Category: Western Australia

Just 20 minutes’ drive southwest of Perth is the mouth of the Swan River and the port town of Fremantle. A vibrant port city, it is rich in heritage buildings and attractions, maritime history and culture. Fremantle has been recognised as the best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape in the world. It has Western Australia’s largest collection of heritage listed buildings, many of which house attractions, museums, offices, art galleries and shops. Be sure to visit the famous Fremantle Markets (open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays) for local crafts, fresh food, clothes, jewellery and all sorts of curios. When you want a break from shopping, sampling and eating, sit in the corner bar and watch the markets’ colourful hustle and bustle. Maritime experiences include a visit to the working Fishing Boat Harbour and Fremantle Port as well as the new Maritime Museum which overlooks the working port. Restaurants and cafes cater to every taste from the traditional to the exotic. Fremantle’s cultural diversity is reflected in the range of cuisines from Europe, Asia and all points between. Highlights can be found on ‘cappuccino strip’ along South Street. Fresh local seafood is also recommended. Numerous entertainment venues including a puppet theatre, cinemas, music clubs and bars offer a tantalising choice to visitors. Buskers can often be seen performing in the streets and at various stations in Fremantle. There are also several licensed clubs including a multicultural performing arts centre. Fremantle proudly supports many regular festivals and events throughout the year: The Fremantle Street Art Festival attracts over 60,000 people to Fremantle over the Easter long weekend, to enjoy acrobatics, music, magic, flaming twirling fire torches, comedy and an astounding array of street performance skills. The streets fill with a unique ‘vibe’ and are enlivened by wild fun and unusual performances. Each November the port city comes alive with the Fremantle Festival. Ten days of hair raising acrobatics, world class music, blistering sensual Latin dance and much, much more. Fremantle’s cultural diversity is evident in some of its sports clubs such as soccer, bocce and Australian football. There is also a vast range of other activities on offer including golf, swimming, basketball, tennis and sailing. All this makes Fremantle more than just a ‘port of call’; it is an ideal place to stay. Accommodation ranges from backpackers and camping to bed and breakfasts and luxurious hotels.

Garden Island is situated 13 kilometres or 20 minutes’ drive south of Fremantle. A causeway over four kilometres long links the island to the mainland. Garden Island is the site of a maintenance facility of the Royal Australian Navy. Public access to the island is by private boat and only 80 percent of the island is open to the public. Access is not permitted after dark. Garden Island has beautiful beaches and bays, and is an ideal place for picnics, swimming, fishing, surfing and sailing. Also, look out for the native Tammar, a small species of wallaby that lives freely on the island. Captain James Stirling first landed on Garden Island in 1827, and founded the first European settlement in Western Australia. Some remnants of the first settlement can be seen at Cliff Head. The original well is there, and a memorial and lookout has also been constructed.

Located half an hour drive north of Perth lies Quinns Rocks and the recent development of Mindarie. The Quinns Rocks and Mindarie lifestyle focuses around the marina and its easy access to the ocean. The developing community has a Mediterranean atmosphere brought about by a resort hotel (located at Mindarie), boardwalk cafes and al fresco dining. Boating, fishing, surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, viewing the many shipwreck sites off the coast, and other water activities, are central to life at Quinns Rocks and Mindarie. Quinns Rocks boasts a number of parks and recreational facilities, a variety of flora and fauna, walking tracks, easy beach access, as well as the Coopers Lime Kilns, a significant historical ruin. A full range of dining experiences from take away outlets and cafes, to a la carte restaurants are available. A wide range of accommodation can be found, from three and a half star hotel accommodation to caravan parks.

Half an hour’s drive north of Perth along the Mitchell Freeway is the satellite city of Joondalup. The region around Joondalup is renowned for its white sandy beaches and clean environment. The rolling sand dunes of the coast contrast sharply with a chain of inland lakes and the large area of natural bushland and National Parks. Lake Joondalup is part of Yellagonga Regional Park and has several heritage trails through natural bushland, which are ideal for viewing the plentiful wildlife and birds. Relax and have a barbeque at one of the many picnic spots. The main commercial centre for the populous northern suburbs, Joondalup has attracted many major businesses and has worldclass facilities. In the town centre, a major retail centre offers shoppers a huge range of goods from high street stores to specialist shops. The surrounding streets have many of the amenities normally found in a thriving, modern town. Train and bus terminals, medical centres, universities, sporting venues and commercial centres are all within a short distance. There is also a large variety of great restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs in Joondalup. The Joondalup Festival, over two days in March, is a major event incorporating street parades, live bands, dancers, circus shows, buskers, extreme sports and activities for young children. The event closes with a live concert and fireworks finale. There is plenty of accommodation available in Joondalup, ranging from resorts and luxury apartments to bed and breakfasts.

Only 269 kilometres south of Perth and between the region’s major highways, Boyup Brook is ideal for a quiet stopover away from the hustle and bustle. This peaceful little town owes its name to an Aboriginal word meaning ‘place of big stones’ or ‘place of big smoke’ given to Boyup Pool, a few kilometres from the town. Visitors will be impressed by the neat farms, ever-changing scenery, natural bushland and the serene beauty of the Blackwood River. You can enjoy canoeing, bush walks, birds, wildflowers, the eco-museum and farm visits. Places of interest include the beautiful rock formations of Norlup Pool, a country music centre, a wildlife sanctuary, sand sculptures and holograms, the original homestead of early pioneers and wineries. Boyup Brook offers bed and breakfasts, cottages or farm stay accommodation.

Only thirty minutes southeast of Perth, the Serpentine Jarrahdale district, which includes the towns of Serpentine, Mundijong, Jarrahdale and Byford, offers some of Western Australia’s most popular parks, art galleries, restaurants, wineries and wildlife. The earliest settlers to Serpentine in the 1840s were attracted to the abundance of fresh water cascading over the famous falls and the river meandering to the coast. The breathtaking scenery includes many forests, parks, rivers and other natural attractions, offering the perfect location for a traditional Australian barbecue or bushwalk. Serpentine Falls Park is an attractive picnic spot, with free barbecues and resident kangaroos. The area is a true depiction of Western Australia’s country lifestyle with many farms, orchards and historic country towns. Some of the historic buildings house heritage and museum collections, arts and crafts and tea gardens. This spectacular rural setting has inspired many artists to establish their homes and studios in the area. A range of accommodation is available from railway carriages, taverns and bed & breakfasts. Serpentine has tea gardens, restaurants and taverns where you can enjoy excellent meals, morning and afternoon tea.

Jurien Bay is a coastal town located approximately 275 kilometres north of Perth. Jurien Bay is the largest town in the Dandaragan Shire and it has developed as a result of the growth of the rock lobster industry. In more recent times the town has become a popular holiday and recreation area because of its attractive coastline and seclusion. Visitors to Jurien can see the incredible variety of marine life found in the waters off the town’s coast as well as having the opportunity to interact with seals, sea lions and dolphins – go swimming, snorkelling or fishing. Exploring the offshore reefs and islands in the area is another exciting option. Jurien Bay provides the holiday maker the chance to to view marine life in a diverse number of ways. Jurien Bay Marine Park extends south from Green Head to the Southern boundary of Nambung National Park. A small section of this marine park has been allocated for sanctuary zones, however a full range of marine activities such as fishing, swimming and scuba diving are allowed in the majority of the marine park area. The marine park is in the path of whales as they migrate each year along the Western coast of Australia. The town of Jurien Bay boasts a modern boat harbour, which has become the focus for the expanding aquaculture industry. A full range of dining experiences are available in Jurien Bay from a la carte dining and cafe style meals to fast foods, takeaway and counter meals. A full range of accommodation is available including motels, hotels, caravan parks, selfcontained cottages and chalets.

Quindalup is located three kilometres east of Dunsborough and a three and a half hour drive south of Perth. This coastal town rests on the shores of the picturesque Geographe Bay and is a popular holiday destination. Head south of Quindalup and you are in the heart of the magnificent wine regions of Western Australia’s south west. Gourmet food and wine can easily be found within the area. Caravan parks, hotels, craft shops and cafes are dotted throughout the surrounding areas.

Little Grove is a small picturesque area near Albany and is a great place to stay when exploring the many attractions that Albany has to offer. Bed and breakfast and self-contained accommodation units are available.