The northern part of Western Australia is known as the Kimberley
region, one of the world's last great wilderness areas that is
three times the size of England, but home to only about 25,000
people. Its remote and rugged landscape characterised by ancient
gorges is spectacular. In the Purnululu National Park visitors are
drawn to marvel at thousands of huge beehive-shaped mounds striped
in orange and black sandstone that rise from the earth and are
known as 'the Bungle Bungle'. Another breathtaking site is the
Geikie Gorge, bordered by sheer yellow, orange and grey rock walls,
which have been shaped by the waters of the Fitzroy River. The main
coastal town is Broome, famous for its pearling industry. Visitors
can relax on the soft sands of Cable Beach, which extends for 15
miles (24km) and swim in clear turquoise waters. Further north
along the coastline there are more attractive white sandy beaches
at the Buccaneer Archipelago.
