Last Updated on 30 January 2025 by Ariana Svenson
Home to the vastest outback, the country’s largest gold mine, and the happiest animal on Earth – Western Australia is a world record holder. However, if you think its’ titles end there, you’re wrong. The region is rife with adventures, stunning sites, and hidden gems. Not convinced? Here are jaw-dropping fun facts about Western Australia for kids.
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Fun Facts About Western Australia
Dubbed the Wildflower State, Western Australia has plenty of surprises up its sleeves. Yes, there is more to this region than its arid Outback and its vast reserves of minerals including gold (leading to its other nickname – the Golden State).
Think white beaches, rolling wine country, extensive wildlife, wonderful marine life, and a capital city that gets eight hours of sun every day for the entire year. Western Australia may not be high on people’s bucket lists, but it will win you over. Read on for more fun facts about Western Australia.

1. Western Australia is Huge
Western Australia is Australia’s largest state, with a total land area of 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq. mi).
Would you believe that Western Australia is 10 times larger than the United Kingdom? Compared to US states, Western Australia is about one-and-a-half times the size of Alaska and about three-and-a-half times the size of Texas.

2. Not Many People Live in Western Australia
About 11% of Australia’s population live in Western Australia, but around 80% of them are in the Perth metropolitan area. That means the rest of the state is pretty thinly populated!
As of 2021, the Western Australian population is 2.76 million. Other areas with a large number of residents include the port cities of Bunbury, Geraldton, and Albany.
Broome, a tourist town on the Kimberley coast, is one of the most populous places in the state, with an estimated population of 14,501.

3. It’s a Great Place to Go Road-Tripping
Western Australia’s size never fails to amaze its visitors. Across the massive state are national parks, sleepy towns, boutique wineries, and pristine beaches. And, one of the best ways to see these spots is on a road trip.
Perth, the state’s capital city, is the ideal base for a road adventure. You can drive to the UNESCO heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, head to the resort town of Kalbarri or cruise along the gorgeous Western Australian coast.
Are you looking for the perfect route to explore Western Australia? Plan your getaway with these road tripping ideas.

4. The Nickname of a Western Australian Person is Sandgroper
Not be confused with the tiny and harmless insect that spends its life digging in the sand – a sandgroper is a person who lives in Western Australia. The name stemmed from the state’s immense areas of sand, including deserts and beaches, which Western Australians enjoy almost year-round.
Considering Queenslanders are called banana benders, South Australians crow eaters, and Victorians gum suckers, sandgroper is not too bad of a nickname.

Interesting Facts about WA Beaches
It’s true that due to the great climate you can spend a lot of time on the beach in WA. The state has some truly amazing spots that you’d be hard pressed to pick just one.
To help you choose where to go, we’ve listed the Best Beaches in Perth and Best Beaches in Western Australia. Now, to the facts. Looking for other beach facts, check out Bondi Beach Facts!
5. Western Australia has 12,500 km of Coastline
With 12,500 kilometres of coastline and about 3,500 beaches, Western Australia is a beach bum haven. Here you’ll find some of the world’s most gorgeous sceneries, cleanest waters, mesmerizing sunsets, abundant coral reefs, and a diverse range of the rarest wildlife. The best thing about it is you don’t have to hustle for beach space. On the contrary, you can have some spots all to yourself.

6. Lucky Bay is Australia’s Whitest Beach
Western Australia is home to Lucky Bay, the country’s whitest beach. And, that’s not an exaggeration or an ad slogan. It’s been scientifically proven. Twice. We really think this is of the most fun fact about Western Australia. Or, maybe funny facts, considering they have to prove it twice!
The whiteness of the sand has something to do with the size and composition of the dunes. Sand samples from Lucky Bay show the finest grains of milky-colored quartz minus any impurities. Unbelievably, Lucky Bay is only one of many beaches in this area that are so white. Learn more with The Best Esperance Beaches, Plus Lucky Bay.
Longest and Biggest Fun Facts about Western Australia
Western Australia has a bunch of incredibly fascinating sights, from the world’s largest urban park to the world’s biggest fish. Here are some amusing facts that will make you love the state more.

7. Busselton Jetty is the Longest Wooden Jetty in the Whole of the Southern Hemisphere
Stretching over 1.8 kilometres into the waters of Geographe Bay, the 155-year-old Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled pier in the Southern Hemisphere. This world heritage dock takes about 25 minutes to walk each way. There is an underwater observatory at the end of the jetty, where you can descend eight metres below the waves to view over 300 marine species.
The jetty is not the only attraction in town. If you’re planning a holiday by the sea, check out these fun Things to do in Busselton.

8. Some of the World’s Biggest Fish Can Be Found Off the Coast of Western Australia
The Western Australian reefs are home to a wide variety of marine life, including the colossal Whale Shark. Growing up to 12 metres long, these gentle giants are the world’s biggest fish. Despite their intimidating size, Whale Sharks are completely harmless. So, it’s not uncommon for sealife lovers to want to interact with them.
Where can you see these charming creatures? Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth are some of the few places in Australia where you can swim with whale sharks.

9. Kings Park is One of the Largest Urban Parks Worldwide
Kings Park spans about 400 hectares and ranks as one of the world’s largest urban parks. A mixture of manicured lawns, botanical gardens, and protected bushland, the park is bigger by 148 acres than New York City’s Central Park.
Kings Park overlooks the Swan River and Perth’s central business district, providing visitors with panoramic views. It is also an ideal spot for scenic hikes, picnics, relaxation, and nature exploration, with over 3,000 species of fauna and 30 bird varieties. You can discover more about Kings Park in this guide.

10. Lake Ballard is Home to the World’s Largest Outdoor Art Gallery
Scattered across 10 square kilometres of the Ballard salt lake are 51 individually cast sculptures. These statues comprise the exhibit called Inside Australia, the world’s largest outdoor gallery.
Made of black chromium steel, the sculptures by award-winning artist Antony Gormley appear spectral from a distance. But up close, you’ll see their uncanny resemblance to a regular human being. Not surprising as each figure is a laser scan of actual inhabitants of Menzies, the nearest township.
Want to see these unique pieces of art? Here are some tips for exploring the Lake Ballard statues.

Facts about Perth Australia
Chic, charming and cosmopolitan, the state’s capital city is one of the most intriguing places in the land down under. Here are fun facts about Perth, Western Australia, that will amaze you.
11. Perth is One of the Most Isolated Cities in the World
Did you know that if you were in Perth, you’d be nearer to Jakarta and Singapore then the national capital Canberra? In fact, Adelaide, the closest Australian city to Perth, is 2,200 kilometres away.
Perth is the most isolated city in the world because of its whopping distance from other major cities in the country. This is definitely one of the most interesting facts about Perth Australia that we can share.

12. Perth is Known as the City of Lights
Perth is undeniably a beautiful city. But why is it called the City of Lights? In 1962, astronaut John Glenn said Perth was clearly visible from space because of its brilliant street lighting. From then on, Perth became known as the City of Lights. Now thats one of the fun facts about Perth you can use to win a trivia game.
13. The Perth Beaches are Iconic
If you visit Western Australia, the beaches are a must-see. Perth boasts 80 kilometres of lovely coastline dotted with white sand coves fringed by turquoise blue waters.
The beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, or good old sunset watching. Check out Scarborough Beach, City Beach, Coogee Beach, and Cottesloe Beach.

14. Australia’s Coins are Made at Perth Mint
Established in 1899, Perth Mint is Australia’s first and oldest operating bullion mint owned wholly by the Australian Government. It makes, markets, sells and buys gold, silver, platinum coins, bullion bars, luxury jewelery, and other collectables.
Perth Mint also offers a tour of its facilities, such as the vaults and a hundred-year-old melting house and we have included it in our mega list of Things to do in Perth with Kids.
15. There are Lots of Millionaires in Perth
The City of Lights is not only one of the most isolated cities in the world but also has the highest concentration of self-made millionaires per capita in any other city in the world. But not only that. Perth is home to some of Australia’s top billionaires, thanks mainly to the booming local mining industry.
The list includes Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest, Kerry Stokes, and the country’s wealthiest person, Gina Rinehart.
16. The Fremantle Prison is pretty spooky and special
The largest convict built building in WA, the Fremantle Prison, also referred to as Fremantle Gaol or Fremantle Jail, closed in 1991, replaced by the new maximum-security Casuarina Prison. Nowadays you can do day – and night – tours to learn more about what life was like when you were incarcerated. It’s pretty grim, but eye opening. In 2010, Fremantle Prison became the first building in Western Australia to be included on the World Heritage list.

Western Australian Geographic Facts
Western Australia is so vast that if it were its own country, it would rank the 10th largest in the world by land area. Almost every corner of WA has natural wonders that will blow your mind away. Let’s look at some.
17. The Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park is Listed as a World Heritage Site
This cluster of beehive-shaped domes is one of Western Australia’s most bizarre yet beautiful landscapes. The Bungle Bungle Range formed out of the sandstone deposited in the area about 360 million years old.
Orange and dark grey stripes band around the conical landform, making it look more surreal. In 2003, the range became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

18. Western Australian Caves are Fascinating
Whether you’re looking for indigenous Dreamtime rock art or rare archaeological fossils, Western Australia has a plethora of caves and underground networks that provides a glimpse of the region’s rich ancient history.
The Margaret River region is one of the top places in Western Australia to explore caves. The area has over 100 limestone caves and caverns, though only seven are open to the public. Learn more about caving adventure with the Guide to the Margaret River Caves.

19. The Nullarbor Plain Stretches Over Millions of Hectares Across Western Australia
Flat, arid, and almost treeless, the Nullarbor Plain is the planet’s largest single exposure of limestone bedrock, spanning millions of hectares across the state, and connecting Western Australia with the east. The vast stretch is home to over 390 plant species and serves as a habitat for rare wildlife, including hairy-nosed wombats, Australian sea lions, and pale knob-tailed geckos.
In 2013, the government declared 1.8 million hectares of the plain part of the Nullarbor Wilderness Protection Area, which prohibits mining and development.

20. The Pinnacles are Otherworldly
The Pinnacles is a group of unusual geological limestone pillars formed around 25,000 to 30,000 years ago within the Nambung National Park. Dotted across the yellow desert sand, the Pinnacles range in size and height, some towering as high as 3.5 metres.
The Pinnacles is a two-hour drive from Perth. While in the area, don’t miss out on the nearby attractions. Check out the fun things to do in Jurien Bay.

21. Wave Rock is Well Worth a Visit
Shaped like a breaking ocean wave, curled and ready to plunge, the Wave Rock stands 15 metres high and 110 metres long. The Wave Rock is a granite cliff formed about 2700 million years ago by weathering and water erosion. More than 100,000 tourists visit this geological formation every year.
Want to visit? Here are more amusing Facts about the Wave Rock you should know before dropping by.

22. Western Australia is Home to Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park covers 627,422 hectares and is Western Australia’s second-largest national park after Karlamilyi (a difficult to access park near Newman and Marble Bar.) It is known for its stunning gorges that contain waterfalls, water holes, and slot canyons.
Karijini is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including red kangaroos, rock wallabies, legless lizards, and various birds and snakes. The Karijini’s natural beauty makes it a favourite among outdoor lovers.
For other bucket list destinations in the state, check out this list of the Best Places to Visit in Western Australia and the best waterfalls in Western Australia.

23. Western Australia Has Pink Lakes
Located on the edge of Middle Island, off the Esperance coast, Lake Hillier stands out due to its vibrant pink hue. The water gets its color from the algae that mix with the salts. A narrow strip of fine white sand and a thick cluster of eucalyptus trees, paperbarks, and vegetation surround the lake. Check out Top Pink Lakes of Western Australia to Visit on Your Next Trip and our guide on the Pink Lake Esperance, which is actually not pink anymore.
Lake Hillier is only accessible by boat or helicopter. There are, however, lots of fun things you can do nearby. Discover the best things to do in Esperance, along with top accommodations in Esperance and the Great Ocean Drive Esperance for more travel inspiration and tips.
There are also other pink lakes in Western Australia that you can visit. These include Lake Warde, Hutt Lagoon (which you can visit on a Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip, Lake Grace, Pingrup, and Quairading.

24. You Can Visit Nature’s Window
A wind-eroded opening of layered sandstone rocks, Nature’s Window is an iconic attraction famous for its gorgeous panoramas. You can reach the outlook via a moderate 1-km return hike along the scenic Loop Trail. A flight of stairs leads up to the natural rock arch, which frames a rugged view of the Murchison River.
To find out more about this spectacular spot, check out this Guide to Nature’s Window and the nearby Kalbarri Skywalk.
25. Australian Outback on One Side and the Indian Ocean on the Other
Western Australia is where the desert meets the sea. It means the state is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, full of contrasting landscapes and surreal natural wonders.
The capital city of Perth, for one, is fringed by the windswept Australian outback to the east and the vast Indian Ocean to the west.
26. The World’s Largest Rock Formation is in Western Australia
Mount Augustus is eight kilometres long, three kilometres wide, and 717 metres high, making it twice the size of the more popular Uluru. At 1,650 million years old, it is also considerably older. Interested in big rocks, then why not check out these Facts about Uluru.

Living Things in Western Australia
27. Western Australia is Home to the World’s Happiest Animal, the Quokka!
Playful, adorable, friendly, and cute as a button, quokkas have recently won the title of the happiest animals on earth. But, while quokkas are undeniably cheerful, they are gravely endangered, with less than 15,000 left in the world. Native to Western Australia, most of these fluffy creatures live on Rottnest Island, a short boat ride from Perth.
What makes quokkas so lovable is their contagious, photo-ready smiles. In fact, they are the ultimate selfie gods taking social media by storm with trending quokka selfies.
You can also see quokkas in their native habitat at the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk near Walpole.

28. Ningaloo Reef is the Longest Fringing Reef in the World
Fringing reefs grow near the shore of a mainland or high island, and the UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Reef is the world’s longest fringing reef. It stretches almost 300 kilometres along the Western Australian coast. It is home to an exceptional mix of plant, animal and marine species.
If you want to learn more about this fascinating site, here are Facts about Ningaloo Reef.

29. Emus Rule Western Australia
In the later part of 1932, the Royal Australian Artillery went to war, not with invaders, but with enormous flightless birds native to the country, known as the emu.
The conflict broke out after World War I veterans turned farmers started settling in Western Australia. They intended to till the land, but emus overrun the area, destroying the crops. Thus, the Great Emu War began. In the end, the military exercise proved futile, and the emus were the apparent victors.

30. … And Camels Come a Close Second
Camels first arrived in the country between 1840 to 1907. Because they don’t have natural predators, their number grew substantially.
Presently, there are around 300,000 camels in the country, 45% of which live in Western Australia. One of the fun facts about Western Australia is that the state even exports camels to the Middle East to control the population.
31. Western Australian Wines are World-Class
Due to its cooler climate, the southwestern tip of Western Australia is home to several of the state’s 150 wineries. WA’s wine country has nine separate regions, the most popular being the Margaret River, Perth Hills, and Swan Valley.
About three hours south of Perth, the Margaret River wine region, with over 200 vineyards, produces around 25% of the country’s finest vintages. It also draws award-winning chefs with its wide variety of excellent local produce. The Margaret River’s climate makes it ideal for growing the best grape varieties, so you can sample premium local wine as you tour the wineries.
Make your trip unforgettable by pairing wine tasting with the Margaret River Experience. If wine isn’t your thing, you can check out the Breweries Along the Margaret River for something more casual.

32. WA is the World’s Largest Producer of Gold
Australia is among the world’s largest producers of gold! About 70% of the precious metal comes from Western Australia. The discovery of almost 100 ounces of gold in Kalgoorlie-Boulder in 1893 set off the Australian gold rush. It eventually led to finding the Golden Mile, one of the planet’s richest gold deposits.
Currently, Australia has 66 operating gold mines, 14 of which are the world’s largest. Of the 14, 11 are in Western Australia, making the state the nation’s undisputed gold capital.

33. The Most Famous Gold Mine is the Kalgoorlie Super Pit
Measuring 1.5 km wide, 3.5 km long, and 600 metres deep, the Kalgoorlie Super Pit is the country’s second-largest open gold mine, next only to the Boddington Gold Mine. So massive is the pit that it is visible from space.
If you want to visit the site, check out this list of Things to do in Kalgoorlie.

34. Broome is the Home of the Western Australian Pearls
Broome’s pearling industry goes back to the 1880s, with around 300 luggers diving the waters of Roebuck Bay. In 1956, the Japanese introduced the first cultured pearl farm to the town.
Today, Broome is still known for producing some of the world’s finest cultured South Sea Pearls. Aside from exploring the pearl industry, here are some of the Best Things to do in Broome.

35. When You Visit Western Australia, the Flowers and Orchids are Insane!
Western Australia is not called the Wildflower State for nothing. After all, it is home to at least 12,000 plant species, of which 430 are rare orchids. We cover some of the diversity of Western Australian flowers here.
You can discover more native and rare flora at the Fitzgerald River National Park. This biosphere reserve is home to 1,748 plant species, of which 75 are endemic to the park, and 250 are considered rare. Find out how to get to the national park in this Albany to Esperance Road Trip Guide.

36. One of the Tallest Tree Species in the World
Also known as Eucalyptus diversicolor, Karri is a tall forest tree endemic to Western Australia. It usually grows between 10 to 60 metres but can reach as high as 90 metres. You can find some of the tallest Karri Trees in the timber town of Pemberton.
Want to explore the area? Check out this list of Things to do in Pemberton.

37. One of the Largest Girthed Trees in the World
The Red Tingle Tree, on the other hand, is one of the largest girthed trees! Reaching up to 25 metres around the base, and can be visited at the Valley of the Giants.
Make sure to plan your trip well with this great Guide to Stops Between Walpole and Denmark, and Denmark and Albany.

38. One of the Most Ornamental Eucalypts in the World
The Red Flowering Gum, also known as Scarlet Flowering Gum, is a small tree famous for its vibrant bunches of orange to deep red flowers that bloom between late spring to summer.
This decorative tree is endemic to Western Australia, particularly around Walpole. Find out other fun things to do in Walpole here.

39. Western Australian Crayfish are Called Marron!
Marron is Australia’s version of freshwater crayfish and is endemic to Western Australia, living on sandy river beds. It can grow up to 1.5 to 2 kilos in weight, making it the world’s third-largest freshwater crayfish. But how does it taste? People say they may resemble a crayfish, but they taste like frog legs.

40. WA is one of the World’s Biggest Truffle Producers
Here is one of the most interesting fun facts about Western Australia for you. Australia harvested its first truffles in 1999. Since then, it has become the world’s fourth top producer of French Black Truffle, one of the most expensive edible mushrooms.
The Manjimup region in Western Australia accounts for 75% of truffle production. Learn more about things to do in Manjimup and the famous Truffle Hunting in Manjimup.

The Verdict – Fun Facts About Western Australia and Perth
The sweeping outback, glistening beaches, rolling vineyards, dense woodlands, and bizarre rock formations make Western Australia a paradise for outdoor lovers. Perth, the capital city, is not only one of the most intriguing urban centres in the world but also one of the most beautiful, not to mention one of the richest. So, if you’re looking for a less crowded destination that is full of unique experiences, endless adventure, and stunning sights, Western Australia is your perfect escape.
We hope these fun facts about Western Australia (and Perth!) help you plan your trip to this spectacular state. There is even more: Are you visiting Perth with your kids during the winter season? No worries, there are plenty of activities to enjoy! Read more in our article about it.
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