Australia's Golden Outback

ESPERANCE - BAY OF ISLES

This region is blessed with a temperate climate, spectacular coastal scenery, extensive national parks and magnificent beaches. Esperance is about eight hours’ drive south of Perth, or there are daily flights available for those short on time.

The only port in the south east of Western Australia and linked to Kalgoorlie by rail, Esperance is an important agricultural town, exporting around a million tonnes of grain each year. For the tourist, however, the main attractions of this area are the snow white beaches and brilliant blue waters of the Southern Ocean. The town is located on Esperance Bay, and overlooks more than 100 islands of the Recherche Archipelago to the east. Crystal clear waters are home to the wreck of the ship ‘Sanko Harvest’, the largest accessible dive wreck in Australia. The waters are ideal for fishing, surfing, sailing and sandboarding. Coach tours, 4WD safaris, cruises and air tours are available to most of the area’s attractions. Towns in the region include Esperance, Hopetoun, Salmon Gums and Ravensthorpe.

WILDFLOWERS AND FARMSTAY COUNTRY

Discover a scenic landscape as unusual as it is remarkable. Blessed with a diversity of geography this region is home to impressive rock formations including Wave Rock, one of Western Australia’s most popular natural attractions. Throughout the Wheatbelt you'll find small farming communities set in remarkable landscapes; rolling golden paddocks of grain and sheep and, further north, outback cattle stations of vast proportions.

This is the region to visit in spring to see the dazzling wildflowers that Western Australia has become famous for. More than 12,000 species erupt in carpets of blooms following winter rains and designated wildflower trails of varying lengths can take you to the heart of them. Enjoy warm country hospitality at an outback pub or on a working farm. Towns in this region include: Morawa, Watheroo, Dowerin, Moora, Corrigin, Bruce Rock, Mukinbudin, Kulin, Meckering, Paynes Find, Southern Cross, Hyden Lake Grace, Newdegate, Lake King, Narrogin and Merredin.

KALGOORLIE AND THE GOLDFIELDS

Be lured to the precious Goldfields where gold fever still hangs in the air from prospectors’ bygone days. This region shows off its beauty all year round and there is a wealth of exciting attractions in this picturesque and historic area. Walk along Kalgoorlie’s majestic wide streets and soak in the character of the town, passing legendary grand old buildings. Explore another world by going on a fascinating tour of an old underground gold mine, board a train for a journey around Australia’s richest reef of gold, the Golden Mile, and wander through museums displaying interesting collections from the gold rush era.

Stately towns brimming with heritage and memories of gold boom days are only part of the Goldfields experience. See beautiful collections of Aboriginal art in the town of Coolgardie, tour a mysterious ghost town, and partake in the thrill of prospecting by panning for gold. Encounter the quiet and isolation of the outback, full of wildlife and dramatic landscapes. The region is well-serviced by a range of tour and charter operators who are happy to impart their local knowledge and make your Goldfields visit memorable. Towns in the region include Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Norseman, Laverton and Sandstone.