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West Coast (New Zealand)

The West Coast is a region of the western South Island of New Zealand that's long and relatively narrow, squeezed between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea.

Its scenery and natural attractions, which include glaciers that flow down relatively close to sea level, mountains, forests, and the sea-sculpted Pancake Rocks have featured in many travel writers bucket lists.

Uncrowded, the region has a population of 33,000, in the Buller, Grey and Westland districts with 10,000 in the largest town, Greymouth. It does not cover the entire west coast of the island – the huge Fiordland National Park in the south is part of Southland and the Kahurangi National Park in the north is part of the north-west Nelson region. Within the South Island the West Coast is sometimes referred to as simply The Coast.

Towns
Listed from north to south:
 * – one end of the Heaphy Track
 * – a cute little town with a cuter seal colony at Tauranga Bay
 * – the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
 * – former gold-mining town
 * – the largest town
 * – near the incredibly-blue Hokitika Gorge.
 * – the Franz Josef Glacier
 * – larger and more accessible Fox Glacier
 * – last settlement before climbing out of the region through the Gates of Haast and the Haast Pass
 * – larger and more accessible Fox Glacier
 * – last settlement before climbing out of the region through the Gates of Haast and the Haast Pass

Other destinations

 * – contains the only peak above 3000 metres outside Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park
 * – home of the Pancake Rocks
 * Wangapeka Track
 * – home to the West Coast glaciers.

Understand
The West Coast was the last frontier to be exploited by New Zealand's colonists. The region still has that frontier look and feel in many places. Even a few metres from the roadside you can experience what the first explorers might have encountered - pure and natural nature.

Before tourism became a more economical sustainable business, coasters mined coal, dredged or panned for gold, cut down the native forests. Generally they cleared the land and drained the swamps for farming and exploiting the land for its minerals. They still exploit the land for coal and timber but now it tends to be done in more environmentally sustainable ways.

Today, much of the land and forest has been put into the conservation estate. Many areas of marginal farmland have been allowed to revert to more natural states. Environmental issues are now recognised as important and more highly valued, and fought over, where threatened.

Because of this, some believe the Coast is on its last legs, yet others see great potential for a land full of natural beauty, ready to be exploited by, and developed for, tourists, in environmentally sustainable ways.

Buller district gets its name from the Buller River that drains the district and flows into the Tasman Sea at Westport.

Westland's landscape is a combination of rugged narrow coastline, temperate rainforests and high mountains.

Initially European development was based on gold and coal mining as well as forestry and farming. Now this heritage and the spectacular scenery make tourism a major industry.

Parts of Westland receives some of the highest rainfall in New Zealand, and the world. Be prepared and bring a decent raincoat. This is during the Summer months as in Winter the area has some of the nicest weather around New Zealand.

It has been said that this more remote part of the country is the "real" New Zealand, the way it used to be. Forests with native New Zealand trees and plants are much more common here than in most other parts of the country, and native wildlife is often more abundant. When traveling on the West Coast, you'll almost certainly see weka - a flightless chicken-like bird that hapless tourists often mistake for a kiwi bird (kiwis are almost never seen outside of special predator-free sanctuaries, and almost never come out in the daytime).

By plane
Air New Zealand flies from Christchurch to Hokitika every day. Sounds Air has one to three flights a day Su–F from Wellington to Westport.

By road
From Blenheim either take State Highway 6 via Nelson and the Hope Saddle to Murchison or take State Highway 63 via St Arnaud and the Nelson Lakes National Park. State Highway 63 meets State Highway 6 at Howard Junction, about 40 km north of Murchison.

From Christchurch there are two options:
 * State Highway 7 leaves State Highway 1 at Waipara in North Canterbury, travels past Hanmer Springs and over the Lewis Pass to Reefton and on to Greymouth where it joins State Highway 6. This is a good road all year round, suitable for any type of vehicle and is the recommended route for towing caravans or trailers.
 * State Highway 73 runs through Mid Canterbury to Springfield, before climbing over Porters Pass and then Arthurs Pass, and descending along the Taramakau River to meet State Highway 6 at Kumara Junction, about half way between Greymouth and Hokitika. This road has a number of steep grades and sharp corners – towing caravans or trailers over this route is not advised. The descent from the top of Arthurs Pass to Otira used to include a single-lane section that was subject to rockfalls, but this has been replaced with a viaduct. Historically, this was the horse-drawn coach route and this dictated that the trans-alpine railway line also cross the Southern Alps here, via the Otira Tunnel. Steeped in history, and with spectacular and varied scenery, be sure to stop in at Arthur's Pass National Park headquarters in Arthur's Pass township, even if only for a quick break.

From Wanaka travel State Highway 6 over the Haast Pass to Haast and Fox Glacier at the southern end of the West Coast.

By coach

 * InterCity operates daily services along the West Coast departing from Nelson and Picton. InterCity also offer a range of fixed itinerary options which enable you to travel from Nelson to Queenstown via the West Coast.
 * Great Sights provides premium daily sightseeing tours from/to Queenstown to/from both Fox and  Franz Josef Glaciers.
 * West Coast Shuttle. From Greymouth 08:00 to Christchurch arrive midday via Arthur's Pass then from Christchurch 15:00 to Greymouth via Arthur's Pass (all services via Christchurch airport on demand).

Get around
State Highway 6 runs the length of the West Coast and most notable destinations are either on the highway or a short distance from it. In some places it is the only road in town and some of the locals suggest that Westland is really just a village connected by the longest main street in the world.

This highway is suitable for all forms of vehicular transport, though caution is suggested if driving a campervan or larger vehicle on this road as some corners and turning areas are very tight. Drivers will also encounter the occasional one-lane bridge along the route.

Cycling and Motorcycles are very popular ways of seeing the West Coast but be prepared for long rides between settlements.

See
The highway travels through or near several large national parks along the scenic Southern Alps. Westland Tai Poutini National Park is one of the most popular and accessible but can only be reached from State Highway 6. The park contains the western slopes of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman as well as Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, the two most accessible glaciers in the Southern Hemisphere.

There are many beautiful lakes which are easily accessible by car:
 * Punakaiki is situated along the coast south of Westport. The Pancake Rocks & Blowholes are a photogenic series of rock columns which have been weathered in such a way that they resemble a stack of pancakes. Sea spray frequently covers the walkways as there are a number of blow holes situated between the columns. On a nice day there is also a good view of the dramatic coastline stretching away to the south.
 * Lake Matheson is a scenic lake near Fox Glacier. When the weather is calm and clear the lake acts as a mirror reflecting the mountains to the east, including Mt Cook and Mt Tasman - above Fox Glacier. The walking trail around the lake is enjoyable on a nice day.
 * Buller River bar - Watch the fishing boats come in and enjoy the wild seas. Site of a number of accidents.
 * Cape Foulwind - Windy and wild place with rough seas and walking tracks
 * Pancake Rocks and blowholes in Punakaiki.
 * Shantytown
 * Lake Brunner. The largest of the West Coast lakes, Brunner and its main settlement Moana are good spots for waterskiing and fishing. Access from the Otira Highway just east of Wainihinihi, or from SH7 east of Greymouth.
 * Lake Kaniere Second largest of the West Coast lakes, Kaniere lies about half an hour drive inland from Hokitika, with a partially unsealed road that loops around the lake via Kokatahi. There are some lovely walks in various bays around the lake, including Canoe Cove (which features a 15 minute boardwalk through native forest), and Dorothy Falls (about 5 minutes walk in from the falls themselves, which are visible from the road).
 * Lake Mahinapua. Accessible from SH6 south of Hokitika, The Shanghai Bay area of Mahinapua is relatively shallow, and has campground facilities. There is also a fantastic walkway from Woodstock-Rimu Rd to SH6 that passes alongside the lake.
 * Lake Ianthe. South of Ross, Lake Ianthe is visible from the road, and makes a great picnic spot.
 * Lake Wahapo
 * Okarito Lagoon Just south of Lake Wahapo, Okarito is the only breeding site for the kotuku (white heron). You can only enter the kotuku sanctuary as part of a tour
 * Lake Mapourika Just north from Franz Josef Glacier township lies Lake Mapourika. Lake Mapourika is within the Westland Tai Poutini National Park.  There are multiple recreation areas just off the Highway for photo stops, boat launches, swimming beaches and 2 DOC campsites.   Lake Mapourika is renowned for fishing holding stocks of Brown Trout and wild salmon.  There are guided tours and boat trips that operate commercially on the lake.

Do

 * Buller Gorge Swingbridge - you can walk across a swing bridge, or go on a flying fox, and on the other side there are nice walks, some to the epicentre of a huge earthquake.
 * Visit the Denniston Incline - Drive to the top and marvel at the near vertical rail incline. This is where they used to load up the coal wagons and send them down for processing.
 * Pan for Gold. There is still plenty in the hills, though it is not economic to extract commercially. You might even find enough to cover the cost of the panning fee.
 * Climb the mountains.
 * Hunting.
 * Fishing. Recreational fishing available on all the Freshwater Lakes. Fishing Charters are available on Lake Mapourika.
 * Glaciers at Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. Take an unguided walk yourself, a guided trip, guided ice climbing, a sightseeing flight, or a heli-hike to the top of a glacier where the ice is blue.
 * The entire coastline offers some of the most breathtaking scenic walks and views in the country.
 * Try whitewater rafting in Greymouth or make a knife in Barrytown.

Eat
Westland is the major source of whitebait, a New Zealand delicacy. The tiny fingerlings of native fish are pan fried whole in an egg patty.
 * Other wild foods are also found here including Possum pies and stew.

The annual Wild Foods Festival in Hokitika is a must-do if you happen to be on the Coast at the right time of year (in March).

Classic Kiwi places to eat such as the RSA and Workingmens club. Quality food available at a number of restaurants. One of note is located at Cape Foulwind.

Drink
The Coasters have never been afraid of alcohol or consuming large quantities of it, especially beer. They were never afraid of the licensing laws either and always enjoyed a drink - after hours. The operative word though is were. With the relaxation of liquor licensing laws, Coasters have continued in their anti-regulatory approach to life and voluntarily leave the bars early, if they even go there at all.

There are lots of pubs in Palmerston Street, which is the main road of Westport.

At one time Hokitika, alone, had over 100 drinking establishments. Now you will be hard pressed to find that many in the whole of Westland. However, the brewer's tradition has not been lost and beer is still the favoured drink after a hard day's work or travelling.

There are breweries in Westport and Greymouth, which offer tours.

Sleep
The area has a good supply of backpacker accommodation and hotels. However places can fill up at busy times, so it is worth booking a few weeks in advance. See individual towns for listings.

Stay safe
Stay safe! Literally - the region is quite isolated so if you get in trouble you may have difficult getting medical treatment or emergency assistance in a hurry. Ensure your spare tyre is in good condition, your emergency kit is stocked up, you have a full tank of fuel, some emergency food and drink, warm clothes and a map; because it could be a long wait if you have a mishap or a long walk to the nearest place to get help. Also, be prepared to stop and assist another traveller in trouble.

It rains here. Carry a raincoat and gumboots (wellingtons), waterproof your shoes or accept being wet - accept it, you will get wet anyway, just more slowly.

Coasters are apparently immune to the endemic sandflies, but visitors need to cover up (especially ankles and wrists) or put up with being bitten. Their bites leave nasty little itchy spots but are relatively harmless otherwise.

Have an emergency? Call 111 for the police, fire or ambulance services, but don't expect to get what you thought you were asking for. Someone will turn up to help, but they might not wear the uniform you were expecting, they might not wear a uniform at all, but they'll help, because Coasters are like that. Mind you, if you see someone and the help you asked for hasn't turned up yet, ask them too. And if you're asked, or even if you're not asked and have to ask if help is needed, please help - it could be you tomorrow.

Connect
Don't rely on mobile telephones working outside of the settlements of Westport, Punakaiki, Greymouth, Hokitika, Whataroa, Franz Josef and Fox. Heading south from Fox there is no cellphone coverage until Hawea in the Queenstown-Lakes region, although coverage is due in the Haast area by the end of May 2018.

It is possible to use satellite phones and some businesses may give a satellite phone number as an alternative contact number.

Internet access can be found in the libraries of Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika. Some holiday parks may also have Internet for a fee.

Go next

 * Hanmer Springs in Canterbury region
 * Murchison in Nelson Bays region
 * Wanaka in Queenstown-Lakes region

title: West Coast (New Zealand)


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West Coast (South Africa)

The West Coast Region, located along the South-West Coast of South Africa, skirts the Atlantic ocean from Bloubergstrand in the Cape Metropolitan Area in the south, to the provincial border in Namaqualand in the north, all within the Western Cape. It is a remote strip of land and famous for its spectacular fields of flowers in the Spring, west coast hospitality, wild and desolate coastline, freezing cold water, peace and tranquility.

Towns

 * — a quiet village on the road to Namibia

 * — a fishing, holiday and retirement village on the beautiful Langebaan Lagoon
 * — a small, traditional fishing village turned holiday destination
 * — a paradise for the watersport enthusiast

 * — a village near the stunning Cederberg mountain range and the Cederberg Wilderness Nature Reserve. Mostly destroyed by fire in 2018
 * — a fishing village known for its west coast hospitality, long beach, spring flowers and beautiful views

Other destinations

 * — an island and nature reserve in front of Yzerfontein, home to tens of thousands of African Penguins

By car
There are two main routes north from Cape Town to the West Coast area:
 * The R27 along the coast (the West Coast Road) via Langebaan, Vredenburg and Eland's Bay.
 * The N7 national road, which is inland via Malmesbury and Clanwilliam.

Get around
You can explore the beauty of the West Coast by hiring a car from one of the many car rental companies operating nationally in South Africa.

See

 * The flowering of the wild flowers in spring. The landscape will be covered with beautiful flowers wherever you look.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: West Coast (South Africa)


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West Country

The West Country is an unofficial, but popular, name for the South West of England. If you think you know southern England, but haven't ventured beyond the South East, the West Country will be a revelation. It is at once more rural and prettier than its crowded neighbour, offering extensive countryside of hills, forest and moorland, hemmed in on three sides by the sea. From the sandy beaches of Dorset, to the creeks and inlets of Devon, via Somerset's high cliffs and Cornwall's secluded coves, the South West Coast is as diverse as it is long. Large cities are few and far between, but for the cream of the crop, head to vibrant Bristol, historic and up-and-coming Plymouth, beachy Bournemouth or charming Bath.

In addition to city, countryside and coast, the West Country hosts some of the UK's best-known attractions. While no trip to the region would be complete without a visit to Stonehenge, other landmarks include Cheddar Gorge in Somerset and the Eden Project in Cornwall. The region's fauna is impressive. A trip out to sea may permit sightings of whales, dolphins and basking sharks; inland you can seek out England's only wild beavers, plus river otters and kingfishers in Devon, rare butterflies and great bustards in Wiltshire's meadows and reintroduced wild boar in Gloucestershire.

Counties
The following counties are generally considered to form the West Country:

Cities

 * (Somerset) – With hot springs that have attracted visitors for 2000 years, Bath is, according to its double WV-Unesco-icon-small.svg UNESCO listing, one of the great spa towns of Europe. Marvel at the Roman baths, stroll the Regency resort or take a dip in the curative waters of Sulis.
 * (Dorset) – A buzzing beach town with something for all ages, where retirement homes abut student halls and everyone spends their weekends on the sand.
 * – Once a bustling medieval port, the South West's biggest city is both fashionable and colourful, while enjoying interesting topography and a world-famous bridge
 * (Devon) – Devon's county town is blessed with a stunning cathedral and an enviable location between Dartmoor and the sea
 * (Gloucestershire) – The UK's furthest inland port on its longest river; yet another cathedral city with Roman and Medieval credentials
 * (Devon) – The "Spirit of Discovery" invites you to the place where the pilgrims of the Mayflower set sail for the New World
 * (Wiltshire) – "New Sarum" boasts England's tallest cathedral spire, a magnificent structure that evokes the great churches of the Continent
 * (Cornwall) – Cornwall's compact and pretty capital sits at the heart of the Duchy. Its narrow streets make it pedestrian-friendly and easily walkable
 * (Somerset) – More of a large village than a city, Wells' gorgeousness packs a punch far greater than its size. This most English of settlements surrounds a justifiably famous cathedral

Other destinations

 * (Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire) – rolling countryside and chocolate box villages make one of England's most iconic areas of outstanding natural beauty. The region also extends into the South East and West Midlands.

 * (Devon) – windswept moors and lonely tors (peaks) that have inspired legend and literature for centuries.

 * (Devon, Somerset) – the heathland home of the hardy Exmoor ponies and Great Britain's highest sea cliffs.

 * (Gloucestershire) – the "Queen of Forests" hugs the Welsh border and is ideal for hiking, biking, fishing and canoeing.

 * (Dorset, eastern Devon) – the birthplace of palaeontology and a, where you can dig fossils out of the beach with your plastic bucket and spade.

 * – where Cornwall tumbles into the Atlantic Ocean, and sells a part of its soul to mass tourism.

 * – a rugged and very scenic island off the north Devon coast, home to 20 people, thousands of seabirds and a surprisingly rich history.

 * (Wiltshire) – the most famous prehistoric stone circle in the world is a joint with, a village built amongst standing stones about 20 miles to the north.

Understand
The exact boundary of the West Country is unclear and often a source of heated debate between the different counties, most of which have strong identities. Some definitions exclude Gloucestershire, while others embrace the likes of Herefordshire and Hampshire.

Most of the West Country once formed part of the Saxon kingdom of Wessex, and Wessex remains to this day a cultural region with which some locals identify. The people of Cornwall sometimes consider themselves separate from both the West Country and England, due to their ancient Celtic heritage.

What can be said is that it is an area that shares many interesting cultural similarities, from accent and dialect, to a shared agricultural and fishing heritage, and a readiness to accept witches, pagans and other freethinkers that might not fit in elsewhere.

West Country people are widely seen as warm, welcoming, forgiving and easygoing folk, and certainly this reputation has helped enhance the tourism industry. Other aspects of the culture include an almost religious obsession with strong farm-produced cider. Many folk songs about the juice of the apple are widely known and will be readily performed by local musicians, in a style jokingly referred to as "Scrumpy & Western" with the most famous band of this genre being The Wurzels.

Visitor information

 * Visit South West England website

Talk
The West Country is known for its distinctive accents, which vary from county to county, but share many common traits, most notably rhoticity — i.e. the R in words like "butter" and "farm" is pronounced the same as in "rabbit" or "arrange" — a feature shared with most Scottish, Irish, Canadian and American accents, but in contrast to most accents from elsewhere in England. In media, you may recognise these accents from Robert Newton's seminal portrayal of Long John Silver in the 1950 film adaptation of Treasure Island, or else as similar to those used by Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings or Rubeus Hagrid in Harry Potter.

Cornish, a Celtic language related to Welsh, is spoken by a tiny minority in Cornwall; see the county article for details.

By road
The M5, M4, A303 and A31 provide motorway and trunk road access to South West England.

By coach
Probably the cheapest way of getting to the South West - National Express and Megabus operate many services into the region, including routes from airports.

By rail
Great Western Railway operate most services into the region from London, the South East and Wales. South Western Railway (who mainly cover the east of the region) also connect the West Country to the South and South East. CrossCountry provide long distance services from the Midlands and North.

By air
Bristol Airport is the main regional airport with many European destinations and even some in North America.

Bournemouth, Exeter and Newquay all have airports with services from elsewhere in the UK and abroad. Southampton Airport, in the neighbouring South East region, is very well placed for Dorset and Wiltshire.

Otherwise, the greatest number of international (and particularly long-haul) flights will be found at the various London airports, which are all within a day's drive of practically anywhere in the West Country. Heathrow Airport is about 2 hours' drive from Bristol.

By ferry
Within the West Country itself are two seaports offering international ferry services: Plymouth receives ferries from Roscoff and St Malo in France, and Santander in Spain, while Poole receives ferries from Cherbourg and St Malo in France, plus Santander and the Channel Islands.

The other Cross Channel ports (Southampton, Portsmouth, Newhaven and Dover) are in South East England and are at various distances from the West Country.

See

 * Stonehenge, One of the world's most famous prehistoric monuments, located in the county of Wiltshire.
 * Chalk figures – the grassy chalk downland of eastern parts of the region has long been used as a canvas for huge white figures - most often human figures or horses. Many of these are centuries old with obscure origins. Famous examples in the region include the Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset and the Westbury White Horse in Wiltshire.
 * Roman Baths in Bath, a Roman spa complex constructed on hot springs and now a museum.
 * The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape — a UNESCO World Heritage site
 * The Jurassic Coast (East Devon coast and Dorset cost)

Do
The South West with its long coastline is a haven for tourists and so many tourist attractions can be found here. Eastern Dorset has a number of popular seaside resorts, the biggest of which is Bournemouth. The 'Jurassic Coast' (so named for the abundant dinosaur and prehistoric fossils found along the beaches) runs through western Dorset and eastern Devon. The Cornish coast is famous for its mining heritage, fishing villages and surfing beaches. One of that county's most popular modern attractions is the Eden Project in St Austell, huge glass biomes containing plants from across the Earth.

Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks are popular for outdoor activities including hiking, climbing, mountain biking and pony trekking.

Other attractions include the two Crealy Great Adventure Parks in Devon and Cornwall.

Itineraries

 * The Prehistoric Wessex Trail suggests a drive around the Saxon landmarks of Dorset and Wiltshire.

 * The South West Coast Path is a glorious 1000-km hiking trail around the entire peninsula, from Minehead in Somerset via Land's End to Poole in Dorset.

 * The Two Moors Way crosses Devon coast to coast via Dartmoor and Exmoor, along 188 km of walking paths.

Eat
Local specialities include:

 * Clotted cream - Popular throughout the region, especially in Devon and Cornwall. This extremely thick and fatty cream is served with cakes, most often with a rich berry jam on fruit scones as part of a cream tea.
 * Cheddar - A popular cheese named after Cheddar in Somerset.
 * Cornish pasty - A regional food of Cornwall.
 * Somerset casserole -Meat or a meaty fish cooked in cider with potatoes, onions and mushrooms.
 * Seafood - a lot of it! Lyme Bay crab, Brixham fish soup, stargazy pie, Cornish mussels, mackerel in mustard sauce... And there are wet fishmongers and markets all over the region.
 * Wiltshire cured ham
 * Tewkesbury mustard - A variety of mustard named after the town of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.
 * Dorset apple cake

Drink
The region is most famous for the production of farmhouse cider (nationally known as a "scrumpy"). This is generally assumed to be alcoholic (and frequently much stronger than supermarket cider!) and apple-based, although perry from pears and ciders from other fruits are also produced.

Stay safe
The rural West Country is generally an extremely safe area with low crime rates – the sort of place where locals may leave houses unlocked, although of course this is not advised; and as usual, towns and cities should be treated with more vigilance.

Drive carefully! Perhaps the biggest potential danger for a visitor is on the country roads, which are frequently narrow, with very poor visibility as they wind between high hedges, and always the risk of a tractor, horse rider or cyclist around the next corner.

In addition, the highlands of Dartmoor, Exmoor etc. can be very exposed to bad weather, so although they are not particularly mountainous in sheer height or relief, they should be treated with similar respect. Similarly, all usual respect should be paid to coastline safety as the sea can be rough and many opportunities exist for getting cut off by the tide.

Respect
When West Country people are portrayed in media, several tropes are frequently used. Either they're simple country folk — usually farmers or fishermen — or they're pirates, or similar roguish outlaws. These portrayals have a basis in historical reality; the soil and the sea are important to the local economy, while the South West has always harboured alternative lifestyles and an independent spirit. It also won't escape your notice when visiting that the tropes are often played up in the region for tourists.

However, don't forget that these are stereotypes which not all locals are comfortable with, and many may take offence at the implications: the "oo-ar" farmer and rum-soaked sailor are lovable and hard-grafting, but essentially dim-witted; pirates, smugglers and highwaymen might be romantic and certainly not lacking in brains, but they are still violent criminals.

Go next

 * London is about two hours drive from Bristol, and considerably further from the rest of the region.
 * Swansea and the Gower Peninsula are around 90 minutes from Bristol.

title: West Country


text:
West Covina

West Covina is a city in Los Angeles County in Southern California.

title: West Covina


text:
West Des Moines

West Des Moines is a small city in Central Iowa, the largest suburb of Des Moines.

Sleep

 * Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines, 5505 Mills Civic Pkwy. Complimentary hot dogs some nights. +1 515-457-9500

title: West Des Moines


text:
West End

There is more than one place called West End:

Anguilla

 * West End Village - A town in Anguilla.

Canada

 * West End - A district of Edmonton, Alberta.
 * West End - A district of Toronto, Ontario.
 * West End - A district of Vancouver, British Columbia.

England

 * West End - A section of central London famous for musicals, comprised of several districts:
 * London/Leicester Square
 * London/Covent Garden
 * London/Soho

Honduras

 * West End (Roatan) - A village on the isle of Roatan, Honduras.

United States of America

 * Quail West End - A district of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
 * West End - A district of Boston, Massachusetts.
 * West End - A district of Dallas, Texas.
 * West End - A neighborhood of Hartford, Connecticut.
 * West End - A district of Richmond, Virginia.
 * West End - A district of Washington, D.C..

title: West End


text:
Westerly

Westerly is a town on the southwestern shoreline of Washington County, Rhode Island. First settled by Elder John Crandall in 1661 it is believed that John Crandall named the town after his birthplace in Westerleigh, England. Today Westerly has many references to his name. In 2010, this community had a population of 23,000, which covers 30.1 square miles (78 km²) of land and 44.7 square miles (116 km²) of water.

Westerly has a friendly atmosphere. Visitors from all over enjoy the calm beaches and the unique shops that the downtown area has to offer.

Understand
The Pawcatuck River surrounds Westerly on the Western border where it serves a dividing mark for Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Westerly's town crest originates from a special species of Salmon that once resided in the Pawcatuck river. Along Atlantic Avenue by the beachfront lays several salt ponds which serves as an outer wall to the distinct beaches that make this community a large tourist attraction during the summer months (May–September). This community doubles in size during the summer months due to the large attraction of families from all over New England.

Westerly is also known for its textiles and unique type of granite that is quarried from Bradford and Potter Hill regions of Westerly. Griswold Textile Print, Inc. has been family operated since 1937. This plant operates on the Pawcatuck River where they make all their prints in house.

Misquamicut Beach
Misquamicut Beach consists of the 3/4-mile State Beach area, two Westerly Town beaches and a Misquamicut Fire District Beach. Private businesses own their own beaches, and these are generally open to the public. All of the beaches come together to stretch for over from the Western tip at Watch Hill, and the Eastern tip at Weekapaug Point. This basin design allows for direct flow of Atlantic waves, and also allows beach-goers to have beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Off to the south from Misquamicut Beach you can see Block Island, Rhode Island some away and on clear days to the southwest you can see the northern tip of Long Island, New York. Behind the State Beach there is a saltwater pond that stretches for four miles to the breachway near Weekapaug. Atlantic Avenue is the main thoroughfare that runs parallel to the beach. At each end there are two roads that allow visitors to get to the beach, one Weekapaug Road, near the eastern end, and the other is Winnipaug Road, which is near the western end of the State Beach, and right near all sorts of restaurants, hotels, bars and beaches.

The dunes help to control the wind coming off of the water and prevent erosion of the already diminishing shoreline. A state law restricts any person to go onto the dunes at any time for they are fragile and impossible to replace. Many species of fish inhabit the waters, including tuna, bluefish and striper bass. Seals inhabit the waters in early spring, before heading north to Maine. Sunfish, a large 5-6 ft fish, enter the waters in late July early August to eat jellyfish who are also looking for warmer waters. Many whale sightings have occurred, as well as sharks, however none have come close and none are interested in humans. The largest Great White Shark ever caught was caught off of Block Island.

Climate
Summer temperatures and weather begin in middle May, and the season closes in middle September. Temperatures are usually in the mid to high 70s (°F) until mid-July, when temperatures tend to stay in the 80s. This continues straight through until early September. There is relatively no humidity because of the strong westerly winds that blow from Watch Hill. Water temperatures stay relatively cold until late June, and by August they are very warm yet still refreshing. Strong thunderstorms tend to form North of the beach and move South, however they move fast and rarely effect the coast for long. Wave heights are normally 2-3 feet, however this all depends on weather patterns and the tide. Misquamicut is no stranger to 10-20 foot waves in times of hurricanes and other storms.

By train

 * Amtrak, 14 Railroad Av., +1-800-872-7245. One of Rhode Island's three stations is in Westerly.

By bus

 * Ripta Flex Service. Transit designed to serve suburban and rural communities in Rhode Island. Reservation need to make with 48 hours in advance by calling the toll-free Flex Line at +1-877-906-FLEX (3539) or +1 401 784-9500, ext. 220.

Get around
The simplest way to get around Westerly is by a car. Since Westerly is not a large town it can easily be achievable to drive around all the sites and attractions that the town has to offer. Parking is available every where around the town. Downtown parking is free but beach parking is an average of $10.

Marinas

 * Westerly Marina 41 Margin Street, +1 401 596-1727. A complete array of marina services is offered.
 * Watch Hill Boat Yard, 21 Pasadena Avenue, +1 401 348-8148. This traditional boatyard and marina offers 81 slips for boats of up to  in length, and 27 moorings for sailboats of up to  in length.

Beaches
Rhode Island Beach entrance fees (2017): See Rhode Island State Parks for up-to-date information.
 * Residents: weekdays $6 per car, weekends $7 per car.
 * Non-residents: weekdays $12 per car, weekends $14 per car.
 * Seniors: 50% discount from above rates

Eat
Breakfast

Lunch Dinner

Ice Cream

Camping

 * Burlingame State Park is a large tourist attraction, and they allow camping, hiking, fishing, and biking. Located off of Rt. 1 North, it is about 15 minutes from Misquamicut and makes you feel at one with nature. State fees do apply, check out www.riparks.com for more information about rules and restrictions.

Jim's Trailer Park allows space for around 35 campers. Located directly on Misquamicut Beach within walking distance of bars and restaurants. +1 401-322-0728. Call for availability and rates.

Stay safe
Never mix drinking with swimming, driving or any other activity. This may result in serious injury or death. Call Wright's Taxi at +1 401-596-8294 or Eagle Cab at +1 401-596-7300 if there is any question in your mind about your alcohol level. Westerly Police and Ambulance have a strong presence in Misquamicut.

Go next

 * Narragansett is about 20 minutes north on RI 1.

title: Westerly


text:
Western Arizona

West Arizona is a region in Arizona mostly with desert and mountains. It is west of Phoenix and Tucson, north of the border with Sonora, Mexico, and east California and the Colorado River.

Other destinations

By car

 * [[Image:I-8.svg|18px]] Interstate 8 (I-8) is a regional east-west route starting south of Greater Phoenix, west through the region through Yuma, into California and on towards San Diego.

 * [[Image:I-10.svg|18px]] Interstate 10 (1-10) is a major, cross-continental east-west route entering Arizona from New Mexico, west through Tucson and southern Arizona, northwest to Phoenix, then west through the region, to California and on towards Palm Springs and San Diego.

 * [[Image:US 60.svg|18px]] U.S. Route 60 (US 60) is a major east-west route entering Arizona from New Mexico, west through Globe and Phoenix (known as the Superstition Freeway), then from Phoenix northwest to Wickenburg (known as the Phoenix-Wickenburg Highway), where the route bends southwest, intersecting and terminating at I-10 east of Quartzsite.

 * [[Image:US 93.svg|18px]] U.S. Route 93 (US 93) is a major north-south route which gets a lot of Phoenix-Vegas traffic; US 93 starts in Wickenburg, runs through Wikieup and Kingman, then on towards Hoover Dam, Las Vegas and on wards into Nevada.

By train
Yuma is served by Amtrak, by the Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle routes that between Los Angeles to New Orleans and Chicago, respectively.

By plane
Yuma is a regional airport served by American Eagle with flights from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Get around
As there is no public transportation, a car is essential. A four-wheel drive is recommended if you want to get off the beaten track.

Outdoors
As elsewhere in the region, precautions should be taken to guard against heatstroke and dehydration which can come about very rapidly – always take more water than you think you will need. Heat exhaustion can occur very quickly, with symptoms including dizziness, rapid breathing, heavy sweating, and muscle spasms.

The most commonly encountered wildlife is rattlesnakes, which are active from spring through fall, and tend to hide in brush or in crevices during the heat of the day. The best way to avoid bites is to never place your hands or feet where you haven't looked first. Wear boots or sturdy shoes for outdoor activity. If you are bitten, seek medical attention immediately.

Also commonly encountered are javelinas (peccaries), pig-like mammals which travel in herds. While they generally avoid people, they are very near-sighted and protective of their young, and will attack if they feel at all threatened. Make as much noise as possible so that they are not surprised and panic.

For more information, see: Arizona : Stay Safe > Deserts

Arizona / Mexico border
The region is on the U.S.-Mexico border. Due to the remoteness of the area, it is used for illegal border crossings.

For more information, see: Arizona: Stay Safe > Arizona / Mexico border

Go next

 * North to Northern Arizona —
 * Kingman and Historic Route 66 – for more "Old West" Arizona.
 * The Grand Canyon – one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.
 * The bright lights of Sin City, Las Vegas.
 * South to Northern Mexico — for more of the Sonoran Desert, stretching to the sea in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora (also known as Rocky Point).
 * East to Greater Phoenix and South Central Arizona — maybe you're done with the desert and want the city again, with Phoenix or Tucson.
 * West to California Desert — for the Colorado Desert and towards the Pacific Ocean in San Diego.

title: Western Arizona


text:
Western Australia

Western Australia is Australia's largest state by land area, making up the western third of the continent. It is geographically so large that it covers more land than Greenland or even countries like Mexico). Most of its 2.7 million citizens live in or around Perth, while the rest of the state comprises of widely-dispersed small settlements.

Cities

 * — The state capital of Western Australia and one of the most remote large cities in the world
 * — the largest town on the south coast of the state
 * — gateway to the Kimberley and a fashionable tourist destination among Australians
 * – home of the Busselton Jetty and gateway to the Margaret River region
 * — on the south coast with a fine coastline and beaches
 * — a historic mining town in the east
 * — final stop before you enter the Northern Territory
 * — a rapidly growing city nestled between estuary and ocean is popular for fishing and crabbing
 * — One of only two cities in WA that have international flights as well as the gateway to the Pilbara

Other destinations

 * — explore vibrantly coloured gorges and cliffs sculpted by the Murchison River
 * Coral Bay and Exmouth, 1250 km from Perth, are fringed by the magnificent World Heritage Ningaloo Reef
 * — a major destination in the Pilbara, featuring huge canyons and gorges, and nice hikes through majestic scenery
 * — a fine winery and surfing region about 250 km south of Perth, a weekend playground for Perth.
 * — rivalling the better-known Uluru in the Northern Territory for size, it's often claimed to be the largest monolith on Earth
 * — an eerie landscape of limestone pillars rising from the sand about 100 km north of Perth
 * — a UNESCO World Heritage Site features the enigmatic Bungle Bungle dome formations
 * — a on the westernmost point of Australia, the small town is known for stromatolites and the dolphins at Monkey Mia
 * – with more than a million paintings, this park is home to some of the world's most dense collections of rock art.

Understand
The large majority of the 2 million inhabitants live in the southwestern part of the state, in or close to Perth, the capital and one of the most isolated cities of this size anywhere in the world. Outside of the Perth area there are fewer than 500,000 people, hence the demonym Sandgropers. The largest towns outside Perth metro include Albany and Broome, less than 30,000 population each depending on seasonal fluctuations. Beyond the coast, Western Australia's vast interior is very sparsely populated, with only a handful of townships with over a few thousand residents. Mining settlements and cattle stations are thinly-spread so it is all too easy to find yourself alone in a 100 mile radius.

The overall huge expanses and distance between places could be considered by some as an attraction in itself.

Geography
Western Australia covers about a third of the total land mass of Australia. It encompasses climatic zones from the monsoonal and tropical north to the temperate and Mediterranean south, and the desert and barren inland. Apart from the south-western coast, the majority of the land is extremely old, eroded, flat, arid and infertile.

Many of the population centres are isolated from one another, and from the other populated zones of Australia. This and the tough environment may account for a more independent spirit than in the eastern states.

The vastness of the state is certainly not to be underestimated when planning your trip. If it were a country, it would be in the top 10 by area, as large as Argentina, larger than any African or European country, and one and a half times the size of Alaska. It is the largest sub-national administrative division in the world besides the Sakha Republic in Russia.

Perth and the south-west corner including Margaret River and Albany are easily accessible. Visiting much of the rest of the state requires some planning and will probably require some long drives. Never plan on doing a road trip, without clearly telling either the authorities or someone else, on your planned route, as you could have considerable delays if you break down. Make sure you always have lots of water (and spare fuel) with you.

History
The first European to reach Western Australia was the Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog in 1616 while en route to what is now known as Jakarta. In the following decade, other Dutch explorers would encounter the land here, but with no apparent natural resources to exploit, left as quickly as they came. During the late 18th century, the British and the French began to explore the more Southern regions of Western Australia and in 1826 the British decided that King George Sound would be a suitable location for a settlement. Three years later the Swan River Colony was established, and this would later become the city of Perth. The state grew slowly until the discovery of gold in Kalgoorlie in the 1890s, which led to a huge influx of people.

Western Australia is the only state to never have been part of New South Wales and is the only Australian state to have tried to leave the federation, voting to secede in 1933. A delegation was sent to Britain to petition parliament to pass the legislation needed to enable independence, but it was determined that the British parliament did not have the necessary powers to pass such legislation. The suggestion of secession still appears in the Western Australian media from time to time and generally gains most attention during mining booms. A quarter of Western Australians still support the idea.

Time zone
Most of Western Australia is in the Australian Western Standard Time Zone (AWST), 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+8). It doesn't observe daylight savings time and is two hours behind the east coast of Australia during winter, and falls three hours behind New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania when they move to daylight savings. Note that not all of WA is in the same time zone! Residents of towns east of Caiguna on the Eyre Highway (including Eucla, Madura, Mundrabilla and Border Village) in the southeast corner near the South Australian border do not follow official Western Australian time. Instead, they use what is unofficially known as Central Western Standard Time, which is halfway between Western and Central time--UTC+8:45. Additionally the Aboriginal communities of Papulankutja (Blackstone), Irrunytju, Warakurna, Wanarn, Kiwirrkurra and Tjukurla all follow +09:30, not +08.

Tourist information

 * Western Australia Tourism website

By plane
Perth airport in Western Australia is the main access point for international flights.

The vast majority of interstate flights also land in Perth. However there are a small number of interstate flights to Kalgoorlie, Kununurra, Karratha and Broome. Skywest has a weekly flight from Kalgoorlie to Melbourne, however it may still be cheaper to fly Kalgoorlie - Perth - Melbourne depending on the travel dates desired.

The price of flights from other Australian capital cities to Perth fluctuates wildly. The red-eye overnight flights can often be obtained at a discount over the more civilised flight times.

By car
Considering the huge distances, driving into Western Australia from anywhere else is an experience by itself. Most car rental companies do not allow for their cars to be driven across Western Australia's borders.

There are only two sealed roads into Western Australia: in the south, the Eyre Highway is the most direct route from Adelaide to Perth. In the north, the Victoria Highway connects the Kimberley region with the Northern Territory up to Darwin. Both involve extremely long drives. Perth-Adelaide is at least 3 days of driving with stops only to sleep, and much of the drive is across the extraordinarily barren Nullabor Plain. Darwin-Perth is at least a week.

It is often possible to organise one-way car hire without additional fees from Adelaide to Perth. Shop around, and check conditions carefully, as most cars hired in Adelaide cannot even be driven into Western Australia.

The unsealed Great Central Road, Tanami Track, Buntine Highway and Gunbarrel Highway run between the Northern Territory and remote Western Australian towns.

By rail
There is one railway connecting Western Australia with the eastern states. The Indian Pacific train service runs between Sydney and Perth via Adelaide. It is a luxury service that is more expensive than air travel, and slower than driving yourself, but you can take your car onto the train with you if you are travelling from Adelaide. The train ride is a unique experience in itself, as it travels through some very scenic areas, and some of the world's most inhospitable landscapes.

Quarantine
There are quarantine rules if you are coming from other states in Australia. You cannot bring fruits and vegetables (including seeds and cuttings) into Western Australia. Frozen fresh food is also not allowed but you will be OK with commercially packaged foods, except honey and bee products. There are quarantine checkpoints set up on the state borders and rules are strictly enforced. Inspectors board trains into the state to check passengers, and there are checkpoints at all airports.

If you are arriving directly from overseas, additional quarantine rules apply. See the Australia article for details.

By car
If you want to travel across WA by road, be ready to drive a lot to get from point A to point B. There are only a limited number of paved roads (any map of the state will probably show you all of them) with nearly all of them concentrated on the coast. If you plan to leave them to get to more remote areas you will need to consider renting a 4WD. Contact the company to which you rent the vehicle to check the policy concerning driving on unpaved tracks, as you might have to get their authorisation. Driving a rented conventional (non-4WD) vehicle on an unpaved track may breach your rental contract and void your insurance. Check with the local depot before arriving.

Distances
Never under-estimate the distance involved in travelling around Western Australia. Fatigue from long drives annually kills drivers from overseas, falling asleep at the wheel is a genuine issue.

 * Perth to Albany is
 * Perth to Broome is
 * Perth to Port Hedland is
 * Perth to Exmouth is
 * Perth to Kalgoorlie is

Always make allowance for fuel stops, rest stops, toilet stops, and refreshment stops. There is a speed limit on all roads, never catchup with speed.

Paved highways and byways

 * Albany Highway. A paved, main through route Perth to Albany, with few stops or attractions. A scenic alternative via the coastal route although it takes more than twice the time.
 * Eyre Highway, from Norseman to South Australia, a very long drive crossing the Nullarbor plain and home to the longest stretch of straight road.
 * Great Eastern Highway, from Perth to Kalgoorlie, the main route for travellers.
 * Coolgardie–Esperance Highway, links the Great Eastern Highway with the Eyre Highway & continues south to Esperance.
 * South Coast Highway, from Esperance to just past Walpole.
 * South Western Highway, from near Walpole to Perth via Bunbury.
 * Great Southern Highway, from The Lakes to Cranbrook.
 * Brand Highway, from Perth to Geraldton.
 * North West Coastal Highway a mainly coastal route from Geraldton to the Great Northern Highway near Port Hedland.
 * Great Northern Highway, up to the northern extremity of the state; close to the NT border.
 * Victoria Highway, connecting the Great Northern highway to the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory.

Unpaved (dirt) roads and tracks

Unpaved roads require preparation and research. They should not be taken lightly, and you would be unwise to just set off down a dirt road without having done your homework. Be cautious. On some more remote tracks, it could be weeks until anyone finds you or your body if you break down. Road conditions, weather, availability of fuel and spares, contact (phone/radio), and survival supplies should be on your checklist.

The Gunbarrel Highway may not be what you would think of as a highway. It may not even be what you would think of as a road.

That said, some of the best scenery and adventures that Western Australia has to offer lies on its dirt roads. Some can be traversed, slowly, and with care, by an average driver. Study your route, and be prepared for conditions.

 * The legendary Canning Stock Route is an 1800 km long cattle track from Willuna in the northern Goldfields to Halls Creek in the Kimberley, crossing the inner desert parts of the state. It is one of the most remote tracks on the planet, with absolutely no facilities, fuel or food supplies, and runs hundred kilometres from any civilization. Prior fuel dropping arrangements and thorough research about the dangers involved in the crossing are absolute prerequisites. Attempting the track in the summer is madness.
 * The 650-km-long Gibb River Road crosses through the heart of the Kimberley in the North through majestic scenery, with some facilities along the route. Open only during the dry.
 * The Gunbarrel Highway crosses the heart of the continent from Wiluna to Kata Tjuta in the Northern Territory.
 * The comparatively easier Tanami Track crosses the Tanami desert to the Red Centre in Northern Territory.
 * The Great Central Road, regularly graded, may be attempted by strong 2WD (with very cautious and prepared drivers). It crosses several Aboriginal lands (for which you will need permits) right to Kata Tjuta in the Northern Territory.
 * The Anne Beadell Highway goes from Laverton to Coober Pedy in South Australia

By plane
Given the distances involved, plane travel is a vital connection to many Western Australian communities. Many towns based on mining have private 'Fly-in Fly-out' (FIFO) services for their employees, which are difficult for travellers to access.

Most larger towns have some form of commercial scheduled air service. Charter services are commonly available to access more remote areas, and airstrips available for landing are available even in the very smallest towns. If you can get a group of 6 together, a charter flight need not cost significantly more than a scheduled commercial service, but don't expect to be able to each take your 23kg suitcase on board.

By train
Train services are limited outside of Perth and Mandurah. There are three regional train services, all operated by Transwa, that depart from Perth to various country towns in the south and south-east of the state:

 * The Australind, runs from Perth to Bunbury and back, every morning and evening.
 * The Prospector, runs from East Perth to Kalgoorlie, with coach connections onto Esperance.
 * The Avonlink, runs from East Perth to Merredin, in the Wheatbelt.

These regional rail services are not "walk on" services like inner-city rail; tickets to board these services must be purchased in advance, either online at the Transwa website, or from various TransWA booking offices located around the state, usually in areas serviced by the TransWA regional rail and coach network.

Journey Beyond's Indian Pacific does not permit passengers to begin or end their journey on any of country towns it passes through. The train stops at Kalgoorlie on its eastbound run for passengers to take part in off-train excursions.

By coach
Coach Services comprehensively cover the southern regions of the state, publicly operated by TransWA. These coach services connect Perth to various regional towns, as far north as Geraldton and Meekatharra, as far south as Albany, and as far east as Kalgoorlie and Esperance.

These regional coach services are not "walk on" services like inner-city bus services; tickets to board these services must be purchased in advance, either online at the TransWA website, or from various TransWA booking offices located around the state, usually in areas serviced by the TransWA regional rail and coach network.

Greyhound runs a service from Darwin through to Broome, and via Kununurra.

Integrity Coach Lines has a bus line that starts from Perth and goes northbound to Joondalup, Lancelin, Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Greenhead, Dongara, Geraldton, Carnarvon, Coral Bay, Exmouth, Tom Price, Karratha, Port Hedland, and Broome 3 times every week. The buses also return southbound from Broome to Perth.

By other means
Bicycling, camel riding, horse riding, and walking have been part of the state's history - early explorations were done this way.

Roadhouses and facilities along the main routes in the state do support long distance travel when measured with adequate supplies.

Inland, there are no supports like the main highway route, and very thorough preparations are required.

Many solitary cyclists have been sighted over the years on the Nullarbor crossing, and fewer on the road in from Darwin in the north.

See

 * National Parks in WA have standard entry fees. In 2024 a single entry is $17 per vehicle up to 12 occupants, $10 per motorbike, and cyclists and hikers get in free. For multiple park entry get a pass, which you buy online, print at home and display on your windscreen. These cost $30 for five days, $50 for 14 days, $70 for 4 weeks, and there's a selection of annual passes. They don't cover camping fees.
 * If WA does not quench your thirst of (harsh) wilderness, it is unlikely that anywhere else in the world will. That said, most visitors stay within the very civilised areas of the southwest corner and Broome, which have many attractions and well developed facilities.
 * Fremantle Prison is one of eleven UNESCO Australian Convict Sites. WA needed convict labour and imported them late into the 19th century, at a stage when the rest of Australia no longer wanted them, so WA convict structures are more recent and better preserved than elsewhere.
 * Ancient lifeforms: thrombolites and stromatolites were common until a billion years ago, large concretions of micro-organisms. (Stromatolites have layers through matted growth, thrombolites are unstructured blobs.) They helped produce the oxygen in the atmosphere that enabled other creatures to evolve and show their gratitude by eating up the micro-organisms. Live specimens are therefore rare but can be seen at Lake Clifton by the road from Perth to Bunbury, at Shark Bay, and at Lake Thetis in Nambung National Park.

Do
Besides driving, which can be an experience for some (being on the only sealed road for hundreds of kilometres, without crossing anyone, might be either disturbing or enjoyable to most of Western Europe drivers). The regions for surfing on its beaches include, the south west corner in the Margaret River region.

Eat
Perth and the larger towns have the usual range of restaurants. Australian influenced Thai, Chinese and cafes are common. Pubs can usually be relied upon for an evening meal in most towns and roadhouses have a range of sandwiches, burgers and sometimes more substantial cooked meals. Trips away from the major towns will probably require some amount of self-catering.

 * Truffles – An item you wouldn't expect to come out of WA is the opulent black fungus that's favoured by trendy restaurants in the better part of town. While the local variety isn't considered to be equal to its European counterparts, it exhibits the characteristic taste and smell that justifies the high prices it demands. Truffle growing in the state has grown large enough to support two festivals. At the end of May the Truffle Hunts in Manjimup are held with capacity limited to the 100 epicureans indulgent enough to pay $245 for trufflesque tours, hunting and eating.
 * Marron – is a freshwater crustacean with delicate meat quite different to its salt water relatives. Trendy restaurants might have it on the menu during the right season but the best way to enjoy it is by casting a trap into a dam or water way and boiling it up on a campfire. You will need a fishing licence to catch them legally or there are many marron farms in the south west where you can buy a few of them frozen or still kicking.

Drink
The legal drinking age is 18 years in Australia. It is illegal either to purchase alcohol for yourself if you are under 18 years of age or to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone who is under 18 years of age. The only legally acceptable proof-of-age documentation are an Australian drivers licence, state-issued proof-of-age card, Keypass card or a passport, and it would be wise to carry one if you want to purchase alcohol or tobacco and look under 25 - vendors will frequently ask for ID for anybody who looks to be 25 or younger. In Western Australia, foreign drivers licences and foreign ID cards are NOT legally acceptable as proof of age documentation, and people who are unable to produce a passport or valid Australian ID will be refused service. Photographs or photocopies of ID will NOT be accepted.

Beer

 * Fremantle has a number of micro-breweries. The most well known is Little Creatures, housed in an old boat shed where they serve a pale ale straight from the conditioning tank.
 * Kimberley residents love a drink, so it's no surprise that Matso's Brewery in Broome has a rightful reputation among hopheads for making some fine brews.
 * The South West has a handful of brewers. Albany AleWorks in Albany and Blackwood Valley Brewery in Bridgetown are old style brewers. Margaret River and Busselton have a half-dozen independent micro-brewers to visit.
 * The Swan Valley in Perth's outskirts is known for its wine but also makes some decent drops of the amber variety. Duckstein Brewerey is one of the states first micro-brewers and produces a range of German style beers that are particularly popular around Oktoberfest time. You can take a look at their copper brewing kettle and then sample an ale in the garden.

Coffee
A debate about the quality of coffee in WA grumbles on endlessly, with many visitors claiming a decent cup near impossible to find in the west and locals countering that they are just not looking in the right place. Subjective bean preferences aside, it is agreed that a coffee (usually starting at $5) is more expensive than in Eastern capitals and a higher price does not necessarily buy you a better cup.

 * Northbridge, Fremantle, Subiaco, Mount Lawley and the CBD in and around Perth have the highest concentration of cafes where you are more likely to get a decent espresso.
 * Outside of the metro area it can be hit and miss, but you might improve your chances around Albany and Margaret River where a couple of boutique roasters have operations and coffee sits in the same circles as the gourmet food and wine scene.
 * Non-aficionados who prefer a little coffee in their milk drink might be disappointed that they are nearly 2,000 km from the nearest Starbucks (which is in Victoria, by the way). However, they should be satisfied enough with the Dome and Gloria Jeans chains that have outlets state-wide.

Spirits

 * Kununurra in the Kimberley is home to the Hoochery Distillery, the oldest continuously operating rum producer in WA (est. 1995), where local cane sugar is used to make some pretty potent booze. Though it's aged in oak barrels it's still a harsh gulp due to the alcohol percentage being up to 70%. Tours of the distilling operations run in the peak season.
 * Albany - Great Southern Distillery a boutique distillery located on the harbour in Albany, Western Australia. They produce small batch whiskies and a variety of spirits. Open daily for tastings, lunch, coffees and tours. International Award Winning

Wine
Western Australian viticulture may not produce the large volumes of the wineries on the east of Australia, but the vineyards here are known for producing quality over quantity.

 * The Margaret River

Camping
Western Australia has an abundance of places to pitch a tent or roll out a swag. Many campsites in National Parks have managed sites with facilities toilet and cooking facilities. Most charge a fee of $7-9 per person, per night. Campsites can fill up quickly during long weekends and school holiday periods, especially in the South-West.

Respect
Mining and native land titles remain controversial points of discussion in much of the state – on one hand, mining is what fuels most of the state's economy, but the lack of proper consultation with Indigenous land owners has resulted in many sacred sites being obliterated – including Juukan Gorge, a 40,000-year-old sacred gorge that was blown up by mining giant Rio Tinto in 2020. This also extends to other topics, such as renewable energy and conservation of coastal areas.

Stay safe

 * The vastness of Western Australia requires travellers to be careful when going into remote areas, that is off the main sealed (asphalt) highways. When leaving sealed roads and entering remote unsealed tracks, advise someone you trust of your movements of your expected time/date of arrival, and your travel intentions. Ensure they will contact authorities if you do not arrive on time. Make sure you check back with them to avoid needless searches.  Check with local officials about the conditions of unsealed roads, especially during the wet season during which these roads are likely to be difficult to travel or impassible. Seek advice from locals when fording rivers, as many become swollen and deep/fast during the wet season.
 * Always swim between the flags at patrolled beaches. Strong currents can be dangerous to novice swimmers. Box jellyfish are at beaches and estuaries as far south as Exmouth in season, and can be deadly.  Check with lifeguards.  Saltwater crocodiles are found as far south as Broome year round in freshwater and saltwater (rivers, streams, waterholes, and beaches).
 * Many remote rural and outback areas in Western Australia are home to kangaroos and other mammals, reptiles and birds that will cross the roads, especially at dawn and dusk. So try to avoid driving at these times (kangaroos are most active at these times) and always be alert.
 * Ross River virus is endemic in the south-west of Western Australia. The mosquitoes that carry the virus are particularly active around dusk in coastal areas from Perth to Albany.
 * Snakes are widespread throughout all Australia - know the precautions and first aid before going into the bush.
 * Redback spiders are also very common in sheds/garages, and underneath chairs. Bites are fairly common and sometimes need anti-venom. Seek medical advice if bitten by a spider.
 * See local guides for any area specific issues.

Go next

 * Go east
 * Alice Springs in the Northern Territory - The hard way to the red centre is from Halls Creek via the rough-as-guts Tanami Track. The easy way is along a series of sealed roads from Kalgoorlie, passing through Leonora and Uluru and a lot of pretty flat and arid land.
 * Go north
 * Darwin in the Northern Territory - Leaving from the northern corner, Kununurra is the last town on Highway 1 as it heads heading into the NT's top end via Katherine.
 * In the Indian Ocean
 * Christmas Island - Closer to Indonesia than WA, but still part of Australia. Christmas Island is an emerging destination for divers and crab lovers looking for something not yet over run by other people.
 * Cocos Island
 * Go east across the Nullarbor
 * By train on the Indian Pacific service
 * Port Augusta in South Australia - The 1668-km drive across the Nullarbor Plain and the Great Australian Bight along the Eyre Highway.

title: Western Australia


text:
Western Barbados

Western Barbados is the area of Barbados that lies north of Bridgetown and comprises the parishes of Saint James, Saint Peter and Saint Lucy. This is the west-facing, most sheltered coast, so it's the best for family beach holidays, and has the highest concentration (and steepest prices) of hotels.

Understand
Holetown and Speightstown are the two main settlements but it's basically one long ribbon development along the coastal Highway 1B. Tourist maps and similar literature often refer to the sea here as the Caribbean but that's 100 miles west, over the horizon beyond Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent. This here is the Atlantic and can get rough, but it's normally in the "Goldilocks zone" of being calm enough inshore for family bathing, yet lively enough further out for surfing, wind-surfing and the like.

Holetown is where the British first landed in 1625, the hole being the haven and freshwater creek; it was first called "Jamestown" for King James I and VI. More settlers arrived in 1627, plantations and transatlantic trade were established, and the area grew up to be the first capital of the colony. Then the Earl of Carlisle founded a new settlement with a better natural harbour to the south which overtook it, and is nowadays Bridgetown. The west coast ports however stayed in business, trading especially with Bristol.

20th century commercial aviation brought first the rich then a mass market to take holidays on Barbados, and a hotel strip burgeoned along the west coast. One famous resident was Claudette Colbert (Émilie Claudette Chauchoin 1903-1996), star of many 1930s Hollywood film romances and comedies. She bought a house in Speightstown in the 1960s and lived the rest of her life between there and Manhattan.

Get in
The coast highway runs north from Bridgetown via Holetown to Speightstown. All public transport runs along this road, some continuing up to St Lucy's Church. Bus #1 runs up the coast from Bridgetown Princess Alice Terminal to Holetown and Speightstown every 30-60 min, but there are also very frequent minibuses. Bus # 1E crosses the top of the island every couple of hours daily between Speightstown and Bathsheba on the east coast.

Highway 2A, the Ronald Mapp Highway, has been built further inland and now takes most of the traffic. It links to the Earl Barrow Highway bypassing Bridgetown, so taxis or other private transfers between the airport and west coast resorts shouldn't exceed an hour. So the coastal highway is nowadays slow and congested in rush hour but not permanently thrombosed.

Get around
The coast road is narrow and ratty with traffic, with poor sidewalks, so walking is no fun. Take a minibus for any distance along the north-south main drag; getting inland (eg to Harrison's Cave) will involve a taxi or joining an excursion.

See

 * Holetown Monument commemorates the first English landing.
 * Saint James Parish Church in Holetown was the first church in Barbados, founded in 1628. The present structure dates from 1874.
 * was the island's main settlement until Bridgetown outgrew it - William Speight was the landowner. It has a pleasant old centre, with 18th / 19th century buildings such as St Peter's, the Anglican church.
 * (pictured at head of page) is at Benny Hall on Highway 2, straddling the boundary with Saint Andrew. The 19th-century mansion is now a ruin. It's set in Barbados Wildlife Reserve; brick paths lead through four acres of mahogany forest. Adult B$30, child B$15, which includes admission to Grenade Hall Signal Station.
 * at the north tip of the island is a scenic sea cave, open Tu-Su 9:30AM-4PM.
 * is a well-decorated karstic cave. It's a tougher proposition and you need to be fit and agile.

Do

 * Scuba diving: the main concentration of shacks is in Bridgetown, but one operator is based in Holetown:
 * Golf: Sandy Lane Country Club has three courses, see Sleep.
 * Holetown Festival in February celebrates the arrival of the English in Barbados with parades, dances, games, street fairs, and hymns and prayer at Saint James Parish Church.
 * Holetown Festival in February celebrates the arrival of the English in Barbados with parades, dances, games, street fairs, and hymns and prayer at Saint James Parish Church.

Buy

 * Limegrove Mall in Holetown is full of clothing stores.
 * New Town Square in Speightstown is attractive, with a collection of boutique stores.

Eat

 * Bean & Bagel, Holetown, is open daily 8AM-3PM.

Drink

 * Red Door Lounge is in the Mango Bay Hotel, Holetown. It's open from 6PM, Th to 2AM, F to 4AM, Sa to midnight.
 * John Moore Bar and Carlton Variety Bar are near the junction of the coast highway with Carlton Rd.

Sleep
The west coast is prime territory for family beach holidays. There are good package deals to be found, but hotel rates for individual travellers are over-inflated. However this area also has a number of small B&Bs and guesthouses a few blocks inland for more reasonable prices. The Fitts Village / Risk Road neighbourhood is a good bet.
 * Leamington Pavilion is a swanky Italianate beach villa, with a 1950s makeover (thanks to the Heinz Ketchup fortune) to draw the Hollywood big names. It's at Little Battaleys, St Peter, 2 miles south of Speightstown. A mere US$2500 a night, or join the public tour on occasional open days.
 * Fustic House: reckon US$5000 a night, minimum 5 nights, to rent this 7-bedroom 18th-century villa in Saint Lucy; similar rates for weddings and photo-shoots. It's occasionally open for public visits.
 * Leamington Pavilion is a swanky Italianate beach villa, with a 1950s makeover (thanks to the Heinz Ketchup fortune) to draw the Hollywood big names. It's at Little Battaleys, St Peter, 2 miles south of Speightstown. A mere US$2500 a night, or join the public tour on occasional open days.
 * Fustic House: reckon US$5000 a night, minimum 5 nights, to rent this 7-bedroom 18th-century villa in Saint Lucy; similar rates for weddings and photo-shoots. It's occasionally open for public visits.

Go next

 * Public transport converges on Bridgetown. The Garrison Savannah is a couple of miles south of the centre.
 * Southern Barbados has wilder waters, better for water sports, and is well-developed.
 * Central Eastern Barbados has more rugged terrain. The big attraction is Andromeda Gardens.

title: Western Barbados


text:
Western Bhutan

Western Bhutan is a region in Bhutan.

Cities

 * — now called Mebisa
 * — the small administrative headquarters of Chukha district
 * — the small administrative headquarters of Chukha district
 * — the small administrative headquarters of Chukha district
 * — the small administrative headquarters of Chukha district
 * — the small administrative headquarters of Chukha district
 * — the small administrative headquarters of Chukha district
 * — the small administrative headquarters of Chukha district
 * — the small administrative headquarters of Chukha district
 * — the small administrative headquarters of Chukha district

Other destinations

 * - a valley famous for black necked cranes.
 * - a valley famous for black necked cranes.
 * - a valley famous for black necked cranes.
 * - a valley famous for black necked cranes.

Understand
The predominant ethnic group in Western Bhutan are Ngalops, who are generally followers of the Kagyu tradition of Buddhism and tend to be taller than people in other parts of the country. Another characteristic of Western Bhutan is that the cities and towns are built besides rivers in wide valleys.

Talk
Dzonghka is the predominant language of the area, though English is common in Thimphu and Phuentsholing.

See

 * Gantey Monastery in Phobjikha - an important monastery in the Nyingma sect of Buddhism and the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition.
 * Paro Taktshang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) in Paro - one of the most important Buddhist sites in the country, and Guru Rinpoche visited here on his second visit to Bhutan. The temple is built on a 1,200 meter cliff in the Paro valley and is Bhutan's most well known sacred site.

Eat
Outside the cities, which are listed separately, most eateries relevant to travellers are on the highways connecting Thimphu to the south and north of the country. Those of international standard are listed below:

title: Western Bhutan


text:
Western Cape

The Western Cape is the most south-western province in South Africa, covering many of South Africa's tourist destinations and attractions.

Regions
The Western Cape can be divided in the following regions:

Cities and towns

 * — one of the world's top destinations
 * — a university town in the winelands
 * — famous for having one of the world's largest rock outcrops and the Afrikaans Language Monument.
 * — gateway to the Garden Route
 * — a beautiful city in the Garden Route
 * — stunning beaches
 * — the ostrich capital of the country, near the Cango Caves

Other destinations

 * — the southernmost point of Africa
 * — on the majestic Walker Bay and with an unspoilt and untouched hinterland, ruled by floral abundance
 * — famous for the whale-watching
 * — hot spa water, high quality rock climbing routes, and plenty of adventure activities
 * — one of the oldest European settlements in South Africa, houses some fine examples of Dutch-Cape architecture
 * — spring flowers, whales, a sixteen-mile beach and west coast hospitality
 * — a tiny beautiful village near the Cederberg Wilderness area
 * — a tiny fishing village on the West Coast, an area with stunning flowers
 * — near the Tsitsikamma National Park

National parks

 * — a small but beautiful park near Swellendam
 * Knysna Lake Area
 * — a sanctuary for herds of springbok, Oryx, zebra, buffalo, hartebeest, rhinoceros, eland, kudu, klipspringer, bat-eared foxes, black-backed jackal, ostriches, and lions
 * — 120 km north of Cape Town, between Yzerfontein & Langebaan
 * — a sanctuary for herds of springbok, Oryx, zebra, buffalo, hartebeest, rhinoceros, eland, kudu, klipspringer, bat-eared foxes, black-backed jackal, ostriches, and lions
 * — 120 km north of Cape Town, between Yzerfontein & Langebaan
 * — a sanctuary for herds of springbok, Oryx, zebra, buffalo, hartebeest, rhinoceros, eland, kudu, klipspringer, bat-eared foxes, black-backed jackal, ostriches, and lions
 * — 120 km north of Cape Town, between Yzerfontein & Langebaan
 * — 120 km north of Cape Town, between Yzerfontein & Langebaan
 * — 120 km north of Cape Town, between Yzerfontein & Langebaan

Other nature reserves

 * - perfect for whale watching
 * - perfect for whale watching

Islands

 * — 10 km west of Yzerfontein
 * — in Table Bay

Understand
The Western Cape is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa and offers a broad range of attractions. From the tourism hot-spot of Cape Town to the lovely scenery of the Garden Route the region offers something for everyone. So this is the right place for starting your South Africa experience.

By plane
Cape Town's international airport is the country's second largest after Johannesburg. There is also an airport in George which offers connections to most major cities in South Africa.

By train
Spoornet operates regular inter-city trains from Cape Town to Johannesburg, Worcester, Beaufort West, Durban, Kimberley, Bloemfontein, Pietermaritzburg and East London.

MetroRail operates frequent commuter trains to towns and suburbs near Cape Town, such as Simon's Town, Bellville, Malmesbury, Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Strand, Worcester and Paarl.

By car
The Western Cape is easily accessible from the rest of the country by car.

By bus
Greyhound offers a plethora of inter-city routes nation-wide.

By bus
The main bus companies offer regular services in the Western Cape (e.g. Intercape, Greyhound, Translux) as does the Baz Bus.

By car
There is a good road network and as some places are not accessible by public transport this is a good way to travel the Cape. Car rental is available in Cape Town and in the larger towns.

By a guide
There are a few hundred registered and qualified guides who know their way in Cape Town and the Western Cape. The Cape Tour Guides Association can provide travellers with a list of all tour guides and their specialities.

See

 * Table Mountain in Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula
 * Cape Winelands around Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
 * Garden Route along the South Coast

Do
The Western Cape offers nearly everything a traveler could want. From buzzing night-life in Cape Town and Stellenbosch to wonderful beaches and many outdoor options. So the basic itinerary should include some days in Cape Town, a visit to the Cape of Good Hope (and don`t miss the penguins at Boulders Beach), wine tasting in Paarl or Franschhoek or Robertson, Swartland and Overberg, and a trip along the Garden Route. There are also a number of smaller National Parks with hiking trails for a day out. One of the newer 'primary unusual destinations' is Soekershof Walkabout located in Klaas Voogds along Route 62. This place consists among others of the largest permanent hedge mazes in the world; a philosopher's garden and unique succulent gardens with the oldest cactus -anno 1910- of South Africa. Visitors can earn a memento by fulfilling a quest. In the Robertson Valley are diverse hiking trails such as Arrangies Kop and Die Vrolijkheid
 * Rock Climbing
 * Scuba diving
 * Diving in the Western Cape
 * Diving the Cape Peninsula and False Bay The waters of Cape Town are relatively extensively surveyed and explored by divers. There are more dive sites than most people would visit in a lifetime's diving, some of them quite deep, and many requiring specialised equipment and the competence to use it. Also a large number of relatively easy and accessible dives, including shallow shore dives. There is also relatively good supporting infrastructure of dive shops, schools and charter boats. Conditions are variable and mostly depend on recent weather conditions, but there are sites reasonably protected from wind and waves from most directions.
 * Diving in Hermanus
 * Diving at Gansbaai
 * Diving at Agulhas and Struisbaai
 * Diving at Knysna and the Dalgleish Bank
 * Diving at Plettenberg Bay

Events
The Cape Epic is a seven-stage mountain bike race from Cape Town to Val de Ve Estate in March.

Eat
Cape Town offers everything you want. Along the coast look-out for some fish and oysters, while in the Cape Winelands head for some of the countries finest dining experiences.

Drink
This is the region to taste South Africa's best wine. Tour the cellars around Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek but check for a driver before.

The wine producing areas in the Overberg, Swartland and Robertson are gaining international recognition. The wine tasting in these areas is free. While the wines of the traditional wine-producing areas of South Africa are moved to the lower shelves of the European supermarkets, the ones from the upcoming areas can be found in top restaurants and special liquor stores and wine boutiques in Europe and North America as premium brands.

title: Western Cape


text:
Western Cibao

Western Cibao is a region of Dominican Republic.

Other destinations

 * — mountain
 * — a beach
 * — mountain
 * — a beach
 * — a beach
 * — a beach
 * — a beach

Understand
The Northern Region of the Dominican Republic, commonly known as El Cibao, is one of the most important and historic regions of the country. While the Southeast of the country was the center of the sugar industry, the Cibao was and remains the center of the Dominican tobacco industry. The city of Santiago de los Caballeros, the Dominican Republic's second largest city, is the industrial, cultural and economic heart of the Cibao. It displays a beautiful old district with its cathedral, but it is rather deprived of tourist sites. However, it is a good place to experience the Dominican Republic at a slower pace than in the capital, all while having all the comfort and services available in Santo Domingo. The "Centro Leon" in Santiago is one of the Caribbean's largest and most important art museums.

Santiago is found in the Cibao Valley, and is surrounded by two mountain ranges, the Cordillera Central and the Cordillera Septentrional. In the Cordillera Central you will find the highest mountains in the Caribbean, including the 3,098-meter-high Pico Duarte, the Caribbean's highest peak. The trek to climb the peak takes around three days, but they are totally worth it. The rest of the mountain range provides with great opportunities for eco-tourism. The mountain towns of Jarabacoa and Constanza offer very beautiful scenery, and opportunities for horse-back riding, paragliding, white-water rafting, or just relaxation in the pure mountain air. In Jarabacoa is found the "Salto de Jimenoa" one of the country's highest waterfalls. In the towns Constanza and Bonao there are Japanese and Chinese settlements, and these migrants are still working in agriculture there up to this date. The neighboring town of Concepción de la Vega has the most famous, colorful and joyful Carnival in the country, celebrated every year on February 27th.

On the North Coast, just about an hour drive away from Santiago, lies the town of Puerto Plata, with its old colonial fort and its beautiful old mansions, all overlooked by a replica of Rio de Janeiro's "Cristo Redentor" statue. Puerto Plata has great all-inclusive resorts in Playa Dorada and Playa Grande. The neighboring town of Sosua received thousands of Jews escaping the holocaust, and it has preserved some of its Jewish culture and synagogue. Today, it retains a great number of German settlers, which add to the town's flavor. The beach and art-lined streets of Sosua are very popular among Dominicans and foreigners alike, but the most popular beach in the area has become that of the town of Cabarete, a world-famous destination for surfing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, and basically every kind of water sport. Like Las Terrenas in Samaná, Cabarete also has a very good nightlife, and very nice hotels ranging from the cheap to the luxurious. Right nearby is a unique location, Los Charcos de Damajagua, a series of 27 small waterfalls that are easy and great fun to explore with a guide.

On the Northwest, closer to the Haitian border, you will find an impressive destination off the beaten track: the town of Monte Cristi. Its limestone cliffs stand in a great contrast with the rest of the beaches of the North Coast, and the small limestone island of "El Morro" is rather reminiscent of those found, for example, on the coast of French Brittany. The town of Monte Cristi itself is very historic despite its seclusion. The beach of Punta Rusia by Monte Cristi is another destination off the beaten track, surrounded by cliffs and mountains, with crystal-clear water and little touristic development.

title: Western Cibao


text:
Western Coal Fields

Kentucky's Western Coal Fields is bluegrass country of a whole different nature—a banjo picking nature, that is. It's also a fine part of the state for BBQ, owing to its western location.

Cities

 * , the County Seat of Muhlenberg County
 * – listing also includes Beaver Dam and the rest of Ohio County

title: Western Coal Fields


text:
Western Cuba

Western Cuba (Spanish: Occidente de Cuba) is a region of Cuba. It includes the following provinces from west to east: Pinar del Rio province, Isla de la Juventud, Artemisa, Havana province, Mayabeque, and Matanzas province.

Cities

 * — the vibrant, crumbling, historic capital and main city of the country welcomes visitors with history, architecture, music and nearby beaches
 * — known to Cubans as the "Jardín de Cuba" (Garden of Cuba), its ferric red soil produces bananas, tobacco, sugar cane, and fruits
 * — a typical seaside town
 * — a small town in the Sierra del Rosario mountains, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
 * — known for its diving camp
 * — an authentic Cuban town that can be visited from the tourist resorts in Varadero
 * — a clean, laid-back city with few few tourists
 * — a village near the Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra del Rosario National Park
 * — a resort area with private hotels, gorgeous white beaches and the country's only full golf course
 * — a town set in a lush valley surrounded by low mountains and karstic outcroppings
 * — a town set in a lush valley surrounded by low mountains and karstic outcroppings

Other destinations

 * — the country's largest island is covered by pine forests, and surrounded by beautiful beaches
 * — popular scuba diving destination
 * (Ciénaga de Zapata National Park) — a national park similar to Florida's Everglades National Park, with vast swamps and world-famous birdwatching, scuba diving, and beaches. The national park is on the Bahia de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs), the site of the 1961 American invasion.
 * (Viñales National Park) — a national park with mountains and caves, tobacco farms and horse-riding. Perhaps Cuba's national park with the best-developed tourist facilities. The town Viñales serves as a good base to explore.
 * (La Güira National Park) — another national park with mountains and caves, but without many tourist facilities.
 * — a beach and village on the east bank of the Bay of Pigs
 * — this is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Sierra del Rosario mountains. The principal sites are Soroa and Las Terrazas.
 * San Diego de Los Baños — a spa town, 120 km west of Havana. There's a nice hotel, the Hotel El Mirador, and a beautiful swimming pool. The hotel is open to tourists and the swimming pool is popular with Cubans. The restaurant serves Cubans and tourists, or perhaps you wait so long for food that you qualify as landed immigrants.
 * — this is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Sierra del Rosario mountains. The principal sites are Soroa and Las Terrazas.
 * San Diego de Los Baños — a spa town, 120 km west of Havana. There's a nice hotel, the Hotel El Mirador, and a beautiful swimming pool. The hotel is open to tourists and the swimming pool is popular with Cubans. The restaurant serves Cubans and tourists, or perhaps you wait so long for food that you qualify as landed immigrants.

Get in

 * José Martí International Airport in Havana
 * Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport in Varadero

title: Western Cuba


text:
Western Desert

The Western Desert is part of the Sahara Desert and occupies all of Egypt west of the fertile strip of the Nile to the border with Libya. It is utterly barren, except for five oases, described here.

Egypt has other oases, such as Fayum, but close to the Nile and not considered part of the Western Desert.

Oases

 * is the most accessible, five hours by bus from Cairo, and transport to other oases comes this way. Nearby there's a soot-black and a chalk-white desert to choose from.
 * far to the west is a large oasis, a county-sized fertile area some 20 km north-south by 50 km east-west, fed by a series of lakes and springs. Siwa town is the main settlement.
 * has sulfur springs, a few antiquities and is close to White Desert National Park.
 * is another large oasis, some 25 km north-south by 80 km east-west. Main villages include Mut, El-Masara and Al-Qasr.
 * is the largest of all, 160 km north-south and up to 80 km east-west. This means it feels more like farmland than oasis, and Kharga the main town is modern, but with many nearby antiquities.

Other destinations

 * — famous for its beautiful natural landscapes and prehistoric drawings on the cliffs and rock caves.
 * — a mountain range at the Egyptian-Libyan-Sudanese tripoint with thousands of prehistoric rock art sites
 * — a mountain range at the Egyptian-Libyan-Sudanese tripoint with thousands of prehistoric rock art sites

Understand
To the ancient Egyptians the desert to the west signified death: it was where the sun god Ra went to die each day, and where the souls of the pharaohs went following their interment in tombs west of the life-giving Nile. But this desert contains five large oases, populated and cultivated since prehistory, and controlling trade routes.

A great aquifer of sandstone and limestone lies beneath the Western Desert, containing "fossil water" - rain that fell some 40,000 years ago, a non-renewable resource. In natural depressions (which are often extensive) this comes to the surface or is easily reached by wells. However these depressions have been scoured out by wind-blown sand and salt, and the water is only usable if it's not salty. The largest depression of all, Qattara, goes down to 147 m below sea level but its water is useless, so there's no oasis there. (In World War II it formed a natural defence for the British army, as its salt pans couldn't be crossed by vehicles.) The five oases all have salty water, sometimes entire bitter lakes, but enough fresh to sustain them. They are large fertile areas with towns and industry, and don't match the popular image of a few palm trees and huts clustered around a pool. For instance the aquifer at Siwa continues all the way into Libya, where it emerges as the Jaghbub oasis. They're all wildlife habitats eg for migratory birds, which gorge on the insects and grubs.

The Sahara is believed to alternate between fertile and desert over the 20,000 year cycle of the precession of the earth's axis of rotation, which alters the season of the North African Monsoon. So it turned to desert 5,000 years ago, leaving dried river beds with crocodiles in isolated pools, ruins among the sand dunes, and pushing migration and social change in pharaonic times. Unless disrupted by other climate change, it could again become savannah in another 15,000 years. But if the fossil waters are 40,000 years old, that's two cycles ago, suggesting that the latest "green" was poor, and so the next might be. In any case the water will be used up as quickly as Egypt's oil reserves unless tightly managed, and tourist resorts are notoriously profligate users of water. So there's a tension over how much development these oases can take.

One group of travellers who came to grief trying to get in was the army of Cambyses II, son of Cyrus the Great of Persia. Circa 534 BCE he faced rebellion in Egypt and dispatched a great army (which grows and grows in the telling) from Luxor towards Siwa. They vanished utterly. Herodotus a century later wrote that they were engulfed by desert sand storms. This seems unlikely, and no trace has ever been found, despite the capabilities of metal detectors and satellite photography. Perhaps they were heading somewhere else and people have looked in the wrong place. Perhaps they were a "ghost army" drawing pay and rations but with no real soldiers.

Get in

 * By bus or long-distance taxi. There are no flights, and trains no longer run to Siwa or Kharga. For Siwa it's possible to take the train to Mersa Matruh on the coast, then a bus.

Go next

 * Anywhere but Libya: this border is closed throughout.
 * Back to the Nile at Cairo or Qena is the usual onward route, but from Siwa you can reach the Mediterranean coast at Mersa Matruh.

title: Western Desert


text:
Western DRC

Western DR Congo is a region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It includes the capital city and the provinces of Badundu and Bas Congo.

Cities

 * – DRC's capital
 * - known for its large cathedral and botanical gardens
 * - home to the extensive Thysville Caves
 * - home to the extensive Thysville Caves
 * - home to the extensive Thysville Caves

Get around
Travelling in the DRC is difficult, however the western part has a slightly higher standard compared to other parts of the country. Route nationale 1 is the principal road between Kinshasa, Matadi and Boma. This road is paved and in general decent condition, most other roads are not.

Passenger trains also runs between Kinshasa and Matadi several times per week.

title: Western DRC


text:
Western El Salvador

Western El Salvador is a region of El Salvador. It is mostly rural with colonial mountain villages, coffee plantations, and towering volcanoes.

Other destinations

 * - site of San Salvador Volcano
 * - park with two volcanoes
 * - mountain scenery, wildlife, seclusion
 * - Mayan village covered by volcanic lava flow, a
 * - mountain rainforests, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
 * - highest mountain in El Salvador
 * - highest mountain in El Salvador

Itineraries

 * Ruta de las Flores

Understand
This region is bounded by Guatemala to the West, Honduras to the East and the Pacific Ocean to the South. It includes the departments of Ahuachapán, Cabañas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlán, La Libertad, La Paz, San Salvador, Santa Ana, and Usulután.

This is a mountainous region with many volcanoes. It is encompassed in a region that geologists refer to as the Central America Volcanic Arc, which stretches along the Pacific Coast of Central America from Mexico to Panama. Several of the volcanoes are popular backcountry areas for hikers and naturalists and are accessible via national parks in the region.

Get in
San Salvador international airport is the main gateway to the region with a number of flights to destinations in Central and North America as well as some destinations in Europe. The modern airport is a focus destination for Volaris and a hub for Avianca. It's location in the middle of Central American makes it an ideal transfer point to cities throughout the region as well as to major hubs in North and South America.

title: Western El Salvador