Autumn in Western Australia signals the perfect time to visit with March, April and May offering a range of world-class sporting, food and wine, and arts and culture events happening around the State. Then there are the natural events -- chances to witness extraordinary natural phenomenon's including Broome's Staircase to the Moon, a beautiful optical illusion of a staircase reaching up to the moon, and the arrival of the world's biggest fish -- the Whale Shark in May.

Highlights: March 2012

March kicks off with one of Perth's largest and free public events -- Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe, where iconic Cottesloe Beach is transformed into a stunning sculpture park with more than 70 local, interstate and international artists displaying their unique works of art. It's just another reason to visit one of Perth's 'must do's' -- just be sure to stay for the spectacular sunset. Also on the 'must do' list is a visit to the port city of Fremantle. As well as soaking up the bohemian lifestyle and admiring the century old streetscapes, you can check out the works of leading Australian and international photographers at FotoFreo 2012. While in Perth, you might want to take a day trip to Mandurah and time your visit to coincide with the Channel Seven Mandurah Crab Fest.

Meantime, the South West region is buzzing and one of the key events to create that buzz will be the Telstra Drug Aware Pro Margaret River, where a stellar line up of surfing professionals will battle it out at Margaret River's world-renowned surf break. It's a great time to experience the region's extraordinary and world-famous food and wine at the Margaret River Wine Region Festival and Taste Great Southern, celebrate national and international musical talent at the Nannup Music Festival, and see rally drivers sprint across the region for the Quit Forest Rally. Exmouth, along the State's magnificent Coral Coast, will host WA's premier game fishing tournament as GAMEX takes place -- the waters around Exmouth are home to more than 40 different game fish species.

Highlights: April 2012

In April, Fremantle will celebrate the 14th Fremantle Street Arts Festival -- the largest street arts festival in Australia; bargain hunters and collectors will be in for a treat and a rummage at WA's largest and oldest antique fair - the York Antique and Collectors Fair; car lovers will visit Pinjarra for the 100% Smoke Free: All Australian Car Day IX and Geraldton will offer an insight into military life in the 1940s at the Valley View Vintage and Military Weekend.

Highlights: May 2012

Finally, May offers a range of events which combine WA's extraordinary landscapes with activities for all. The East Kimberley region, in the North West, is home to the Arygle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster. It's the perfect time to explore the area and take in some of the Muster's key events including the Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience concert, Waringarri Corroboree, bush tucker cooking and comedy night. The North will also see a diverse line-up of musical performances at the Nguyuru Waaringarrem Halls Creek Music Festival and A Night Under the Stars at Karijini. The world's biggest fish -- the Whale Shark -- will be celebrated in Exmouth at the Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival, and in nearby Denham, fishers and families will celebrate community life on the Coral Coast at the Shark Bay Annual Fishing Fiesta. Returning to Perth and the action-packed V8 Supercars Trading Post Perth Challenge will fire up motorsport fans while the South West will host the Busselton Festival of Triathlon and the 3 Waters Marathon.

See next page for the line-up of upcoming events.