Perth: welcome to the world's most remote city (in terms of its geographical spread), a place where many immigrants have flocked to, a place of beautiful beaches where enchanted wilderness lies on the doorsteps. This is the capital city of Western Australia and there is no doubting it is a top destination. Ever expanding, there is plenty to see here. Walk around the botanical gardens, cycle along the Swan River or else take the plunge and have a swim or a surf. You can also cray pot, yatch and kitesurf. Cottesloe is a western suburb just 15mns from Perth and this is a place of glorious beaches and Norfolk pines. Scarborough is another western suburb (14km from Perth), its beach is one of Perth's most popular and the area is awash with young backpackers out for a good time.
Rottnest Island: car free, this island is a natural haven for wildlife and is definitely worth a day trip. Stretch out on gorgeous white sand or have a cycle around, although watch out for stray peacocks.
Fremantle: this port town represents the alternative side of WA. Hre you will find hippies, a happening music and art scene, as well as museums and colonial architecture. Sit in a cafe and let the Fremantle Doctor come to you, not a man in a white coat but the locals' nickname for the afternoon breeze that titillates the town.
Margaret River: it seems everywhere you go in Australia, there is a vineyards and Margaret River is no exception. It is probably best not to have a tipple before you head into the water for a surf though. This area has some great surf beaches. You can also explore coastal caves for smuggled treasure and bushwalk through the surrounding forests. If you like chocolate then chances are you will be leaving here a couple of kilos heavier. From fudge factories to candy towns, Margaret River will have your sweet tooth falling out. Winery touts are a must because some of Australia's most renowned producers are dotted about the region. Margaret River is also famous for its excellent surfing beaches.
Albany: a place where old meets new, south Albany looks like it is ready for a resting home while its vigorous northern half is fresh out of nursery and looking to bloom still further. The north is where you will find all things modern. The coastline here s rugged and the granite landscape is grey but beautiful. This is a place where you can see the tallest trees in the world, Karri trees, as well as many other amazing natural phenomena. Go whale watching, take a wilderness cruise, give yourself a fright at the gaol or have a scuba dive.
Esperance: located in a picturesque settling of white beaches and clear waters, this is a place popular with holidaymakers. Head to Recherche Archipelago and experience the wide variety of wildlife this region has to offer. Penguins, sea birds and fur seals just love the pristine marine environment, as will you. Head to the aquarium, check out some art, take a cruise around the Bay of Isles and take an ocean drive. If you head west then you will drive along the Great Ocean Drive, a 36km journey with some amazing lookout spots, namely at Pink Lake and Twilight Haven.
Kalgoorlie: in the middle of nowhere, this place is famous for its gold mines and for Kevin Bloody Wilson, a foul-mouthed musician with classics such as Mick the master farter and Last lager waltz. The town itself comprises of large pubs, brothels and miners sitting around in their overalls swigging beer. If you are interested in learning about gold mines then this is the place for you. The idea of finding gold may be alluring, but a visit to the Mining Hall of Fame 2km north of town, shows the tough conditions miners put themselves through for the sake of searching for a tiny nugget. Plummet to the depths of a gold mine 36m below ground and explore some crosscuts. For those who prefer the sun on their faces, take a 4WD tour around the area's ghost towns and fossick for gold.
Pinnacles: if peculiar limestone formations are your thing then the Pinnacles are going to get you very excited. Shaped like Marg Simpson's hair, these termite-mound like creations reach heights of p to 5m. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit, in terms of heat, people and the colour on the rocks.
Exmouth: tourism is pretty much the heartbeat of this town located just over 1000km north of Perth. The claim to fame here stems from a 1999 cyclone when wind gusts of 267km/h battered the surrounding area. This is the highest gust ever recorded on Australia's mainland. The main drawcard of Exmouth is its unique coral reef experience found inside the Cape Range National Park. Fishing is also big in these parts, as is diving and swimming. Primarily, Exmouth is an access point for Ningaloo Reef.
Ningaloo Reef: this is Australia's largest fringing coral reef and spans an impressive 260km along the North West Cape. It is home to the largest fish in the world, the whale shark, as well as a host of other marine life. It is a place of sheltered lagoons, an underwater wonderland. A wildlife lover's haven, Ningaloo Reef is the place to spot turtles, manta rays, sea snakes, whales, sharks and over 500 species of tropical fish. You can either snorkel or dive, independently or as part of a tour, amidst the colourful coral formations synonymous with this reef. Entry-level dive sites include Gullivers, Blizzard Range, the Labyrinth and the Fish Pit, while advanced divers can take things further at Helgas Tunnels, Helby Bank or the Sponge Garden Drift. You can also kayak
