House Sitting in Western Australia: A Black Swan Event

The black swan is one of the symbols of Western Australia, which occupies almost one-third of the entire country. For you, however, house sitting there could be a “black swan”, or a life-changing event.

With only 2.5 million people, Western Australia is the world's second-largest iron ore producer, is home to more than 500 species of birds, has more than 9,000 published plant species, and exports a host of things from gold and pearls to Western Rock Lobsters.

House sitting in Western Australia gives you a crack at experiences that can only be described as mind-boggling. The state has the earth's largest collection of sunflowers, whale sharks you can swim with at Ningaloo Reef, Australia's whitest beach at Lucky Bay in Esperance, and a 40-meter high Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk in the Walpole Wilderness Area, one of the state's more than 75 national parks.

With its vast expanse, Western Australia offers you a wide range of experiences to make your house sitting stint unforgettable. In the Margaret River area you'll discover world-class wineries, while in The Kimberly you can see the world's only horizontal waterfall, gaze at the Stairway to the Moon in Broome, and live the true life of the Outback. Along the Coral Coast outside of Cervantes, you'll find The Pinnacles, a collection of limestone spires that are millions of years old; or you can say “Hello” to the dolphins, dugongs, manta rays and sea lions that frequent the place.

Chances are, your house sitting assignment will be in Perth, capital of Western Australia. If you love the sun, you'll love Perth which has more than 3,000 hours of it every year. Perth is an unusual blend of nature and culture, complete with parks, beaches, festivals and bars. Kings Park and Botanic Garden, with over 400 hectares, is Australia's first park designated for public use. Here, you'll find the State War memorial, playgrounds and, in September, the yearly Kings Park Festival. Or, you can relax at the city's Cottesloe Beach amid Norfolk pines, sculptured lawns and an avenue of restaurants, cafes and bars. Within striking distance from Perth, you can enjoy the varied marine life of Fremantle, go snorkeling at Rottnest Island, or meditate amid the rustic charm of Gingin.

If you want a house sitting stint that will turn your life around, head for Western Australia. You'll find a black swan waiting for you.