Introduction
Western Australia's capital, Perth, has a style all of its own: a laid-back coastal lifestyle, vibrant café culture, sprawling parklands and famed local beaches.
The banks of the mighty Swan River offer great spots from which to view the central cityscape and nearby Darling Ranges. For a taste of nature and aboriginal heritage in the heart of the city, visit King's Park and take a walk on the Bushland Nature Trail, or take in the vibrant displays of native wildflowers in the Botanical Gardens. And, for close-up encounter's with Australia's famed marsupials, head to the Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary.
When you've enjoyed all Perth has to offer, consider a wine tasting tour in the picturesque >Swan Valley. Many of the 40-plus vineyards are still run by the original families who started them many years ago. Nearby Fremantle is well worth a detour, too, not least for its convict history and for the chance to sample artisan coffees on its famous Cappuccino Strip
And, just a short ferry ride from the mainland is tranquil, car-free Rottnest Island. A popular holiday destination for visitors and locals alike, there is fantastic diving on vibrant coral reefs and historic shipwrecks and you can spot wild seals, whales, dolphins and the island's quirky mascot – the Quokka.
