Great Southern (Western Australia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Great SouthernWestern Australia |
|
|---|---|
| LGA(s) |
List
|
| State electorate(s) |
|
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor |
The Great Southern region is a special part of Western Australia. It is one of nine main areas in the state. These regions were created to help with things like jobs and businesses. The Great Southern is located on the southern coast of Western Australia. It is next to other important farming areas.
This region includes several local government areas. These are like smaller towns and shires that work together. The main towns are Albany, Broomehill-Tambellup, Cranbrook, Denmark, Gnowangerup, Jerramungup, Katanning, Kent, Kojonup, Plantagenet and Woodanilling.
Contents
About the Great Southern Region
The Great Southern region covers a large area. It is about 39,007 square kilometres (15,061 square miles). Around 54,000 people live in this region. The biggest town and main centre is Albany. Albany is also a historic port city.
What's the Weather Like?
The Great Southern has a Mediterranean climate. This means it has hot, dry summers. The winters are cool and wet. The Stirling Range is a special place in Western Australia. It is the only spot that sometimes gets light snowfalls.
What Happens There? (Economy)
The economy of the Great Southern is mostly about farming. People raise animals like sheep and cattle. They also grow many different crops. This region has some of the best land for growing grains. It is also great for raising animals for wool and lamb meat. Albany is a very important place for fishing.
Fun Things to Do! (Tourism)
The coast of the Great Southern has milder summer weather. It is a popular place for holidays. Many tourists visit the area. People also enjoy fishing and surfing there. Albany is home to the Kalgan River. This river has a history of riverboats. From 1918 to 1935, a boat called Silver Star sailed there. It could lower its funnel to go under a bridge. Today, the Kalgan Queen boat lowers its roof to pass under the same bridge.
A Look Back in Time (History)
The Noongar people have lived in this region for thousands of years. They are the traditional owners of the land. European settlement started on Christmas Day in 1826. A temporary British military base was set up. It was led by Major Edmund Lockyer at King George Sound (Albany). Because of this, Albany is seen as the oldest European settlement in Western Australia.
