Flanked by the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean and the Great Southern Ocean, Western Australia is the country's largest state (about the size of Western Europe).

Getting around Western Australia is easy, with a variety of good transport options on offer. In the south-west corner are some spectacular forests of giant jarrah and karri trees, spectacular coastal scenery, surfing beaches and limestone caves, or the Margaret River region - well known for its excellent wines.

Built on the banks of the magnificent Swan River, blessed with sparkling beaches and a sunny climate, Perth has a relaxed, easygoing lifestyle that makes a superb city for the visitor. It's your friendly introduction to a holiday that can be anything you want it to be.

Inland are the goldfields, where gold is still mined, and rich farming land producing much of the country's wheat.

To the north are vast unspoiled beaches, coral reefs, ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling and offering an opportunity to discover some friendly wildlife like the dolphins at Monkey Mia or the giant whale shark - the largest fish in the world.

In the far north-east is the Kimberley region, an area of spectacular contrasts, from the coastal pearling town of Broome to the rugged ranges and lush gorges of the East Kimberley. In spring, the state bursts out in a festival of colour as wildflowers start to bloom.