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To the east are the picturesque Darling Ranges. To the west the sublime Indian Ocean. The meandering Swan River runs through it, whilst in the south, find the ancient Karri and Jarrah forests. North it is golden sands and red-dirt dreamlands. Surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty, a visit to Perth guarantees an awe-inspiring range of tour opportunities.
Getting to Know the City
When you arrive in Perth, it is a good idea to orient yourself by jumping on one of the local buses. The Central Area Transit (CAT) system is a free service that loops central Perth. The blue CAT does the north-south round stopping at spots like London Court. The red CAT runs from east to west, including drops at the renowned WACA sports-ground and His Majesty’s Theatre.
If you prefer a guided tour, then the City Explorer Tram is an excellent way to travel. It takes in the main sights including Kings Park & Botanic Garden, where you will enjoy a superb vista of the city and Swan River.
Once you have covered the central city follow the river on a ferry from Barrack Street Jetty to Fremantle. On arrival, you will find a similar service to the Perth system called the Fremantle CAT Service. Alternatively, climb on board one of the Fremantle trams, which leave from Kings Square at regular intervals.
The More Exotic
If you want something a little different, or indulge in a luxury-chauffeured tour. Perhaps a horseback ride along the Perth foreshore. Or, why not hire a bike from Barrack Street Jetty and soak up the riverside ambience. For a particularly unusual experience, join a ghost walk through some of Fremantle's haunted buildings.
Another option is a scenic flight with Kookabura Air. For those who like to shop, then Let's Go Shopping Tours will escort you to a variety of outlets. Other city tours options include the Perth and Swan River by Night tour, the Aboriginal Heritage Tour and the Perth and Fremantle Morning Sights tour.
Several tourist attractions also offer their own tours. Checkout tours held by the Perth Mint, Fremantle Prison, Kings Park, the Old Observatory and the Perth Zoo.
Beyond the Central Sights
While Perth and Fremantle have more than enough to keep you busy, visiting the surrounding areas is a must. Head north to the Sunset Coast, Yanchep National Park and the Pinnacles. Eco Activity Tours does a day trip to these attractions, or if you want to go further afield Bush Ecotours offers a variety of packages, including a tour of the beautiful wildflowers when in season. Another option is the Water, Wildlife and Winery Tour, which follows the coast north, to one of Western Australia's premier attractions, The Aquarium of WA, before heading inland to vineyard territory.
Swan Valley is renowned for its wines, arts and local produce. If you are in town in autumn you might catch the annual local event, Tastes of the Valley, or, later in the year, Spring in the Valley. If not, enjoy the sights on a wagon trail, where you will get the chance to test wines, visit historic sites and view local art.
Boat Torque Cruises combines a peaceful river cruise with a vineyard tour and delicious lunch at Mulberry Farm. Caversham Wildlife Park is situated in West Swan and an interesting way to visit here is on an After Dark at a Wildlife Park tour.
A little further south you will enter the magical hills area. Planet Perth Tours offers an excellent bush tour on horseback that includes a barbecue lunch. You could hire a car and drive the Cala Munnda Heritage Trail. For those chasing an adrenaline rush, try some rock climbing or abseiling with Adventure Out. For the more subdued, treat yourself to a Llama Leisure picnic. Another fun option is a camel trek. The Hills Forest Activity Centre has guided flora and fauna walks, and you can tour the Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre to see injured and endangered native animals. For those with a passion for the stars, Perth Observatory has star gazing tours.
Taking to the water
Water plays an important part in the local lifestyle. If you have time, a visit to Rottnest Island is not to be missed. Rottnest Express has a day tour to the island and offers whale-watching tours from September until December. Regular ferries run to the island from Barrack Street Jetty, Victoria Quay in Fremantle and Hilarys Boat Harbour. There is plenty to do. The Visitor Centre organises free walking tours from 11.30am-2pm daily. You can hire a bike, and there is excellent snorkeling and diving. Diversity Diving Australia has a selection of dive tours that include Rottnest Island and other spectacular dive sites along the coast. Another great dive site is Penguin Island. Or you can swim with the dolphins in the Cockburn Sound.
If you would like more rigorous exercise while on holiday then checkout the kayak tours and Leeuwin Ocean Adventures. For a more leisurely water experience go sailing, try some beach fishing, maybe a bit of offshore fishing or surfing.
Beyond the City
This may be the city and its surrounds taken care of, but do not forget that further north there is the incredible Ningaloo Reef, one of the only places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks. Broome is another incredible town, with its amazing tides and sunsets. Then there is the southwest corner, and the major tourist drawcard—the spectacular Margaret River region.
For a fine tour and a unique experience check out Worldwide Shopping Tours (http://www.worldwideshoppingtours.com.au). They offer an insiders guide to some of the best products in the region. Email them at: sales@worldwideshoppingtours.com.au.
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