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Collie is located 200km south of Perth and but is 60 kms inland from the coast. Collie is well known for the mining industry here and since 1994 all mining is open cut method. Mining, manufacturing and agriculture are the main industries here as well as a growing tourist trade. Collie has warm to hot summers with cold crisp winters producing many misty mornings. There is also quite a lot of cold rain here during winter. Collie boasts a few large shopping centres with supermarkets, specialty stores including camping and sports stores, gift and clothing including boutique style stores. There are banks with ATM facilities, newsagents and chemists etc. There are also many weekend markets selling arts and crafts as well as fresh locally grown produce. There are some really good restaurants as well as pubs serving counter meals and of course there are always fast food outlets. Collie has several pre schools and primary schools and a high school and TAFE College. There are plenty of sporting groups and associations to join and there is a swimming pool, playing fields and a recreation centre as well as many natural activities such as bush walking, canoeing, white water rafting, fishing and waterskiing. Real estate in the area is quite reasonable as are rental properties.

Bridgetown is about a 2 ½ - 3 hour drive south from Perth and is on the banks of the Blackwood River. The main industry here is forestry as well as a mineral company which has an open cut and underground mine as well as operating a mineral processing plant at nearby Greenbushes and employs about 300 people. Bridgetown has a good medical centre as well as a district hospital. There are also dentists, physiotherapists and a pharmacy. The town has a state and a catholic primary school as well as a high school which caters for students to year 10. There is a school bus which takes older students in the high school in Manjumup to complete their studies. There is a supermarket, butchers etc plus some smaller specialty shops in the town as well as a hotel. There is a swimming pool which is open during the summer months and other sports include golf, bowls, tennis and croquet. There are a number of bush trails for the bush walker. Bridgetown Jarrah Park is a great place for a family picnic with barbeques and picnic tables as well as toilet facilities. Buying a home in Bridgetown is still within reach of the average family.

Harvey is a slightly inland community being 42 km from the coast and situated 140 kms south of Perth. Harvey has a laid back relaxed atmosphere. The people in this town are very friendly and helpful. Harvey is a mixture of lush green farming areas, clean unspoilt beaches, large jarrah tress, a maze of shops and galleries as well as many wineries. Harvey has all the facilities you would need including some fine medical centres with GP’s as well as allied health professionals and public hospitals. There is a choice of state, catholic and private primary and secondary schools as well as a fully equipped to TAFE Colleges etc. There is a local bus service that also acts as a school bus service that enables users to travel not only around Harvey but also into Bunbury, 50 kms away. TransWA services run to Perth regularly. There is a population which is now in excess of 5,000 residents and real estate prices, although still affordable, are on the increase, as to is the rental market with few properties for rent and also at a higher price. Harvey is still an amazing place for families with everything close at hand.

Rockingham is just under 50 kms south of Perth and has a large population of around 90,000 in the Rockingham Shire. There are many industries in this area including forestry, agriculture, fishing, tourism and hospitality as well as the nickel refinery. There are also many wineries with great cellar door sales. Apart from the normal coastal activities such as swimming, snorkeling and fishing, there are numerous walks, galleries to see and the WA Water Ski Park. For those who enjoy nature and conservation the Naragebup Environmental Centre is open 6 days a week. There is a large shopping centre at Rockingham offering shops of all descriptions from supermarkets to boutiques as well as a food court. As with everywhere these days there are numerous takeaway food outlets and a good selection of restaurants of all descriptions. There is a wide variety of educational choices including state, religious and private primary and secondary schools as well as the Murdoch University Rockingham Campus and a TAFE College. There are various preschools and child care centres. Medical facilities are exceptional and real estate in varied but prices are increasing as fast as the population.

Kwinana is in between Fremantle and Rockingham on the West Australian Coast. This town is very environmentally aware and has a large contingent of Coastcare supporters. Kwinana has much to offer with employment being often available at the Alcoa Kwinana refinery or the Kwinana Power Station which can use three fuels, coal, gas or oil to run. Kwinana is also an important port second only to Fremantle. The town offers some great facilities including the recquatic centre which not only offers swimming, coaching and water based activities but also has a gym, Pilates, yoga, netball soccer, badminton etc and has a cafe. The Golf club welcomes new members for competition as well as social and there are many other sporting activities available. Kwinana offers good medical facilities as well as great shopping centres, a library, a choice of primary and secondary schools as daycare centres. There is plenty of art and culture in the town with displays, galleries, photography and plays. Home prices are very reasonable with some really good bargains to be had and rental properties offer the renter fair and realistic accommodation. This town has some very friendly people who care not only for the area but the community in general.

With a population of over 26,000 Fremantle is about 20 kms from Perth and is at the mouth to the swan River. Fremantle is an important port city used for large exports of commodities to overseas buyers. Fremantle has everything you would expect in a city of this magnitude, large fully air conditioned shopping centres, preschools primary and secondary schools including state, catholic and private and is the main campus for the University of Notre Dame. There are many galleries, museums and historic heritage listed buildings to see. There is sporting clubs and venues of all descriptions to suit most and is home to the Fremantle Dockers AFL Football Club. There are many good medical centres and allied health professionals and Freemantle is well serviced by the Fremantle Hospital which is also a teaching hospital. Fremantle has a local bus service, a service to Perth as well as rail services. The Fremantle Airport Shuttle Service ferry people from Fremantle to the airport in Perth. As with any large city so close to the capital property prices tend to be higher than other more regional centres and Fremantle is no different and the WA prices are fast catching up with the eastern states.

Eaton is only about 6 kms North West of Bunbury CBD and in fact Eaton is a like a suburb of Bunbury. Eaton sits on the banks of the Collie River and has a great hinterland of rich green farming land. Eaton is a very residential area with some great housing options available at reasonable prices with rental properties equally affordable. There are good shopping facilities in Eaton with a Woolworths Supermarket, many specialty shops as well as hairdressers and convenience stores etc. There are some really good restaurants nearby as well as service stations and hotels. Eaton is a family orientated area with children and adults alike being involved in a variety of sports. There are two good golf courses nearby, boat ramps and ideal fishing. The Glen Huon Oval is also at Eaton. There is a local bus service which has many routes in services into Bunbury and school bus service as well. Education in Eaton is serviced by the Eaton Community College which caters for students in both primary and secondary and is opposite the Glen Huon Primary School. Eaton has grown dramatically over the past few years and shows no signs of slowing down. Great area for families to settle.

Boulder is just south of Kalgoorlie and was always a separate town, then in 1989 the two merged to be called Kalgoorlie- Boulder. Boulder still has its own Post Office though and for that matter post code and has most of its uniqueness. Boulder still has facilities called Boulder this and Boulder that such as Boulder primary school, Boulder Caravan Park etc. Living in the area has really only gone ahead and being joined to Kalgoorlie has had many advantages. One of the most well known streets in boulder is Burt St and there are many heritage listed building here some are still operating, especially the hotels! Boulder has some good shopping, schools and playing fields with the Boulder sports oval is still a favorite. As the town of Boulder has merged with Kalgoorlie it is easy move around with a good public transport system to and from the major centres both administration and retail. Housing is generally affordable although higher priced properties are being bought and sold regularly. The population of the Boulder are itself is over the 6,000 mark but with areas now combined it is hard to get an accurate figure. Boulder is still an interesting place to live and work with a friendly community of like minded people.

Northampton is only 22kms from Horrocks on the coast and is North West of Geraldton, 51 kms away. Northampton is 475 km from Perth. As well as being in the wheat belt Northampton is also known for its sheep. Although a relatively small town Northampton has everything you could need including petrol stations for all your fuel supplies, a supermarket with ATM, pharmacy, Post Office, medical centre and Hospital as well as other allied health professionals whether they full time or on a visiting roster. The town has both state and Catholic schools from primary right through secondary school and provides a multitude of sporting activities for both young and old. Many people who live here and enjoy the water travel to nearby Horrocks or other nearby coastal towns where in addition to the water also have great beachside parks and provide barbeques and picnic areas. Other interests may include the garden club CWA and a large quilters association. Golf is very popular as is tennis, bowls, netball, cricket and basketball. Both Qantas and Virgin fly into Northampton and Sky West fly to Geraldton where you can pick us a TransWA coach. Real estate is still affordable for most.

Geraldton is the fourth largest city in WA and has a population of over 32,000. Located 424 kms north of Perth the area is growing in popularity and has a large tourism industry. Geraldton in also a port and is important for mining, wheat, sheep and fishing. Some of the major attraction of Geraldton is the memorial to the HMAS Sydney which was lost of the coast here and the wreckage finally found 150 kms a north at Shark Bay and the St Francis Xavier Catholic Cathedral which was started in 1916 but wasnt finished until 1938. Being near the sea Geraldton has a Mediterranean climate but becomes very dry and arid away from the coast. There is a good choice of schools in this city from primary through to secondary with both state and private being catered for. Geraldton is a sporting town with all water sports being popular especially surf board riding and windsurfing. Horse racing is also popular with the Geraldton Gold cup an annual event. There are numerous sporting fields in the area catering for sports such as football (most codes), netball, cricket, athletics, swimming and golf etc. Real estate prices in Geralton vary and depending on what you want and how much you have to spend there is something for you to buy.

Depending on your lifestyle Margaret River can be known for several things. This area is famous for the surf and many surfers travel across the country to challenge themselves in this great surf. Margaret River is also famous for its wine. It is reported that the area receives over 500,000 visitor each year’s which means a busy tourist industry. Located on the coast 277 kms south of Perth, the area also has a strong agricultural and forestry industry. There is plenty of shopping in town with supermarkets, boutiques and specialty shops and there are primary and secondary schools both state and private. Margaret River also has preschools for the younger children. There are some good restaurants, hotels serving quality counter meals and bistro type fare as well as take away and fast food outlets. There is a hospital and Margaret River boasts good medical centers and allied health professionals. There are plenty of sporting activities with most sports being catered for with playing fields, gold course etc and many clubs to join. There is an array of galleries and craft shops, a library and entertainment venues in the area. There is a wide range of real estate options open to you with homes at both ends of the market awaiting interested buyers.

Monkey Mia is 800km north or Perth and is in the Shark bay Marine Park district and is world heritage listed. There is no private real estate available at Monkey Mia and the nearest town is Denham 25 kms south west. Monkey Mia is famous for the Bottle nose dolphins which come in daily to feed and interact with people. Many tourists line up to feed and stroke the dolphins and these activities are closely watched by the Department of Environment and Conservation rangers. Anyone living in the area is usually employed and housed at the Monkey Mia resort and there are a number of hospitality occupations available as well as trades people, maintenance etc. The resort has everything for both the tourist and the employee such as great restaurants, wonderful rooms etc as plenty to occupy your free time such as snorkeling, swimming, tennis, 4 wheel driving and of course the world famous camel rides. Getting to Monkey Mia is easy these days with flights from Perth four times a week, coach trips or you can drive yourself. The drive is about 9-10 hours from Perth and the roads are tar sealed all the way and are kept in good order. The climate is very hot and humid in summer and cyclones are not uncommon in this area. Winter is an ideal time to visit and escape the southern cold.

Port Headland is a large port town in the Pilbara area of W.A. and is approx 1761 kms from Perth depending on which highway you take. Port headland has a population of over 14,000 and is an import port for the receiving of fuel and the export or iron ore from the inland mines. Other industry in the area which employs many people is the Natural gas offshore platform as well as livestock. The climate at Port headland is very hot in summer and can be very humid with cyclone activity not uncommon. Winter is ideal and a great time to visit from the colder southern areas. Port Headland has a storm surge problem so the satellite town of South headland houses the main administration centre and has a large population of 40,000. The area has a large and very functional shopping centre, as well as the Port Headland Base Hospital with great well trained medical staff. Housing in Port headland had a boom a few years ago due to an increase in the mining industry and this saw a climb in the median home prices. Still if you are looking to live in this area and have suitable work the prices are not beyond reach.

Donnybrook has a population of approximately 2500 and is 206 km south of Perth. Slightly inland Donnybrook is on the Preston River and the main industry here is fruit growing. Many people will go for a drive just to get fresh fruit from Donnybrook, including people from nearby Bunbury. Donnybrook can offer a country atmosphere yet still be close enough to drive to a city and the beach and there is a very friendly community spirit here. There is a primary school, high school which caters for students to year 10 and Tafe College. Donnybrook also has medical centres, aged care facilities and a hospital as well as allied health professionals and dentists. There are several banks, shops and a supermarket, a heated swimming pool, sports fields and a recreation centre. Donnybrook has the largest free fun park in Australia called the Apple FunPark which has play equipment for children of all ages and has picnic areas and barbeques. There is also running water and power points. The children’s play area is fully enclosed. Home prices in Donnybrook vary from the mid $200k to over the $1 mil mark depending on what you are looking for.

Outside Perth, Mandurah is the largest city in WA and is recognized as one of the fastest growing as well. Situated on the Peel-Harvey Estuary 72 kms from Perth, Mandurah was once nothing more than a holiday area. Mandurah is a pretty town with the foreshore being home to pelicans, shags, dolphins and other marine life. One of the main industries in the area is construction and many of the workers are trades people. Tourism is also big here and the hospitality industry employs many people. The city has some great waterways and beaches with fishing and boating, swimming and other water sports extremely popular. Mandurah has excellent shopping facilities with shops to cater for all your needs. There is a good selection of restaurants and fast food outlets as well as hotels and clubs offering good entertainment. Sport is well catered for with many venues for different sports and activities. There are some excellent medical centres, hospital and allied health professionals. Mandurah is with easy access to via the motorway. Unfortunately all this comes at a price and Mandurah home and rental prices are now making it one of the least affordable places in WA to settle.

Bunbury is 175 kms south of Perth and is the third largest city in WA. Bunbury is a port city and apart from the farming and timber industries in the area, Bunbury also has a large administrative area. Tourism is big in the area and the town profits from the influx of tourists each year. The town is well serviced by bus and train links to Perth daily and local bus services for travel around town, school and special services. Bunbury has large shopping centres offering supermarkets, department stores, boutique and specialty stores. There are many restaurants and take away food outlets as well as the popular fast food chains. Take your choice of schools here with both state and private primary and secondary schools as well as preschools and daycare centres. Sport is big in Bunbury with many playing fields, swimming pools and indoor recreation venues. There are all kinds of sporting clubs and associations covering many sports. Bunbury has a large and fast growing population and many new housing sub divisions are being opened up as the town spreads. Prices for homes have risen dramatically in the past few years and rental prices are also reflecting this growth.

Busselton is 220kms south of Perth and the Busselton Shire now has a population of over 26,000. Apart from being a popular tourist destination the area Busselton has a thieving agricultural industry with beef dairy cattle as well a grape growing and wine making. The timber industry is also big in this area. The famous Busselton jetty is 140 years old and is measured at 1841 m making it the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere and is a major big tourist draw card and it also boasts a wonderful underwater observatory. Busselton has much to off with great shopping facilities with supermarkets, boutique style stores and other stores offering all the goods you need. There are a number of primary and high schools as well as preschools and daycare centres in the area and there is any number of sporting and recreation venues, with sporting clubs in abundance. Swimming, surfing and other water sports are all extremely popular here. Busselton has medical centers and a district hospital and is in close proximity to the larger hospital facilities at Bunbury. Because of the size and popularity of the area house prices as well as rental properties are bring higher prices yet Busselton is one of those places well worth it.

Located on the Albany Highway 50kms north of Albany is Mount Barker. With a population of approximately 1,700 people Mount Barker is the administrative centre for the Plantagenet Shire and is growing at a steady rate. As well as being a major agricultural centre Mount Barker has a growing tourism industry as well as grape growing and the cultivating of wildflowers. The climate in the area is very moderate, it has wet cool winters with July being the wettest month and the summers are warm and dry. Mount Barker has a primary and a high school as well as a preschool for the younger ones. There are all the basic facilities in the town such as a medical centre and hospital, a dentist, pharmacy and a library. There are supermarkets and convenience stores, several banks with ATM’s and a police station. Recreation wise, there is the Mount Barker Recreation Hall, swimming pool and a golf course. Housing prices are very good with some really good bargain available if you can find enough work. Rentals are also affordable with some 3 bedroom homes well under the $200 p.w. mark. There is plenty to do with the coast only a short drive away as well as the Stirling Ranges National Park to explore and take a bush walk.

Denmark is only 55 kms west of Albany and 420 south of Perth and is quite a good sized town with over 5,000 residents. Denmark is a bustling town where the main industries are agriculture, cottage industries, wineries and vineyard as well as forestry and tourism. The town gives you a choice of pre schools, primary and secondary schools and has sporting and recreational venues for most sports and interests. There is a medical centre and hospital as well as dentists. Denmark has banks, petrol station and a good transport system including its own airstrip. There are plenty of shops for all your needs including several supermarkets, libraries and a host of galleries with goods and display by local artists. For those who like to eat out there are cafe and restaurants serving different types of food. There is some great fishing and boating on the waters around Denmark and the area is well known for the good surf. Busk walks, 4 wheel driving and mountain biking etc is always popular with the land lover. Many people come to the area for whale watching and this increases the tourism aspect of the town. Property prices are rising sharply as the area is growing and becoming very popular.

Bremer Bay is a small community on the south coast of WA, 516 kms south of Perth. The town has a population of only 250 people and the main industry here is fishing and tourism with some agricultural properties nearby. The town has a good supermarket, liquor store, hardware and camping store. As well as newsagents and lotto outlet. The town has medical facilities and a preschool as well as the Bremer Bay Primary School. For entertainment the Bremer bay Sports Club runs cricket, bowls, tennis and golf. There is a library and telecentre Naturally you can get fuel and other supplies for your car or boat and banking can be done via the Commonwealth bank agency at the Post office and general store. Bremer Bay is close to Fitzgerald River National Park and offers some great opportunities to see some beautiful flora in the area. Being right on the Southern Ocean, Bremer Bay has beautiful beaches with very white sand and is a good spot for beachgoers and board riders as well as being a Mecca for the fisherman. Real Estate in the area is average, on one hand you look at the distance from a large town and think that the prices are a little on the high side but then consider the unspoilt beaches and great fishing and these prices can be justified.