Picture perfect Western Australia

From the epic landscapes of the Kimberley region, to kangaroos sun-baking on Australia’s whitest beach near Esperance; from the majestic whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, to the sweeping vineyards of the Margaret River Wine Region – it’s easy to see why Western Australia is attracting film directors, photographers, celebrities and an Aussie cricket legend to capture its beauty!

Tourism Western Australia has launched a new campaign, ‘1001 Extraordinary Experiences’, which calls for fans of Western Australia to submit photos and share their extraordinary experiences of WA on a dedicated Facebook page for the chance to win one of five amazing holidays in the State.

Campaign spokesperson, Adam Gilchrist submitted the very first entry, a photo of a beautiful sunrise over Eagle Bay in the South West.

“I have visited so many wonderful places within WA since moving here nearly 20 years ago,” he said.

“I have to say Eagle Bay is one of my family’s favourite spots but there are so many different places and experiences in WA. I’m very proud to be an adopted West Australian.”

Once the top 1001 images have been determined, an interactive film and website will be developed which will allow potential visitors to research travel options and access deals after engaging with content submitted by holiday-makers to the State.

Western Australia’s photographic beauty has long caught the attention of high-profile people including being the lead destination in films such as Australia, Bran Nue Dae, Red Dog and the soon to be released surfing movie ‘Drift’ starring Sam Worthington which was shot in Margaret River.

A poll of photographers done by Australian Traveller magazine in 2012 saw WA come out on top as Australia’s most photographic State – reinforced by the plethora of big name brands including David Jones, Sony and Myer who’ve conducted shoots in the West recently.

International photographer James Morgan swam with, and took photos of, the whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef – saying it was one of his career highlights.

“In 25 years of having been a professional photographer there have been some serious highlights; Princess Diana, HM The Queen, hanging out of a helicopter over fifth avenue in New York, the Lockerbie air disaster, Madonna and Dame Edna Everage,” Mr Morgan said.

“But nothing comes close to the feeling I felt when I leapt off the back of a boat, into the deep blue ocean off Ningaloo Reef and waited as the world’s largest fish came towards me and I came face to face with a whale shark.

Unbelievable and a career highlight!”

Tourism Western Australia will also encourage celebrity fans of WA including Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Jerry Hall, Buzz Aldrin; and WA ex-pats Isla Fischer, Melissa George, Sam Worthington, Megan Gale and Rove McManus to submit their extraordinary Western Australian images.

To find out more visit www.westernaustralia.com/1001
http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/StatementDetails.aspx?listName=StatementsBarnett&StatId=7236