Western Australia
(Pop over 2 million)
Western Australia is the country's largest state. It covers about one third of the continent (over 2.5 million sq km) and the coastline alone is 12 500 km in length. Convicts began arriving in 1850 and built many fine buildings and roads for the fledgling colony including the Perth to Albany road, Perth Town Hall and Fremantle Prison. WA is bordered by the Northern Territory and South Australia and the locals are sometimes colloquially called 'sandgropers' after a Perth sand dune insect. With only about 10% of the nation's population, WA generates approx 30% of its export revenues. Major industries include mining (iron ore, natural gas, nickel, gold), construction, agriculture (wheat, barley, sheep), manufacturing, property & business services and tourism.
Visitor Information Centre: Cnr Forrest Pl & Wellington St, Perth. Tel (08) 9483 1111 or 1300 361 351.

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