It took the first settlers more than forty years to reach the West, following the colonisation of the much fabled East. This was due to its remoteness and huge area. At a little under half Australia's overall size, Western Australia is certainly the big man of our states. Over 175,000 kms of road intertwine this vast land, where much of the natural environment is still untouched. As expected, most
campervan, 4WD and motorhome hire companies are based in
Perth, however there are a few operators in Exmouth (
Wicked Campers) and Broome (Wicked Campers, Britz Motorhomes). Our indigenous population has many of its foundations here, which adds to the spiritual feel, and there is so much diversity in the landscape that every desire can be satisfied. The coastline is spectacular in its appearance and its sparseness of population, although this is changing every year. Every Australian surfer at one time or another has read or seen articles about the adventurers of this land. Surfers who lock themselves in the desert for months on end, to escape normality, and revel in the absolute beauty of their environment.
Pia like Tombstones, Grunters, Crazies and Gallows fill most surfers with dread, and a dedicated crew with drooling desire. This is the beauty of such a rugged state, that it is not all Macdonald's drive thru's, and the waves aren't all beach breaks. Hell no. There are reefs that will slice you like a steak knife, hundreds of kms from any medical service. Roads that will tear apart the most rugged
4WD Hire vehicle. And then there are the wave. With over 6,000kms of surfable coastline, you would be right in assuming that there are some quality waves in this region. In fact some of Australia's premier big wave spots lie within Western Australia's grasp. Most surfs are lonely, long paddles to outer reefs, where spitting beasts dwell, and where the marine life surrounds you. It tests the most adventuring spirits. Howling winds berate the inhabitants, a relentless sun sheds more than its share of UV rays. Expensive fuel and redneck attitudes all combine to give a feeling of a separate land, as if the desert is the great barrier between east and west.
Technology is slow to infiltrate the sparse ranks of this land. Mobile phones are useless in many areas, and mechanical repairs consist of chewing gum in radiators and stockings for fan belts. A land full of contrast, with the richness and diversity of the south, to the extreme sparseness and hostile environment of the north. The south, with its bountiful wineries, and karri forests stretching hundreds of feet upwards, has received thousands of admirers from the east. Great waves abound this area, with raw power and monolithic sizes being its trademark. In contrast, the
North has built its reputation on its tough exterior. Rugged roads, often impassable, gnarled coastlines and mammoth expanses of desert. But weaved in amongst this vastness, is a rare beauty that makes this place magical. The blooming wildflowers, shower their canopy of colours over an otherwise barren landscape. The coastline twists and weaves its way through open facing beaches, to secluded coves and peninsulas, where an incredible array of marine creatures dwell. The reefs are barely touched and haven't been subjected to excessive tourism. Visitors to this area, from the east or further, stand in awe of such majesty. But Western Australia requires more than a cursory glance, since there are secrets hidden amongst its ruggedness that most intrepid travellers will find. But search my friends, as you cannot be disappointed in an area that is so rich in every way.