Western Australia has a lot to see that you can't easily reach from Perth. Because of the
size of the state you need to travel long distances to see them all, but its well worth
the trouble. Perth Zoo
Just across the narrows bridge, only minutes from the centre of Perth is Perth zoo. Set in
beautiful landscaped gradens, with shady walkways, picnic areas and one of the most
impressive collection of palm trees in Australia, this is the perfect place to spend a
relaxing few hours viewing the wide range of wildlife, both Australian and international
that is preserved and cared for here.
Rottnest Island
Perth has its own
island in the sun. Less than half an hour from Fremantle by ferry lies Rottnest Island.
The man who named the island in 1696, Commander William De Vlamingh, the Dutch navigator,
wrote: "Here it seems that natures has spared nothing to render this isle delighful
above all other islands I have ever seen". The island has about 40 kilometers of
coastline - a series of the beaches, secluded coves, headlands, some cliffs, and natural
mornings shich make it one of nature's natural holiday resorts. Inland lakes, gentle
country, well wooded and shaded it offers you the choice of isolation and relaxation or a
round of actives and socialising, fine water sports, execellent fishing, guiede walking
tours, bicycle rides (you can get round the island in about 31/2 leisurely hours) or play
the 9 hole golf course.
Wave Rock
Hyden is a unique wave-shaped overhanging cliff formed by eons of wind erosion. Wave Rock
is a 15 m high granite formation which overhangs in the shape of a giant wave. The rock is
streaked with many colors ranging from deep grey, to ochres to red, caused by the rain
washing chemical deposits down the face of the rock for more than 2,700 million years. In
the spring it's a good place to see wildflowers, outback and farming scenery, While at
Hyden visit Hippo's Yawn, Hump Dam and Mulka's Cave. 3 km from Hyden (350 km south-east of
Perth), Perth 5-6 hours drive.
Mount Augustus
The largest single rock in the world is 200 km inland from Carnarvon (900 km north of
Perth). Mt Augustus, (named by explorer Gregory in 1858) is roughly twice the size of
Ayer's Rock and one billion years older! This massive monocline was formed when sand and
boulders were deposited on an ancient sea floor, alter consolidated and eventually
uplifted and folded. It is justly famous for its wildflowers in spring.
Margaret River District
In the south west there are many small boutique vineyards producing world class wines.
Taste choice wines at affordable princes. Also visit magnificent Jarrah forests and
D'entrecasteaux National Park. Many caves are open to the public including Mammoth, Jewel,
Yallingup and Lake Caves. These large caves have numerous stalactites and many fossil of
prehistoric animals. Caveworks helps you interpret the natural cave environment. Perth 3-4
hour drive.
Monkey Mia
(900 km north of Perth on the coast) is one of the few places in the world where a family
(pod) of beautiful bottle-nosed dolphins come in shore and makes contact with humans. The
dolphins come in most days of the year subject only to tides and breeding season.
Gloucester Tree
The tallest fire lookout in the world, the giant 62 m high giant Karri tree is right in
the centre of WA's magnificent Karri tree forest, near at Pemberton (309 km south of
Perth) in one of Australia's most picturesque regions. Trees can often reach 80 meters in
this area.
Pinnacles and Nambung National Park
Unspoiled coastal scenery with a unique and fascinating area of eroded limestone
pinnacles, the consequences of an ancient forest. The eerie pillars range in size from
stony twigs to columns more than six meters tall. Perth 3 hours drive. At nearby Lake
Thesis you can see one of only four WA colonies of Stromatolites, the oldest living
organisms.
Fremantle - port city of WA
Fremantle has a history dating back to the mid-nineteenth century. Over 150 buildings have
been classified by the National Trust.
Fremantle was named after Captain Sir Charles Howe Fremantle who took possession of the
Western Australian coast, then called New Holland, for Britain in 1829
Although relatively small in area, Fremantle has many interesting things to do and see.
Fremantle is a major world port, a fishing town, an historic city, a university town, a
modern bustling community, and an atrs centre. Fremantle is also a gourmet's delight with
a wide range of different cuisines at its many cafes, restaurants and hotels. Many have al
fresco eating areas in summer where you can watch the people go by as you sip your wine or
cappuccino.
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