
are over 20 to choose from along with 60
secluded bays – or snorkel the underwater playground. An easy-to-drive-to
destination just a couple of hours south of Perth, Margaret River
offers a variety of tourism experiences that includes deserted beaches, vineyards, lush forests, intriguing caves,
coastal bike and hiking trails
and quaint towns with stores selling homemade products like pickles, vinegars, cakes and organic wines. Elsewhere The Bungle Bungles offer a true Aussie outback experience, there are stunning coastlines from Broome down to Perth, and Ningaloo Reef is great for snorkellers and the home of one of the country’s top wildlife attractions: swimming with whale sharks.
Then there’s the timeless Kimberley. Covering nearly 423,000 sq km this ancient landscape is punctuated with extraordinary gorges and waterfalls, spectacular cave systems, lush rainforest and abundant wildlife. The Kimberley Aerial Highway allows visitors to see some of the Kimberley’s most breathtaking sights from the air. It has a number of remote airstrips at major attractions throughout the region, including Mitchell Falls, Windjana Gorge and World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park.
selling tip
“Grab some fish and chips and a bottle of wine and
watch the sun sink into the sea on one of Perth’s 19 city beaches”
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