Fremantle is Western Australia’s major commercial port located at the mouth of the Swan River approximately 25 Km south of the CBD. Established in 1829 as a port for the fledgling Swan River Colony Fremantle was the major city in Western Australia for much of its early history. Today Fremantle is still an important working harbour and fishing centre that maintains an obvious commitment to preserving its heritage and culture.
The showplace of Perth. Over 400 hectares of natural bushland, tranquil parkland and botanic garden including the summit of Mount Eliza which gives panoramic city views, make up this beautiful recreational reserve located adjacent to the Swan River approximately 1.5 km from the Central Business District. The park contains the State War Memorial and is a popular place for picnics, pleasant walks, cultural and ceremonial events.
Address: 10070 West Swan Rd Henley Brook WA 6055
Aboriginal owned & operated, Maali Mia is an Aboriginal Cultural Centre, located on the site of the historic West Swan Primary School, established 1896. A wide variety of unique and original Aboriginal art can be found at the centre. Boomerangs, authentic, bush harvested, termite hollowed didgeridoos and Clapsticks, are also on sale. Boomerang demonstrations and lessons are available to everyone by arrangement. A range of models are available to try, all with different flying characteristics.
Monkey Mia is a unique place to interact with dolphins in their natural habitat. In the early 1960s, a pod of bottlenosed dolphins began what has become a ritual - nearly every day a number of dolphins swim into the clear shallows delighting visitors with their intelligence & grace. The number of dolphins that appear varies from day to day however there is a greater visitation early morning & late afternoon. On a separate section of the beach visitors can swim freely among the dolphins.
Ningaloo Reef (encompasses over 5,000 square kilometres of ocean) is not only Western Australia's largest fringing coral reef, but one of the largest reefs worldwide that can be reached just by stepping off one of the many long sandy beaches. Here the mighty whale shark can be found from March through to June, feeding on coral spawn. Other magnificent marine animals found here are manta rays, potato cod, sharks, dolphins, & turtles. Dugongs & the migratory Humpback whale can also be seen.
WA is blessed with over 12,000km of unspoiled coastline. A short distance from the CBD you’ll find some of Perth’s best beaches: the crystal waters of Cottesloe Beach, where Norfolk pines line the boulevard of cafes; City Beach; Floreat Beach; the impressive surf breaks of Scarborough Beach; the big waves of trigg; Sorrento Beach; or the sheltered reef & rock pool of Mettams Pool is a great place for families. The Basin at Rottnest Island is also ideal for swimmers & snorkellers of all ages.
Just offshore from Perth are the clear waters and white beaches of Rottnest Island. It is one of Western Australia's most popular holiday destinations, with over 400,000 visitors per year. Go snorkelling, diving, or take a guided tour to meet the friendly quokkas - The cute and mischievous marsupials unique to Rottnest. They are almost unique to the island and resemble small kangaroos.. There is also great fishing, sailing, golf, hiking and cycling.
The Swan is a generous, gentle river right at Perth's doorstep. It was named in 1797 by the Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh who was impressed by the many black swans which he observed upon its waters. By day it is invaded by a flotilla of small catamarans skimming bright blobs of colour. At night the city lights become a brilliant galaxy of dancing reflections.
The Swan Valley is about 16 km east of Perth. It is Western Australia's oldest wine-growing region. Over half of all the wines produced in the Swan Valley region are available only at cellar door. Many of the wineries have restaurants attached providing the perfect gustatory excuse to stay the day! In addtion to the wineries, the region offers wildlife and historical parks, bushland, arts and crafts, and breathtakingly beautiful scenery in the wild flower season.
Address: 30km from Windjana Gorge and less than a three hour drive from Fitzroy Crossing Derby WA 6728
Tunnel Creek National Park is approximately 91 hectares in size and is home to Western Australia's oldest cave system. It is also famous for being a hideout used late last century by an Aboriginal leader known as “Jandamarra” who was killed outside its entrance in 1897. You can walk 750 metres through the tunnel to the other side of Napier Range, wading through several permanent pools and watching for bats and the stalactites that descend from the roof in many places.
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