Geography

The Great Southern Region is located on the south coast of Western Australia, bordering the Southern Ocean. The total land area is 38,917 square kilometres, representing approximately 1.5 per cent of the State's total area.

The coast extends for approximately 250 kilometres and features some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery in Australia. The region extends northwards 200 kilometres, and incorporates high quality agricultural areas and tourist locations such as the Stirling Range and Porongurup National Parks.

The Great Southern region incorporates the City of Albany and the Shires of Broomehill-Tambellup, Cranbrook, Denmark, Gnowangerup, Jerramungup, Katanning, Kent, Kojonup, Plantagenet, and Woodanilling.

The region’s economy is largely based on the agricultural production of wool, grain and livestock. However, primary production enterprises such as vineyards, horticultural crops and timber plantations have been established, and concerted efforts are being made to add value and diversity. The region has a growing reputation for cool climate premium wine production.

The historic port town of Albany, which is the State's oldest European settlement, has one of the best natural anchorages in the Southern Hemisphere and is the region's administrative hub. It is the major centre from where much of the crop and livestock production in the region is transported.