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The Mid-West for the purposes of this guide covers an area north of Perth to Carnarvon and inland to the Murchison region.
Landscapes vary from arid desert to coastal dunes and distances between towns start to become longer the further from Perth you get.
1. Big Bell Ruins
Abandoned places may not be on everyone's 'to do' list but this place is quite extraordinary.
There was once a complete town on this site but now all that remains are the ruins of an old church and the remains of the Big Bell Hotel.
It is located to the west of the town of Cue and access is via unsealed dirt roads. It isn't the easiest place to visit but for those who love
to explore old abandoned buildings, it is a rare treat.
2. Geraldton Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum in Geraldton isn't as comprehensive as the one in Fremantle but it is certainly
worth a look.
Exhibits include information on some of the many ships to founder along the W.A. coast including the Batavia, Gilt Dragon, Zuytdorp, and Zeewijk.
There is also a sectiopn on the sinking and location of HMAS Sydney II.
For museum opening times visit the Geraldton Museum website.
3. Central Greenough
At one time the village was known as Greenough Hamlet but these days is referred to as Central Greenough.
The village is located south of Geraldton on the Brand Highway.
Most of the old buildings have been restored and it is possible to take a guided tour which is the best way to see the place as you will gain
a better understanding of its history.
For more information visit the Central Greenough website.
4. Hutt River
The Principality of Hutt River is the only place you can visit that is physically located inside Australia but is not actually part of Australia.
Hutt River's owner (Prince Leonard) was once a humble farmer who did not like being told how much wheat he could grow. He decided that is was a big enough issue
for him to take on the Australian government and he successfully declared independence in 1970.
How he got away with this is anyone's guess but when visiting the Principality you can get your passport stamped, post a letter using locally issued stamps and see what it
feels like to leave Australia without actually going anywhere.
To find out more visit the Principality of Hutt River website.
5. Kalbarri
Kalbarri is just one of those places that keeps on drawing you back time after time. It is only a small town but itis set at the
mouth of the Murchison River and nearby are some of the most spectacular coastal cliffs in the state.
Located about 600 kilometres north of Perth, Kalbarri offers a host of interesting activities, most of which we have detailed on our
Kalbarri travel blog page.
Most of the area surrounding the town is national park and there are a number of spectacular gorges in the northern section of the park.
6. Our Lady of Mt Carmel - Mullewa
Our Lady of Mt Carmel church in Mullewa is just one of many buildings designed by John Hawes.
Although the cathedral in Geraldton is large and possibly more spectacular, this smaller church is architecturally unusual and quite different
from any other church you will see in W.A.
To find out more visit the Our Lady of Mt Carmel webpage.
7. New Norcia
New Norcia is only a short drive from the suburbs of Perth but it is a world-away in terms of the buildings and life style of
its occupants.
It is the only monastic town in Australia and the buildings are a wonder in themselves.
There is a hotel where visitors can stay and guided tours will give travellers a great appreciation for how the town was started and the difficulties that
were encountered by the monks who went there to establish a mission.
8. The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles are located south of the town of Cervantes and are part of a larger national park.
The structures are thought to be the remains of an ancient forest and the area attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Explorers who first saw the structures from ships at sea thought they had discovered the ruins of an ancient city.
9. The Blowholes
Located about 70 kilometres (by road) from Carnarvon the Blowholes are on a rugged stretch of
coastline that is well know for its good (if somewhat dangerous) fishing.
The water spout will shoot over 30 metres into the air when the swell is correct and just south of the spectacle is a great beach side camp ground.
10. Shell Beach
Shell Beach is located at the southern end of Shark Bay on the way to Denham.
The beach is composed entirely of tiny shells and although it is not a great beach for swimming or sitting and relaxing, it is very popular sight seeing destination.
The shells have been building up for so long, that they gradually become compressed and are quarried to make shell brick buildings.
11. Stockyard Gully
This particular attraction requires a high clearance (preferably 4 wheel drive) vehicle to reach as it is located along a bush track.
When you arrive at the Stockyard Gully car park there is no indication of the cool almost lush conditions hidden away in the gully. At the end of the gully is a long cave like tube that has been
cut through the rock by rushing water.
This is not a place to visit when there is rain in the area due to the danger of flash flooding. If you do visit, remember to take a torch as the tunnel is very dark.
12. Monkey Mia
Monkey Mia sits on the east coast of Francois Peron Peninsula in Shark Bay.
It is famous for the dolphins that visit the beach to be fed and interact with people.
Accommodation is available both at Monkey Mia and nearby Denham and the pristine wilderness that makes up the peninsula is an attraction in itself.
Apart from caravan parks and hotels in the small towns there are also wilderness campsites where people can really get away from it all.
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