Unlike many other Australian states, Western Australia was colonised as a free settlement - not a penal colony - and this is reflected in the diversity of farming and agriculture.
The original State capital was to be the harbour town of Albany, however this was soon moved to the fertile Swan River valley, which is now the site of Perth and Fremantle.
The port city of Fremantle has maintained much of its historic architecture and heritage attractions. Rich in old world charm, numerous museums, including the exceptional maritime museum, bring the past back to life.
Enjoy haunting prison tours or hop on a ferry to Rottnest Island, which has a fascinating maritime and military history.
Memories of a Bygone Era
The growth in Western Australia's farming and cattle in the 1800's, saw dozens of new towns pop up throughout the nearby hills and adjacent wheatbelt. Many maintain a strong attachment to their historic settlement and many showcase the building designs that developed in response to Australia's harsh climate - wide verandahs for shade, high ceilings and open breezeways to catch any cooling air, and cooking facilities outside the main buildings.
Find the hills township of York, an hour and a half drive from Perth. The town is a postcard of colonial times, with many historic buildings remaining in heritage condition along its main street.
New Norcia boasts the State's only Benedictine Monastery, which still operates today, and forms the nucleus for many local attractions.
The 900 kilometre Golden Quest Discovery Trail in the Golden Outback, lets history-seekers explore Coolgardie, Menzies, Kalgoorlie and other goldfields centres. Relive the notorious tales of hardship endured and the mateship engendered by the experiences of the region's founders.
Kalgoorlie's Australian Prospectors and Mining Hall of Fame exhibits the defining events of the gold rush period and paints a picture of life on the goldfields through interpretive displays and videos.
While enjoying the local history, visitors should take time for a meal and a drink in one of the historic local pubs. Some have been so beautifully restored that they're almost living museums, bridging the gap between past and present.
Here travellers will find country hospitality along with historic images and tales of how the towns developed - and some of the challenges facing their survival in today's changing world.