Holiday at home: Western Australia:

For many Australians, Western Australia is a long way away, but it's a great adventure.

Perth is officially the most isolated city in the world but – even though some locals have dreams of seceding from time-to-time – it is a very Australian city: a thriving city centre, great beaches, active night life, festivals, galleries, museums, fantastic parks, a beautiful river and its own offshore tourist resort island, absolutely beloved by the locals – Rottnest Island.

Out of Perth, you can see anything from great forests, vineyards, magnificent coastal landscapes, marine and other wildlife, desert and the great Aussie outback (although it’s a bit hot at this time of year). Here’s a few activities to enjoy over the holidays for locals or visitors alike.

Tomorrow evening - Carols by Candlelight

Saturday 23^rd December sees the annual Carols by Candlelight in the Supreme Court Gardens right in the middle of the city. Gates open at 4pm, children’s entertainment starts at 6.30pm and the show begins at 7.30pm, concluding with a fireworks finale.

Leeuwin Adventures – tall ship sailing

Climb the mast, set the sails, take the helm or settle back and enjoy the magic of tall ship sailing.
The STS Leeuwin II, Australia’s largest ocean-going tall ship, offers adventure voyages and pleasure sails along the stunning Western Australian coastline. 3 hour journeys cost $250 for a family.

Kings Park

Easily one of the most magnificent city parks in the world covering 400 hectares of natural bushland, manicured gardens and tranquil parkland with a wide range of activities. There’s a Naturescape where kids can climb rocks and ropes, build cubby houses and just generally have fun getting dirty (pictured). There’s also a children’s playground suitable for Under 6s as well as a 75m elevated walkway, misting forest, BBQ, picnic areas, Botanical Gardens, a flower clock, great walks – and all only minutes from the city centre and trendy Subiaco.

Scitech

Located in West Perth, Scitech has interactive exhibits and is both fun and educational. Daily programs these holidays include one on slime, eco-electronics, how maths is important in sport, circuitry and marine science.

Aquarium

With 12,000 kilometres of coastline, the Aquarium has a lot to cover from the icy waters of the Great Southern Ocean to the tropical wonderland of coral reefs in the far north. The Aquarium features Australia's largest aquarium and underwater tunnel; one of the world's largest living coral reefs; the world's largest collection of Western Australian marine life; giant sharks, rays and turtles and interactive fun. There are also Aquarium Adventures when you can join in a snorkel, dive with sharks or take an underwater reef walk – but you have to be 12 years+ and a capable swimmer.

Swan Valley

Not far out of Perth is the Swan Valley, another of Australia’s great centres for food and wine. There’s a food and wine trail map, roadside stalls with fresh fruit, lots of picnic places, wagon tours and a wildlife park.

Margaret River

Western Australia’s best known wine region which is another foodie haven, and has great beaches with some very big surf for very experienced surfers. Margaret River is somewhere to pick a place to stay in for a few days or a week, and just spend each day doing something different – visiting towering forests, swimming, wineries and food places, scuba diving, snorkelling, visiting the Underwater Observatory at Busselton or just kicking back relaxing.Two things of particular note this summer: catch the outdoor movie program at Cape Mentelle from this weekend until 1^st April. You can have a picnic in the garden, or go to the wine bar and lounge for some pizza, antipasto and matched wines. Plus there’s a Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk in Denmark starting on 28^th December through till 18^th January. It’s fun, it’s good physical activity and it’s educational.

Further information?

See www.westernaustralia.com