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Perth & South West

Encompassing the state capital of Perth and its surrounds and extending across the inland wheatlands to the start of the goldfields region.

An area of several unusual rock formations, renowned wildflower displays and home to many historical sites and townships. Approximately 85% of the state population live in this region.

Places of Interest

Perth - situated on the picturesque Swan River and synonymous with the black swan which is the state emblem. Perth still retains much of its country town atmosphere which makes a refreshing change from the frenetic pace associated with most other cities. Many of the civic buildings were convict built and stand proudly amongst the skyscrapers that bear testimony to the recent boom cycles of the state. 

The region enjoys a mediterranean type climate with a laid back, sidewalk cafe lifestyle. The Swan River, nearby beaches and ocean access have a lot to do with the many water based leisure pastimes of the area. Kings Park sits on high ground across the river from the city centre and is a good vantage point with a bonus of being set in landscaped Botanic Gardens which showcase unique local flora.

Northbridge has a reputation as the city's restaurant district and is only a few minutes stroll from the city centre. The Burswood Entertainment Complex is one of Australia's finest casino and entertainment venues and has a great setting overlooking the river and city.

Take in the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Perth Cultural Centre to learn a little more of what this region is all about, especially the gallery of Aboriginal history. The Scitech Discovery Centre is Australia's most hands-on science discovery centre.

Pay a visit to some of the historic buildings, many of which are the restored convict-built originals. Examples are the Cloisters and Central Government Buildings noted for their brickwork, the Deanery, Government House, Palace Hotel, Perth Town Hall and the Perth Mint.

The Old Flour Mill is an excellent restored reminder of times past and Tranby House on the Swan River is a fine example of the early colonial architecture. Woodbridge House, in the suburb of Guildford, is a restored Victorian brick mansion overlooking the river. Swim at the local Perth beaches at Scarborough and Cottesloe fronting the Indian Ocean. Take a day river cruise up the Swan into the Swan Valley winegrowing area.

The Perth Zoo offers an opportunity to view the unique numbat and other wildlife and the excellent Underwater World is a chance to get close to some of the local marine inhabitants. There are several cruise operators offering Swan River cruises as well as a variety of adventure cruises.

Offshore is Rottnest Island, a very popular tour destination noted for its pristine beaches and coastal waters. Originally a prison island, many of the original prison buildings still remain. Home of the unique "quokka" which is a small wallaby. Glass bottom boats offer cruises over the reefs and wrecks that dot the island. On land, bicycles are one of the preferred modes of transport although there are bus tours and guided walks.

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Fremantle - once a separate town serving as the port for Perth but now largely swallowed up by the urban sprawl as Perth expands southwards to the coast. Since the America's Cup yacht races of 1987 Fremantle has embraced the sidewalk cafe culture and retained much of the cosmopolitan experiences of the time. Many of the historic sites and buildings were restored or renovated in advance of the event.

The Fremantle History Museum is housed in a convict-built building and has an excellent selection of exhibits about the region. The Maritime Museum has interesting exhibits from the shipwreck of the Batavia. The Fremantle Markets are a colourful attraction and buskers are usually in attendance. The Fremantle Prison is an imposing structure with reminders of the regional history.

Both Fremantle and Perth are bases for several cruise operations offering whale watch cruises in season, usually October-November. Nearby Rockingham is a popular resort. The offshore Penguin Island is home to a colony of Fairy penguins with viewing by way of cruises departing from Shoalwater Bay.

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North Coast - north of Perth the countryside quickly turns into the dry semi-desert typical of much of the state. The Yanchep National Park includes some excellent limestone caves and an Aboriginal Heritage trail. Further north is Cervantes, better known for the nearby Nambung National Park which is home to Pinnacle Rocks. These are limestone pillars ranging up to 5 metres high.

Wildflower Country - take route 95 north from Perth to New Norcia and you are in the spring wildflower region. The town hosts a still functioning Benedictine mission and the architecture is classic Spanish. Tours and visits are available. Further north is the farming centre of Moora, the nearby Berkshire Valley with its restored flour mill and Watheroo on the Midlands Highway.

The wildflower region extends much further north taking in the townships of Dalwallinu, Morawa and Mullewa although the latter two are closer to Geraldton than to Perth.

South Coast - a little over an hour south of Perth is Mandurah, a popular beach and holiday resort where dolphins are often seen in the estuary. A good fishing and prawning area. Just down the road on the Murray River is the historic township of Pinjarra where steam engine buffs can ride the Hotham Valley Railway which passes through the town.

Northam - the major centre of the Avon Valley situated north east of Perth and an area that attracted many early settlers. Many historic buildings are still in existence in Northam and the valley is a popular wildflower destination. The Avon River is a popular canoe site. The town has several historic buildings such as the old railway station which is listed by the National Trust. Nearby Buckland House is said to be the finest grand home in the state and is open for inspection.

Nearby Toodyay hosts several historic convict-built buildings including O'Connors Mill which still operates. To the south the town of York has preserved its English inspired origins and is one of the region's highlights with the entire town being classified by the National Trust. Many of the state festivals are held here and an excellent vintage car museum is said to be Australia's finest.

Wheatlands - generally stretching along the Great Eastern Highway to the east and south towards the coastal fringes at Albany is the area commonly referred to as the Wheatlands (or wheatbelt). Most of the region supports winter and spring wildflowers as is the case with much of the south west area of the state. The major centre of the area is Merredin which houses its museum in a renovated period railway station. There are some interesting rock formations nearby.

The township of Hyden to the south is a couple of kilometres from the famous Wave Rock which stands 15 metres high. There are several lesser known rock formations and caves in the area some of which are sites of Aboriginal rock art. Further to the south is Narrogin, another of the major centres of the wheatlands. It hosts a railway heritage museum and the nearby Dryandra Forest which is the only remaining section of eucalypt forest that once covered the region.

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Perth - Swan River -  Rottnest Island - Fremantle - Pinnacle Rocks - Wave Rock - wildflowers