South West Highlights

Spend a couple of days exploring the sunny city of Perth, Western Australia’s state capital. Check out the Art Gallery of Western Australia and perhaps enjoy a picnic in leafy Kings Park or a gentle boat ride on the picturesque Swan River. Once you’ve explored the centre, head out of town and laze on stunning beaches and swim the crystal-clear waters of Rottnest Island on a day trip. This sparkling island has very little traffic, and is best explored by bicycle or on the train. Diving and snorkelling in the shimmering coves is not to be missed!

Accommodation at 4* Mantra on Murray

Lovers of food and quality wines will not be disappointed with pretty Margaret River, where surf schools and tall gumtree forests sit side by side with over 100 wineries, many with charming vineyard restaurants. The rolling waves, wild costal scenery and pristine beaches have made this town something of a surfing mecca, with numerous surf schools catering for both beginners and experienced wave riders. Why not taste some local vintages on a Margaret River Wine Tour, as well as sampling the cheese and chocolates and enjoying a gourmet vineyard lunch. Don’t forget to venture into the magical limestone caves filled with stalactites, perhaps trying out some rock climbing or abseiling.

Accommodation at 4* Margarets Beach Resort

Surrounded by towering eucalyptus forests and verdant national parks, Pemberton is your gateway to Tall Timber Country. It’s a great spot to get outside on a scenic excursion on the Karri Forest Explorer Drive or one of the numerous trail walks. Why not climb the 200-foot-tall Gloucester Tree, whose viewing platform offers pretty countryside views. Don’t leave town without visiting the Fine Woodcraft Gallery, where all the artworks, displays and even the building itself are made from recycled timber.

Accommodation at 3* Rac Karri Valley Resort

Continue on to Albany’s stunning stretch of coastline. Being a prime whale watching location (May to October) with a smidgen of historical interest thrown in for good measure, Albany is never short of visitors who come for the whales, the wildflowers – which bloom in September – and the beautiful balmy beaches. In town the Old Gaol and the Albany Residency Museum are well worth a look, while the humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins and fur seals that frequent the beautiful bays can be viewed on a thrilling boat cruise.

Accommodation at 5* Beach House at Bayside

Fremantle is Perth’s port, and although merged with the city sprawl, it is a vibrant and bustling area with its own ‘cappuccino strip’, filled with coffee-drinkers people-watching over their lattes. There’s plenty to see, such as the convict-built Fremantle Prison, the wreck of the Batavia in the Shipwreck Galleries and the colourful markets, a great place to pick up knick knacks. Pop into the Western Australian Maritime Museum to learn about Western Australia’s nautical history, and finish up with a fabulous seafood feast at the Fishing Boat Harbour.

Accommodation at 4* Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges