Western Australia 1:1,900,000 ITMB Travel Reference Map

The State of Western Australia occupies the western third of the continental country of Australia. The main city is Perth, located in the southwest portion, which is the part of the State with the best land and the most people.

Key Features of Western Australia:

• Diverse Landscapes:

  • Much of the interior consists of arid desert-like grassland with shallow lakes that often dry out.
  • The Great Sandy Desert is a vast area with no roads, although the Canning Stock Route crosses its eastern fringe, running north-south. Note: Driving this hazardous track requires an expensive permit.

• Road Network:

  • In the south, the road network includes paved highways and secondary roads.
  • A single road and rail line head east to SZ and the rest of the country.
  • Roads in the north are generally dirt, except for the highway leading towards Darwin in NT.

• Urban Areas:

  • Larger urban areas are often named after British places (e.g., Albany, Exmouth, and Port Hedland).
  • Many names are derived from Aboriginal sources, such as Kalgoorlie.

Travel Highlights:

• Coastal Attractions: Most of the State's attractions are located fairly close to the coastline.
• Vast Distances & Varied Terrain: Western Australia is a state of vast distances and diverse landscapes, making it a unique destination.
• Friendly Atmosphere: Known as the friendliest state, it is well worth spending more time here than most visitors typically designate.