Beacon

On the northern outskirts of the wheatbelt about 330km or so north-east of Perth, many of Beacon's locals are involved in rearing sheep and cattle and trying to cultivate crops on harsh and sometimes unforgiving hectares which all too soon give way to semi-arid and then full-blown desert country.

Most visitors to Beacon are soon directed to the country around Karoon Hill, 50km further up the track, which is a haven for a variety of birdlife, and especially cockatoos - included among which are the brilliantly-plumed red-tailed black and Major Mitchell varieties.

In fact, this is an extremely popular spot with twitchers because it"s the most north-easterly town in the wheatbelt and the ripening grain attracts birds from the goldfields and other outlying areas beyond the emu-proof fence.

There are some interesting granite outcrops in this general area, too, and the locals will tell you to make sure you visit in August and September to catch the wildflowers in bloom.