Top 8 Things to do in Perth

Kings Park and Botanic Garden is visited by millions of people each year. With its remarkable expanses of unique bushland, tranquil parkland and botanic garden, the Park is the most popular visitor destination in Western Australia.

The total area of the Park is 406 hectares (roughly 1,000 acres) and is located adjacent to the Swan River and approximately 1.5 km from the Central Business District of Perth.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden overlooks the Swan River and Darling Range and showcases an outstanding collection of Western Australia flora. It is one of the best places to take a photograph of the beautiful Perth skyline and the Swan River.
It is a popular place for picnics, pleasant walks, cultural and ceremonial events.
Nearly two thirds of the Park is natural bushland containing 319 species of native plants and around 80 bird species. The balance of the Park is made up of superb cultivated gardens and open recreational areas.

For Western Australians and for the many interstate and international visitors, Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a place of inspiration, relaxation, recreation and wonder.

Things to Do
There are number of areas in Kings Park, such as the Fraser Avenue precinct, Botanic Garden, Synergy Parkland, Saw Avenue Picnic Area and Lotterywest Family Area. Information on walks through Kings Park and Botanic Garden - including guided walks, the DNA Tower climb and the Lotterywest Federation Walkway.
Eating
Kings Park and Botanic Garden provides for various eating styles, from casual kiosk, to sit down cafe, to an award winning restaurant. Each option has a beautiful surroundings to make your meal an enjoyable event. You can even take your own picnic and use the free barbecues at the Pines Picnic Area, Synergy Parkland, Lotterywest Family Area or Saw Avenue Picnic Area, or perhaps anywhere on the well kept lawns and enjoy nature at its best.

Shopping
Be sure to check out Aspects of Kings Park for some unique Australian souvenirs and gifts before you leave Kings Park.

Rottnest Island, Western Australia's very own Island getaway featuring a casual atmosphere, picturesque scenery and some of the world's finest beaches and bays, is located just 19 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle.

Fremantle is a vibrant, port city situated at the mouth of the Swan River 20km down stream from Perth, the state capital of Western Australia. The city is renowned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere with strong southern European, particularly Italian, influences.

When you visit Fremantle, be sure to see the spectacular WA Maritime Museum (includes Australia II), Fremantle Prison, Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and the famous Cappuccino Strip. Fremantle has 7 day shopping and offers excellent cuisine and entertainment for all ages.

Sitting on the edge of the Indian ocean, Fremantle is centrally located being 30 min or less to Perth, Rottnest island and the airport.

The Swan Valley in Western Australia, only 25 minutes from the centre of Perth, is Western Australia's oldest wine growing region. The Swan Valley is where you will experience a colourful blend of history, people, art, world-class wine, micro breweries, gourmet goodies and fresh produc. The Swan Valley is a bustling tourist area offering superb alfresco and restaurant meals as well as cellar door tastings. A trip to the Swan Valley makes the ideal day trip. Swan Valley wineries are open for tasting all year round. Travel by car or take a leisurely cruise up the Swan River from Perth Barrack Street, Jetty.

Winerys to Visit
* Houghton Wine Co
* Jane Brook Estate
* Lamont Winery ^
* Sandalford Winery^

^ good for lunch

Perth has some of the best white sand beaches in the world, most within a 20-30 min drive from the Perth CBD. Take the 400 bus route from the Perth Wellington Station all the way to Scarborough Beach. Other great beaches to visit are Cottesloe, Floreat, Swanbourne (for the nudists), Trigg, plus much more. And remember, don't forget to take your hat and sunscreen and swim within the flags otherwise you will definitely look like a well-done, drowned tourist.

Sorrento Quay is located about 25 mins north of Perth. Here you will find a sheltered beach, restuarants, shopping, plus you can also catch the ferry to Rottnest. A great place to take the kids.

If you have time, then take a couple of days and head down to the South West of WA. Renowned for its world-class wineries, surf and beaches the Augusta-Margaret River Region is perfect for couples and families. With abundant natural attractions, cosmopolitan café strips, world-class wineries, and top-notch restaurants/cafés the Augusta Margaret River Region is a place that never fails to entertain,captivate, and astonish. Towns to visit are Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River, Pemberton, Augusta.
Wineries to visit include: Voyager, Xandadu, Vasse Felix, Pierro, Watershed, Brookland Valley, Wise Winery - each offer something different and mostly have great food on offer. Or if you prefer take a wine tour and let someone else do all the driving, that way you can enjoy more of these great wines.

All it takes is a splash of local wine, a drop of summer sun and a visit to one of our attractions to make the ultimate Margaret River experience. For it is this region that epitomises the true Australian lifestyle; beaches, surf, wine, and lazy summer afternoons.

If you have a lot of time then perhaps include some of these destinations on your tour:
* Broome
* Karijini National Park - see australiasnorthwest.com
* Monkey Mia - see dolphins up close
* Coral Bay - WAs coral reef.