The South West of Western Australia is defined by
drawing an arbitrary line from Mandurah, just south of Perth,
to Walpole on the southern coast. Over 117,000 people reside here
in communities enjoying an unsurpassed lifestyle among nature's
compact wealth of beautiful attractions.
Magnificent hard wood forests, deserted beaches,
wide water placid inlets, rugged cliffs and coastal seascapes,
tranquil river valleys, magical caves, lakes, reservoirs, rolling
green farmlands, pretty orchards, nestling vineyards, unique flora
and fauna, historical pioneer settlements, typical `Australiana'
country towns, timber mill villages, unusual architecture and
growing well-planned dedicated small cities.
The region is the size of Ireland or Holland and
can be comfortably toured by car in three days. Many visitors
stay longer to completely relax or enjoy the many recreational
opportunities available alongside nature or through sporting and
country clubs.
Pleasure drives are the most prevalent pastime for
visitors to the region. Well documented natural attractions and
scenic highlights aside, there are still many `man-made' attractions
to entice the visitor to meander slowly along the country roads
and lanes. These include arts and crafts outlets, wildlife parks,
aquaculture farms, orchards, wineries, heritage museums, historic
homes, lighthouses, dams and weirs, fishing jetties, steam train
excursions, tramways and wonderful trails for trekking or four
wheel drive exploration.
Fine quality restaurants are discovered throughout
the region with many discerning restaurateurs being attracted
to a lifestyle in which local food and wine play such an enjoyable
role.
World famous surf beaches and tall karri/jarra forests
encompass 60 per cent of the region. Over 150 caves are hidden
along the rugged beauty of the Naturaliste Ridge with the four
most spectacular being open for public viewing. Many rivers both
large and small wind gently through wooded valleys to enter vast
inlets or the open sea. The south coast is perhaps the last `green'
wilderness coast in Australia with huge forests reaching to the
shoreline.
Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, the South
West is truly a vacation land all year round, though the locals
prefer the lush green dampness of winter and spring, (May-October),
when wildflowers and fruit trees burst into colour.
The South West is only 2 hours from Perth, so one
can enjoy a number of `mini holidays' throughout the year returning
home recharged and confident that nearby is a wonderful slice
of `Earthly Paradise'.