Now with direct flights with Qantas from London to Perth, there has never been a better time to visit Perth in Western Australia. You will experience the joys of life on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Here in WA the locals are blessed with sun, sea and serious wealth. The ‘sandgropers’ point out that they bankroll the rest of Australia – tapping into a rich vein of minerals and metal. But alongside the mines, they also bring you fine wines and rich dining. For many ‘west is the best’.
Things to do....
Perth Attractions
You don’t have to dig too deep to unearth Perth’s best attractions. The skyline rises from the scenic Swan River like a glistening modern mountain range. City highlights include the Bell Tower in Barrack Square, a menu of world foods in Northbridge and nature-loving King’s Park. To the east lies the Swan Valley wine region and to the west Fremantle. Planning to spend Christmas in Perth? Here are a few treats.
Free-Living Fremantle
Only a quick train ride away is the port city of Fremantle where fascinating maritime history blends with an open, multicultural energy. You can visit the Western Australian Maritime Museum or the World Heritage listed Fremantle Prison. Alternatively, just enjoy soaking up the energy of the cosmopolitan Cappuccino Strip or the bustling Fremantle Markets. Visit the Roundhouse for a taste of its penal past then find former dockworkers’ cottages and warehouses transformed into trendy apartments and galleries.
Kings Park and Swan River
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the largest inner city parks in the world offering stunning views and the opportunity to see a snapshot of WA’s native flora species. The Swan River and its cycle-friendly foreshore is a great place to enjoy the weather. Pack a picnic, go for a twilight sail or try your hand at fishing.
Sparkling Swan Valley
Just 20 minutes east of Perth, the Swan Valley is the state’s oldest wine growing region, a world away from city life. There are a range of guided or self-guided tours available of Swan Valley, with over 40 wineries, gourmet produce and a large number of restaurants and cafés to discover.
Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef is recognised on the World Heritage List, the world’s largest fringing reef is home to stunning coral formations and spectacular sea life, just metres from the shore. Swimming with the whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, is one of life’s most exhilarating experiences and just one highlight of the Western Australia adventure.
Rottnest Island
Famous for its laid back atmosphere and beautiful beaches, Rottnest Island lies just a 30 minute ferry ride from Fremantle. It’s hard not to relax in this car-free zone where hiring a bike is the best way to get around. Hop between pristine white beaches, snorkel nearby shipwrecks or just enjoy the unique ecosystem where the friendly local marsupial, the friendly quokka, thrives. With a range of tours or self guide options available for this day or overnight retreat.
Margaret River’s World-Renowned Wineries
Originally a ‘surfie’ town, Margaret River is now a corking wine and food destination. Three and a half hours’ drive south of Perth, you’ll find more than 60 world-class wineries in this idyllic seaside resort. Although small in terms of production, the region produces more than 15% of Australia’s premium wine. Margaret River also delivers boutique breweries and some of Western Australia’s top restaurants.
Amazing Albany
The historic and picturesque coastal region boasts some of the most awe-inspiring coastline and stunning landscapes in the world. With unique and diverse flora and fauna endemic to the region, there is a wealth of national parks to explore. And to top off its natural beauty and cultural heritage, the region offers a variety of gourmet attractions, with an abundance of wineries, farmers markets and producers to discover
Experience a Gold Rush
The Perth Mint is a real nugget when it comes to Perth tourist attractions. Housed in its original 19th century premises, the Mint contains a wealth of treasures. You can see gold being poured into bars, handle thousands of dollars in bullion and engrave your own medallion. Are you worth your weight in gold? There’s only one way to find out!
Kimberley
An ancient landscape covering hundreds of thousands of square kilometers, the Kimberley is one of the world’s most precious wilderness regions. A land of breathtaking contrasts with billions of years in history and covering more than one million square kilometers, the Kimberley offers an experience of a lifetime for your clients. Take a flight over the World Heritage Listed Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, ride the world’s only horizontal falls, tackle the legendary Gibb River Road, be awe-struck by some of the most ancient landscapes on Earth. Cruise to some of the world’s most remote untouched wilderness areas, witness the illusion of the Staircase to the Moon, or take in a Cable Beach sunset from the saddle of a camel.
Climate and Average Weather
Perth
Notes on visiting....
Time Zone
Perth Local Time +8 Hours GMT
Passport
You require a valid passport and visa for the duration of stay