Highlights
Penguin Island
Penguin Island is one of Australia’s premier nature-based tourism destinations and is perfect for families. Located just 45 minutes south of Perth – including a scenic, 5-minute ferry ride across Shoalwater Bay - Penguin Island is home to the aptly named Little Penguin, the smallest species in the world. Get up close to the penguins at the Discovery Centre, in which three daily feeds take place. Situated in the heart of the Shoalwater Island Marine Park, Penguin Island is also perfect for spotting an array of other wildlife - including dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, pelicans and much more!
Perth
Perth is a young and cosmopolitan city, comprising sleek skyscrapers, sophisticated bars, restaurants and shopping malls. Very much a place for laid-back outdoor living, not far from the bright lights you can discover an array of beautiful, long stretches of sandy beach that are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling and spotting dolphins. These glorious beaches dot the Sunset Coast, home to plenty of cafes and surf clubs to get a refreshment, from morning to evening. Perth also offers a zoo and plenty of theatres showing plays, ballet and music concerts, alongside a host of river cruises and marinas in which you can watch the sailing boats as you sip a cooling drink.
Kings Park & Botanic Garden
On Perth’s western flank, Kings Park is a true highlight of the sunny city. This 400-hectare park is the perfect spot for a walk amongst the native flowers and trees, or a picnic at any time of the day. Whatever you do here, expect to be accompanied by the scent of tropical blooms, views of both the city and the Swan River, and birdsong from feathered friends - including Kookaburras. The park’s main highlight is the Lottery Federation Walkway, where you can walk along an awesome 222m-long glass-and-steel bridge rising high above the Eucalypts trees.
Margaret River
Gourmands should venture south of Perth to the vineyards of the Margaret River region, where there is an abundance of wineries. Many of these vineyards also house excellent restaurants that are open for lunch and dinner, as well as hosting wine-tasting, of course! Meanwhile, local producers of cheese, chocolate and other artisan foods offer tastings of a different kind. If you’d like to find out more about Australia’s Aboriginal culture, the Wardan Aboriginal Centre is well worth a visit, or, if you are interested in wildlife, whale-watching tours are available between June and December. If you’d prefer to get in the water, you can take a surfing lesson or head to Geographe Bay, where there is a shipwreck to scuba-dive around.