Cruising Australia’s last frontier -West Australia

by OCEAN Media on 24 Nov 2008 Western Australia, with 2,532,400 square kilometres, is the largest state in Australia and the most diverse. Dense forests in the South contrast with colourful earth and rock formations in the north. Nautical wonders dot the vast coastline, providing some of the world’s fascinating and remote long-distance cruising opportunities.

OCEAN Magazine explores the western coast from south to north as we continue our series on the destinations published in The Great Southern Route Superyacht Guide. Apart from the much smaller coastline of Tasmania some 5,000 km to the southeast, WA is the only Australian state with a North, West and South Coast to explore.

So, get out your charts and set course for a new world of cruising to the west. And when ashore there are a host of activities to occupy you at every port up the coast and places of stunning, often stark, natural beauty to leave you in no doubt that Western Australia is truly our last frontier.

Esperance – Australia’s South
Commencing your journey on the far south coast the first major port you will enter is Esperance, renowned for its squeaky-white beaches and clear blue water. This place is so relaxed even the kangaroos sunbake on the beach. Situated a one and a half hour flight, or a nine hour drive south of Perth, it’s the ideal location for beach lovers and is a major port for the region. Four National Parks take you up close to pristine nature with beautiful seasonal wildflowers, granite headlands, rugged coastal scenery and views over the islands.

Esperance has plenty to do including four-wheel drive safaris, coach tours, helicopter tours, island cruises, diving charters, fishing, abseiling, sand boarding and canoeing.

It is an ideal swimming spot, and West Beach, Fourth Beach and Observatory Beach boast some of the best surfing. If snorkeling appeals, locals say the lagoon to the east of West Beach is good, as are idyllicsounding Blue Haven Beach and Twilight Cove.

Albany – Australia’s South West
Heading west, Albany is another beautiful natural harbour, once the centre of a thriving whaling industry. The whaling industry closed in 1978, to be replaced by the more sustainable pastime of whale watching cruises to see magnificent Southern Right and Humpback whales up close. Albany is in the southernmost area of WA known as the South West and is only a little over four hours drive from Perth.

Albany has a dramatic convict history, set against a backdrop of rugged granite coastline, green seas and a wild beauty. You can step back in time and explore convict jails, old taverns, whaling ships, and settlers’ cottages as well as grand preserved homes in beautifully landscaped grounds. Discovered by Captain Vancouver in 1791 and settled in 1826, around 50 colonial buildings have survived - now housing museums, art and craft galleries and restaurants.

Albany is also known for its natural attractions along the rugged coastline of Torndirrup National Park including the Gap, which boasts a dramatic 24-metre ocean drop, nearby Natural Bridge, Dog Rock, Albany’s towering wind farm, and the Middleton Beach boardwalk trail - a three kilometre trail with sensational views of King George Sound. Divers should make a beeline for HMAS Perth, a prepared wreck that rests on the ocean floor.

Further north is one of Australia’s top quality wine regions. This stretches from just north of Albany to just south of Perth with Margaret River known as the heart. Augusta, Margaret River and Yallingup, the South Western most shores of Australia, provide excellent surf and pristine beaches. And if driving, rather than cruising this region, you will pass through magnificent Karri and Jarrah forests, beautiful timbers native to the region.

The carefully preserved Ningaloo Marine Park is also a bewitching marine experience. The untouched coral, amazing range of sea life and excellent visibility make for unforgettable diving and snorkeling.

Australia’s North West
Head further north and you arrive at the huge region known as Australia’s North West. Exmouth, part of this area and also known as the Pilbara, is thriving, as many of the resources industries are located near Exmouth and throughout the region. A new harbour has been developed for the charter, work and fishing boats that live there and there are even plans to extend this harbour and develop facilities for superyachts and larger vessels including cruise ships.

Australia’s North West is one of the world’s last true wilderness areas. Take a scenic flight over extraordinary rock formations and magnificent waterfalls or cruise through the inland waterways that permeate the region and Lake Argyle - large enough to be classified as an inland sea.

Broome
Further northeast, near Broome, visit the Kimberley coast, where dinosaur footprints are preserved in rock. Or simply relax on the timeless stretch of glimmering white sand called Cable Beach.

Pearling heritage runs through Broome’s veins. Be thrilled by stories of the first deep sea pearl divers, explore pearl farms showcasing the modern industry, or indulge in the opportunity to buy locally made pearl jewellery which is arguably the best in the world.

Throughout the Region
This is where Australia’s North West, the Pilbara and the Kimberley’s shine. Some of the pristine, unique and awe-inspiring places include Montgomery Reef, King George Falls, Prince Regent River and Kings Cascades, the Hunter River and Mitchell Falls, Sale River, Berkley River, Talbot Bay and the Horizontal Falls. Most of these are only accessible by boat or helicopter, so much of the time you will have the place to yourself.

If fishing is your thing, take your pick from some of the best barramundi fishing spots in Australia or head out on a boat to the pristine Dampier Archipelago off the Pilbara coast.

The North West region is rich in pioneer history and Australian Aboriginal culture. Dampier boasts the highest density of rock art in the world, and there are pockets of this art throughout the Kimberley – a land that time appears to have entirely forgotten, until the mining trains carrying natural riches from the earth rattle past on their way to the port and the demands of world markets.

Australia’s North West
Head further north and you arrive at the huge region known as Australia’s North West. Exmouth, part of this area and also known as the Pilbara, is thriving, as many of the resources industries are located near Exmouth and throughout the region. A new harbour has been developed for the charter, work and fishing boats that live there and there are even plans to extend this harbour and develop facilities for superyachts and larger vessels including cruise ships.

Australia’s North West is one of the world’s last true wilderness areas. Take a scenic flight over extraordinary rock formations and magnificent waterfalls or cruise through the inland waterways that permeate the region and Lake Argyle - large enough to be classified as an inland sea.

Broome
Further northeast, near Broome, visit the Kimberley coast, where dinosaur footprints are preserved in rock. Or simply relax on the timeless stretch of glimmering white sand called Cable Beach.

Pearling heritage runs through Broome’s veins. Be thrilled by stories of the first deep sea pearl divers, explore pearl farms showcasing the modern industry, or indulge in the opportunity to buy locally made pearl jewellery which is arguably the best in the world.

Throughout the Region
This is where Australia’s North West, the Pilbara and the Kimberley’s