Category: Western Australia

Cable Beach is renowned as one of the most stunning beaches in the world, with twenty-two kilometres of pristine white sands fringing the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Washed clean every day by tides that can reach over nine metres, Cable Beach provides the ideal safe environment for swimming and relaxation. Caution however is required between November and March when stingers may be present. Cable Beach takes its name from the telegraph cable that was laid between Broome and Java in 1889 and today it provides the perfect location to enjoy the magnificent Broome sunsets. There are a variety of watersport activities available. For a really unique experience you can join the sunset camel rides that operate daily along the beach.

Wooramel is a roadhouse located one and a half hours’ drive south of Carnarvon, on the North West Coastal Highway. Near Wooramel is the long forgotten Port of Gladstone which, in its early days, catered for shipments of sandalwood and wool industries in the area. Dine in and takeaway meals are available at the roadhouse. Visitors and tourists appreciate Wooramel as a convenient stop for fuel and refreshments. A caravan park and camping ground are available.

Ongerup is a five hour drive southeast of Perth. The name comes from the Aboriginal word meaning ‘place of the male kangaroo’. The OngerupNeedilup district is part of one of the best wildflower areas in the world. About 1,300 species of wildflowers have been recorded in the area. They range in size from majestic salmon gums 30 metres high, to small annuals only five millimetres high. The main street on Ongerup boasts an excellent native plant garden. Late August until late October is the best flowering period and a photographer’s paradise. The Ongerup Wildflower Show is held in September and October each year. The Ongerup and Needilup District Museum is housed in the old railway barracks. Noongar (local Aboriginal) artefacts, foods and medicinal plants, natural history items, old machinery and household goods from pioneer days are featured. There are magnificent salt lakes north of Ongerup. The Malleefowl Preservation Group, based in Ongerup, has achieved national recognition for raising awareness of the plight of the malleefowl. This bird is becoming increasingly rare in many wheat belt shires due to a loss of habitat and introduced species. Ongerup is home to the annual ‘Ongerup Shears’, Western Australia’s premier one day shearing event which also includes sheepdog trials. Hotel, motel and caravan park accommodation is available. Meals are available at the hotel and motel.

Enjoying the best of both worlds, Burekup is a picture of peaceful rural life as the northern gateway to the beautiful Ferguson Valley, but is still just a 20 minute drive to the city of Bunbury. The area features panoramic scenery, with many leisurely drives through pretty country and natural bushland. The introduction to Burekup for many is the entry sign to ‘Henty Country’, and the accompanying ever-changing community notice which varies from a cheery ‘Keep Smiling’ to announcements about upcoming events. Burekup has a general store/post office facility, tennis courts and a town hall, as well as a brand new primary school. This is a small but very active community, there is always something happening in Burekup. Burekup invites you to enjoy a fresh look at country life with a drive along the picturesque Collie River Road or Henty Road, where you can see the rural vistas and scarp to the east, while you overlook the city of Bunbury and Indian Ocean to the west. Accommodation ranges from cosy and comfortable chalets and cabins set in serene bushland to farm stays, with lots of activities for kids, and parents.

Located on the Eyre Highway, a one hour drive east of Norseman is the settlement of Fraser Range.

Kondinin is known as the gateway to Wave Rock, which is a leisurely 40 minute drive away. The region is in the heart of grain and sheep farming country. Attractions of the town include Kondinin Lake, Pioneer Cemetery, the trail of the Bush Schools, a Women’s Suffrage gazebo and garden, a scenic 18 hole golf course surrounding Woorkakanin Rock and many restored original buildings. Spectacular wildflowers abound during September and October. Kondinin was traversed in 1848 by Surveyor General JS Roe and was settled in 1909. The area was surveyed in 1910 for selection by early pioneer farmers. JS Roe has a heritage trail named after him which includes a magnificent mural depicting his epic journey, a replica well (Condinin Well) and the picturesque Yeerakine Rock which provides a 360 degree view. It is also known as the ‘Home of the Group’ – a farm improvement group which originated in Kondinin in 1955 and now has offices throughout Australia. Kondinin offers hotel and motel, caravan and camping, or roadhouse accommodation.

Murchison, three and a half hours’ drive northeast of Geraldton, depicts the real Australian outback with open space, beautiful scenery, natural pools, historic homesteads and an abundance of wildlife. Situated on the Murchison River, Murchison’s surrounds are mainly pastoral lands which offer the chance to experience working with sheep and cattle on the unique station stays available. In spring, after winter’s rainfall, wildflowers including everlastings and acacias bloom. Just a 20 minute drive to the settlement’s west are the rock formations of Errabiddy Bluff. As well as station stay accommodation, the Murchison area offers a roadhouse, caravan park and camping options.

Looking for WA’s best kept secret? Come to the magnificent Chittering Valley. Indulge yourself by visiting an award winning winery or bakery, eating lunch alfresco, stopping at roadside stalls for the freshest fruits and local produce or simply relax and enjoy the stunning views. Take a picnic and camera into the great outdoors. Kangaroos, emus, ibis and spoonbills mingle with farm animals and flocks of Carnaby’s black cockatoos to welcome you as you meander through the picturesque valey. Take yourself back in time with a visit to our heritage sites, museum or antique doll collection or enjoy our unique outdoor artworks. You could browse through the bookshop or wise up on worms! Wabder through the wildflowers, get lost in a labyrinth, take a ride in a limousine, amble with an alpaca or enjoy starry nights at the observatory. Plan a romantic getaway or farm-stay and experience Chittering’s country charm.