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Perth and surrounds

In Perth, a never-ending ribbon of great beaches provide a contrast to the cool greenery of Kings Park, 400 hectares of natural vegetation only a short walk from the city centre, and Herdsman's Lake, where black swans and other birdlife mingle among tourists. The beach and the bush - and all so near.

A short trip by train from Perth - the last leg along the coast - brings you to Fremantle, which is a hub of activity on weekends when the market and the al fresco cafes along the port city's cappuccino strip are in full swing, as are the trendy pubs and seafood restaurants around Fishing Boat Harbour.

Just up the road is the now decommissioned Fremantle Prison where experienced guides will tell you tales of Western Australia's most infamous inmates as the tour enters the gallows.

Just 19 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle is traffic-free Rottnest Island, a magnet for locals and tourists alike - the latter keen to spot the island's native animal, the Quokka, a small wallaby look-alike, thought by early explorers to be a rat. Pedal power is the best way to get around the island's superb bays and beaches. (You can take your own bike on the ferries, or hire one when you get there).

South of Perth, the fast-developing, family-oriented Peel region, centred on the resort town of Mandurah, has become an aquatic playground. Fishing, crabbing, boating on the estuary and rivers, entertainment in the new cultural and dining precinct - all backed up by glorious beaches - have made the region a top getaway destination.

• Mandurah
• Rockingham
• Rottnest Island
• Fremantle
• Perth City

In the Directory

• Accommodation [5]
• Attractions [1]
• Dive Clubs [2]
• Dive Gear [1]
• Dive Shops [1]

Climate

Perth is one of the sunniest Australian cities and enjoys an annual average of over 8 hours of sunshine per day. In the predominantly clear days of summer the average daily sunshine duration exceeds 11 hours. Perth experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The mean monthly air temperature ranges from 31°C in February to 18°C in July and August.