Perth First XI: Tourist Highlights

A 19th century journey

The best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape in the world, Fremantle is a little bit bohemian and a little bit hipster. Learn about the city’s maritime and convict history on a walking tour, browse the shops, galleries and weekend markets, or dine at one of the many cafes, bars, restaurants or microbreweries. New bar, dining retail and hotels are also emerging, as the revitalisation of Fremantle takes off. Nearly $1 billion of private and public investment will see additional commercial, retail and public spaces established and restored throughout the city. Visit website.

Island in the sun
Home to 63 beaches and bays, Rottnest Island is a short ferry ride from Perth, Fremantle or Hillarys. There are no cars on the island so pedal power is king. Enjoy lunch at one of the cafes and restaurants, most offering spectacular ocean views, swim, snorkel or dive, or take an eco-cruise and discover the local wildlife. In the late afternoon, make a beeline for The Rottnest Hotel, overlooking Thompson Bay -it’s the perfect spot to unwind as the sunsets. Visit website.

Amongst the vine
Western Australia’s oldest wine region, the Swan Valley celebrated its 180th year in 2014 and is an easy 30-minute drive from Perth city. Here you can meet the maker at some of the small family wineries or sample some of the wines from vineyards that sell their wines internationally. There’s also fresh produce, microbreweries and galleries galore on the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail. Continue your food and wine foraging in the Perth Hills and Avon Valley. Visit website.

Experience Perth’s unique attractions
Travelling around Perth city is free so hop on a CAT bus and tour Perth’s city sights. Ring one of the world’s largest musical instruments, the Swan Bells at the Bell Tower; watch a live gold pour and see the world’s largest collection of gold bars at the Perth Mint; catch a ferry across the Swan River to Perth Zoo - home to over 1,500 animals; or, head out to Caversham Wildlife Park where you can meet koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and many other native wildlife. Visit website.

Swim with the dolphins
From the shores of the spectacular Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, enjoy a range of marine adventures, ranging from small group swimming with dolphins tours, sea kayak tours of Penguin Island, and boat cruises to get up close and personal with the local dolphins, sea lions and little penguins. A little further south, you’ll often find dolphins playing in the tranquil waters off the Mandurah foreshore, delighting diners at the waterfront eateries. Visit website.

Adventure World
Adventure World is home to over 30 unique attractions including water rides, water slides and thrill rides. The medieval-themed ‘Dragon’s Kingdom’ is an enchanting land of little dragons, over-sized flowers and fairies. With six rides, swimming pools, water slides and an aqua splash zone dedicated to the youngest adventurers, Dragon’s Kingdom is unique in Western Australia. The award-winning Kahuna Falls is one of Australia’s largest rain fortresses, boasting a 1,000 litre tipping bucket and over 100 interactive water-play features. Visit website.

For more information on things to see and do in Perth, visit: www.westernaustralia.com