THE WHEATBELT REGION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

A touring and administration area bordering Perth and stretching 150km north along the coast from near Wanneroo in the south, to near Jurien in the north, and east through Merredin to the small town of Southern Cross on the Great Eastern Hwy.
The western coastal section is a popular touring area with white sandy beaches, surfing areas and a handful of national parks. Fishing is one of the main industries with lobster being the main catch. With an average annual rainfall between 400-500mm the coastal hinterland is also suitable for most agriculture.
Further east the area around Moora and Dalwallinu is more pastoral and agricultural with cereal cropping and sheep and cattle. Rainfall decreases the further east from the coast and here the average is only 250mm per annum.
Gold, nickel and other minerals are mined here and many of the smaller settlements exist to service the mining towns. The far east is hot and arid with sparse ground cover and more intensive mining.
In the far east the area runs into desert and large cattle stations exists where possible.
The Wheatbelt describes an area of wide variety. Here you can swim. fish, explore coastal dunes and beaches, visit mining towns or head off into the wilderness in a 4WD to discover the interior.
In the south around York and the Avon river are extensive wineries with an international reputation. Many cellar doors are open to the public and there are quaint villages where you can overnight to recover from a day exploring them.
Along the coast several national parks offer a variety of things to see and explore. The Pinnacles at Cervantes are a major attraction as is snorkelling or diving at Jurien Bay.
In spring (September to November) billions of wildflowers spring to life after rains and the whole landscape is carpeted with colour. A must to see if you are visiting around this time.