Category: Western Australia

Dampier is located just 30 minutes’ drive west of Karratha and is the gateway to the Dampier Archipelago, a fascinating group of 42 uninhabited islands located just off the coast. Hearson’s Cove, a popular tidal swimming beach, is a great location for viewing the “Stairway to the Moon”, a phenomenon which occurs at full moon between May and October. Dampier has long been established as a major shipping port and houses massive export facilities. Tours of the islands and of the industries are available. View the massive port loading facilities, huge stock-piles of Iron Ore and see trains nearly two kilometres long whilst on a mine company tour. Dampier offers hotels and motels, budget and backpacker accommodation and caravan parks.

Fitzroy Crossing is located on the banks of the Fitzroy River approximately three hours’ drive southeast of Derby. It is situated in the heart of some of the best pastoral country in Australia. Other industries include tourism and mining. Located on the riverbank just beyond the reach of major flood waters, the old town was built at a place suitable for crossing the river. Still standing in the old town is the original causeway crossing, the former post office (now backpacker accommodation), the police station, an avenue of boab trees, and a footbridge across the Brooking Creek linking the old inn and the original cemetery. The town is approximately 114 metres above sea level and is surrounded by vast flood plains of the Fitzroy River. From May to October, days are warm and dry and nights are cool. From December to March of most years, tropical storms transform the surrounding countryside into a waving sea of green. The magnificent Geikie Gorge National Park is 18 kilometres from the town on a sealed road. The gorge was carved by the Fitzroy River through an ancient limestone reef, approximately 350 million years old. The river’s tranquil water abounds with fish, and birds are attracted to its tree lined banks. During the season, boat cruises are operated by the Department of Conservation and Land Management daily. Motel style and caravan park accommodation is available.

Bullsbrook is located about a forty minute drive northeast of Perth and is home to the Royal Australian Air Force’s Pearce air base. Bullsbrook is a regional hub and gateway to the city for farmers from regional towns north of Perth.

North Dandalup is located an hour’s drive south of Perth in the picturesque Shire of Murray.

Dongara and Port Denison are located on the coast 4 hours’ drive north of Perth. With their friendly, relaxed atmosphere, tree-lined main street, historic buildings and excellent beaches, the twin towns make a perfect all year round holiday destination. The beautiful beaches and warm weather provide perfect conditions for all sorts of water sports, from swimming and relaxing on the beach to sailing and windsurfing. The Fisherman’s Lookout at Port Denison has a panoramic view of Port Denison and one of the largest fishing boat harbours in the state. The area offers the fishermen plenty of sport with an abundance of fish including tailor, snapper, whiting and dhufish. Dongara and Port Denison are also often referred to as the “Rock Lobster Capital”, for the many magnificent crustaceans caught in season. During spring Dongara and Port Denison are ideal as a base from which to tour the magnificent wildflower country in the surrounding area. A variety of accommodation is available, ranging from full service motels, holiday flats, caravan parks, campers’ parks and nearby farm stays.

Wellington Mill is a short drive from the small town of Dardanup, 188km from Perth, and 15 minutes from Bunbury. Situated at the top of the Ferguson Valley, it is fast becoming a popular tourist destination. This historic area was once a busy mill town with two working mills and a large population. This history is now documented on an information board and site markers make up a marked trail. The King Jarrah Tree is a local icon, at 36 metres tall (over 100 feet) it is one of the oldest jarrah trees in the world. Following the river path from this tree, Wellington Dam is only a scenic 11 kilometre drive away. Uncover the secrets of the jarrah forest via the ‘Living Window’ of the Wellington Discovery Forest, where different sites reveal how the forest areas are managed. You can also view the unique forest, flora and fauna on a guided horse ride through the tall timbers. Tourists who are young at heart will delight in the whimsical ‘Gnomesville’ a gnome hamlet at the Wellington Mill roundabout. Enjoy the humour of this attraction from the picnic table in the glen. A number of local fruit growing and wine tasting outlets are operating at weekends, giving visitors a taste of the wonderful fresh fruits of the valley. There is a range of accommodation styles on offer, including luxury guest houses, country farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and budget-style self contained cottages.

Tambellup is located an hour and a half’s drive north of Albany, in the southwest of Western Australia. It is also known as the ‘town of friendship’ because of the locals’ community pride. The town was settled by a European named Joseph Norrish in 1872 when he used the area to begin a sandalwood industry. It was not until the Great Southern Railway was built in 1889 that a large number of settlers were attracted to the site. The town was officially established in 1899. The town’s main income today is generated by serving the surrounding sheep and wheat farms.