by Rebecca Laffar-Smith

Created on: March 23, 2007   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

The Sunny Down-Under Western Australia

The beautiful sunshine, pristine coastlines, and natural bushlands of the southern continent are just part of what makes my homeland one of the best places in the world to live. We are the sunburnt country with fantastic weather all year round. I'm so lucky to live in a place that I truly love. There is so much about Western Australia that makes this a wonderful home.

Western Australia is the largest state in Australia. Sure, places like Queensland and South Australia are more commonly known. The Northern Territory is the heart of tropical Australia, home to crocs who share the local swimming pools and spiders the size of dinner plates. Tasmania is an island, separate from the rest of the country and secluded in the sense that their separation keeps the community tighter knit then the swiftly expanding metropolises of the other states. Sydney has its great harbour, bridge, and Opera House; Queensland's Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne's nightlife, all calling cards to the tourists.

Western Australia sometimes seems far removed from the tourist traps of the rest of the country. We're the biggest but often the most over looked. Yet there is so much to recommend this state to visitors. The beautiful Swan, a river where the sea seems to flow backwards into the land, keeps our capital city enclosed by beauty giving the city workers a nearby escape to nature. There are fantastic views from the high-rise buildings and a mixture of old and new amongst the cities buildings.

Kings Park is another touch of nature surrounded by civilisation. The parkland rides over the hill with splendid views looking across the city, skyscrapers blending with deep, blue, river, boats, and bridges, the green hills disappearing into the horizon. Gum trees and other native plants and animals call Kings Park home and you can wander the trails and feel as if most of it has been totally untouched by man. Then walk a little further and find all the modern conveniences, caf's, playgrounds, car parks, that make a day out a comfortable family adventure.

Then a quick ferry trip across the river puts us on the doorstep of Perth Zoo, a haven for so many animals. In a way it's as if the whole world is reproduced in our zoo. Sections dedicated to animals of all countries, many living comfortably together. Sometimes I wonder if the animals realise they're held captive, but perhaps the lazy life of having their food arrive at meal time makes a big difference. Every year

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