Visit Perth, Fremantle and surrounds
Welcome to the starting point in most travellers exploration of Western Australia. Perth, the captial city of Western Australia is truly one of Australia's most beautiful cities. Flanked by the Swan River you will enjoy the Mediterranean climate that this city has to offer.
The Sunset Coast of Perth is one of the most pristine coastline in the world. In the metropolitan area alone, there are over 80 kilometres (50 miles) of sandy white beaches, lapped by clear blue water. Ideal for swimming, surfing, sailing, scuba diving and fishing, Perth's waters are also home to a variety of marine life including seals, dolphins, whales and a wide variety of fish. North West of Perth visit the seaside towns of Scarborough and Yanchep.
 Hire a bicycle or convertible car and make the best of the glorious sunshine with a picnic on one of the beaches or grassed areas along the sunset strip. On the south west side of Perth, visit the man-made aquarium at Hillarys Boat Harbour; enjoy a fish 'n' chip meal in the port of Fremantle; or get lost in the views offered at many of the beachside cafes and restaurants along the strip.
The Swan Valley, only a few minutes from the centre of Perth, is Western Australia's oldest wine growing region. A bustling tourist area, the Swan Valley has a number of award-winning wineries, many of which are family owned and run, that offer superb alfresco and restaurant meals as well as cellar door tastings.
The Swan Valley is also home to a number of artist studios and galleries including Western Australia's largest private gallery. Accommodation ranges from self-contained chalets and character B & Bs, to five-star resorts, caravan parks and boutique guesthouses.
Wander through the town of Guildford and view the historic buildings. Enjoy the horseback rides beside the river; the trains and trams of Whiteman Park and the koalas at the wildlife park. Stay and play a round of golf at a world-class resort, while the children play supergolf at the nearby fun park.
Hire a vehicle from Perth and explore the Swan Valley at your own pace, or take one the wine cruises from the centre of Perth along the Swan River.
The Darling Range is the tilted edge of a huge plateau that is the foundation of the South Western third of Australia. It is one of the most ancient places on earth; its granites and quartzite were formed some 2,500 million years ago. In this range, known locally as the Perth Hills lay the Shires of Mundaring and Kalamunda, and south along the range and in the foothills lay the heritage towns of Armadale, Gosnells, Serpentine and Jarrahdale.
Perth is fortunate to have one of Western Australia's most popular recreational islands only a short ferry or plane trip from the mainland. The relaxed atmosphere at Rottnest Island is as popular with the locals as it is with the thousands of tourists that visit Perth each year. The island is an extremely popular spot for water-based activities. You can surf, scuba dive, snorkel, or enjoy a swim in the sheltered bays. The waters and reefs surrounding the island offer some exceptional abalone, squid, many species of fish and delicious rock lobster for those who can catch them!
While heading south of Perth visit the seaside town of Rockingham, just 40 minutes south of Perth. Rockingham offers one of Western Australia's most unique natural experiences – swimming with a wild dolphin.
Finally, why not head onto the Peel region of Western Australia.
The Peel region of Western Australia
> Serpentine-Jarrahdale
> Pinjarra-Murray
> Boddington
> Waroona
> Mandurah
The Peel region offers a popular combination of attractions that include running rivers, deep jarrah forests and sandy beaches - all of which are less than one hour's drive south of Perth! The Peel region covers and area of 5,500 square kilometres and includes 5 sub-regions, Serpentine-Jarrahdale, Pinjarra-Murray, Boddington, Waroona and Mandurah. Each region enjoys its own unique charactaristics and attractions.
Summer provides perfect conditions for estuary and river crabbing. You can join and ocean fishing charter, hire a houseboat, swim with wild dolphins, go sailing or just swim and relax on the white sandy beaches that front the Indian Ocean.
Autumn is ideal for horseback trail riding or walking through the Jarrah forest. Winter is for white water sports on the Murray River, mountain bike riding through the forests, steam train rides up the Darling Scarp and along the historic Hotham Valley line.
Spring is when wildflowers change the colour of the landscape along the roadsides, one the scarp and in the forest and National Parks. Migratory birds from as far as Siberia arrive along the estuary flats and you can sample stone fruits including cherries fresh from the farm gates.
In the Peel region you can enjoy a game of golf on one of the many first class resorts on offer; visit a winery, endure the thrills and spills of white-water rafting along the Murray River; explore the surrounds by steam train; relax at a farm-stay; or fish for a variety of seafood in the local estuary.
If your time is short in Western Australia then there is plenty to see and do in Perth, its surrounds and the Peel region.
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