TOURISM

Enjoying Fremantle

Fremantle is one of those rare places that offer a kaleidoscope of experiences for dining, culture, adventure and shopping.

Just a 20 minute drive from Perth's city centre and situated at the mouth of the Swan River, Freo (as it's known by locals) is a multi-cultural city with a charm of its own, setting it apart from the rest of Perth.

Fremantle boasts the best preserved example of 19th century port streetscape in the world with its world-famous heritage buildings and a fascinating maritime and convict history. Amble along the back streets past dockworkers' cottages, warehouses converted into trendy apartments and off-the-beaten-track local haunts.

Essential stops on the Fremantle WA history trail include WA's earliest convict jail, the Roundhouse, Fremantle Prison, and the WA Maritime Museum.

Supporting this rich history is a strong creative streak that can be sampled in the local arts, crafts, jewellery and hearty food available in the renowned Fremantle Markets.

Known for the being the State's cultural hub, few destinations other than Fremantle have the ability to entice people to enjoy themselves by day, and into the night well after the sun has set over the Indian Ocean. Besides day tours and a vibrant nightlife, you'll find beautifully-crafted items at the Fremantle Arts Centre and Moore's Building and a plethora of art galleries as well as designer fashions.

Whether it's on the water, by the water or overlooking the sea, Fremantle has plenty to get the pulse pumping. Step aboard the tall ship Leeuwin II and find out what it's like to set sail. Or if more high speed action is for you, set your heart racing with a jet boat spin around the harbour or take a ferry out to Rottnest Island. 

Most of all, Freo is about soaking up the laid-back ambience, chilling out in a street cafe, enjoying fish and chips fresh off the boat at Fishing Boat Harbour or enjoying a pale ale at Little Creatures or Sail & Anchor microbreweries. 

Perth and greater Western Australia

From the River to the Valley to the Hills, experience Western Australia's best tourism highlights. Perth has something for everyone with over 400 tourism operators and attractions such as wineries, restaurants, art/craft galleries and studios, a variety of tours, heritage sites and specialty operators such as breweries, cheese and chocolate factories. Please enjoy discovering what this fantastic city has to offer, from immaculate beaches to the breathtaking views from Kings Park overlooking the city and the Swan River.

Why not visit the Perth Mint, an award-winning tourist attraction and one of Perth's most fascinating places to visit. The Mint is located at 310 Hay Street, within walking distance from the center of Perth. Or visit cosmopolitan Northbridge, with its many restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. The Art Gallery of Western Australia is also located in the heart of the city, free tours are offered for those wishing to experience over 1000 works of art.

For the Shoppers

You will find a collection of exclusive shops and cafes in King Street whilst other major stores such as David Jones or Myer are centrally located in the Hay and Murray Street malls. The vast array of shops offer everything from Aboriginal artefacts to gumnut souvenirs.

Seeing the Sights

For lovers of the outdoors and for a spectacular view of the city and the Swan River, Kings Park is a must-see. Stroll along Federation Walkway, situated amongst the treetops and afterwards, enjoy a lovely meal at one of Perth's premier restaurants, Frasers, which is located in the park.

Perth has a great zoo! Take a ferry from the Barrack Street Jetty to Mends Street in South Perth. From there it is only a five minute walk to the zoo. Open 365 days a year, the zoo's flourishing surrounds make it a relaxing place to stroll around in any kind of weather. Grab a map to help you navigate the 'continents' that serve as habitats for over 230 species of wildlife. Make sure you visit the Sun Bears and the Rainforest Retreat!

For the Golfers and the Gamblers

While you're in Perth, take some time to visit Burswood Resort Complex which houses the Burswood Park Golf Course (winner of Australia's No. 1 Resort Golf Course 2003) and Burswood Casino. The Burswood also has a selection of restaurants, shops and its very own Irish pub, Paddy Hannans.

Culture, Concerts and Coffee

For those of you who are after a cultural experience, Perth has many theatres including His Majesty's Theatre, the Playhouse Theatre and the Perth Concert Hall, home to the West Australian Symphony Orchestra which hosts more than 160 performances annually. Perth also has an abundance of interesting shops and cafe strips just outside the Perth city centre. Visit Leederville or Mt Lawley for funky shops and cafes. Subiaco also boasts a large variety of shops, cafes and bars while Cottesloe hosts a fantastic cafe strip only minutes from the famous Cottesloe Beach.

Sipping at Cellar Doors

Swan Valley, a 40 minute drive north-east of the city, is Western Australia's oldest wine growing region, featuring a number of award-winning wineries that also offer alfresco and restaurant dining. Home to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory, the Swan Valley Cheese Company and the Feral and Duckstein Breweries, this delightful area has something to offer all palates. Come and sample!

By the Sea

'Rotto' lies 22 kilometres off the WA coast and is one of Perth's most popular tourist destinations offering snorkeling, diving and guided tours. The island is 11 kilometres long and at its widest point, only 4.5 kilometres. Hire a bike and use pedal power to see the sites. Each year, humpback, southern right and even blue whales, can be seen off the coast during their annual migration to warmer waters.

Hillarys Boat Harbour

Hillarys is located 20 minutes from Perth heading north on the Sunset Coast of WA. It provides everything for the boating enthusiast inlcuding boat/fishing charters, shopping, dining, recreation, accommodation and entertainment in a unique marine environment. Hire a jet ski and have some fun in safe surrounds.

Rockingham, Penguin Island and Seal Island

The seaside town of Rockingham, less than an hour south of Perth by car, offers one of WA's most unique experiences - swimming with dolphins! Off the coast of Rockingham are two of the very few places in the world where visitors can see fairy penguins and seals in their natural environments.

Further Afield

South West

The South West region, encompassing Margaret River and Augusta, has an allure that is hard to resist. It offers the opportunity to indulge in premium wines and gourmet food amidst towering old-growth karri forests, magical limestone caves, pristine beaches and scenic farmlands.

The Margaret River Wine Region is one of the main highlights of Western Australia and is home to some popular wineries such as Evans & Tate and Vasse Felix. Click here to find out more about the famous wine region.

North West

The North and North West regions of Western Australia offer many wonderful and unique sightseeing opporunities; both off the coast, with idyllic islands and reefs, and inland, with national parks and the raw wilderness and beauty of the Kimberley Ranges. Travel to Broome, world-famous for its pearling industry and the white sands of Cable Beach. Karinjini National Park is all about adventure with deep canyons, refreshing waterfalls, spectacular gorges and emerald-coloured rock pools. Put on your snorkel and fins and swim at the many stunning locations up the WA coast, such as Ningaloo Reef. Click here to find out more about WA's North.