Things to do in Perth
Bushwalk the Bibbulmun Track
The hills around Perth are a bushwalker's delight and active types keen for a challenge should tackle the Bibbulmun Track (tel: +61 8 9481 0551; www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au). With 964km (599 miles) of sign posted trails that weave south from Kalamunda to Walpole and along the coast to Albany, it truly is one of the world's great walking adventures.
Get close to some majestic mammals
Journey beyond the beaches and you'll find humans aren't the only mammals swimming in Perth's pristine seas. September to December sees the whale migration when Rottnest Express (tel: +61 8 9325 1191; www.oceaniccruises.com.au) guarantee you'll see humpbacks or your next tour is free. Rockingham Wild Encounters (tel: +61 8 9591 1333; www.dolphins.com.au) need no such marketing: dolphins can be seen year round.
Get driven to the drink with a wine tour
Within driving distance from Perth - don't worry, they pick you up - are some of Australia's best vineyards. Renowned for its glorious whites, Margaret River wineries export their offerings across the globe, whilst Swan Valley is the state's oldest wine region. Out and About Wine Tours (tel: +61 8 9377 3376; www.outandabouttours.com.au) offer award-winning trips to both.
Hit the beach
Perth's stunning, and often dramatic, Indian Ocean coastline has some of Australia's best beaches. Sun seekers should take a towel to Port and Scarborough beaches; both are ideal for sunbathing but best for stronger swimmers only. If you want to splash around, Crawley and Peppermint Grove are beautiful and calm bayside beaches.
Spend a day with the Doctor
The south-westerly winds that whip up off the Indian Ocean (known locally as 'the Fremantle Doctor') make the pristine beaches off Perth ideal for windsurfing and kite-boarding. Scarborough and Leighton beaches are excellent for both. To catch some air with the kite board first grab a lesson at WA Surf (tel: +61 9592 1657; www.wasurf.com.au).
