Perth and Surrounds

<p>Perth edges the Indian Ocean – with 19 pale, sandy beaches - framed around enormous Kings Park (Kaarta Koomba) and carved by the s-bends of the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan). Western Australia’s capital is a dynamic city that balances its natural beauty with a lively after-dark scene.</p>

<p>Fremantle (Walyalup) has a way of drawing you in and making you want to stay forever. Its charm is found in narrow streets lined with historic buildings, a seagull-scattered port bobbing with fishing boats, one-off shops, unconventional breweries and quirky buskers. It can be reached from central Perth via a 25-minute train ride, or half hour drive along Stirling Highway.</p>

<p>Home to the happiest animals on earth - quokkas – Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) is a holiday haven of pristine beaches, aquamarine bays, bike tracks and walking trails. The best part? The car-free, conservation-minded Class A reserve is only a 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle (Walyalup) in our capital city, Perth and an unforgettable adventure for every visitor.<br> <br> Whadjuk Noongar people are the original Custodians of Wadjemup, and the island holds a rich and complex history for Aboriginal people across WA. Join an immersive Aboriginal tour or visit the Wadjemup Museum and connect to the historical, cultural and spiritual significance of the island.</p>

<p>Western Australia's oldest wine region is a patchwork of grapevines and galleries, cellar doors, breweries and produce stalls, all within easy reach of Perth. Taste more than 180 years of winemaking and choose from 150 attractions on a gentle, 32 kilometre loop drive around the region.</p>

<p>A lifestyle town with a holiday vibe, Mandurah (Mandjoogoordap) combines dolphin spotting and relaxing canal cruises with adventures to lesser-known wetlands and beaches, all within one hour of Perth.</p>

Rockingham's catch-cry is 'where the coast comes to life', and it certainly lives up to this claim. The pristine islands and reefs of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park offer an incredible array of marine encounters, from penguins, dolphins and sea lions to dive wrecks and snorkel trails. And beyond, the beautiful beaches and clear blue sea are playgrounds for fishing, surfing and sailing.<br/><br/>An easy 40-minute drive or train-and-bus ride south of Perth brings you to the seaside town of Rockingham, where you'll find opportunities for adventure and relaxation in equal measure.<br/><br/>With pods of dolphins regularly visiting these coastal waters, it's a great opportunity to tick your wish-list and swim with wild dolphins. If you'd prefer to stay dry, you can watch these playful creatures from the comfort of the viewing platform as they ride the bow beneath your feet.<br/><br/>Their neighbours on Penguin Island are just as cute, and just a short ferry ride away. Here, you'll get to meet some of the island's 1,200 fairy penguins, who make up the largest colony on Australia's west coast. <br/><br/>The penguins share their home with 50 species of seabirds, including the largest colony of pelicans in Western Australia. You can also jump aboard the glass-bottom boat for a 45-minute cruise of nearby Seal Island to view the rare Australian sea lions. Or why not tick another item off your bucket-list with a snorkel and play with wild sealions.<br/><br/>Back on the mainland coast, keen divers should make a bee-line for Point Peron, a shallow shore dive with great visibility, while bathers in search of blissful relaxation will find it in the sheltered waters of Cockburn Sound.<br/><br/>To shop, dine and stay ocean-side, head for Rockingham town and choose from a good selection of restaurants, cafes, bars and accommodation options ranging from luxury to budget.

The Perth Hills region, nestled in the Darling Range, is just a 30-minute drive from Perth, but a world away from city life. Filled with tree-cloaked valleys, striking granite outcrops, tumbling waterfalls, dazzling spring wildflowers, vibrant country villages, blossoming orchards and foodie delights, the Hills are also home to one of Australia’s oldest conservation areas and some of Perth’s best emerging wineries.<br/><br/>Start your Perth Hills escape in one of the region’s three main townships: Kalamunda, Mundaring or Armadale. Heading east from Perth city, make the local visitor centres your first stop to pick up info and free maps. There are more than 40 scenic drives, wine trails, wildflower trails, bike trails and walk trails to choose from, including the world-class off-road Munda Biddi Cycle Trail and one of the world's great long distance walk trails, the Bibbulmun Track.<br/><br/>Immerse yourself in a day of forest bathing and bush picnics at one of many national parks and state forests, including John Forrest National Park (Western Australia's first national park) and pretty Lake Leschenaultia.<br/><br/>Learn about the region’s rich flora and fauna at the Perth Hills Discovery Centre, or on a guided spotlight tour of Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary. Stroll through the magnificent gardens of Araluen Botanic Park, or discover one of the world's great engineering feats, the Mundaring Weir and No 1 Pump Station, constructed in the 1890s to feed freshwater to the goldfields, 560 kilometres to the east. <br/><br/>More of the region’s colourful history can be unearthed at the District Museum, Bert Tyler Vintage Machinery Museum, Armadale Outpost Telegraph Centre, Bodhinyana Monastery, History House Municipal Museum and Minnawarra Park Historical Precinct.<br/><br/>The region's arts centres, studios and galleries celebrate the region’s beauty and creativity in photography, sculpture, textiles and more, while its winemakers and producers have created an extravaganza of flavours, village markets, festivals and unique foodie experiences. You can even pick your own fruit at harvest time.<br/><br/>Spend the day filling your picnic hamper or sampling the Hill's fine wining and dining options. Or stay and enjoy more Hills hospitality at a farmstay, cottage, hotel or bed and breakfast.

<p>In Perth, life’s a beach – and there are 19 of the beauties to explore along the coast. Perth’s beaches are blessed with snow-white sands and pristine waters, and attractions abound both above and below water.</p>

<p>You won’t find the quirky quokka – one of the happiest marsupials you’ll ever meet – anywhere else on the planet.<br> <br> You can meet the quokka just off the coast of Perth, on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup). 63 stunning beaches, 20 beautiful bays and many coral reefs and wrecks invite you to enjoy some of Australia's finest swimming spots, snorkel trails and surf breaks. And on dry land, you'll meet the cutest mini marsupial, found only in Western Australia, the world famous quokka.</p>

Kings Park and Botanic Garden is the green heart of the city, covering 400.6 hectares and located adjacent to the Swan River, approximately 1.5 kilometres from the Central Business District of Perth. With its remarkable expanses of unique bushland, tranquil parkland and botanic garden, the Park is the most popular visitor destination in Western Australia. <br/><br/>Kings Park and Botanic Garden has extensive city and river views with panorama to the Darling Range. The magnificently sited State War Memorial is also one of several scenic vantage points. <br/><br/>Kings Park and Botanic Garden showcases an outstanding collection of Western Australia flora. It is a popular place for picnics, pleasant walks, cultural and ceremonial events. Nearly two thirds of the Park is natural bushland containing 319 species of native plants and around 80 bird species. The balance of the Park is made up of superbly cultivated gardens and open recreational areas. <br/><br/>There are picnic and barbecue facilities, public toilets and playgrounds at several locations in Kings Park. The Lotterywest Family Area (accessible from Kings Park Road) is home to the Ivey Watson Playground, an ideal location for families with very young children. Synergy Parkland (accessible from May Drive) is wheelchair accessible and features the popular Zamia Cafe. The playground, including an ornamental lake and island fort is adjacent to the outdoor cinema venue that operates between December and March each year.<br/><br/>The Kings Park Kiosk, Botanical Cafe and Fraser's Restaurant are located on Fraser Avenue and all enjoy spectacular views over the city and Swan River. Aspects of Kings Park, also located on Fraser Avenue, is a unique showcase of Australia’s finest arts, craft and design.<br/><br/>The Annual Kings Park Festival is held in the month of September, and includes the spectacular blooming wildflowers in the Botanic Garden.

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage-listed cultural attraction where you can ‘step inside and do time’ with experienced guides on a range of fascinating tours.

<p>Western Australia's oldest wine region sits just 25 minutes’ drive from Perth, inviting you to discover local heritage, enjoy some quality family time, and feast on a rich fusion of award-winning wines.</p>

Visit Perth’s insta-famous Crawley Edge Boatshed situated on the banks of the Swan River at Matilda Bay, a photo hotspot for tourists and locals.