Mount Augustus and other iconic spots in WA
Western Australia is home to some amazing natural places, so we put together a list of some of the most iconic WA spots to inspire your travel itineraries for 2019!
Mount Augustus
Standing 1105 meters above sea level, Mount Augustus covers an area of approximately 4,795 hectares making it Australias biggest rock. The Mount is 1,274 north of Perth. The majority of the path to Mount Augustus is on sealed road; however the last 500 odd kilometres (from Carnarvon or Meekatharra) are via dirt and gravel. The Mount has a central ridge which is around 8 kilometres long, and the age of its rock layers are estimated are over 1,750 million years old.
Ningaloo Coast
This world heritage listed since 2011 and located approximately 1200 kilometres north of Perth, stands the Ningaloo Coast. The Ningaloo Reef that fringes this area of coastline is 260 kilometres long, and is Australias largest fringing coral reef. Ningaloo is from the Australian Aboriginal language, meaning “high land jutting into the sea” or “deepwater.” The reef is is less than half a kilometre offshore in some areas, such as Coral Bay. The reef is home to an abundance of marine life including; whale sharks, 500 species of fish, 300 species of coral, dolphins, dugongs, manta rays and humpback whales.
Walga Rock
About 50 kilometres south-west of the town of Cue stands Walga Rock. The bright orange rock covers about 50 hectares and is about 1.7 kilometres long. The rock is of significance to the Wajarri Yamatji Aboriginal people, and is home to the largest indigenous rock art gallery in WA, making it well worth a visit.
Kalbarri National Park
With the spectacular Murchison River gorge winding through it, Kalbarri National Park is a truly stunning place to visit. From the inland gorges, to the coastal cliffs the park offers a diverse range of landscapes to appreciate. Landmarks in the park include; red bluff, mushroom rock, natural bridge, natures window, the loop and the Z bend. Spending a few days exploring this wonderful place is sure to delight.
New Norcia
132 kilometres north of Perth situated on the banks of the Moore River, New Norcia is the only monastic town in Australia. In 1846 a Benedictine mission to the Aboriginal people of the region, within a year the mission was moved to the town site. The town is named after the town of Norcia in Italy, the birthplace of St Benedict. The town has Spanish style architecture, many historical sites including boarding schools, Abbey Church, New Norcia Hotel and the Benedictine Monastery. The town runs many tours which guide visitors through the history of the town.
Casey Australia Tour can take you to visit Mount Augustus and many more iconic WA sites. With over 45 years experience touring this great country. For more information visit https://www.caseytours.com.au/tours/5-day-mount-augustus-walga-rock-2/