Renowned for its unspoilt natural environment including white sand beaches, tall timber forests, wildflowers and spectacular coastline complete with whales and dolphins and other marine life, the region has an inspiring and diverse tourism offering.

The main agricultural industries include cropping and livestock and wool, with horticulture and viticulture also important contributors to this sector.  There are major sheep and lamb export abattoirs at Katanning and Narrikup (near Albany) and a smaller abattoir at Beaufort River. 

Diversification from traditional agricultural methods has seen developments of the - timber, light engineering, energy, horticulture, tourism (e.g. adventure and ecotourism), food and wine (marketing, farmers markets, regional branding), aquaculture, and bush products and exports. The fishing industry is home to one of Western Australia’s largest producers of oysters and includes two of Australia’s largest pilchard fisheries.  

Its national parks and sub-regions inland provide opportunities for visitors to engage in the region’s lifestyle, including the rich blend of fine agricultural produce and award-winning wineries.