Australia
Australia is one of the geographically largest countries in the world, with a land mass of 7,617,930 square kilometres.
Although being the sixth largest country by total area, the population density of only three people per square kilometre is amongst the lowest in the world.
22.5 million* people live in Australia. 2.5 million people live in Western Australia with approximately 1.6 million of those living in the Perth metropolitan area and the remainder spread throughout the regional areas of the State. 27% of the population is overseas born, so migrants and visitors will feel welcome in our multicultural State.
(*Australian Bureau of Statistics)
Australia’s cultural diversity is a strength which makes for a dynamic society. Within the framework of Australia’s laws, people living in Australia are able to express their culture and beliefs.
Other principles and values that underpin Australian society include:
- respect for the equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual;
- freedom of speech;
- freedom of religion and secular government;
- freedom of association;
- support for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law;
- equality under the law;
- equality of men and women;
- equality of opportunity;
- peacefulness; and
- a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces tolerance, mutual respect and
- compassion for those in need.
Source Life in Australia brochure which can be downloaded from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.
Lifestyle in Western Australia
Perth metropolitan area
Perth has more hours of sunshine than any other capital city in Australia. The Mediterranean climate means the people of Perth enjoy mild winters, warm to hot summers and blue skies for most of the year. The city sits by the Swan River and beneath the beautiful botanical Kings Park. With all the sunny weather, people spend a lot of time outdoors swimming, sailing, water-skiing, fishing, cycling, walking and running, especially around the Swan River.
Regional Western Australia
Western Australia has very diverse landscapes and environments around its nine regions. From the white sandy beaches in the north, the lush green vineyards and forests in the State’s south west and the arid red dirt of the outback there is a huge variety of places to experience and live in.
The table contains a brief overview of the main industries and environments for each of the regions within Western Australia.
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The Pilbara
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The Pilbara is located in the north of Western Australia. Rich in natural resources with iron ore being dominant, the Pilbara is the mining power house of Western Australia. Construction, agriculture, livestock, manufacturing, retail and fishing services also boost the Pilbara’s industries on offer. With the Indian Ocean to the West and the extensive Great Sandy Desert extending to the Northern Territory border in the East, the diversity within the Pilbara offers a variety of lifestyles. |
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The Kimberley
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The Kimberley is a vast region with abundant resources in the far north of Western Australia. Diamond, iron ore, nickel and gold are all mined within the Kimberley. With a landmass of 420,000 square kilometres, the Kimberley has stunning natural attractions, spectacular scenery and a wide range of flora and fauna to explore, alongside the tropical climate. The Kimberley offers an exciting lifestyle. |
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Gascoyne
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The Gascoyne region has more than 600 kilometres of Indian Ocean coast. Inland, the region extends through desert east to the Aboriginal community of Burringurrah. The main industries within the Gascoyne are tourism to the Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range National Park and the natural beauty of Shark Bay World Heritage area. Fishing, retail, mining, horticulture and agriculture are also major industries for the Gascoyne. With an average of 320 days per year of sunshine, the Gascoyne region is a popular location for those wanting to enjoy the warm climate of Western Australia. |
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The Mid-West
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The Mid West region is the size of approximately one fifth of Western Australia (468,712 square kilometres). The Mid West region extends along the coast of the Indian Ocean from Kalbarri in the north down to Green Head in the South. Heading east for 800 kilometres the Mid West region enters the mineral rich hinterland, bordering the Pilbarra and Goldfields-Esperance regions. The region utilises the wide diversity of landscapes and land uses stretching from fishing along the coast into mining and agriculture in the east. Significant employment and population growth is expected for the Mid West region over the coming years due to several major industrial projects. |
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Peel
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The Peel region is the third largest mineral region (in terms of value) in Western Australia. Alumina production is the largest industry of the Peel region, with mining and mineral processing. With urban and rural land there is a mixed environment of both coastal locations and forested hillside environments. The Peel region is a growing area for residential developments and has a mixed lifestyle of coastal marine with inland waterways along with rural forested areas. The Peel region is a popular choice for people wanting a variety of lifestyles, all within easy access of the Perth metropolitan area. |
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The South West
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The manufacturing industry in the South West region is the second largest outside the Perth metropolitan area. Diverse mining of coal, mineral sands and alumina are the main drivers for the economy along with tourism and fishing. Breathtaking coastline features some of the State’s best surfing beaches, towering forests and long established wine regions and national parks. The South West region is the most popular tourist destination outside of Perth with tourists and people taking weekend breaks from around the State. Lifestyle and employment opportunities in the South West region are thriving, making it a popular choice to live, work and invest in. |
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Great Southern
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The Great Southern Region is located in the far south of Western Australia with the City of Albany being the major regional centre. The second largest agricultural region in Western Australia produces cereal crops such as wheat, barley and oats. The region is also known for its production of premium wines which are supplied interstate and exported throughout the world. Tourism remains popular to the region with the popular town of Denmark and the City of Albany drawing attention, with the Southern Ocean coastal lifestyle and Albany port. |
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Goldfields-Esperance
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The largest region of Western Australia, the Goldfields-Esperance region is located in the far south east corner and offers an extensive variety of industries. Mining of gold and nickel is the most common industry throughout the region with agriculture also providing wheat, barley and livestock. The climate within the region is varied from the cooler southern coastal areas to the drier arid conditions of the central region within the Great Victorian Desert and further north within the Gibson Desert. The thriving historic town of Kalgoorlie based in the west of the region and Esperance based in the south are the most populated locations. |
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Wheatbelt
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The Wheatbelt region is the main agricultural region within Western Australia, producing almost half of the value of agricultural crops for the State. Crops such as wheat, barley, oats, hay and canola oil are all produced. The coastal area is lucrative to the fishing industry including rock lobsters for domestic consumption and export. The Wheatbelt region joins the northern and eastern boundaries of the Perth metropolitan area and offers great investment and residential opportunities. Education, health, cultural and recreational services are also extensive, supporting the regional lifestyle on offer within this region.
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Western Australia is chosen by many interstate and international migrants specifically for its peaceful and relaxed lifestyle. Whether you decide to settle in Perth or in a regional town, you can look forward to an exciting lifestyle with all the services, infrastructure, shopping and entertainment you can expect with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
The Tourism WA website is a valuable resource for you to use to find out more about Western Australia including:
- what to do and see;
- travel information;
- events around the State;
- history and culture; and
- weather and climate.
For information about housing and property in Western Australia, see our Housing and Accommodation section on this website.