A land as vast as Australia could never by fully covered by a single webpage. Hence I will concentrate on Western Australia and deal with the other states thru links and/or inquiries by e-mail. Please don´t hesitate to ask questions. If I can´t help you on the spot I would be at least able to advise you were to find what you are looking for.

I have been living Down Under for several years (Perth & Sydney) and have travelled the country extensively in the nineties. Ever since I have been a frequent visitor and have become a true blue Sandgroper myself.

On my W.A. (Western Australia) Facts Page I will give you some not so well known infos about this state as well as plenty of links to local W.A. sites on the web. Check them out, some of them are very helpfull when planing a vacation. The picture below shows the famous Sail & Anchor Pub Brewery in Fremantle. Just click on it and go directly to the Facts Page.

Amber liquid is one of the most precious things for people in W.A. There is a wide variety of all sorts of down to earth brews as well as some nice boutique beers from small local companies. From Pilsener to Stout, from Lager to Wheat Beer - everything a thirsty lad could possibly ask for. Served icy cold and without disturbing froth that only takes away precious space. Beware of dangerous breeds and brews such as Emus, Swans and Redbacks. They can harm you quite badly if not dealt with expertise and experience. Years of practise are necessary to be able to withstand their sometimes ferocious nature.

But W.A. is even better known for its Wine Industry. Some of the best wines from Australia origin here. Dry and complex reds from the Swan Valley and the Margaret River Region are the best one can possibly get. One has to be a poet to describe Sandalford´s 1991 Cabernet Sauvignon. I am not a white wine drinker, but can strongly recommend the drops of the same region. And although there are a lot of members of the ABC-Club (Anything But Chardonnay) out there - please do yourself a favour and try them too. Not a Chardonnay but one of my favourites is the Houghton White Burgundy 1995 Vintage. It is still crisp and fruity but doesn´t have this strong pineapple taste of the later years.

Find links to the W.A. Wine Industry here:

I love a sunburnt country. The myth of the land, the vastness and spiritual athmosphere that strikes most people going bush or troppo has struck me with full force throughout my travels. Nowhere else in the world will one find oneself being so close to the spirits of the land and being part of them. Its just a pitty that a lot of Do-Gooders and New Age Poofs do more harm than good to this country. Its all about good old down to earth people that will make the difference in the country´s struggle for conservation and environmental survival.

  And, Mr Howard, “SORRY” isn´t hard to say!

But, coming back to the goodies, I would like to mention a few other things about W.A. that are worthwhile doing or visiting.

The gateways to W.A. are Perth and Fremantle. Here you will find fantastic shopping opportunities as well as good restaurants and pubs to spent time and money in. The quality of the food is beyond any doubt and a wide variety of delicious meals can be found from upmarket places such as the Boardwalk Restaurant and The Bridges Restaurant right down to counter meals in one of the many pubs down there in Fremantle. Everything is fresh and, as Henry would put it - devine! Seafood is, of course, the big thing so close to the sea. In early summer you will see local fishermen docking at some of the Swan River Restaurants and delivering straight to the cook pots. But also the meat is amongst the best you will ever taste. If your tastebuts are more on the veggie side you will also find a wide range of vegetarian restaurants and bistros, especially in Fremantle. Because of the many migrants from all over the world you will find almost any cuisine there is in the greater Perth area. Yummie!!!

From Perth/Fremantle its just a mere 6 hours drive down to the Giant Karry Forests in the Great South West. Here you will find rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, good surf, swimming with dolfins, waterfalls, hiking trails galore, woodcrafts and, of course, the Giant Karry Trees. You can climb some of those trees (Diamont, Gloucester and Bicentenial Tree) which are all around the township of Pemberton (visit the Silver Birch Restaurant!!!) or you can drive down the south coast to Walpole and do the Giant Karry Walk. Swinging platforms and bridges connect the Karry trees over 600 metres in 40 metres height. It is accessable by wheelchair too, but certainly not for the faint hearted. While you are down there, take the route via Margaret River and visit the Wine Farms, the Marron Farm (delicious sweetwater crayfish) and some of the most spectacular limestone caves in Australia.

All this are just examples for the many things W.A. has to offer. If you are interested in more details about this or other routes (Wildflower Route, The Wheatbelt, The Bush, The Pilbara, The Gascoyne etc....) please do not hesitate to drop us a mail. I will try to give you taylormade hints and tips for your forthcoming trip to lovely W.A.