More info on Perth

Hello people! I was so immersed going down memory lane, I decided to find out more about Perth for those who are keen in holidaying there. (I might make a trip down under soon if funds allow me)

Here are some quick notes that I found just for your added information:-

• Rottnest Island

Just offshore from Perth, Rottnest Island is where the locals go to swim at white-sand beaches, snorkel in turquoise water over shipwrecks, or kick back and go fishing. Surrounded by coral reefs and shipwrecks, the diving and snorkelling is out-of-this-world. Or have a go at kayaking, diving, surfing, boogie boarding or fishing. There's also a guided bus and historic train tour, or you can just hop on and off the free bus when it suits. Attractions include guided walking tours, scenic flights, a family fun park, the Rottnest Museum, as well as tennis, lawn bowls and golf.

Country / Surrounding Region Experience

• Mandurah to Margaret River :

Soak in spectacular ocean views as you embark on a scenic journey through quaint towns southwest of Perth city. Soak in the seaside resort atmosphere of Mandurah. Frolic with dolphins in Bunbury. Indulge yourself in the luxurious resorts in Margaret River (mentioned briefly about this on my previous blog post) while savouring fine wines and sampling delicacies like cheeses, berries, jams and chocolates.


Here are the Top 5 must-dos

1. Spend a night at the wonderfully modern apartments at Mandurah Seashell and let the sounds of the waves of the ocean lull you to sleep. Enjoy a scenic canal cruise and sip ice-creams by the boardwalk. We stayed here, it is very peaceful and you can almost hear the sounds of seashells mummuring...
2. Take a leisurely stroll along the 2km long Busselton Jetty and be enchanted by an underwater garden teeming with marinelife and colourful soft corals at the Underwater Observatory at the end of the 1.8m long historic jetty.

3. Enjoy an invigorating horse-ride among the beautiful bushland in Margaret River. Relax with a private picnic or tour the region in a horse-drawn carriage

4. Experience the wilderness of the underground caves, views of vast chambers, fossil remains and stunning crystalline formations await you at the Lake, Mammoth and Jewel Caves.

5. Follow the food and wine trail in Margaret River and stock up on fresh local produce, eg cheese from Margaret River Dairy Company , olive oil from Olio Bello , gourmet produce from Margaret River Providore . Pick up a cellar door wine pass and enjoy great discounts while you visit the many wineries dotting the region. Titillate your senses with some beautiful lavender scented scones at Cape Lavender, a winery cum lavender farm that sells the loveliest lavender products.

• Pemberton and Albany:

Soak in the raw beauty of nature in the Great Southern region of Albany and Pemberton while savouring fresh local produce and enjoying fine wines. Be mesmerized by the dramatic coastlines of Albany or walk among the tree tops of the giant Karri trees in Walpole.

1. Breathe in the aromas and other sensual delights at the Mt Romance Sandalwood Factory. Relax with the cone, gong and bowl experience
2. Witness the power of the southern ocean at the Gap, Natural Bridge and Blow Holes
3. Walk above the tree tops and through the Ancient Empire Walk at Valley of the Giants in Walpole
4. Be thrilled by a 4WD tour that showcases the changing landscapes of Pemberton from the towering Karri trees to the giant sand dunes and ending with the wild oceans.
5. Savour fresh local produce. Learn all about truffles at The Wine & Truffle Company’s whilst enjoying the magnificent surroundings. Sink your teeth into the sumptious lavender pancakes at the Lavender and Berry Farm Or visit a Marron farm in Pemberton

• Coral Coast :
  

1. Get Adventurous in Kalbarri

Adventure lovers will find a mecca of activities awaiting them in Kalbarri, from canoeing down the Murchison River to riding over sand dunes on quadbikes. The Kalbarri National park offers several geographical beauties from Natures Window etched out layered rock to the Z shaped bends in the river gorges. Hike down into the gorges or take some snaps from the lookouts situated throughout the park.

2. Be awed by Shell Beach

Formed from billions of tiny shells, Shell Beach in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area is popular for swimming, beach combing and relaxing in the sunshine. Shell Beach is one of only a handful of places on earth where shells replace beach sand in such a dramatic and picturesque way.

3. Be delighted by friendly dolphins

Monkey Mia is one of Western Australia's most famous dolphin watching destinations. Each day a pod of dolphins grace the awaiting crowds with their presence for a morning feed of fish. Some lucky visitors are picked by the ranger to hand feed these cheeky mammals. Located 25 kilometres from the town of Denham in the Shark Bay World Heritage area, Monkey Mia offers a unique chance to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat – and the experience is free!

4. Be moved by the stunning HMAS Sydney Memorial

For a moving tribute to the sailors who lost their lives on HMAS Sydney during World War II visit the HMAS Sydney Memorial in Geraldton. With the long awaited discovery of the HMAS Sydney on the sea bed off the coast of Shark Bay, a visit to the memorial is even more poignant.

5. Marvel at Wildflowers

Western Australia's landscape bursts with colour from July to November, when native wildflowers bloom across the State. For six picturesque months, a whopping 12,000 plant species carpet the state with their vivid beauty - and endless varieties are still being discovered!







I also received an email about some cool MAS contest called "Let's Go Now Contest on the Great Australian Journeys!"

Win a trip to Australia basically!

AND.... there is also THIS website that you should check out if you want to do a roadtrip around australia instead.

Hope this helps you!