Arguably the largest state in the world, Western Australia covers one-third of the Australian continent. Bordered largely by desert to the east, Western Australia is bound by 12,500 kilometres (7,813 miles) of the world's most pristine coastline to the west. Western Australia is adored for its brilliant blue skies, warm sunny climate and white sandy beaches. It is a land blessed with some of the world's most precious natural phenomena including the dolphins of Monkey Mia, the 350-million-year-old Bungle Bungle range and the towering karri forests of the South West.

Capital city Perth is home to 1.38 million people and enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other capital city in Australia. The city's gay and lesbian population throws an annual Pride parade and party each October, and maintains an active community throughout the year. The tropical north of WA is renowned for its spectacular outback wilderness. In the Kimberley region you'll find red earth contrasting with pristine white, sandy beaches, vast gorges and majestic waterfalls. The Pilbara region boasts breath-taking gorges, cascading waterfalls, pristine beaches, beautiful coral grounds and abundant fish. Some of Australia's premier soft adventure and eco-tourism experiences can be found in the Gascoyne region, including the Shark Bay World Heritage area and Ningaloo Marine Park.

In the mid West you'll find Western Australia's premier wildflower region, while the goldfields to the east of Perth are steeped in the history of WA gold mining evidenced by the grand Australian architecture and a rich heritage of early settlement. Don't miss the South West region, where you'll find the famous Margaret River wine region nestled amongst some of WA's most spectacular natural scenic attractions with vast forests and a rugged coastline to explore.

Source: Western Australian Tourism Commission / Gay Australia Guide