Perth and Surrounds (WA)
Perth, the go-ahead capital of Western Australia, gives a feeling of space and light - set on the banks of the sparkling Swan River, a few miles from the magnificent beaches of the Indian Ocean. And a short way downstream is the vibrant, historic port city of Fremantle.
Attractions include the Perth Mint where visitors can see how coins are made, witness gold pours and mint a coin or medallion. Located in the city centre is the Art Gallery of Western Australia housing a collection of Aboriginal art, Australian and international paintings, sculptures, crafts, decorative arts, prints and drawings. Scitech Discovery Centre is a unique hands-on minds-on science and technology centre. There are 160 displays for touching and exploring plus exciting special exhibitions. Underwater World, located at Hillarys Boat Harbour on the Sunset Coast just 20 minutes north of Perth CBD offers seals, dolphins, an underwater journey, divers hand feeding sharks and rays, microworld, touch pool, theatre, restaurant, whale watching, diving, functions and theme parties. There are also a number of wildlife and theme parks in the area as well as the Perth Zoo which is set in beautiful landscaped gardens and is a relaxing place to visit. The shady walkways and grassy picnic areas, complemented by one of Australia's most impressive collections of palm trees, create an idyllic environment in which to view the extensive animal collection. Tumbulgum Farm is a picturesque 80 hectare property just 40 minutes south of Perth which offers visitors a complete Australiana experience including a farm show, an Aboriginal cultural show, and an Aussie barbeque lunch, all in a half day tour. Tumbulgum also features a deer park plus native animal park with kangaroos, emus, and a pet deer.
Outdoor activities include picnics in Kings Park with its walking trails and a 12-hectare botanical garden, famous for its spring wildflower displays. The park is a pleasant walk from the centre of Perth and is well served by public transport and the Perth Tram. Also visit some of the magnificent white-sand, Indian Ocean surfing beaches. The closest is City Beach, but Cottesloe, Floreat, Scarborough, and Sorrento are also popular. Safe, calm beaches on the Swan River include Como, Crawley and Point Walter.
In the way of nightlife, try your luck at the Burswood Entertainment Complex, open 24 hours a day and set in beautiful parkland, close to the centre of Perth. The InterContinental Burswood Resort Perth offers five-star luxury accommodation with every room commanding a view of the Swan River and Perth city skyline. The casino boasts 120 gaming tables and 1,100 video machines, with a convention centre, recreation facilities, cabaret lounge, nine restaurants and six bars. An international room incorporating private gaming rooms is available to VIP players. International cuisine has its epicentre in Northbridge. Taste excellent Western Australian fish and seafood including freshwater and saltwater lobster, king prawns and oysters.
Fremantle, 18 kilometres south-west of Perth, is a colourful, busy port at the mouth of the Swan River, easily accessible by bus, train, ferry and taxi. Attractions include the Fremantle Arts Centre, the Western Australian Maritime Museum, the Round House, Fremantle Prison, the market and the lively town centre affectionately known as the cappuccino strip.
Some 70km south of Perth is the coastal resort of Mandurah, traditionally a holiday escape from the city with its extensive waterways, fine golf courses, spectacular scenery, bushwalks and natural bushland camping areas. Visitors can enjoy all forms of water based activities from fishing to surfing, as well as being in the Australian bush camping under the stars, bushwalking, birdwatching, trout fishing in season, horseriding and much more.
The nearby town of Dwellingup is in the heart of one of Western Australia's jarrah forests. Adjoining this small timber town is the Lane-Pool Reserve where camping is permitted along the banks of the beautiful Murray River. This is a very popular canoeing and bushwalking area. The Bibbulmun Track, one of the longest walking trails in the state, meanders close by and attracts hikers from all parts of the state. A highlight to any visit to Dwellingup is a trip on the Etmilyn Forest Tramway into the heart of the forest. Dwellingup is also the depot complex for the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway that conducts an extensive tour program on steam trains and other older diesel engines. This region is also noted for its abundant wildflowers and visitors are invited to visit the Forest Heritage Centre for an insight into the natural flora and fauna in the area. An exclusive display of crafted wood work can be viewed and purchased at the gallery housed in the centre.
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