January 2011
PERTH A modern, vibrant city beautifully situated on a sweeping bend of the Swan River. Landmarks and monuments... Art galleries, museums, theatres, concert halls, the Zoo, as well as outdoor cafés, coffee shops and restaurants and the unique architecture of London Court are part of the "Perth scene".
With its long coastline of white sandy beaches bordered by the Indian Ocean, Perth is famous for its boating, swimming, bike riding, walking, bird watching as well as that famous display of thousands of species of wildflowers in Spring (September/October).
PERTH Restaurants (** recommended)
- Frasers Restaurant, Kings Park **
- Matilda Bay
- The Boatshed **
- C Restaurant ** booking necessary, chic, expensive, dress-code
- The Old Brewery **
- Tsunami
FREMANTLE
Fremantle visitor website. Also Experience Perth website
Cosmopolitan Fremantle is Perth's port and the home of "The Dockers". Take a Walking Tour or visit the wharves which have been restored and reviatlised with refurbishment of the existing structures and development of new attractions. Fremantle Markets, E-Shed markets, Fremantle Arts Centre.
Restaurants
- Eat Greek Restaurant, East Fremantle
- Also Cicerello's and Kailis' Fishmarket Café, on the harbour front
SWAN VALLEY/THE HILLS
- Sandalford, Caversham **
- Merrich Estate Olive farm & Restaurant
- Swan Valley wineries
ROTTNEST ISLAND website
Rottnest Island, a short boat ride from the mainland and favourite family holiday spot. Native Quokkas have given the Island its name and still roam freely. Rottnest is surrounded by beautiful reef and is home to many species of marine life which travel the warm Leeuwin Current from the tropics. Apart from pristine beaches and coves there are a host of other activities.
- CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS (the only two modes of transport on the Island!)
- BOATING, FISHING
- DIVING, SWIMMING, SURFING
- WILDLIFE
- COACH/WALKING TOURS, TRAIN RIDE
- SCENIC FLIGHTS
No motorised traffic, the Island's favourite mode of transport is the bicycle - and the Tram! You can enjoy leisurely rides around the island, as well as tennis, golf, organised tours and mini golf. There are also boat cruises and plenty of water sport facilities.
http://www.margaretriver.com/
http://www.margaret-river-online.com.au/
Wineries - great local knowlegde website! | Also Happs | More wineries
Tours/things to do/galleries
- local knowledge and websites here - wine-tasting, caving, galleries, watersports...
- tours and attractions
- Tempted to buy unique Western Australian Jarrah pieces? Boranup Gallery (especially recommended)
Accommodation
- Historic Basildene Manor 5-star heritage-listed accommodation.
The first owner, a lighthouse keeper at Cape Leeuwin, built an imposing home resembling a relative's grand country estate in England - a beacon of grandeur against the surrounding karri trees. The Manor is shaded at the front by a huge oak tree that was planted around 1930 from an acorn acquired from the grounds of Buckingham Palace. The finest granite rocks were quarried on the property. Local jarrah was used in the staircases, balustrades, floors and the majestic central gallery and main hall.
- Margaret's Beach Resort
Spectacular position - right on the famous Margarets surfing Beach. Luxurious, self catering accommodation overlooking the Indian Ocean just 10 minutes from the town of Margaret River. Ocean-side location offers easy access to beaches and surf breaks; conveniently located close to the wineries, surfing, golf, caves, arts and craft galleries, whale watching.
Between the Capes - Geographe Bay website
2km long Bussellton jetty
Cape Naturaliste - Cape Leeuwin - and all the Caves in between....
- Whale watching cruises
- Wildflower Tours
- Wildlife Tours
- Caving, Diving, Surfing
- Sky-diving
- Fishing, Boating, Yachting, Canoeing
- Wine tasting
- Tuart Forest - Camping grounds in the South-West
- Boranup Gallery *****
- Bootleg Brewery
- Bussellton Jetty
- Margaret River Cheese Company
- Margaret River Fudge Chocolate
Major towns Tall Timbers region
The Great Southern website Bunbury to Albany
- Calving Southern Right and Humpback whales
- Spectacular wildflowers during the later half of the year
- One of the largest wine regions in Australia - over 30 different wineries - quality wines and gourmet food
- Locally produced wood, art and craft products
- Some of Western Australia's most beautiful harbours and national parks
- Tall Timbers region boasts amazing Jarrah and Karri forests + much more...
- Natural formations - the Natural Bridge, the Gap, Castle Rock and Tree in the Rock
Major towns
Gloucester Tree website
For a sensational view, climb the Gloucester Tree - a giant, fire-lookout tree, towering 60-metre-high above the forest.
Southern Forests website
Bibbulmun Walking Track website
- Perth-Albany overview map
- Photo Gallery
- Trip planner
Eastern Goldfields website
Follow O'Connor's life-saving pipeline to the Goldifelds. Go through the beautiful town of York, through Merredin and the rich wheatbelt farming region, to the historic towns of Coolgardie, Kalgoorelie-Boulder.
Australia's Northwest website
When travelling here, particularly by car, you must make sure that you are correctly informed - specialised maps are essential
Most comprehensive list of the towns - accommodation & tours - in the region: Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Mitchell Plateau, Halls Creek, Kununurra, Wyndham
Kimberleys + Broome website
The Kimberley is a vast and pristine area and to explore it is an adventure you will never forget, and cherish forever. Kununurra town website
The KIMBERLEY at a glance >>
- BUNGLE BUNGLE NATIONAL PARK
- CABLE BEACH and Pinctada
- LAKE ARGYLE
- DAMPIER PENINSULA/CAPE LEVEQUE
- BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO
- WINDJANA GORGE
- GEIKIE GORGE NATIONAL PARK
- WOLFE CREEK CRATER
- HORIZONTAL WATERFALL
- BELL GORGE
- PRINCE REGENT NATURE RESERVE / KING CASCADES
Travel advice and warnings
Check out these important travel tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable holiday in Australia’s North West.
NSW | QLD | SA | VIC | WA | TAS | and SYDNEY
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