Great Southern

Interesting facts about Great Southern

Interesting Facts about Great Southern, Western Australia

- The Great Southern region is located in the southernmost part of Western Australia and is one of the nine regions of the state.
- The region covers an area of approximately 39,007 square kilometers and has a population of over 54,000 people.
- Great Southern is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the rugged coastline to rolling hills and valleys, pristine beaches, and forests.
- The region is home to some of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, including the Stirling Range, which is estimated to be over 1,800 million years old.
- Great Southern is a major food and wine producer, with over 50 vineyards and wineries, as well as numerous farms that grow crops such as wheat, barley, and canola.
- Albany, the largest city in the Great Southern region, is the oldest permanently settled town in Western Australia, founded in 1826.
- In Albany, there is a natural phenomenon known as the 'Staircase to the Moon,' which occurs during certain months of the year, where the full moon rises over the waters of King George Sound and creates a breathtaking optical illusion of a staircase leading up to the moon.
- The region is popular with nature enthusiasts, as it is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including the Western Ringtail Possum, the Quokka, and the Malleefowl.
- Great Southern is also home to the internationally recognized Porongurup and Walpole-Nornalup National Parks, which offer some of the best hiking, camping, and nature-watching experiences.
- The region has a diverse cultural heritage, with significant historical and cultural sites, including the Princess Royal Fortress in Albany, which was built in the late 1800s to protect the port from foreign invasion, and the Kodja Place Cultural Centre in Kojonup, which showcases the history of the local Noongar Aboriginal people.