The state covers almost one third of the Australian continent and is the country's largest, yet least populated state. The total population of W.A. is almost 2 million with 70% living in Perth. The climate of the state varies from north to south and east to west.

Location

Over 2.5 million sq km. Regarded as the largest state in the world, it covers almost 1/3rd of the Australian continent. It is 10 times the size of Italy and 5 times the size of Texas. Western Australia is bounded by 12,500 km (7,813 miles) of pristine and widely untouched coastline to the west.

Population

Approx 1.8 million with 1.38 in Perth city. Aborigines were the first inhabitants of Western Australia. They arrived on the coast of northwest Western Australia some 55,000 years ago. Later, people from different parts of the world reached this state. Yet, The current population of Western Australia is only 1.8 million. 72% of the population is constituted by native-born Australians and 15% by British born immigrants.

Climate

The state experiences considerable climate variations ranging from tropical to Mediterranean to desert heat and cold and most things in between. The winter months from June to August are the best time to visit Western Australia.

Currency

Australian currency is decimal. Notes include $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 and coins 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2. Banks are open from 9.30AM - 4.00PM Monday to Thursday and 9.30AM to 5.00PM on Fridays. Automatic Teller Machines are available at any time and are located at most shopping centres in each town.

Economy

Western Australia's economy is based largely on unprocessed primary products - Agriculture / Horticulture, mining, forestry and fishing. Minerals including oil and natural gas have gained increased importance, with WA looking set to be the major natural gas provider to much of Asia.

Special Attractions

Special attractions of Western Australia are the, Festival of Perth, the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Race Around, the West Week and the Perth Royal Show; of interest to gay travellers, the Gay Pride March is held every October at Perth.