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Skyline of Perth, a must-visit in western Australia

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Things to do in Perth

Australian Rules Football (AFL)

Perth’s West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers play in Australia’s Aussie Rules Football League (AFL). A local derby between both teams is an event not to be missed. Uniquely Australian, the AFL season runs over Australia’s winter (from late-March to late-September) and because both teams play at the same venue – at Patersons Stadium, widely known as Western Australia’s home of football - you can catch a game most weekends throughout the season. For season fixtures, venues, tickets and more information, check out the AFL’s official website.

AFL
Tel: (03) 9643 1999.
Website: www.afl.com.au

Arts

Perth has a lively arts scene. If you’re interested in the local indigenous culture, the Yirra Yaakin Theatre is a leading Australian Aboriginal theatre company whose performances combine traditional dance with contemporary drama. The Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth's major gallery, has a permanent collection of Australian and international art and one of the finest collections of Aboriginal art in the world. A range of theatres like His Majesty, Regal and Perth Concert Hall stage a range of productions, concerts and music.

Yirra Yaakin Theatre
Tel: (08) 9202 1966.
Website: www.yirrayaakin.asn.au

Art Gallery of Western Australia
Tel: (08) 9492 6622.
Website: www.artgallery.wa.gov.au

Beaches

Perth’s stunning and often dramatic Indian Ocean coastline has some of Australia’s best beaches. White sands, brilliant sunshine, hot days and aqua blue water make a day at the beach a ‘must-do’ when visiting Perth. Cottesloe, to the north-west of the city, is patrolled by lifesavers over summer. Port, City and Scarborough beaches are great for sunbathing but best for stronger swimmers only. Crawley, Peppermint Grove and Como on the Swan River are calm, bay-side beaches. A word of advice: westerly winds usually pick up mid-morning so the best time for beach goers is early morning. But don’t miss the Indian Ocean sunset.

Bushwalking

The hills around Perth are a bushwalker's delight. For particularly active types keen for more of a challenge, the Bibbulmun Track - 964km (599 miles) of walking track - that weaves its way south from Kalamunda in the hills near Perth, to Walpole and along the coast to Albany in southern Western Australia. It truly is one of the world’s great walking trails. More information about walks near Perth is available from the WA Department of Environment and Conservation.

Department of Environment and Conservation (CALM)
Tel: (08) 9334 0265.
Website: www.calm.wa.gov.au

Bibbulmun Track
Tel: (08) 9481 0551.
Website: www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au

Cycling

Perth’s mostly flat terrain and well laid-out transport routes make Perth an ideal destination for cyclists. You’ll find kilometres of bike paths woven throughout Perth, including along the beautiful Swan River near the city centre. For those wanting to venture further afield, you can explore the nearby Rottnest Island, located 20 kilometres (12 miles) off the coast of Perth, by bike. Contact Bikewest for information on cycling routes, guides and maps.

Bikewest
Tel: (08) 9216 8313.
Website: www.transport.wa.gov.au

Fishing

The stunning Indian Ocean off Perth offers a range of fishing options including deep sea, night and beach fishing. Fishing charters leave from various locations up and down the coast off Perth. You will need a recreational fishing licence to fish in Perth’s waters, and bag and size limits apply. Licences are available from most charter operators, local fishing tackle stores, and the local fishing authority.

Mills Charters
Tel: (08) 9246 5334.
Website: www.millscharters.com.au

Blue Juice Charters
Tel: (08) 9203 5111.
Website: www.bluejuicecharters.com.au

Food and wine

The Swan Valley to the east of Perth, and the Margaret River Wine Region to the south of Perth offer some of Australia’s – even the world’s – best food and wine. Renowned for its glorious white wines, Margaret River wineries export their much-loved offerings across the globe. Cheese and chocolate are popular, but there’s certainly no shortage of other culinary options in either location. Both are an easy day trip from Perth. If you have time, be sure to check out the dramatic coastline and beaches west of Dunsborough, especially in the Cape Naturaliste/ Leeuwin National Park.

Out and About Wine Tours
Tel: (08) 9377 3376.
Website: www.outandabouttours.com.au

Fat Decanter Premium Wine Tours
Tel: 0429 430 434.
Website: www.fatdecanter.com.au

Wind surfing and kite surfing

The southwesterly winds that whip up off the Indian Ocean – locally known as ‘the Fremantle Doctor’ – makes the pristine beaches off Perth excellent destinations for wind and kite surfing. Scarborough and Leighton Beaches are two excellent locations for kite surfing. Learn to wind surf or kite board at any of the local kite boarding or surf schools, most of which are open all year round. Australian Kiteboarding School operates out of Scarborough whilst WA Surf operates out of Safety Bay, just south of Perth.

Australian Kiteboarding School
Tel: 0407 012 220.
Website: www.kiteboardingschool.com.au

WA Surf
Tel: 0427 927 873.
Website: www.wasurf.com.au

Whale and dolphin watching

Pristine seas provide an idyllic setting for watching two of nature’s most majestic and playful mammals. Dolphin and whale watching cruises leave from Perth, Fremantle and other nearby locations. Whale migration usually occurs from late-September to December each year, and Oceanic Cruises provide Perth’s only ‘whale guarantee’. You can head on a dolphin watching cruise all year round. Rockingham Wild Encounters not only offer dolphin watching cruises, but also the unique and rare opportunity to swim with wild dolphins in the marine park just south of Perth.

Oceanic Cruises
Tel: (08) 9325 1191.
Website: www.oceaniccruises.com.au

Rockingham Wild Encounters
Tel: (08) 9591 1333.
Website: www.dolphins.com.au

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