Relax - Get ready for the Perth-fect escape

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Get ready for the Perth-fect escape

Advertising feature | Thu, Aug 27 2009

Brace yourself for a perfect mix of glorious sights, palate pleasures, and heart-stopping adventures at Western Australia.

Keywords

perth

dolphin

shopping

Perth: Where City Life and Wild Life Meet

Kick start your holiday with a healthy dose of retail therapy in the dynamic city of Perth (www.experienceperth.com). From eclectic markets to stylish malls, feast your eyes on the latest fashions, rare Aboriginal art, antiques and more. Unleash the bargain-hunter in you at the factory outlet mall Harbourtown at Wellington Street. Scour the vibrant weekend markets in Fremantle for unique keepsakes or gifts for your loved ones.

After hours of strolling, head down to Perth’s west end where an exciting line up of bars, funky cafés, swanky bars and restaurants will tantalize your palate. South of the Swan River, you’ll find classy restaurants that provide majestic views of the city and the soothing waters while you dine.

Take your pick of tours from Australian Pinnacle Tours (www.pinnacletours.com.au), which offers a wide range of coach tours to wonderful attractions such as Pinnacles, Swan Valley or even Margaret River. For an adrenaline-pumping afternoon, hop on their 4WD Pinnacles, Koalas & Sand Boarding Adventure day tour and experience the thrills and spills of sandboarding.

The pinnacles

Love taking photographs? Marvel at the mystical Pinnacles Desert or check out the quaint towns of the Margaret River region. If you’re an animal lover, visit the Caversham Wildlife Park (www.cavershamwildlife.com.au) where you can feed adorable kangaroos or delight in one of the largest collections of native fauna in Western Australia.

Spend your nights at Esplanade Hotel Fremantle (www.esplanadehotelfremantle.com.au) and be within walking distance of hip restaurants and pubs.

Australia's Southwest: A Spectacular Sojourn

If you’re yearning for the ultimate escape, Australia’s Southwest region (www.australiassouthwest.com) offers sights, tastes and experiences that will surely recharge your senses.

Rev up for a relaxing drive as you explore the quaint countryside, then set out on a trip to the historic Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

Busselton jetty

Learn all about dolphins at the Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Center (www.dolphindiscovery.com.au). Swim with the friendly dolphins or check out the Centre’s Interpretive Museum and Theatre, which features fascinating displays and an amazing underwater film.

Want to indulge? Head down to Margaret River where you can explore the caves, enjoy leisure vineyard lunches made with the freshest local produce, or savour cheese, mouth-watering chocolates and jams.

Explore the underground world of the caves in the Margaret River region. Marvel at the lake inside Lake Cave, which acts as a mirror of infinite reflections of crystal formations which is truly magical. Or head to Jewel Cave, Western Australia’s largest show cave and home to one of the longest straw stalactites found in any tourist cave in the world.

Lake Cave

Afterwards, put your feet up while sipping cocktails at Abbey Beach Resort, a leisure resort with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities for your pleasure. Whether you wish to play tennis, try your hand at fishing, hoist a sail or surf, there’s something for everybody to enjoy (www.abbeybeach.com.au).

Nestled on the coast, Margarets Beach Resort is located at the beautiful Gnarabup Beach in the Margaret River region. Listen to the waves as you step outside your door, the soothing sound of the ocean does wonders for your soul. Experience nature at its best with outdoor activities like horseback riding, fishing, swimming or just having a cozy family BBQ

Australia's Coral Coast: A Haven for Sea Lovers and Thrill-Seekers

Home to spectacular marine life and coral gardens, Australia's Coral Coast region (www.australiascoralcoast.com) lets you be one with nature. Strike a pose beside the picturesque arch called Nature’s Window at the spectacular Kalbarri National Park. For the adventure lovers, thrill yourself with quad-biking or sandboarding in Kalbarri.

You may also want to visit the lobster factory in Geraldton, or admire the poignant Sydney War Memorial.

If you still can't get enough of the wonders of the sea, spend a night or two at Monkey Mia, one of the world's premier natural dolphin sighting areas. Get a chance to meet and feed adorable dolphins. Hop on a wildlife sailing cruise and watch the friendly wildlife frolic alongside your boat.

For a change of pace, be awed by Shell Beach. Formed from billions of tiny shells and stretching for more than 110km, Shell Beach in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area is one of only a handful of places on earth where shells replace beach sand in such a dramatic and picturesque way.

Or go on an Awestronomy Tour and learn from the experts as you go on an amazing journey under the millions of stars. Be awed by the beauty of the starlit skies as you find out more about the basics of space.

After an action-packed day, call It a night at the rustic and affordable Nanga Bay Resort (www.nangabayresort.com.au) or choose from the wide range of accommodation options at the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (www.monkeymia.com.au).

All these and more awaits on your Perth-fectly spectacular getaway in Western Australia.

Photos: Tourism Western Australia

For more information on your Perth-fect escape, log on to www.westernaustralia.com