The Great Western Woodlands is one of the most biologically significant natural areas left on Earth - a global treasure in our backyard. It is the largest remaining intact temperate or 'Mediterranean' woodland in the world. We have an opportunity and responsibility to conserve the Great Western Woodlands for its communities, wildlife and our future.

The Great Western Woodlands is one of the very few large, intact landscapes remaining in the World. At around 16 million hectares in size it is the largest intact temperate (or ‘Mediterranean’) Woodland left on Earth.
Photographer: Dr Barry Traill
The Great Western Woodlands is of global biological significance. 20% of all Australia’s plant species are found here and 20% of all Australia’s Eucalypt species! The region is home to many unique animals, many rare and threatened.
Photographer: Lochman Transparencies
The Great Western Woodlands has a mosaic of different habitats throughout the region. The major habitats can be broadly summarised into five vegetation types: Woodland, mallee, grassland, shrubland and un-vegetated. The woodlands are the most common type of habitat covering more about 60%....
Photographer: Barbara Madden
The Great Western Woodlands is an ancient landscape. It today stands largely as it has for millennia—a relatively flat landscape punctuated by breathtaking natural features. It is sitting on part of the Yilgarn Craton, one of the oldest landforms in the world.
Photographer: Barbara Madden
The Great Western Woodlands is an Ark for our wildlife providing a unique haven for a community of animal species that are now threatened elsewhere in Australia. This is because similar habitats in Western Australia and through much of southeastern Australia have been heavily fragmented and...
Photographer: Lochman Transparencies
The Traditional Owners of the Great Western Woodlands retain their unique knowledge of and connection to Country. There are many cultural heritage sites throughout the region and many areas which are particularly important to the Traditional Owners.
Photographer: Wayne O'Sullivan
Approximately 40,000 people live in the Great Western Woodlands, centred mainly in and around the towns of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Coolgardie, Norseman and Southern Cross. Mining and pastoralism are the main commercial activities but a growing tourism industry is also important to the regional...
Photographer: TWS WA
In the Great Western Woodlands the discovery of Gold in the 1890’s saw a major influx of people into the region. This period known as the gold rush saw people travel from all over the world to try and make a fortune.
Photographer: KCGM
The Great Western Woodlands is becoming a popular travel destination and a stopover on the road travelling across Australia. Travelers wanting to experience the outback, go four wheel driving and bird watching are increasingly drawn to the region.
Photographer: TWS WA
The Great Western Woodland is under threat from significant increases in large, intense fires; climate change; fragmentation and loss of critical habitat; weeds and feral animals. The challenge now and in the coming decades is to maintain the natural values of the Great Western Woodlands, protect...
Photographer: Vanessa Westcott