Perth is laid-back and liveable, famous for being Australia’s sunniest city, with beautiful beaches and an easygoing character – just 20 kilometres inland from the Indian Ocean. Part of what makes Perth unique is its location and isolation from the rest of Australia. It's a sophisticated, cosmopolitan city, with a whole host of bars, restaurants, cultural institutions and activities that make it well worth a visit. Perth is also a city with the beach firmly fixed in its heart. And when you wade through the crystal clear waters and relax on the sand, you’ll understand why its beaches are regarded as Australia’s best.
Sorrento Beach
For a taste of Perth’s urban beach life, check out Sorrento in the city’s northern suburbs. Sorrento has a stunning beach, that offers excellent family swimming and blue-green water that laps against pure white sand. It’s rare to find somewhere this idyllic so close to a major city. After working up an appetite at the beach,headforHillarys Boat Harbour, which is home to a range of restaurants and cafes, as well as the Aquarium of Western Australia. With loads of dining options available, there’s something to satisfy every budget and craving,from higher end restaurants,to takeaway fish and chips that can be eaten on the jetty.
Swan Valley Wine Region
After a day exploring Perth and soaking up the laid back beach vibes, jump in your rental car (with a designated driver) and head for Swan Valley Wine Region, just 25 kilometres away. Swan Valley is an area steeped in history, and one of Western Australia’s oldest wine regions. It’s home to more than 40 vineyards, many of which are still run by relatives of th eoriginal winemaking families. The region is famous for its fertile soil and has been producing award-winning wines and gourmet food for many years. Stop by the Swan Valley Visitor Centre to pick up a map of the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail.
Rottnest Island
A short 19km ferry ride fromPerthliesRottnest Island, a popular holiday destination with a relaxed atmosphere, an entire world away from Perth’s city vibe. Here, you can meet the quokka, a unique marsupial after which the island is named.Rottnest is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, picturesque scenery, dazzling marine life and some of the world's finest beaches and pristine bays. The island is small, measuring just 11km long and 4.5km wide. This makes bicycles the transportation of choice. You can either rent one on the island or take one with you from the mainland for a small fee. Rather unsurprisingly,water based activities are a major part oflifeonRottnest. Get below the surface of the water and you’ll encounter 135 species of tropical fish, as well as 20 species of coral. The island is a diver’s paradise, with the surrounding waters also home to over 13 shipwrecks that are waiting to be explored.Rottnest has it all and is sure to be the highlight of your trip out west.
Fremantle
If you’re heading back to Perth after some time enjoying island life, make sure to check out nearby Fremantle. Once a quaint little port town, Fremantle has come into its own and grown to become a trendy suburb, with its own distinct character and thriving food and arts scene. On weekends, people flock here for markets, live music and alfresco dining – not to mention the great nightlife. There’s so much to do in Perth and the surrounding area. Jump in a Hertz rental car today and set out to explore Australia’s warm, wild, and wonderful west.
Photo by Josh Spires | @drone_nr on Unsplash
