Perth (Fremantle), Australia
The region of Western Australia is truly blessed with sights to suit everyone. For some of us, it is all the way on the other side of the country, so make the most of your time and explore as much of this state as possible.
Fremantle to Perth CBD is approximately 44 minutes by train or around 20 minutes by car, so you can stay in one and visit the other with ease. Freemantle is set on the water, so its maritime history is evident as you wander past colonial buildings, as is our convict past, with the Fremantle prison still standing. The prison hosts a variety of tours which is a true must see, it is also listed as a World heritage site.
When you visit Freemantle, you will soon see why it is such a favorite of so many. It has a small town feel of its own, great pubs, laid back feel, the “Cappuccino Strip” known for its cafes, restaurants and both the Freemantle Markets and the Eshed Markets (both operate Friday-Sunday) for fresh local produce to feast on for a few days.
Wandering near Fishing Boat Harbour, you will have a choice of seafood options, and you will notice the line of people waiting to order fish and chips from Cicerellos (for good reason) – but be careful, because you will fill your belly and then venture on to Little Creatures Brewery, where you can sample this great ale, and look at their food menu, and know you just cannot fit anything else in…
Perth CBD does not fill a big space, but you will find small arcades tucked away as you wander around. The proximity of really great architecture awaits you as they have protected some of their landmark buildings such as Government House, St Georges Cathedral and their beautiful Moreton Bay Figs. For a great way to see this city, contact a company that offers self guided scavenger hunts , you will find and learn about things you would not have noticed otherwise. Close to the city centre, Leederville is full of eclectic boutiques and alfresco cafes. You will find restaurants and bars in Mount Lawley ( a bit of a hipter scene). Subiaco offers designer clothing and a brilliant Saturday Farmers Market.
You will have an impressive view from Kings Park across the city and the rivers, and take your time up there. We really don’t need to mention Rottnest Island as a must do, as it would already be on everyones list, afterall, who can resist the happy little face of a quokka. But the history of the Island is compelling and it is worth spending a little time here to learn more, or just to relax and cycle, swim or hike around its many bays.
From Perth, hiring a car to get out of the city or joining a tour group will ensure you are kept fresh as some of the state's best spots to visit are quite a distance away. Head to Margaret River for easily some of the best wines we produce in Australia. Along this 3 hour coastal drive, take the time to stop at Bunbury and visit with its marine life or wander prehistoric basalt rock from lava flows thousands of years ago. The next stop would be at Busselton, stretch your legs and walk the 2km Jetty. Take your time in Margaret River to indulge in wines, craft beers, cheese and chocolate. There are plenty of ways to work it off with bushtracks, kayaking or the natural wonders in Lake Cave and Mammoth Cave.
For a complete contrast, go inland to Kalgoorlie and our Gold Mining past, and then back down to Esperance to get your own photo of Pink Lake.The Goldfield trails are also well known for Wildflowers of Western Australia. The season traditionally runs from July to October, and there are many self drive itineraries available. Depending on the flora you want to experience, you may also want to travel North toward Wave Rock and onto Gerladton.
Heading North, the wonders do continue. Western Australia has so many amazing beaches, but The Pinnacles desert is one of the strangest formations you will see, and as mentioned Wave Rock which, as the name suggests, looks like a massive surf wave breaking. New Norcia will astound you as it is Australia's only Monastic town. Monkey Mia has the wild dolphin experience.
And, a little further on, is the beautiful Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef. Here is your opportunity to swim with Whale Sharks (in the most natural way possible). Ningaloo reef is breathtaking with its white sands and crystal clear waters. You can snorkel, and if you are lucky, spend time with Manta Rays, turtles and humpback whales (all seasonal). For the most special of experiences, Salsalis Ningaloo Reef is the ultimate is safari luxury beach camping.
Fremantle to Perth CBD is approximately 44 minutes by train or around 20 minutes by car, so you can stay in one and visit the other with ease. Freemantle is set on the water, so its maritime history is evident as you wander past colonial buildings, as is our convict past, with the Fremantle prison still standing. The prison hosts a variety of tours which is a true must see, it is also listed as a World heritage site.
When you visit Freemantle, you will soon see why it is such a favorite of so many. It has a small town feel of its own, great pubs, laid back feel, the “Cappuccino Strip” known for its cafes, restaurants and both the Freemantle Markets and the Eshed Markets (both operate Friday-Sunday) for fresh local produce to feast on for a few days.
Wandering near Fishing Boat Harbour, you will have a choice of seafood options, and you will notice the line of people waiting to order fish and chips from Cicerellos (for good reason) – but be careful, because you will fill your belly and then venture on to Little Creatures Brewery, where you can sample this great ale, and look at their food menu, and know you just cannot fit anything else in…
Perth CBD does not fill a big space, but you will find small arcades tucked away as you wander around. The proximity of really great architecture awaits you as they have protected some of their landmark buildings such as Government House, St Georges Cathedral and their beautiful Moreton Bay Figs. For a great way to see this city, contact a company that offers self guided scavenger hunts , you will find and learn about things you would not have noticed otherwise. Close to the city centre, Leederville is full of eclectic boutiques and alfresco cafes. You will find restaurants and bars in Mount Lawley ( a bit of a hipter scene). Subiaco offers designer clothing and a brilliant Saturday Farmers Market.
You will have an impressive view from Kings Park across the city and the rivers, and take your time up there. We really don’t need to mention Rottnest Island as a must do, as it would already be on everyones list, afterall, who can resist the happy little face of a quokka. But the history of the Island is compelling and it is worth spending a little time here to learn more, or just to relax and cycle, swim or hike around its many bays.
From Perth, hiring a car to get out of the city or joining a tour group will ensure you are kept fresh as some of the state's best spots to visit are quite a distance away. Head to Margaret River for easily some of the best wines we produce in Australia. Along this 3 hour coastal drive, take the time to stop at Bunbury and visit with its marine life or wander prehistoric basalt rock from lava flows thousands of years ago. The next stop would be at Busselton, stretch your legs and walk the 2km Jetty. Take your time in Margaret River to indulge in wines, craft beers, cheese and chocolate. There are plenty of ways to work it off with bushtracks, kayaking or the natural wonders in Lake Cave and Mammoth Cave.
For a complete contrast, go inland to Kalgoorlie and our Gold Mining past, and then back down to Esperance to get your own photo of Pink Lake.The Goldfield trails are also well known for Wildflowers of Western Australia. The season traditionally runs from July to October, and there are many self drive itineraries available. Depending on the flora you want to experience, you may also want to travel North toward Wave Rock and onto Gerladton.
Heading North, the wonders do continue. Western Australia has so many amazing beaches, but The Pinnacles desert is one of the strangest formations you will see, and as mentioned Wave Rock which, as the name suggests, looks like a massive surf wave breaking. New Norcia will astound you as it is Australia's only Monastic town. Monkey Mia has the wild dolphin experience.
And, a little further on, is the beautiful Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef. Here is your opportunity to swim with Whale Sharks (in the most natural way possible). Ningaloo reef is breathtaking with its white sands and crystal clear waters. You can snorkel, and if you are lucky, spend time with Manta Rays, turtles and humpback whales (all seasonal). For the most special of experiences, Salsalis Ningaloo Reef is the ultimate is safari luxury beach camping.
