Incorporating photos and information from Michael Greenslade's former Australian Towns, Cities and Highways site
Western Australia is a state occupying the entire western third of Australia. It is bordered by the Northern Territory to the northeast and South Australia to the southeast. Western Australia is Australia's largest state, with a total land area of 2 529 875 square kilometres.
The first European settlement of Western Australia occurred following the landing by Major Edmund Lockyer on 26 December 1826 of an expedition on behalf of the New South Wales colonial government. He established a convict-supported military garrison at King George III Sound, at present-day Albany, and on 21 January 1827 formally annexed the western third of the continent for the British Crown. This was followed by the establishment of the Swan River Colony in 1829, including the site of the present-day capital, Perth.
Western Australia's economy mainly relies on mining, agriculture and tourism. The state produces around half of Australia's exports.
To view cities and towns within Western Australia, use the pulldown menu under the map.