South West (Western Australia)
The South West region is one of the nine regions of Western Australia. It is so named because it is located in the south-west corner of Western Australia. The South West region has an area of 23,970 km², and a population of about 170,000 people, which is predicted to rise to 217,000 people by 2023.[1] Bunbury is the capital of the region.
Climate
The South West has a Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and wet winters.[2] About 900 mm of rain fall per year, with almost all of it falling between May and September.[3] Mean maximum daily temperatures range from 16 °C (60.8 °F) in July to 34 °C (93.2 °F) in February.
Economy
The economy of the South West is very diverse. It is a major world producer of alumina and mineral sands, and also has substantial agriculture, timber and viticulture industries. It is Western Australia's most popular tourist destination outside Perth.
Local government divisions
The South West region consists of the following local government areas:[1]
- Shire of Augusta-Margaret River
- Shire of Boyup Brook
- Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
- City of Bunbury
- City of Busselton
- Shire of Capel
- Shire of Collie
- Shire of Dardanup
- Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup
- Shire of Harvey
- Shire of Manjimup
- Shire of Nannup
Attractions
- Some well known attractions include Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Discovery Centre, Ngilgi Cave, Jewel Cave, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Mammoth Cave, Caveworks, Easter Cave, the Kodja Place, Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre, Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree, Diamond Tree and Gloucester Tree
See also
References
- "South West". Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Retrieved 4 September 2017.
- Nottie, Trevor (2004). Plants for Mediterranean Climate Gardens. Rosenberg. p. 9.
- Bunbury Geography and Weather. Bunburyonline.