Around Perth: Coast to Country

Thrombolites, Clifton Lake, Yalgorup National Park, WA. Photo credit: Copyright Tourism Western Australia

Around Perth: Coast to Country

Big science, big sand dunes, big forests and big vineyards. From the coast to the country, from the sky to the sea, adventure awaits outside Perth on an epic scale.

Gingin
An hour’s drive from Perth, Gingin is one of the oldest towns in Western Australia. It’s a place of sandy beaches, vineyards, rolling countryside and fresh produce. This far from central Perth, it’s also a prime spot for stargazing.

The Gingin Observatory balances big screen presentations with hands-on astronomy using powerful telescopes. It’s open in the evenings (obviously) and daytime during solar events (eclipses etc). Astronomers are always on hand to answer any queries.

Next door is the Gravity Discovery Centre, the state’s only science centre to focus on astronomy, cosmology and physics. Climb the Leaning Tower of Gingin for a thrill, and get hands-on with the science exhibits.

Lancelin
This small coastal town is all about sand and water. The 14 shipwrecks off the coast make the reefs a prime spot for snorkelling and diving. You can see dolphin pods and sea lions from the beach too.

The local wind and surf combinations bring windsurfers in their droves. Not for nothing does Lancelin host Australia’s biggest international windsurfing event.

The surfing is as good on land too, with the biggest sand dunes in WA a haven for sand boarders, 4WD pros, bikers and dune buggy racers.

Rockingham
This seaside town, 45 mins drive south of Perth, sits on the sheltered Cockburn Sound. It’s a marvellous spot for relaxing and sunbathing. Offshore, the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is a collection of islands, reefs and wrecks which support a bewildering variety of fish, penguins, sea lions and dolphins. Swim, surf, sail, snorkel or use the viewing platforms, but don’t miss the opportunity to get out amongst it all.

Penguin Island: Take the Penguin Express (between 9am and 3pm) to Penguin Island to find the west coast’s largest colony of fairy penguins (aka little penguins). There are about 1200 of them and you can watch them feeding and find out about the colony at the island’s interpretive centre. Western Australia’s largest colony of pelicans also make the island their home, along with around 50 other bird species.
Seal Island: Take a glass-bottom boat around Seal Island to see rare Australian sea lions.
Point Peron: With its clear waters, Point Peron is a must for divers.

Mandurah and Peel
Mandurah, less than an hour’s drive south of Perth, was once a fishing village but its heritage has disappeared beneath the boardwalk cafes, bars and restaurants of a modern seaside town. It still has its charms though, such as the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre and King’s Carnival, a free-to-enter amusement park.

The Peel-Harvey estuary and network of inland waterways are an aquatic playground. Hire canoes and paddleboats in Ravenswood.
Forest Heritage Centre, Dwellingup: The leaf-shaped centre is your start point for an exhilarating treetop walk through forests of Jarrah and Marri.
Preston Beach: South of Tim’s Thicket Beach, take a 4WD along Preston Beach’s glorious sand dunes.
Kitty’s Gorge Walk: Proof that you don’t have to head too far out of the city to experience nature at its best. Reasonably trying, but Serpentine Falls at the end of the trail are worth the effort.
Lake Clifton, Yalgorup National Park: Seek out the thrombolites, ‘living fossils’ and amongst the oldest living things on earth.

Armadale
40 minutes’ drive from central Perth, the suburb of Armadale has some glorious scenery and a slightly eccentric love of niche history:

Araluen Botanic Park: Great for a romantic stroll or family excursion
Baldivis Karnup Wine Trail: This wine region is making its mark, and there’s plenty of wine tasting on offer. We stopped at Rocksgate Winery but there are others.
Bert Tyler Vintage Machinery Museum: An impressive showcase of early 20th century machinery. More engrossing than it sounds and the location’s lovely.
History House Municipal Museum highlights items significant to the heritage of the area. You’ll find it in the Minnawarra Park historical precinct.
Armadale Outpost Telegraph Centre: Housed in a replica of Armadale’s first post office, this museum of communication is a contender for Australia’s cutest (and smallest) museum.
Armadale Hills Scenic Drive weaves through the hills, forests and heritage sites of the area.
Other: Roleystone Orchard has plenty of fresh produce to sample, as do the cheese factories of Borrello and Mundella. Araluen Golf Course lets you fully appreciate the splendour of the area while you hack your way out of a bunker.

New Norcia
Two hours’ drive north of Perth, New Norcia comes as something of a surprise. The town was originally a Spanish mission for the local aboriginal people and it still looks as though a small slice of Spain has been dropped into the bushland. Its peaceful streets certainly feel Mediterranean.

The Benedictine monks are still here and still own all the schools, churches and lunch bars. They run a mean bakery too. Meet them in Monastic Parlour and ask about their day-to-day lives. Or join the daily Official Town Tour to learn more.
The museum blends a history of the monastery with aboriginal artefacts.

End the day by sampling the New Norcia Abbey Ale at the New Norcia Hotel.

Avon Valley
The Avon Valley was the first inland region to be settled in Western Australia. The towns that make up the area are an easy drive east of Perth and all within 30 mins of each other. Northam, Toodyay, York, Goomalling, Beverley and Brookton each have their historic, National Trust classified sites and treasures.

Perhaps the best way to view Avon Valley’s patchwork of green hills and criss-crossing streams is from the air, and there are some adventurous ways to do it. The hot air balloons are a peaceful treat (aside from the landing which is always a bit hairy). Skydiving, gliding and paragliding offer the same views with added adrenaline.

One of Avon Valley’s chief draws is its year round appeal. Winter turns sections of the Avon River into bubbling, seething rapids that are perfect for white water rafting. Spring covers the fields in a carpet of wildflowers that give walks and picnics added romance.

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Eat It Up

Perth has more restaurants per head of population than anywhere else on earth.

Its suburbs sprawl for miles, and the restaurants are sprinkled across the whole area, which may explain why it also has the highest level of car ownership too.