Guest Author - Tania Nadarajan

Western Australia takes up the entire western portion of the Australian continent. It is the biggest Australian state, covering a third of Australia. With a size of 2,500,000 km2 and a current population of about 1.8 million people, Western Australia has the lowest population density of any Australian state.

Western Australia sits separated from the eastern states by vast stretches of shrub and desert. This geographical reality has resulted in two prevailing attitudes. One, a feeling of individuality, being isolated from and unlike the other Australian states. Two, a sense of always being overlooked.

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is the world’s most remote city. To the rest of Australia, it is also the most backward civilization. Western Australia is bordered by the vast blue Indian Ocean on the one hand and the extensive brown stretches of desert sands on the other. Secluded from the rest of the world and from its sister Australian states, Western Australia has developed an identity of its own.

In many ways, Western Australia is more a part of Asia than Australia. Perth is closer to Singapore and Jakarta than it is to the Australian Capital Canberra. As such, Western Australians have always perceived themselves as unique, a state in its own right. This explains why they were the last and most reluctant to join the Federation. After joining, they tried to secede twice, once in 1933 and again in 1974. Being so far removed from the capital state, Western Australia was the forgotten state, politically under-represented and misunderstood. In fact, the sentiment was so strong that an overwhelming 68% voted in favour of seceding from the Federation in 1933. Till today, the rivalry between the Eastern States and Western Australia continues, albeit in a more light-hearted way.

Despite it’s reputation as being backward, Perth is the prettiest city in the world and a strong contender to the capitals in the eastern states. Being isolated and underpopulated has its pluses. Western Australia has the highest housing standards in the world –big houses, large backyards and swimming pools are all fairly common. With all that space, Perth also has the world’s largest inner city park. Kings Park spans 400 hectares and is even bigger than Central Park in New York. It offers one of the most scenic views and provides tranquillity right in the heart of the CBD.

Perth is also the sunniest capital city in the world. It enjoys 8 hours of sunshine all year round. Ironically, it is Queensland that holds the Sunshine State reputation. The sheer size of Western Australia means that it experiences varied climatic conditions. North of Perth (Broome, Kimberley) is hot, tropical and red. Perth and the South is milder, greener and Mediterranean like. With so much going for it, it is no wonder 75% of the population resides in Perth itself.

Western Australia is also famous as the Wildflower State because of its impressive display of wildflowers in springtime. There are more than 12,000 wildflower species that blossom, offering one of the most colourful carpet weave of yellow, pink, white and blue that run for kilometres along the roads. Western Australia also has the longest wildflower seasons of all Australian states, with five months of spectacular colours adorning the landscape.

For anyone interested, the wildflower season up north runs from June to September. The display is especially beautiful set against the red dirt landscape of the north. In the south and Perth, the season runs from August to October. Kings Park becomes 400 hectares of vibrant wildflower clusters.