Go West Magazine Winter 2012 by bbmlive.com

Internet no minimum charge, Free iTunes library, Burn photos to CD, Secure luggage storage. Huge noticeboard for employment, Cars for sale, WWOOFING (work for board and food), Items for sale, Lifts offered or wanted, Rental apartments 4 weeks to 6 months. We sell maps, Lonely Planet books, VIP and YHA memberships from $37, New sleeping bags $30, New 3 man tents $55. All tour bookings and information available, Greyhound bus tickets and passes, Train tickets, Domestic flights, Hostel bookings Australia wide from $16. South West tours from 1 - 5 days, Ningaloo Reef tours, Diving, Skydiving, Campervan hire. Best rates in Perth.

Travel Forever (08) 6267 0700 fax: (08) 6267 0701 www.travelforever.com.au info@travelforever.com.au

135 Barrack St, Perth

Go Contents 6 Map of Western Australia 7 Go Perth Culture 8 Buying a Car in Western Australia

s place l u f i s Beaut place wild 42 Page

9 Go to Bed in the West 10 Festivals & Events 12 Western Australia’s Bucket List 14 Go Get Inked - WA Tattoo Artists 15 Cheap Nights Out & Cheap Eats 16 Map of Perth 17 Go Perth 19 Go Perth Beaches 20 Map of Fremantle 21 Go Fremantle 22 Around Perrth 24 Rented Accommodation

Y BERLE M I K E TH 45 page

25 Studying in Perth 25 Go Shopping 26 The Avon Valley 28 Go Inland 29 Go Down South

Go West Handbook PTY

36 Go Indian Ocean Drive 38 Go Coral Coast 40 Go Ningaloo Reef 42 Beautiful Places, Wild Places - Unique Accommodation 43 Go Up North 44 Go Karijini National Park 45 Go Kimberley Region 48 Self Drive the West 51 Jobs & Visas 52 Go General Info 53 Caravan Parks & Camping 54 Accommodation Listings

Go Western Australia Welcome to Australia’s largest state. Remote, vast and beautifully diverse, this is where your real Aussie adventure is sure to begin. From the surf to reef, from the forests to the rugged national parks in the north, WA has it all. Begin your adventure in Perth, a vibrant and growing city. Northbridge is the traveller’s hub, housing most of Perth’s hostels, pubs and nightclubs. Be sure to take a walk along the Swan River, and snap up some spectacular photo opportunities from King’s Park. Fremantle, Perth’s artistic and historic centre, is a city not be missed. It is also a gateway to Rottnest Island, where bike hire is the easiest (and only) way to get around. Heading south, give yourself at least 3 days to experience some of the most breathtaking beaches in Australia. The area boasts a number of wineries and boutique breweries, as well as forests, caves and wildlife. If you are a surfer, the South West offers some of the best breaks in the world. Take a walk along the southern hemisphere’s longest jetty in Busselton, indulge yourself on a wine and cheese tasting tour, take a tree top hike through the Valley of the Giants or swim with wild dolphins in Rockingham. Heading north are the Pinnacles, stunning limestone formations situated in the desert of Nambung National Park. Nearby Lancelin is a great place to try sand boarding and/or some kite surfing. Follow the coastline to Kalbarri National Park, where the picturesque Z-Bend gorge is sure to amaze. Further north, is the majestic, coastal town of Monkey Mia - a popular spot to feed dolphins in World Heritage Listed Shark Bay. Continuing your journey north, you will then arrive in Coral Bay and then Exmouth - the gateway to Ningaloo Reef.

CAB AUDITED PUBLICATION Ph: +61 8 9433 6162 Fax: +61 8 9431 7806 PO Box 147 South Fremantle LPO WA 6162 Email: gowest@gowesthandbook.com Web: www.gowesternaustralia.com.au While every care has been taken to ensure that information is accurate and correct at the time of publication, GO WEST Handbook assumes no responsibility for any entry or omission herein. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. It would be greatly appreciated if any inaccuracies or changes of information were brought to the attention of GO WEST Handbook. Copyright reserved 2012. GO TEAM: Writers - Steve Skogerboe, Katie Tobias Images -123rf.com unless otherwise specified Design & Web - Jess Comber, Luke Webber Intern - Alex Carter Noske Sales & Marketing - Guchi Shakir, Peter Bennett

Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo begins at the forefront of the beach. Hire a snorkel for a day and experience the coral and marine life of one of the best snorkel sites in the West. Travelling inland, North - East of Exmouth is Karijini National Park - rated by many travellers as one of the best experiences on the West Coast. Embodied with spectacular gorges, hiking trails, natural water holes and wildlife - such as red kangaroos, rock wallabies, echidnas and bats - Karijini is an exotic getaway enriched with Aboriginal heritage and culture. Further north on the coast, lies Broome - a happening, tropical oasis, in the Kimberley Region. Surrounding vast, rugged terrain offers adventure enthusiasts beaches, waterfalls, crocodiles, gorges and a diverse beauty you would struggle to find anywhere else. Travelling the West requires a tad more effort than when over East, but the end result is far more rewarding! Hiring a campervan is a great way to explore the State as you wish. Keep in mind, most rental companies do not provide insurance for travelling on unsealed roads. So for those of you eager to venture beyond the beaten track, a 4WD vehicle would be ideal. There are fantastic guided tours that can take you to the hot spots and these are a great way to meet like minded travellers. If you are looking for work or a 2nd year visa, WA is the place to do it! Many regional towns offer hospitality jobs in outback roadhouses and seasonal fruit picking is usually available in the north. WA has it all - the warmth, the views, the ‘no worries’ attitude and an opportunity to venture beyond the tourist trail. Of all the exotic, breathtaking destinations, there are many more to be discovered along the 12,000km coast! Welcome to the wild, rugged and beautifully diverse West!

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Go Perth Culture Go Eat Out

Virtually all restaurants and most pubs and bars offer outside tables wherever possible and dining al fresco is very popular, especially in summer. Areas to check out include Northbridge, Fremantle, Mount Lawley, Leederville and Scarborough. All these ‘strips’ offer a variety of restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs. The range of food on offer is enormous, from lunchtime favourites such as food halls and sushi shops to upmarket restaurants for a classy evening meal. In between you will find something to suit all palates and pockets, including some fantastic BYO curry houses and many venues and flavours reflecting the ethnic diversity of WA’s population. Keep an eye out for fancy restaurants offering specials for early dining outside on week nights or during the day. WA is famous for its seafood with a thriving crayfish (rock lobster) industry as well as prawning and fishing. There is an abundance of delicious ocean treats right on the doorstep i.e. beach. Seafood platters and combinations can be surprisingly inexpensive and could hardly be fresher if they were still flapping. In the coastal suburbs and townships there are some legendary fish and chip shops to be found. Sweetlips Fish and Chips come highly recommended with outlets in Leederville and Fremantle - try their scrumptious calamari! See www.sweetlips.com.au

Popular nightspots include Connections in Northbridge – free lesbian mud wrestling every Wednesday from 10pm, The Court Hotel, Perth with great weekly food deals, events, amateur drag and disco. The Luxe Bar in Mount Lawley is another popular haunt as is the all male Perth Steam Works in Northbridge. The Perth Gay Pride Festival, held for 4 weeks over October and November regularly attracts more than 100,000 people and features a host of gay and lesbian fun, with arts events, street parties, parades, carnivals, amazing costumes, exhibitions and lots of partying. See www.pridewa.asn.au/ pride Other gay and lesbian events in Perth include Reclaim the Night - October, a gay and lesbian March and the Western Australian Gay Olympics - November, sports event. Same sex owned/operated and same sex friendly accommodation such as backpackers hostels, B&B’s, hotels, motels and guest houses can be found throughout Perth and regional locations such as Margaret River, Albany and Broome. If looking for share type short, or long term, accommodation au.easyroommate.com/Gay-ShareAccommodation/western-australia/perth-share-accommodation is a great option! www.outinperth.com will keep you up-to-date on parties, events and even jobs.

Go Pop Culture

Perth and Freo have earned a reputation for being Australia’s equivalent to Britain’s Manchester or the United States’ Seattle, due to the many first class artists and bands it has produced, including Empire of the Sun, Gyroscope, John Butler Trio, The Waifs, Little Birdy, and The Little Panda Band. Check out unique local radio at RTR 92.1 FM.

Go on a Sunday Session

Watching the sunset as it sinks into the Indian Ocean with your bevvie of choice in hand, is an Aussie cultural tradition that is unique to Perth and WA as a whole. The ‘Sunday Session’ as it has come to be known, sees hordes of locals and visitors congregating at beach side pubs to watch the sun go down.

Go Indigenous WA

The first inhabitants of Western Australia were Indigenous Australians from a variety of language and kin groups. Indigenous people continue to have a significant presence in the region. In fact to this day there are more then 365 language groups in Australia and more than 60 in Western Australia alone. Western Australia is heavily stacked with a rich Indigenous history and culture. Many of these original ethnic groups were vanquished during the 200 years of European colonial expansion. Modern day Indigenous Australians are the key to humanity’s oldest continuous culture, providing a living link with up to 70,000 years of history. In the Kimberly Region you can explore ancient rock art and cave paintings. The world famous Bradshaw paintings known as Gwion Gwion are here and are believed to be 50,000 years old. Local communities offer family stays for an authentic experience of Aboriginal culture on the Dampier Peninsula. You can learn more about the beauty of Indigenous culture by visiting various Indigenous centres spread throughout Western Australia. These centres can be found at Karijini National Park in the Northern Pilbara Region, Monkey Mia in Shark Bay,Yallingup in the Southwest, inland at Kojonup and in and around Perth. See www.urbanindigenoustours.com The Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Committee – or WAITOC are a great resource for getting some first hand experience of Western Australia’s Indigenous culture, see www.waitoc. com

Go Gay WA

Perth has a thriving gay and lesbian community with travel, entertainment and accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. While not one of the biggest cities in the world, we pride ourselves on being diverse and stylish - in a Perth kind of way.... If you’ve come for the sun, head to Swanbourne Beach. This is Perth’s nude/gay beach about a 15 minute drive from the city. Swanbourne is a picturesque beach side suburb of Perth. Floreat Beach is a popular gay and lesbian beach however it’s not a nude beach - remember Western Australia is huge with more than another 12 500 kms pristine, unexploited coastline to explore.

Pubs along Cottesloe Beach, Fremantle and Scarborough Beach are famous for these Sunday afternoon drinking parties. Most venues crank up the music with their favourite DJ’s and the drinking is fast and furious.

Go Get Sporty

All Australians love their sport and Aussies on the west coast are no exception. In summer cricket is the national religion of Australia. The season for Australian Football League – or ‘footy’ as it is known here – kicks off in winter. The game is played in WA, SA, NT, NSW, QLD and Victoria. Aussie Rules is fast paced and seemingly has no rules when you first watch it. Western Australia has two National teams, the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers. The sport is an integral part of Western Australian culture so be sure to check it out a game. If there’s one thing Brits miss about living out here in Western Australia, it’s the football. Whether you’re a Man Utd, City, a Scouser - red or blue - a Geordie or a Gooner. Or even a Brissle or a Pompey fan, it doesn’t matter, the local aerial ping-pong just isn’t the same... Thanks to Fox Sports, every Prem game is beamed in live - so check out the time at your local pub (they will vary according to the the state and timezone you are in) but anything else is hit and miss. The occasional Championship game last season saw the Hammers or the Saints on the screen as they marched back to the Premier League. Setanta keeps the Jocks happy with Scottish League and the upcoming Euros. So what can you do? Check out the results via the web and the club sites - ok - but not really enough for those of us who live and breath the game to the point where we forget our mum’s birthday!! First call would be the A-League, Australia’s national competition with at last count 10 clubs, although that keeps changing. There’s a been a few disasters in the game since the comp launched seven years ago and we’ve seen a couple of clubs come and go - Gold Coast last year - but there’s a new team in western Sydney to create a derby feel against the established bling of Sydney FC, as there is in Melbourne with Victory and the Heart. Chuck in Adelaide, Newcastle, Perth, reigning top dogs Brisbane, Central Coast and Wellington across the ditch in NZ and you have a national league. The standard is third division, although improving, and it’s a pretty good way to spend a Saturday night or Sunday arvo with mates. One advantage is you can have a beer or three while watching something almost impossible to do in the UK unless you are part of the ‘prawn sandwich’ brigade.

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Buying a Car in Western Australia If purchasing a car, you will need to understand the Australian car registration system or “Rego” as we call it. Charges, and regulations/requirements vary greatly across Australia; in New South Wales it can cost over $800, while in Western Australia it can be half that. Rego must be renewed every year. The Rego includes the minimum legal third-party insurance. This provides you with unlimited cover against claims for personal or fatal injury caused to another person (but not their vehicle/s and or property), as a result of your negligent driving of a Western Australian licensed vehicle anywhere in Australia. In Australia every vehicle with a valid number plate (Rego) has compulsory third-party insurance along with it. It doesn’t matter who’s driving it - so insurance goes along with the vehicle. Sellers usually factor in the unused Rego into the selling price of the car. The reason you get additional insurance is to cover repairs on someone else’s car (and/or yours) should you be in an accident that is your fault. RAC Western Australia is a good provider of additional insurance cover. Fees, however are more for drivers under the age of 25, more again for drivers under the age of 19 or those with a bad driving history. RAC also offers the most comprehensive roadside assistance throughout Western Australia. This cover is a wise investment (about $140 per year) for those travelling in remote areas. See www.rac.com.au Any person buying a car, regardless of how much Rego is left on it, is still responsible for the registration transfer fee, currently about $125 in Western Australia based on a vehicle worth $4000. Your best bet is to buy a car that is registered in the State that you are buying it, with at least six months of Rego left on it – however this is often not an option that arises, particularly with travellers buying and selling cars in different States. If the annual Rego is due, or if you are buying a car in a different state to which it is registered, this will need to be paid and other conditions may apply such as compulsory mechanical inspections in New South Wales. Victoria and Queensland require you obtain a roadworthy inspection before you can even sell your car, so it may actually be more cost effective to transfer the Rego to another state, like Western Australia, and sell it here. When purchasing a licensed vehicle in Western Australia you must complete the vehicle license transfer form with the seller and submit the ‘purchaser’s copy’ within 14 days of purchasing the vehicle. Failing to do so may result in a penalty. Failure to pay the vehicle license duty and transfer fee within 28 days of the invoice being issued will result in an infringement. The steps required to transfer vehicle ownership are provided in the vehicle license transfer form from www.transport.wa.gov.au If you bring a registered vehicle from interstate and want to register it in Western Australia, you can usually do so without the need for a vehicle examination, unlike in other States where a Roadworthy Certificate is required from an approved mechanic (within the State where the vehicle was registered). See www.transport.wa.gov.au for exceptions. Cars in Australia are quite cheap with the cost of a typical backpacker vehicle ranging between $2000-$6000. As like in the rest of the world, buying second hand cars can be very dodgy, so have any vehicle that you are considering buying checked out by a mechanic. It really is money well spent and the chances are, they will find something that will help you negotiate $80 or so off the asking price and if not, you’ve found a great vehicle. Cheap, reliable cars are generally large cars such as the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore, which can cost a bit to run but are generally cheap to fix and service. Check notice boards/websites and buy your car from another traveller, as it may come with camping equipment and you could be able to get a good bargain, considering that other travellers have a flight home to catch and are in a hurry to sell. Again, have any prospective purchase checked out by a mechanic. The West Australian newspaper, the Sunday times and the Quokka paper are good places to start looking for a car along with various websites such as www.carsales.com.au Some backpacker car dealers offer a buy-back guarantee, where they offer to buy the car back from you at an agreed (lower) price at the end of your trip. You can usually get a much better price selling the car yourself but a buy-back guarantee is handy if you don’t want to waste precious time trying to sell the car when you have finished with it. If you buy from a car dealer that offers a buyback guarantee, read the fine print and make sure that you are not required to pass a roadworthy inspection. Very few vehicles can pass a roadworthy after a trip around Australia and a buy-back guarantee with this condition is virtually worthless. Travellers’ Auto Barn and are established buy back/resellers of vehicles and have depots nationally. See www.travellers-autobarn.com.au To drive in Western Australia you must have a valid driving license from another country which is recognized as having roads similar to Australia. See www.transport.wa.gov.au for more info on licenses.

Department of Transport Western Australia Website: www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing Phone: 08 6551 6000 Facsimile: 08 6551 6001 Address: Corner Troode Street and Plaistowe Mews, City West, West Perth WA 6005 Opening hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday Licensing in other States: New South Wales - www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/index.html Victoria - www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Registration Queensland - www.tmr.qld.gov.au South Australia - www.transport.sa.gov.au/index.asp Northern Territory - www.nt.gov.au/transport/mvr Tasmania - www.transport.tas.gov.au/registration_information Australian Capital Territory - www.rego.act.gov.au

Buses & Trains Buses

Bus routes cross all over Western Australia. Provided you can stand sitting still for hours on end they are convenient – some do last for days but you can get to hop on and off at whim. Integrity Coach Lines offer *Perth to Exmouth for $180 and Perth to Coral Bay for just $135. On board there is always air conditioning and video entertainment. Go to www.integritycoachlines.com.au

*Prices may be subject to change

Trains

Rail infrastructure is limited within Western Australia. The focal point is in Perth and the rail connects to only three locations: Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, and the Avon Valley. To inquire about fares and timetables consult the Transwa Booking Centre at 1300 662 205 or www.transwa.wa.gov.au

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GO WEST events& festivals www.gowesternaustralia.com.au

What: Staircase to the Moon 2012 When: 9th March – 4th October 2012 Where: Broome (North West) Cost: Free This natural phenomenon occurs when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats at extremely low tide, creating the optical illusion of a staircase reaching to the moon. On some event nights, staircase markets are held at Town Beach, Broome where you can sample local fare, purchase crafts and delight in the talented entertainers. More info: www.broomevisitorcentre.com.au What: Desert Psychedelic - Jimmy Pike Where: Fremantle Prison Gallery, The Terrace, Fremantle When: Until August 19th 2012 Cost: Free Indigenous artist Jimmy Pike’s extraordinary tale of achieving against the odds is explored in an exhibition Desert Psychedelic: Jimmy Pike. This free exhibition is on display at Fremantle Prison Gallery. Born in the Great Sandy Desert around 1940, Pike lived a traditional Walmajarri life for most of his childhood. As an adult, while serving time in prison, Pike joined art classes and before long his work was capturing the explosive beauty of the harsh desert landscape with bold forms and psychedelic colours. More info: www. fremantleprison.com.au What: City of Perth Winter Arts Season When: 1st June – 31st August 2012 Where: Various Locations, Perth Cost: Free and varies Fill your winter with colour, warmth and creative offerings from Western Australia’s leading arts organisations. The City of Perth Winter Arts Season, now in its 8th year, continues to grow in participant numbers, diversity and recognition. This year’s season will combine theatre, film, comedy, opera, literature, dance, visual arts, poetry and cabaret as well as a range of free and family events. Immerse yourself in the City this winter with our world-class selection of events and performances - guaranteed to nourish the soul. More info: www.perthwinterarts.com.au What: Bridgetown In The Winter When: Friday, 1 June 2012 to Friday, 31 August 2012 Where: Bridgetown (South West) Cost: Free “Bridgetown in the Winter” is run by the BGTA (Bridgetown Greenbushes Tourism Association) and comprises a variety of events each weekend over the 12 weekends of the winter period. Events include theatre, fairs, sporting events, workshops, comedy, writers’ weekend, SW Chess Championship, music and of course the opening event where Bridgetown “Lights Up” on the first weekend of June. More info: Bridgetowninthewinter.com

What: Picasso To Warhol - Fourteen Modern Masters Where: Art Gallery of WA, Perth Cultural Centre, Perth When: 16th June to 3rd December Cost: $16-19 As part of the Art Gallery of Western Australia’s Great Collections of the World series, the Gallery together with The Museum of Modern Art will present six world-class exhibitions over three years. The exciting partnership will launch its first, largescale exhibition entitled Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters. The launch exhibition will feature over 100 modern art masterpieces by 14 of the most iconic artists of the 20th century. More info: www.artgallery.wa.gov.au What: Rottness After Dark Where: Rottnest Island Settlement, Rottnest Island When: Friday 29th June to Saturday 11th August Cost: 2 nights $159 per person twin share (includes event tickets and return ferry fare from Northport, Fremantle) This ticketed theatrical experience leads small groups through the settlement at night, offering unique, interactive stories and intrigues to transport you from the 21st Century to a previous time...who will you meet? More info: www.rottnestisland.com

bar project this July. You can expect to here him perform tracks from his new studio album “The View Is Worth Climbing”. More info: www.artgallery.wa.gov.au What: Revelation Perth International Film Festival Where: Various venues, Perth When: Thursday 5th to Sunday 15th July Cost: Varies Revelation is Western Australia’s international film festival. The annual festival and screen conference seek to find signature driven works across the spectrum from ‘safer’ films to the downright unpalatable. Rev is opposed to the restrictions of traditional international film distribution and hope to show a wide range of works to a hungry audience. More info: www.revelationfilmfest.org

What: The Joe Kings Strange Individual National Tour Where: Fly By Night, Fremantle When: Thursday 5th July Cost: $20 The Joe Kings tour Australia this July as part of their debut album, “Strange Individual” which is due for release in August 2012. More info: www.flybynight.org What: The Bamboos Where: Bakery Artrage Complex, 233 James St, Northbridge When: Friday 6th July Cost: $33 More info: www.nowbaking.com.au The Bamboos are Melbourne 9 piece who’s music is inspired by raw instrumental funk from the 60’s and 70’s. The Bamboos are stepping up for their biggest tour to date on the back of their latest album “Medicine Man”. More info: www.nowbaking.com.au

What: Backyard Disco Where: The Aviary, Level 1, 140 William St, Perth When: Every Sunday Cost: Free Backyard Project resident DJs will be spinning their laid back disco tunes, all streamed live to Backyard Project radio. The fun starts from 2pm with doors opening at midday, every Sunday on the Aviary rooftop. More info: www.theaviaryperth.com.au What: Tim Finn - Arts Bar Project Where: Art Gallery of WA, Perth Cultural Centre, Perth When: Thursday 5th July Cost: $58.50 + bf Tim Finn, founding member of iconic New Zealand band Split Enz and previous member of Crowded House will be playing at the arts

What: Derby Boab Festival Where: Derby (North West) When: 6 - 21 July 2012 Cost: Free and varies More info: derbyboabfestival.org.au Featuring a float parade and mardi gras, film festival, mud football, a long table dinner, ball and the Boab Quest. Local community groups also organise their own events to coincide with the festival. More info: derbyboabfestival.org.au What: Rock The Ballet Where: The Regal Theatre, 474 Hay Street, Subiaco When: From Tuesday 10th July Cost: $79.90-$98.90 Rasta Thomas’ Rock the Ballet features a stellar soundtrack including some of the biggest hits from U2, Michael Jackson, Prince, Queen, Coldplay and Lenny Kravitz. Set against a backdrop of video projected scenery, the show is exciting, fun, fleshy, raunchy, powerful and brilliantly entertaining. More info: www.regaltheatre.com.au

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What: The School For Wives Where: State Theatre Centre, 174 - 176 William St, Perth When: Wednesday 11th July Cost: $25 - $90 The School For Wives, performed by the Bell Shakespeare Company written by Moliere and translated by Justin Fleming will be touring nationally from June – November to 27 regional cities. More info: www.statetheatrecentrewa.com.au

What: Bangers & Mash presents Those Usual Suspects Where: Flawless Nightclub, 298 Hay St, Subiaco When: Thursday 12th July Cost: $10-15 Those Usual Suspects first single “Dakka” was given global support from some of the the biggest names in the Dance Indusrty including, David Guetta Martin Solveig, Erick Morillo and was released on Bob Sinclairs Africanism/Yellow Productions imprint. More info: www.theflawless.com.au What: An Englishman and Irishman and a Scotsman Where: Riverside Theatre, 21 Mounts Bay Rd, Perth When: Saturday 14th July Cost: $64.90 - $84.90 An Englishman and Irishman and a Scotsman walk into an Australian theatre… that’s going to be FUNNY! It’s that time again for the comedy event of the year. More info: www.pcec.com.au What: US House Tribute Where: Geisha, 135a James St, Northbridge When: Saturday 14th July, doors open from 11pm Cost: Free before midnight more after Welcome back to the Geisha Booth BENJAM, JamesA, JDubz, Terry Waites for the Winter Edition of this popular Underground Night. More info: www.geishabar.com.au What: Two Fires EP Launch Tour Where: Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough When: Sunday 15th July The Brow Horn Orchestra are set to introduce us to their second five track EP Two Fires with an 11 date National Australian Tour. Playing at Muiltiple venues around Perth but for something slightly different we recommend Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough. More info: www.clancysfishpub.com.au What: The Birth - Pimps of Sound feat. Marnie Kent Where: The Rosemount Hotel, Perth When: Thursday 19th July Cost: $8.00 This night is set to be a dance event with a difference, a collection of LIVE drum and base bands, DJ’s and MC’s. More info: www.rosemounthotel.com.au

What: Major Base Where: Villa Nightclub, 187 Stirling Street, Perth When: Saturday 21st July Cost: $38 + bf What more can we say? If you’re like your music big with base then get involved. Major Base will be headlined by Cutline, Rennie Pilgrem and Nick Thayer who are all World renown for being at the top of their game. Expect Big Breaks and heavy DnB baselines. More info: www.villanightclub.com.au What: Band Of Skulls Where: Bakery Artrage Complex When: Monday 23rd July Cost: $49.50 - $60 Band of skulls, originally from Southampton in the UK have taken the global rock scene by storm since their sold out gigs at London’s Forum in 2010. The feverish response to Band Of Skulls in America, Australia, across Europe and elsewhere has happened as a result of a few things. Gettting global iTunes single of the week with “I know What I Am” surely helped. More info:www.artrage.com.au

What: Niche Productions Presents Z-Trip All New Live Show Where: The Bakery, 233 James St, Northbridge When: Saturday 11th August Cost: $43 King of the beat, Don of the DJ’s, originator of the Mash Up, the legend that is Z-Trip returns to Oz. More info: www.nowbaking.com.au What: Motown & Soul Night Where: Fly By Night, Fremantle When: Thursday 10th August Cost: $10 A night with a difference, Barry Simpson with support from a wealth of local DJ talent will be getting you in the mood to groove with a night of the best Northern Soul and Motown classics on this side of the globe. More info: www.flybynight.org

What: Ladyhawke Where: The Bakery When: Tuesday 24th July Cost: $40 - $45 Ladyhawke is now confirmed to be touring Australia for the first time since 2009. You’ll be sure to catch her performing tracks such as My Dilirium, Paris Is Burning and Back Of the Van from her ARIA Award winning self titled debvut album. More info: www.nowbaking.com.au What: 2012 DMC Championship: WA Heat Where: The Bakery, 233 James Street Northbridge When: Friday 27th July Cost: Tickets on the door 29 years in the world DMC contest is coming back to Australia. For those of you who have been hiding in a cave most your life the DMC championship is THE biggest DJ comp of the year where you’ll see the best turntablists battle it out against each other. More info: www.nowbaking.com.au What: Boomstick Pres Lee Coombs Where: Ambar Nightclub, 104 Murray Street, Perth When: Friday 27th July Cost: $20 on the door Lee Coombs is a World class DJ even in comparison to World class DJ’s. A regular headliner at the Burning Man festival and now one of the few DJ’s to work along side the world renown vodka label Absolute. More info: www.boomtick.com.au What: Avon River Festival and Markets Where: Northam, Avon Valley When: 3rd – 5th August 2012 Need a challenge? Come to Northam for its annual Avon River Descent 2012. Bring camping gear or stay at one of their many comfortable accommodation outlets. After enjoying the festivities of the River Festival Friday night, rise early Saturday morning and pit your fitness levels against those from around the globe as you take on the Avon River in all its glory. This 133 kilometre trek is not for the faint-hearted. More info: www. visitnorthamwa.com.au

What: Owl Eyes - Arts Bar Project Where: Art Gallery of WA, Perth Cultural Centre, PerthWhen: Thursday 16th August Cost: $39.40 + bf Featuring twice in Triple J’s Hottest 100 this year, Owl Eyes brings together startling vocals and vivid lyrics. Performing tracks from herFaces and Raiders EP’s and her newest release Crystalised, Owl Eyes will take you on a journey of escapism with her breezy, indie-pop songs. More info: www.artgallery.wa.gov.au/artbar/index.asp What: Hilltop Hoods Where: Challenge Stadium, Stephenson Ave, Mt Claremont, Perth When: Friday 17th August Cost: $58.55 With soaring musical crescendos and onslaughts of their trademark verbal abrasiveness, the Hoods deliver their unique Hip Hop aesthetic, blasting through the mash-up style instrumentalism of their latest record State Of The Art and treating a surging, hungry crowd with classic anthems The Nosebleed Section, Clown Prince and What A Great Night. More info: www.ticketmaster.com.au

What: Ed Sheeran Where: PCEC Riverside Theatre, 21 Mounts Bay Road, Perth When: Monday 6th August Cost: SOLD OUT. Tips for tickets are head to the venue and try and get lucky or keep a watch on facebook. The 21 year old Brit has stormed the UK and has now done the same here in Australia. More info: www.premier.ticketek.com.au

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What: The North West Festival Where: Port Hedland Turf Club (North West) When: 18th August 2012 Cost: Free The inaugural North West Festival is set to rock Port Hedland. The festival will be headlined by hip hop kings Hilltop Hoods, who will perform their smash hit ‘I Love It’ and a truckload of their other great songs. More info: www.northwestfestival.com.au

What: Meekatharra Outback Festival Where: Meekatharra (Inland) When: 28th September – 1st October 2012 Meekatharra invites you to come and enjoy the outback with four days of festivities this October. Kids and adults alike will be kept entertained with activities including the Circus, rides and the Rodeo. The fun begins on Friday with market stalls, music and fireworks followed throughout the weekend and into Monday with the street parade, Outback Ball, races and much more. More info: www.meekashire.wa.gov.au

What: Parklife Where: Wellington Square, East Perth When: Monday 1st October Cost: $120 inc booking fee Passion Pit, Plan B, Nero live, Justice (DJ set), Tame Impala, Robyn, Chairlift, Chiddy Bang, Wiley, Hermitude, Parachute Youth, Rusko, Benga live, Citizens!, Charli XCX, St Lucia, DJ Fresh live, Jack Beats live, Modestep, Alison Wonderland, Art Department, Lee Foss, Flume, Jacques Lu Cont, Labrinth, Rizzle Kicks and many many more including the Presets. More info: www.parklife.com.au

What: IGA Perth Royal Show Where: Claremont Showgrounds, Perth When: 29th September – 6t October 2012 Cost: To be advised The IGA Perth Royal Show is Perth’s biggest community event attracting 400,000 visitors from the city and the country every year. With a rich history spanning 170 years, the Show is an iconic social and cultural event which showcases West Australian agriculture, small business and entertainment. More info: www.perthroyalshow.com.au

What: Sunshine Festival When: 5th – 13th October – 2012 Where: Geraldton (Coral Coast) Cost: Free Geraldton’s community will shine at this year’s Sunshine Festival. Since 1959, the festival has celebrated Geraldton’s unique and diverse lifestyle, providing family entertainment to thousands of visitors. More info: www.sunshinefestival.com.au

What: Shinju Matsuri Festival Where: Broome (North West) When: 31st August – 9th September 2012 Cost: Free Nowhere else in the world can you visit an Australian festival, with a Japanese name. Where a traditional Chinese dragon is the centre-piece and people proudly display their ethnic origins, and celebrate a pearling history that has made their getaway town the envy of the world. Shinju Matsuri is the premier arts, cultural and community festival in Broome, Western Australia. More info: www.shinjumatsuri.com.au

What: Kulin Bush Races Where: Kulin (Golden Outback) When: 5th -7th October 2012 Cost: Free and varies The community of Kulin welcome you to the country event of the year as it celebrates the 18th year of the famous Kulin Bush Races. The races provide a great weekend packed full of fun for the whole family. More info: www.kulin.wa.gov.au What: Fremantle Festival Where: Various venues Fremantle When: 28th October – 11th November 2012 Cost: Free and varies Australia’s longest running festival, the Fremantle Festival, is a celebration of 107 years of the magical culture that makes Fremantle so unique. Shaped largely by the imaginations of local artists, performers and schools, the Festival is a vibrant hub of community activity. In 2011 more than 100 community events were included in the Festival along with the major events including the Children’s Fiesta, Wardarnji, Norfolk Lanes Youth Festival, Coffee Festival, Black Box theatre, Town Hall program and the Street Parade. More info: www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/festivals/

What: Kings Park Festival Where: Kings Park, Perth When: 1st September – 7th October 2012 Cost: Free The Kings Park Festival celebrates “Wildflowers in Focus” this spring, as Western Australian wildflowers leap into bloom. The Festival will run throughout September finishing with the everpopular Wild Fairyland Festival in early October. More info: www.bgpa.wa.gov.au

Western Australia’s bucket list... 1. Swim with dolphins Where: Bunbury (South West) When: In the daytime Who with: Dolphin Discovery Centre Phone: (08) 9791 3088 Web: www.dolphindiscovery.com.au 2. Skydive the beach

Where: Jurien Bay (Coral Coast) When: In the daytime Who with: Skydive Jurien Bay Phone: (08) 08 9652 1320 Web: www.skydivejurienbay.com

3. Swim with whale sharks

Where: Exmouth (Coral Coast) When: April - July Who with: Ningaloo Dreaming Freecall (in Australia): 1800 994 210 or Phone: (08) 9949 4777 Web: www.ningaloodreaming.com

4. WATCH A CABLE BEACH SUNSET Where: Cable Beach, Broome (North West) When: Sundown Who with: Your lover, family, mates or by yourself 5. Explore Karijini National Park

6. JOIN THE FREMANTLE FESTIVAL CLOSING PARTY

Where: Fremantle When: Sunday 11th November 2012 Who with: Everyone Phone: (08) 9432 9999 Web: www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/festivals/Fremantle_Festival

Where: Karijini National Park When: During the day Where to stay: Karijini Eco Retreat Phone: (08) 9425 5591 Web: www.karijiniecoretreat.com.au

6. DO THE TREE TOP WALK Where: Near Walpole (South West) When: During the day Phone: (08) 9840 1111 Web: www.walpole.com.au

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Go Get Inked in Perth Since the dawn of time mankind has been decorating their surroundings and themselves with selfexpression, art made from naturally crafted paints and ink. The earliest record of tattooing was over 5,300 years ago when “Ötzi the Iceman”, Europe’s oldest human mummy, rocked 57 individual pieces on his spine, right knee and both ankles. Tattoos have since become a lot of things to a lot of people. From the Ancient Egyptian’s erotic dotand-dash patterns that were restricted to women only, to the South American Maya, whose warriors wore them like military badges expressing courage and bravery. In fact, history shows us that for many years body art has been important to an individual’s place in society. In the New World, Native Americans developed an isolated and complex tattoo tradition. Most tribes celebrated adulthood with tattoo puberty rituals. Simple lines and geometric patterns were used and women often had ink extending from the lower lip onto the chin. Girls were expected to deal with the pain as it represented their ability to bare children and be married off. In the Pacific cultures traditional designs were used to represent your past, island of origin and job. For example fishermen would have symbols protecting them from sharks, or warriors from their enemies. Polynesians would also use body art to emphasis a person’s ‘mana’, their spiritual power or life force. This ancient art form has since been passed down through legends, songs and ritual ceremonies.

Each piece would have a special meaning and would be applied in prison with primitive, handmade tools. Gangs all over the world now use tattoos as a symbol of their loyalty and membership, in some cases like the teardrop tattoos in North America, it indicates the amount of killings you’ve committed.

The Māoris of New Zealand, one of the most iconic tattooed peoples in world, still wear full-face pieces called ‘moko’. Using a similar style to their age-old woodcarvings, Māoris would apply tats with a bone chisel, cutting themselves then using burnt ashes to colour the skin. These would be a mark of status, expressing their ancestry, tribe and exploits in war.

The Japanese Yakuza have historically had full-body tattoos that are applied beneath the skin using hand held needles of sharpened bamboo or steel. The procedure is expensive and painful and can take years to complete. They normally keep their artwork concealed in public, as they don’t want the police to know their affiliation with a gang. It’s this blurring of the line between society and their outcasts that has become a defining factor in the 21st century of tattooing.

After the British Explorer Captain Cook encountered the South Pacific Islands in 1769, merchants and sailors soon spread the art to the West. Men would return home with tales of tribes covered head to toe, exhibiting their drawings and paintings until by the turn of the century most ports had at least one tattooist at work. Then in 1862, the Prince of Wales, later to become King Edward VII, got himself a Jerusalem cross and lead the way for the aristocracy to follow. However tattoos weren’t just reserved for the wild and wonderful, but also served a purpose in the criminal underworld. High-ranking members of the Russian Mafia would use ink as a code of honor.

Today, people can choose from a long list of reasons to express themselves through their skin. Whether it’s cosmetic, sentimental, religious or gang related, this growth in tattoo culture has seen an influx of new artists, new technologies and improvements in quality and hygiene. Tattoos are a part of pop culture, inspiring television shows, art exhibitions, music and literature. People are now turning to body art as a way to capture a moment in time, forever cherishing a memory you can touch and feel. By Peter Bennett

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cheap nights out & cheap eats

Monday

$11.50 & $10 concession Monday Double features @ Luna Cinemas, 155 Oxford St, Leederville Monday $12 Lunch specials 12noon – 2.30pm, $7.50 Pint of the Month @ JB O’Reilly’s, 99 Cambridge St, West Leederville 1/2 Price nachos, $6 tacos @ Zapata’s, Shop 30, South Terrace Piazza, Fremantle $10.95 pizza/pasta @ The Moon, 2/323 William St, Northbridge Mad Magner’s Monday Pint Bottles & Magners Draught only $8.90 all day @ Rosie O’Grady’s, 205 James St, Northbridge Manic Mondays $3.50 Champagne, $4 Daiquiri Cocktails, $5 Bourbons, $5 Vodkas, $8.50 Tooheys White Stag Jugs @ The Deen, 84 Aberdeen Sreet, Northbridge $14 pizza & pint @ The Rosemount Hotel, 459 Fitzgerald St, North Perth $17.50 Chicken parma & with chips [5pm onwards] @ Hyde Park Hotel, 331 Bulwer St, Perth $20 steak & pint of Tiger beer @ The Paddo, 141 Scarborough Beach Road, Mt Hawthorn Mighty Monday Curry Specials $19.50 @ The Mighty Quinn Tavern, 112 Wanneroo Road, Tuart Hill Pan fried Barramundi Fillet with chips & salad $15.00 @ The Brass Monkey, Cnr James & Williams Sts, Northbridge

Tuesday

$12 Lunch specials 12noon – 2.30pm, $7.50 Pint of the Month @ JB O’Reilly’s, 99 Cambridge St, West Leederville $5 drinks/student night @ The Kardinya Tavern, 17 South St, Kardinya Free BBQ & free drink before 10pm. Free bus from hostels @ Hip-E Club, 663 Newcastle St, Leederville 1/2 price Waffles, $2.60 small, $3 large @ Gelaré (all) [note: ice cream is extra & is full price] Super Tuesdays $3 upgrade to 3D @ Hoyts/Greater Union Cinemas 1/2 price nachos [Anytime before 7pm] @ The Mexican Kitchen, 19 South Terrace, Fremantle 1/2 Price Nachos, $6 Tacos @ Zapata’s, Shop 30, South Terrace Piazza, Fremantle $2 Tacos, $5 coronas (1/2price cocktails 6pm-7pm) @ Sante Fe, 315 Hay St, Subiaco Free quiz night, $7 Pints of Becks & Sex on the beach 8pm @ Carnegies, 356 Murray St, Perth $14 pasta night @ The Rosemount Hotel, 459 Fitzgerald St, North Perth $13 250gm rump steak, $18 400gm rump steak @ Hyde Park Hotel, 331 Bulwer St, Perth $11.95 pizza/pasta @ The Moon, 2/323 William St, Northbridge $6.80 pints, $7 meals (different each week) 5pm-9pm @ Rosie O’Grady’s, 205 James St, Northbridge $17 steak & drink @ Llama Bar, 1/464 Hay St, Subiaco $10 jugs of Stella, $5 spirits 7pm @ The Paddo, 141 Scarborough Beach Road, Mt Hawthorn 1/2 price meatballs (10/$3.50, 15/$4.25, 20/$5) @ IKEA, 6 Sunray Dr, Innaloo Chicken Parmingiana Night $16.50 @ The Mighty Quinn Tavern, 112 Wanneroo Road, Tuart Hill

Wednesday

Cheap Wednesdays @ Luna Palace Cinemas, Luna Leederville & Luna on SX $12 Lunch specials 12noon – 2.30pm, $7.50 Pint of the Month @ JB O’Reilly’s, 99 Cambridge St, West Leederville Pie & Pint from 5pm $15 @ JB O’Reilly’s, 99 Cambridge St, West Leederville 1/2price cocktails @ Carnegies, 356 Murray St, Perth $12 Parma, chips, salad & Trivia Night 8pm @ Charles Hotel, 509 Charles St, North Perth

$16 steak, chips, salad @ Durty Nelly’s, 397 Murray St, Perth 1/2 price cocktails from 6pm onwards @ Carnegies, 356 Murray St, Perth $14 rump steak @ The Rosemount Hotel, 459 Fitzgerald St, North Perth Buy one main meal get the other half price @ Hyde Park Hotel, 331 Bulwer St, Perth $2.50 middies @ The Newport, 2 South Terrace, Fremantle

$7 pints of Magners Cider, 5pm @ Rosie O’Grady’s, 205 James St, Northbridge $11 pizza, $9 cocktails @ The Universal Bar, 221 William St, Northbridge $50 dinner for 2, entrée, dip, enchilada & margarita @ The Mexican Kitchen, 19 South Terrace Fremantle $18.50 Casserole @ The Mighty Quinn Tavern, 112 Wanneroo Road, Tuart Hill

Saturday

$15 breakfast @ Moondyne Joe’s, 73 Wray Avenue, Fremantle $16 steak, chips, salad @ Durty Nelly’s, 397 Murray St, Perth $8 cocktails 6pm-7pm @ Harry’s Bar, 73 Francis St, Northbridge $20 Stirfry @ The Mighty Quinn Tavern, 112 Wanneroo Road, Tuart Hill

Sunday

$20 fajitas @ The Mexican Kitchen, 19 South Terrace, Fremantle Cheap cocktail carafes only $10 each with any meal @ Zapata’s, Shop 30, South Terrace Piazza, Fremantle $13.90 Steak & free Quiz night (book) @ The Mighty Quinn Tavern, 112 Wanneroo Road, Tuart Hill $6 Jamaica Mules @ Hula Bula Bar, 12 Victoria Avenue, Perth $20 steak & beer @ The Shed, 69-71 Aberdeen St, Northbridge $13 steak with chips, salad & gravy @ The Brass Monkey, Corner James &, Williams Sts, Northbridge $5 BBQ student/backpacker meal, drinks & door prize 6pm-10pm (also free pool comp at 7:30pm) @ Mustang Bar, 46 Lake St, Northbridge Free Trivia night, 7:30pm @ My Place Bar, 70 Pier St, Perth Free quiz night, 8pm @ Moondyne Joe’s, 73 Wray Avenue, Fremantle $17 steak & drink @ Llama Bar, Corner Rokeby Road & Hay St, Subiaco $11 pizza/pasta @ The Universal Bar, 221 William St, Northbridge

Thursday

$12 Lunch specials 12noon – 2.30pm, $7.50 Pint of the Month @ JB O’Reilly’s, 99 Cambridge St, West Leederville Curry Night! Curry & Pint from 5pm - $15 @ JB O’Reilly’s, 99 Cambridge St, West Leederville $19 Chicken Parmigianna with a pint of beer or a glass of house wine @ Carnegies, 356 Murray St, Perth $15 casadia, taco & beer @ The Mexican Kitchen, 19 South Terrace, Fremantle $6.00 Pina Coladas with any meal @ Zapata’s, Shop 30, South Terrace, Fremantle $25 pasta & glass of house wine @ The Mighty Quinn Tavern, 112 Wanneroo Road, Tuart Hill $15 Chicken Kiev, chips & salad at Durty Nelly’s, 397 Murray St, Perth $10 parmi or snitzel @ The Rosemount Hotel, Corner Angove & Fitzgerald St, North Perth $11.50 cocktails @ Llama Bar, Cnr Rokeby Rd & Hay St, Subiaco $11 pizza/pasta @ The Universal Bar, 221 William St, Northbridge

Friday

$12 Lunch specials 12noon – 2.30pm, $7.50 Pint of the Month @ JB O’Reilly’s, 99 Cambridge St, West Leederville

$15 breakfast @ Moondyne Joe’s, 73 Wray Avenue, Fremantle All Day Traditional Sunday Roast Menu - $19.50 - @ JB O’Reilly’s, 99 Cambridge St, West Leederville $10 pizza & pint @ The Flying Scottsman, 639 Beaufort St Mount Lawley $6.80 pints 6pm&, $7 meals 5pm-9pm @ Rosie O’Grady’s, 205 James St, Northbridge $20 fajitas @ The Mexican Kitchen, 19 South Terrace Fremantle $6.00 Pina Coladas with any meal @ Zapata’s, Shop 30, South Terrace Piazza, Fremantle $16.50 Roast dinner with potato & vegetables @ The Mighty Quinn Tavern, 112 Wanneroo Road, Tuart Hill $15 roast @ The Paddo, 141 Scarborough Beach Road, Mt Hawthorn $9 BBQ steak & chips & salad @ Swanbank Bar & Café (Maylands Peninsula Public Golf Course), Swanbank Road, Maylands

Always Cheap

Everything ($9-$16) @ La Porchetta, 25 Collie St Fremantle Min $10, All You Can Eat @ Annalakshmi, Jetty 4, Barrack Square Perth Jetty 4, Barrack Square Perth $1 hotdogs @ IKEA, 6 Sunray Dr, Innaloo $8/$9 meals @ Bibik Chan’s Satay Garden Restaurant, 134B Stirling Highway Nedlands $2.50 vegie curry & extra thing @ 4:30pm-6:30pm - Govinda’s Restaurant, 194 William St, Northbridge Lunch & drink $7.95 @ Jimmy Deans, Corner Manning St & The Esplanade, Scarborough Lunch (from $5.90) @ Thailand Restaurant, 171 James, Northbridge $7 off Smorgasbord price, 5pm-7pm @ Miss Maud, 97 Murray St, Perth $8.95 pizzas @ Pizza Hut (order online, no coupon needed) $4.95 to $5.95 pizzas @ Dominos (order online, coupon needed http://www.ozbargain.com.au/search/node/dominos) Buy 1 get 1 Free, 4pm-5pm only @ Croissant Express [all] (clearing out end of day) Buy 1 get 1 Free, 5pm-6pm only @ Fresh Provisions, 77 Walcott St, Mt Lawley 1/2 price cocktails, 6pm-7pm only @ Santa Fe Restaurant, Subiaco $7 cocktails/jagerbombs/vodka-redbull @ My Place Bar, 70 Pier St, Perth $2-$2.50 for small/large rice with sauce from the Asian Food Van on Murdoch University campus, Murdoch.

Do you have something good to ad here and/or online? Yes? Then please email gowest@gowesthandbook.com

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Go Perth City

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Perth fast facts Population: About 1.8 million Climate: Summers are generally hot and dry, lasting from December to late March, with February generally being the hottest month of the year. On most summer afternoons a refreshing sea breeze, known as “The Fremantle Doctor”, blows from the south-west. Winters are relatively mild. Attractions: Perth is best known for its pristine beaches, clear waters and great surfing and swimming conditions. Rottnest Island, the Swan River, Kings Park, Yanchep National Park, the Swan Valley and colourful Fremantle are key attractions. Cultural attractions include The Art Gallery of Western Australia and museums throughout Perth and Fremantle. Nightlife: Northbridge, located next to Perth’s CBD, is home to most of the city’s bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes and clubs. Fremantle – a half hour train ride south of Perth – offers an alternative mix of markets, street performers, festivals, pubs and entertainment. Accommodation: There are over 30 hostels around the Perth and Northbridge area, including Scarborough and Cottesloe beaches and Fremantle. There are two caravan parks near Fremantle and several around Perth and its suburbs. Budget hotels and motels are rife, along with B&B’s and more upmarket hotels. Perth Visitor Centre: 55 William Street, Perth, 6000. Tel: 08 9483 1111. See www.westernaustralia.com.au

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On a Budget? - Hop on the CAT bus for a free day of touring the city’s highlights. Call 13 62 13 or see www.transperth.wa.gov.au - Take a stroll around Kings Park, and snap some first class photos of the city from up above. Experience the heady heights of the eucalypt canopy by embarking on the Federation Walkway. - Do a hip, urban Aboriginal day trip with didgeridoo lesson, aboriginal art class, bush tucker luncheon, personal stories $125. See www.urbanindigenoustours.com - Vist Caversham Wildlife Park and meet and feed the animals. All of the attractions are included in the entry fee! See www.cavershamwildlife.com.au - Hop on a bike and explore the city and surrounds. The Cycle Centre, 313 Hay St East Perth WA 6004 (opposite the Perth Mint) Ph: (08) 9325 1176. www.cyclecentre.com.au - Hit the Northbridge pubs on a week night (discounted meal/drink offers) for a drink-up. - Treat yourself to a generous helping of Hindu hospitality, and 360º panorama view of the Perth city skyline. You ‘eat as you like and pay as you feel’. Annalakshmi, 2nd Floor, 12 The Esplanade, Perth. www.annalakshmi.com.au - Grab a free movie at the outdoor Northbridge Piazza. See facebook.com/nbpiazza

Northbridge Friday and Saturday nights come alive in Northbridge. Perth’s cultural and entertainment centre, Northbridge is just a few minutes walk north of Perth’s CBD. The area is home to a number of pubs, nightclubs, bars, cafes, shops, galleries and one of the biggest concentrations of restaurants in Australia. Perth’s ethnic diversity is represented in an assortment of restaurants and cafes, especially around Lake and James Streets. There are literally hundreds to choose from, all within about four blocks of each other. Enjoy a Thai, Chinese, Indian, Greek, Egyptian or Italian meal before heading out to one of the premier nightspots. William Street is the centre for all your budget travel and touring booking agents, with a number to chose from. The Western Australian Art Gallery houses a great collection of state, national and international art and the Alexander Library is excellent. In Arts House The Photography Gallery of Western Australia displays creative images from leading artists that change each month.

The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), near the Art Gallery, Museum and Library, houses a diverse range of contemporary art and performances in a grand old heritage building. The Perth Cultural Centre is located in the State Library, Art Gallery, Blue Room Theatre and PICA area near Perth Train Station. There is ample budget accommodation in the Northbridge area, a district favoured by young international visitors to Perth.

Go Perth Culture Despite existing on the fringe of an already isolated continent, Perth and Western Australia are also abuzz with modern cultural activity. In fact WA’s isolation has resulted in cultural traditions that are truly unique and quite distinct from their urban Aussie counterparts to the east. Perth has more hours of sunshine then any other state capital in Australia. This has given rise to a prolific and rich outdoor culture. Entertaining, socializing and drinking outdoors, is simply the way life is lived over here. As for festivals - well Perth is second only to Sydney in the number of music festivals it hosts, particularly over the summer months. During the summer time seek out various outdoor cinemas; classic, cult, and new release films are played under the trees and stars on balmy evenings. Throughout the year countless events are held in Western Australia. These range from Broome’s Shinju Matsui Pearl Festival to Perth’s Good Vibrations dance fest. To find out more check out our events guide (page 14) or go to www.westernaustralia.net/events or www.cultureandarts. wa.gov.au To keep on top of up-to-date gigs, alternative events and week night specials go to www. coolperthnights.com and sign up to their newsletter!

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Go Beaches

Cottesloe

• Check out all the hot bods gravitating towards the Indian Ocean on a sunny day.

Cottesloe is Perth’s playground for the rich and beautiful. Cott Beach is adorned with Norfolk pine trees, cafes, pubs, cycle paths and picnic/BBQ facilities. At Cables Station an artificial reef has been constructed to generate some waves during flat spells. The Sunday Sessions go off at the Cottesloe and Ocean Beach Hotels, where surfers and beach babes squeeze every last drop out of the glorious Perth summer weekends.

• Learn to surf, kitesurf, or windsurf like a pro. • Have a cold beer at Scarborough’s Stamford Arms pub and be thankful that2you’re not at home. • Experience a legendary ‘Cott’ (Cottesloe Hotel) Sunday Session.

Stay at the Ocean Beach Backpackers: www.oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au

Scarborough A casual beachside community north west of Perth, Scarborough has a laid back identity all of its very own. The beach itself has some of the finest white sand around. For any traveller Scarborough provides the perfect base from which to explore the coastal fringes of Perth, as it is home to a number of hostels, cafes, restaurants and hotels. Great budget accommodation can be found at the Western Beach Lodge. The Western Beach Lodge is an intimate and friendly place teaming with travellers and surfers. Guests can borrow body boards and take full advantage of the laid back checkin and out times. Call 08 9245 1624 or go to www.westernbeach.com Other beaches within walking distance include Brighton and Floreat Beach to the south of Scarborough, and Trigg Beach, just 1.4km to its north. Trigg Beach is popular for snorkelling with its many island and rock pools and the surf breaks are said to be amongst the best. Water conditions here are usually best in the morning. If you are into windsurfing or kite-surfing then Perth’s beachside suburbs are the place for you, Fremantle and Rockingham especially. The breeze here is very consistent and kite-surfing is hugely popular. City Beach, just south of Scarborough, is popular with locals and has a mole (rock break) that is great for rod fishing. It is lit up at night for those daring, night time surfers. Located on the beach here is Clancy’s Fish Pub serving up top local seafood and boutique beers. See www.clancysfishpub.com.au

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Go Fremantle

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Fremantle Fremantle is Perth’s old port town and is much loved for its festive atmosphere. Fremantle was the final destination for so many European migrants and its unique street café culture bears evidence to this. Freo, as it’s endearingly called by locals, is fun and happening, but also laid back with numerous music, art, food and performance festivals throughout the year. Check out a couple of the new small wine bars popping up, such as “Who’s Your Mamma” on the corner of South Terrace and Wray Avenue. One of Freo’s most famous attractions are its markets. Both the Fremantle and E Shed Markets offer numerous variety and craft stalls, quality food courts and bars. The Fremantle Art Market also sets up on Thursdays. See www.redtentevents.com.au The Fremantle Markets are bursting at the seams with the weird and the wonderful. Feast on fresh local produce including crepes, nuts, coffees and cheeses. Lose yourself in fashion, antiques, jewellery and ceramics. And delight in the unique gifts, homewares, souvenirs and accessories that you simply won’t find anywhere else. See www.fremantlemarkets.com.au Fremantle Arts Centre (FAC) is a multi-arts organisation that’s been going strong for 36 years. Located on Finnerty Street, the historic site was originally the first purpose-built ‘lunatic’ asylum in WA. It has since been a women’s home, a naval base during WW1 and WW2 and a technical college before opening as Fremantle Arts Centre in 1972. There’s something for everyone in the dynamic music program at Fremantle Arts Centre, from chamber music right through to cutting edge. See www.fac.org.au for details on this, and other goings on at Fremantle Arts Centre. During the warmer months, enjoy intimate performances in the inner and Samson courtyards, larger concerts on the 3000 capacity South Lawn as well as their much loved series Courtyard Music, free on Sunday afternoons. Fremantle is home to numerous galleries, so keep your eyes peeled for exhibitions and opening nights (free wine and nibbles!) at venues such as the The Moores Building at 46 Henry Street. See fac.org.au/moores-building A pivotal attraction is Freo’s integrated waterfront location. Fremantle Harbour is a delight on a summer’s day. Nearby is Esplanade Park which is a shady expanse of green playing host to several festivals.

A somewhat eerie attraction is the Fremantle Prison. No longer operating as a gaol, the prison has been converted into a tourist attraction and hosts one of Western Australia’s most exciting adventures: The Tunnels Tour. The Tunnels are a maze of daunting dark catacombs 20 meters underneath the prison. Well worth a look-see. Check out www.fremantleprison.com.au

Things to do in Freo • Enjoy a coffee or two on the long, lazy cappuccino strip. • Do a little time at the Fremantle Prison. www.fremantleprison.com.au • Indulge yourself in some of the many boutique beers in the pubs and small bars. • Check out the live music and street performances on offer. • Eat ‘world’s best’ fish and chips at Fishing Boat Harbour.

• Check out www.fremantle.wa.gov.au for numerous upcoming festivals and events in Freo • Laze by the sea at South Beach, Bather’s Bay or Leighton. • Go wharf fishing in the evening. • Watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean while enjoying the Fremantle Doctor (afternoon sea breeze) from Monument Hill. • Take a short or long sail on the tall ship Leeuwin II. www.sailleeuwin.com

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Scoot Freo

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Looking for something different and adventurous? Then “Scoot Freo” is for you. Cruise around Fremantle, see our beautiful coast line or the cruise the Swan River and checkout what Perth and Fremantle have to offer, all while you are having some serious fun along the way in a Scoot car or scooter. All our vehicles are 50cc, all you will require to hire is a current drivers licence or international licence and to of held it for 12 months. Affordable and fun, whether you are taking the whole family or cruising with friends, Scoot Freo is one experience you will never forget. Scoot Freo is a family owned business with a friendly service. Prices start at a low $30 with insurance on a scooter or $40 for a scoot car, bookings are recommended. Book online at www.scootfreo.com.au or contact us by phone 08 9336 5933 or 0412 933 659. You can also email info@scootfreo.com.au

Around Perth: Go Hillarys A premier recreational destination for Perth locals and visitors, the Hillarys Boat Harbour offers a wide range of restaurants, attractions, activities, shops, and services catering to fishermen, boaties, beach goers, scuba divers, tourists and locals. Set on walk ways over the Indian Ocean, Hillarys Boat Harbour is 20 minutes drive north of Perth and is open seven days a week. The sheltered beach there is ideal for those non big wave surfers, and the supreme AQWA aquarium lets you explore over 12,000kms of Western Australia’s coastline in just one day. Visitors will go on an underwater journey along the amazing coastline of Western Australia. Over 9 months in the making AQWA’s 400,000 litre living coral reef exhibit is now open to the public. Fascinate the senses with a living coral reef then travel from the shore to the bottom of the sea in AQWA’s Underwater Gallery. Discover the jewel of the ocean and be amazed as you experience its kaleidoscope of colours. Other attractions include the Naturaliste Marine Discovery Centre. Ferries depart from Hillarys Boat Harbour for twilight and whale watching cruises (mid September to late December) the Harbour boasts a tavern, night club and pool hall. To get to Hillarys from Perth city (weekdays), catch the Joondalup Line train and alight at the Warwick station. Transfer to the 423 bus which will take you to Hillarys Boat Harbour. On weekends, catch the Joondalup Line train and alight at the Greenwood Train Station. Transfer to the 456 bus which will take you to Hillarys. Check out www. hillarysboatharbour.com.au, www.sorrentoquay.com.au and www.aqwa.com.au

Go Rockingham Location: 47kms South of Perth by road Population: 62,000 Climate: Summers are generally hot and dry, lasting from December to late March, with February generally being the hottest month of the year. Mild wet winters. Attractions: Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, dolphins, seals, Penguin Island and the beautiful foreshore Accommodation: Self contained, hotels, motels, caravan parks and B&Bs. Visitor Centre: 19 Kent Street Rockingham. Tel: (08) 9592 3464 www.rockinghamvisitorcentre.com.au Rocky (as the locals call it) offers cosmopolitan cafes and dining, pubs, shopping, Sunday markets and an array of free festivals and events. The stunning foreshore and esplanade provide the perfect backdrop for various music and cultural events, usually culminating with an impressive firework display once the sun has quietly dipped below the Indian Ocean. Take advantage of the free BBQ facilities or try some very tasty local fish and chips.

Explore over 12,000 kms of Western Australia’s coastline in just one day ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Australia’s largest aquarium and underwater tunnel Giant sharks, stingrays and turtles Beautiful living coral reefs Interactive fun Gourmet café and exclusive gift shop

Hillarys Boat Harbour Open 10am -5pm Tel: 08 9447 7500 www.aqwa.com.au

Download the free AQWA app today for directions, an audio tour and more!

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Rockingham’s main attraction is its pristine beaches, sheltered swimming conditions, bountiful fishing (any mug can throw their line off the jetty and end up with something on the end of it!) and fantastic marine life. Penguin Island is one great day out. Ideal for swimming and relaxing, Penguin Island is covered with a myriad of birdlife, including of course, the native penguins. The island even boasts a pelican flying school for ‘tweeny’ birds. Part of the Shoalwater Island Marine Park, Penguin Island neighbours Seal island – where the obvious reside. Penguin island is only accessible from mid September through to the Foundation Day long weekend in June. It is closed over the winter months to ensure the penguins are not disturbed during their nesting time. Other attractions in the area are The Spectacles Yargon Tours escorted by local Indigenous guides, top class snorkelling and scuba diving in the West Coast Dive Park. The Dive Park is rich in dive wrecks, including The Saxon Ranger, as well as a wonder-world of fish. Boating, fishing, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and the Baldivis Karnup Wine Trail are amongst the most popular activities on offer. The area and conditions are also perfect for learning to kitesurf and standup paddleboarding. See the guys at West Oz Boardsports for great deals and info www.westozkiteboarding.com.au Contact the Rockingham Visitor Centre on (08) 9592 3464, drop in and see them at the Gary Holland Community Centre, 19 Kent Street Rockingham or go to www.rockinghamvisitorcentre.com.au for more info about what’s on offer in the region.

Kalamunda National Park

Hillarys AQWA

If you want a nature based adventure then Kalamunda National park is certainly worth a visit. The Bibbulmun Track starts here and continues for 1000 kilometers to Albany in the South. Hiking along this trail will take you along the Peisse Brook and through forests with marri, wandoo, butter gum, and jarrah. The scenery is made even more spectacular by the common outcrops of granite boulders. If you get lucky you might see kangaroos, bandicoot, or even echidna, there is plenty of bird life making Kalamunda National park a must visit attraction for bird watchers. When taking bush walks please ensure you have a compass, good walking shoes, a first aid kit and plenty of water.

Swan Valley

The park is a half hour drive from Perth, or you can catch a bus from the Esplanade Busport to the Kalamunda Bus Station. The trip takes approximately 45 minutes. See http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/

The Bibbulmun Track If you thought it was a long way to Tipperary, try walking from Perth’s Kalamunda Hills to Albany. This epic southwest bushwalk is not for the fainthearted, but experienced hikers will love it. Try tackling one section: you can walk the track for a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks, with most walkers averaging 15-20kms per day. The path passes through many towns, although you can walk for more than 160km without encountering any civilisation. Follow the yellow, triangular Waugal signs showing a local Aboriginal mythological rainbow snake - regularly placed on trees and posts; the head of the Waugal points in the direction of travel. The best time to walk the track is the mild late-autumn (June) and spring/early summer (Sept-Nov) is the best time for wildflowers. Heat and lack of water can make summer hiking dangerous. The track passes through an array of landscapes, mostly jarrah or karri forest, and along the way are many three-sided shelters with fresh water for campers. The Bibbulmun takes its name from a distinct southwestern Aboriginal language group who travelled long distances for tribal meetings. See www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au or call (08) 9481 0551.

Munda Biddi Bike Trail The Munda Biddi Trail (which means path through the forest in the Nyoongar Aboriginal language) is a new, world-class, nature-based, off-road cycling experience. Starting in Mundaring the trail meanders through scenic river valleys and the magnificent eucalypt forests of the State’s South West. It utilises a network of bush tracks, firebreaks and disused railway formations and is suitable for cyclists of all ages and experience levels. Situated a comfortable day’s ride apart are purpose-built Munda Biddi campsites with roomy camp huts and tent sites. Stage 1 of the trail, from Mundaring to Collie (332km) is currently open, with the first half of stage 2, Collie to Nannup, due to be opened to the public soon. See www.mundabiddi.org.au

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Go Rottnest Island Rottnest has the southern-most coral reef system, a population of rare marsupials and some of the best off-beach snorkelling found in the world. A living reef encircles Rottnest and supports nearly 100 species of tropical fish. There are several sunken ship wrecks within swimming distance from the beach. Cars are not permitted so everyone rides bicycles. Quokkas are the plentiful small marsupials who earned the island its name Rottnest: Dutch for ‘rat’s nest’. A Dutch mariner, Willem de Vlamingh, passed by in 1696 and mistook the cute marsupials for rats. Accommodation ranges from camping, cabins and backpacker/budget through to resorts. Make sure you book ahead, particularly over busy times such as the summer months and the school holidays. You can do this by going to http://www.rottnestisland.com or ringing 9432 9111. To reach the island jump on a ferry either from Perth, or the 20 minute direct route from Fremantle, call (08) 9421 5888 or (08) 9335 6406.

Swan Valley The Swan Valley is Western Australia’s oldest wine region and has earned its reputation as Perth’s Valley of Taste. Situated just 25 minutes from the city, the Valley seduces visitors with a rich fusion of wine, food, art, scenery and nature. You can experience its many wonders along the award-winning Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail – a 32 kilometre loop taking in more than 150 attractions including wineries, lively breweries, fine restaurants, bustling cafes, distilleries, shops, accommodation and roadside stalls selling fresh local produce. The Swan Valley is a world of surprises just minutes away from Perth’s doorstep. Make Guildford the first stop with its enchanting antique furniture stores. Then take a leisurely stroll through town for a look at some of Western Australia’s oldest buildings - much of the original town plan is still intact and many fine civic, commercial and private buildings dating from the 1840’s can still be seen. For those keen on sampling local wines, boutique beers and gourmet food, day trip bus tours are available from the city and there are public bus connections throughout the region. You can hire a vehicle from Perth and explore the Swan Valley at your own pace, or take one the wine cruises from the centre of Perth along the Swan River. See www.swanvalley.com.au

Yanchep At Yanchep National Park you can experience a taste of Aboriginal culture, including tool making demonstrations, and get a glimpse of the koalas and kangaroos which roam the area. Wagardu Lake, in the park, is extremely significant to the local Aboriginal people of the area; according to tradition the lake is inhabited by a Waugal (rainbow serpent), whose activities ensure that the springs that feed the lake continue to flow.

Rented accommodation If you are here on a Working Holiday or Student visa you will, no doubt, need somewhere to stay. Many hostels in Western Australia offer inexpensive weekly dorm accommodation and networks to local employment options. Shared rental accommodation is easy to come by in Perth, so look out for notice boards at hostels, colleges, libraries and supermarkets etc where people advertise when they have a room available. This is often a simple option however be sure to check out your potential housemates before moving in (Google them to see if they are suitable). Most offering a room with communal kitchen and bathroom facilities will want a bond (usually 4 weeks rent) as security and whether amenities such as electricity, water, gas and telephone/internet are shared or included can be complicated. See au.easyroommate.com as they can help match you with compatible share accommodation in a location that suits you, with the costs etc laid out. Your potential flat mates will also have to be registered with them giving some security. If you are planning to be here for six months or more and have a few friends who’d like to share a flat (apartment) or house together you can opt to take on a lease. Houses and flats to rent can be found in the local weekend papers and online. If taking on the responsibility for a property yourself, you will need to sign a rental agreement with references, valid identification, a bond (usually 4 weeks) and the weekly rental is generally expected two weeks in advance.

Horse and camel riding are popular pursuits in the Yanchep area, as are bike riding, bush-walking and surfing. The ‘Spot’ is a favoured haunt for keen surfers and is situated close to the township on a well maintained track. The Park also has magnificent limestone caves and a stunning array of wildflowers. Tudor-style buildings add some olde-world charm, which sits comfortably with the BBQ and picnic facilities, boats for hire and bushland to explore. Confirm the current viewing and performance times on 9561 1004. Admission is $11, go to www.dec.wa.gov.au for more info.

Whitman Park Whiteman Park covers 3935 hectares or 9725 acres. A large part of the park is a dedicated conservation area. The recreation areas cover a 150 acres, the park takes it name from Lew Whiteman, 1903 – 1994, a well known local personality who owned much of the land on which the park now stands. The Park is only 25 minutes from the Perth CBD. It’s located close to the Swan Valley.There is a public bus service that stops at the Lord Street entrance. For more information please see www.transperth. wa.gov.au or call 13 62 13. Take the 956 or the 955 bus to Ellenbrook. There are plenty of Kangaroos however these are wild and it’s unlikely you will get close to them; there is also a lot of spectacular fauna within the park. Whiteman Park is also the home to Caversham Wild Life Park, where you can see most of Australia’s Iconic animals including, wombats and koalas. www.cavershamwildlife.com.au Entry to Whiteman Park is free and the entrance to the park is off Lord Street or Beechboro Road, Whiteman. Open 8.30am – 6.00pm everyday of the year* 9.00am – 5.00pm *Christmas Day (picnic areas only, no attractions) See www.whitemanpark.com.au

Rental agreements are generally six or twelve months. If either the landlord or tenant needs to break the lease, there are restrictions and laws to protect both tenants and property owners. If taking on the lease for a property, it’s important to factor in costs such as electricity, water, gas (if applicable) and telephone/internet connections and the continual rental of these facilities (separate from the property rent costs) as someone will have to be responsible for guaranteeing these bills are met. If you believe your landlord, or their agent, is being unreasonable (e.g. not maintaining the property to an acceptable standard) contact www.taswa.org If you are an overseas student, home stay providers are a very popular accommodation option. Home stay providers may be families, couples, single people or single mothers with children. All are selected to provide good quality facilities and are matched with students depending on the levels of service offered or requested. Home stays are a way of providing good quality, safe accommodation, with the bonus of being able to integrate with locals, and, in many instances, form life long friendships. Typically, rooms only are available from A$130 per week and room, breakfast, dinner from A$220 per week. See www.perthstudentaccommodation.com Colleges and universities in Perth are networked to local student accommodation that is affordable, conveniently located and secure. Enquire at the educational institute where you are studying (or intend to study).

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Studying in Perth Perth is a world class destination for students wishing to learn English. The city is modern, safe, entertaining and has a multicultural environment which welcomes people of all nationalities. Each year thousands of students from overseas choose Perth as their preferred destination to learn English and/or study in English. Perth will give you a memorable study and truly Australian experience with its beautiful, mild climate, pristine beaches and relaxed lifestyle. Perth offers a wide range of outdoor activities, restaurants, bars, cafes and nightlife. You can also take time to explore the many attractions around Western Australia. From the wine estates of the South (many reachable in a day) to the stunning Ningaloo Reef of the Coral Coast and Bungle Bungle ranges in the North, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Perth colleges and universities offer a range nationally and internationally accredited study options. Whether you are looking to study for your career or to improve your English language skills, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs.

Perth English Language College and University websites (in alphabetical order):

Student visas allow students to do up to 20 hours paid work per week, which can come in handy if you are wanting to explore the State while you’re here. See www.immi.gov.au

www.alexander.wa.edu.au

www.murdochinstitute.wa.edu.au

www.apsi.wa.edu.au

www.nd.edu.au

www.cambridgecollege.com.au

www.phoenixacademy.com.au

www.central.wa.edu.au

www.pice.com.au

www.ecu.edu.au

www.sterlingcollege.com

www.englishaustralia.com.au

www.taylorscollege.edu.au

www.eti.wa.edu.au

www.uwa.edu.au

www.kingstoncollege.com.au

www.westaustralianenglish.wa.edu.au

www.milner.wa.edu.au

www.westcoasttafe.wa.edu.au

The student community is made up of a diverse mix of people from varying backgrounds and cultures that create an exciting environment and great opportunities to expand your knowledge and make new friends. So if you decide to become a part of the overseas student community in Perth, you will be involved in social and special events, networking and sporting activities – making your study experience both enjoyable and rewarding. For ELICOS courses (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) see www.elicos.com

Go Shopping Let’s face it, no matter what our budget we all love to shop! Perth provides great big name seasonal bargains and funky vintage options along will local designers, op shops (recycled fashion) and sports and surf wear. With retail competing with the high Aussie dollar and online shopping, many shops are discounting their stock in order to keep the customers coming in through their doors. Big brand department stores such as Myers and David Jones have regular sales. Target, K Mart and Big W discount stores promote low prices all the time and its true! Great for fashion basics, shoes etc you may well be surprised with the range and quality. Priceline stores are great for budget friendly health and beauty products. The City of Perth has over 900 specialty shops, with plenty to tempt the adventurous shopper. From unique designer goods to major department stores the city’s rich mix of retail outlets encompasses the latest in fashion, style and technology. Shoppers can devour the retail offerings of the central city by walking via the covered overpasses and colourful arcades. Originally created to help pedestrians traverse the wide city blocks, arcades including Carillon City, Piccadilly, Plaza and Trinity Arcade have each developed their own distinctive character. London Court, with its Tudor façade and ornate clockfaces, continues to be a popular drawcard for visitors and locals alike. While recently opened arcades such as enex100 and Wesley Quarter are providing new reasons for people to visit the city. The Murray and Hay Street Malls are lined with jewellery, fashion and souvenir shops, while the ultra chic King Street is the centre of Perth’s sophisticated West End and is home to designer styles and exclusive boutiques. Hay Street also abounds in outdoor adventure stores to kit you up for your next foray into the wilderness.

Normal shopping hours in Perth Monday to Thursday: 9am – 5pm, Friday: 9am – 9pm, Saturday: 9am – 5pm, Sunday: 11am – 5pm Shops open every day except Good Friday, ANZAC Day and Christmas Day. (It is optional for retailers to trade on public holidays from 8am to 5pm. Store operating times may vary.)

Go Burbs Large shopping complexes can be found in suburban locations such as Garden City, Booragoon www.gardencity.com.au, Karrinyup Shopping Centre - www.karrinyupcentre.com.au, Rockingham - www.rockinghamshopping.com.au and Westfield Carousel - www.westfield.com.au/carousel.

These all offer a huge range of designer and specialty shops, big department stores and discount department stores along with electronic and phone providers etc. They all house ‘food halls’ offering a great selection of international, take-away, cafe fare and health foods.

Subiaco: With beautiful public and private gardens, Subiaco is known as the ‘leafy city.’ Despite this nickname, Subiaco probably resonates more with the passionate shopper than the tree-hugging hippie.

Fashion followers should check out the variety of boutique and designer stores. The choice of restaurants and pubs here is also good – albeit generally more upmarket than Northbridge and Fremantle. The Station Street Markets, located next to the Subiaco Train Station better suit the budget minded with well priced fresh produce, fashion, jewellery, holistic therapies etc. See www.subiacomarkets.com

Claremont: The Claremont Quarter and the surrounding streets are the focal point of Perth’s fashion mecca. It’s a classy place with numerous cafes and speciality stores. Looking for a little activity on the cheap? Hop over to Mrs. Herbert’s Park, overlooking the Swan River, where free BBQs are well placed for all to enjoy. Leederville: With its blend of cafes and funky fashion outlets, Leederville has a slightly alternative feel and is a great coffee quaffing, people-watching hangout. Home to the Hip E Club (famous for its Backpacker/Student Tuesdays) and Luna Cinemas (offering cheap Wed and Mon double deals). Leederville is close to the city and easy to get to on the Perth - Joondalup train line. Mount Lawley: Up Beaufort Street from Northbridge is the shopping, café and restaurant

precinct of Mount Lawley. A huge variety of delicatessens, grocers, small local parks and casual and café style dining establishments can be found here – as well as pubs. The Queens and Flying Scotsman are both popular watering holes and many students and backpackers set up their homes around here because of its close proximity to Perth and availability of rental bargains.

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Close & quirky... The Avon Valley While Western Australia is usually associated with long white beaches and outback terrains, these attractions can involve a lot of driving and ‘hiked up’ prices in terms of accommodation and eating out - particularly in the North West’s busy winter season. In contrast, the Avon Valley is only an hours drive from Perth, offering picturesque, rolling farmlands, quaint historical towns, beautiful bushwalks, wildlife and colourful local characters. A patchwork of gently rolling hills and winding streams set the backdrop for peaceful drives and countryside getaways. The Avon Valley is a perfect destination for a day trip from Perth, a weekend group getaway or cosy Christmas in July! Accommodation in the area can be surprisingly inexpensive compared to better known destinations and the quality and array of dining experiences is impressive - and, again, often less expensive than in Perth. Stretching from Brookton in the south to New Norcia in the north, the Avon Valley region boasts seven intriguing towns for you to explore; Beverley, Brookton, Goomalling, Northam, Toodyay, York and New Norcia. A unique contrast of old and new the Avon Valley offers a wide variety of experiences for any traveller. Whether you are tempted by an adventure holiday, bushwalks and wildlife, a romantic weekend, a family getaway, the chance to explore some of the Avon Valley’s rich history, or if you are a working holiday maker, and want to live and work in an authentic regional Aussie town, the Avon Valley is the place to be.

Northam

On the banks of the Avon River, just 90 minutes from Perth, is the town of Northam in the heart of the Avon Valley. Experience the magic of hot air ballooning, go bushwalking at Burlong Pool, try paintballing or archery. Ride, cycle or walk the Kep Track (www.keptrack.com.au) or Golden Pipeline heritage trails. You may want to step back in time and explore Northam’s Heritage buildings, visit Morby Cottage or the Old Railway Station Museum. Gain insight into Northam’s multicultural heritage with a visit to the Migrant Exhibition “ A Sense of Place” located at the Visitor Centre. The Avon River is a scenic backdrop to enjoy a BBQ or picnic at Bernard Park otherwise dine in style at a local restaurant, hotel, cafe or winery. The annual Avon Descent kicks off from the Northam Visitor Centre and, as this is the event’s 40th anniversary, the party will be even bigger than ever! The Avon Descent is Western Australia’s own unique sporting event that attracts competitors and spectators from throughout Australia and increasingly, overseas. Competitors challenge the Avon and Swan Rivers in a variety of power and paddle craft. It is an exciting two-day time trial over 124 gruelling kilometres offering competitors conditions ranging from long stretches of flat water that can test the endurance of the fittest athlete through to rapids, sure to test the skills of all who attempt to navigate their unknown contours. Held over the weekend from Friday, 3 August to Sunday, 5 August 2012, the family fun days are a great way to follow the thrills and spills along with plenty of entertainment, live race commentary, and activities for all ages. The Shamrock Hotel has a beer garden that overlooks the park and Avon River making it a great vantage point for the start of the Avon Descent and various other events held on the river front. The chef at the Shamrock is 5 Star and meal prices are very reasonable.

Location: 100 km east of Perth. Population: Approx 11,258 Climate: Maximum average temperature 24.8°C. Minimum average temperature 10.5°C. Yearly rainfall 450 mm. Attractions: Avon Descent, Northam (Horse) Races, Hot Air Ballooning, The Avon River, swing bridge, wildlife, good food and accommodation. Accommodation: Farm stays, cottages, B&B’s, hotels, motel and caravan park. Visitor Centre: 2 Grey St, Northam. Tel (08) 9622 2100 www.northam.wa.gov.au

NEW NORCIA Mogumber

Calingiri

Wyalkatchem

Wannamal Dowerin Bolgart

Bindoon

Muchea

Swan Riv e r

Gingin

Goomalling

on Av

Riv r e

TOODYAY

Meckering NORTHAM

Cunderdin

n Avo

JOONDALUP

Clackline i ver Bakers Hill

INDIAN OCEAN

Wooraloo MIDLAND PERTH

The Lakes Mundaring Mundaring Weir

Helena River

YORK

BEVERLEY

Quaraiding

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Upcoming Events in the Avon Valley The Avon Descent: Starts Northam 4 - 5 August 2012, 40th Anniversary. The Avon Descent is a 134 km white water international marathon race event. www.avondescent.com.au TARGA West Tarmac Rally: Toodyay 16 -19 August 2012. One of the most prestigious events on the Australian tarmac rally calendar. www. targawest.com.au Mainpeak Multisport Rapid Ascent: Starts Toodyay 9 September, 2012 The Mainpeak Multisport matches adventure with speed, and challenge with beauty, linking the pursuits of trail running, road cycling and paddling together into one epic 133km journey through stunning environments finishing at the renowned Houghtons Winery in the Swan Valley. www. mainpeakmultisport.com.au Toodyay Picnic Races: Toodyay 7 October 2012 Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family starting at 10 am. www. avonvalleywa.com.au Northam Races: The Northam Race Club generally race’s every Thursday from May to October. Gates open at 10:30am. www. northamraceclub.com Northam Agricultural Show: Northam 14 - 15 September 2012. www. northamshow.com.au Beverley Harvest Festival: Beverley Sunday 25 November 2012. Demonstrations of the history of harvesting, with Clydesdale horses & vintage equipment; stationary engines, vintage vehicles; wood chopping; Highland cattle; blacksmith & farrier & working sheepdogs. www.www.beverleywa.com See www. avonvalleywa.com.au for more on up-to-date events.

If you want to experience something uniquely different then you had better make you way to Avonbrook Wines in Clackline. Carol and Garry purchased a very rundown Avonbrook about five years ago and set about creating what has become a niche tourism icon in the Avon Valley. Avonbrook reflects both the attributes of a venue that offers fine wines but also incorporates their other business Lone Wolf Trading Company. Lone Wolf Trading Company imports, wholesales and retails Native American products and other cultural crafts gifts and collectables from around he world. Part of the uniqueness of the venue is the Native American decor that runs through Avonbrook complete with a Tipi. Avonbrook Wines also has an amazing gift shop with all sorts of wonderful things to choose from including not only Native American gifts and craft but collectables from Tibet, South America as well as crystals CD’s and jewellery. Avonbrook is set in a wonderful bush setting. As you arrive the ambience of the place immediately embraces you. One of the important things that have been created at Avonbrook is the complete sence of inner peace, you immediately feel relaxed, there is no pretence, no urgency. Carol & Garry offer wine tasting and cellar door sales and luxury accommodation is also available with a choice of two studios. Studio Zen or Studio Cheyenne. See www.avonbrookwines.com.au

York Location: 96 km east of Perth. Population: 3,638 Climate: Maximum average temperature 24.8°C. Minimum average temperature 10.5°C. Yearly rainfall 450 mm. Attractions: Festivals including the 5th York Gourmet Food & Wine Festival (2 -3 June 2012) and the York Antique & Collectors Fair (7 -9 April 2012), suspension bridge, Victorian and Federation buildings, the old gaol and courthouse, York Residency Museum. Accommodation: Farm stays, cottages, hotels/motels, hostel and caravan park. Visitor Centre: York Town Hall, 81 Avon Terrace York. Tel: 08 9641 1301 www.yorkwa.org Settled on 16th September, 1831, York was the first inland settlement in Western Australia. This iconic town is one of the most popular Avon Valley day trip destinations. The many magnificently restored heritage buildings from the Victorian and Federation era reflect the charm and character of the town. A stroll down the main street, Avon Terrace, encapsulates the ambience generated by the living history and fine architecture. Visit to the Old Post Office building and the Court House to experience the heritage and explore the finely restored York Residency Museum. Exhibitions and themes include local Noongar culture, convict history, ceramics and Chinese market gardeners. The York Motor Museum is a hit with motoring fans and has an international collection of vintage vehicles. The ’country pub’ experience in York is like no other. Each has its own unique character to cater for visitors with all tastes, offering a range of dining experiences from hearty pub meals to fine dining and superb accommodation. The four hotels/taverns are all located on the main street and are symbolic of York’s living history. Eateries in York are numerous and provide many opportunities for dining, from casual to exquisite cuisine. The sidewalk café experience is a must-do in this little town. Many use a range of local York produce such as wines, olives, jams, dukkahs, chutneys and tapenades.

The town hosts many events throughout the calendar year, many of which utilise the magnificent Town Hall. Events at the Town Hall include old time dancing, boot-scooting, weddings and concerts galore. It boasts the largest regional dance floor in Western Australia. There are monthly Peace Park Markets. It is also home of the York Mill Gallery WA’s largest Rural Gallery. Accommodation in York will suit every budget and taste. Beautifully restored heritage buildings, fine country mansions and charming bed and breakfasts are plentiful. Modern motel units and hotel suites are available in the town centre. For something a little different choose from a farm-stay, self catering cottages or a country retreat offering spa packages.

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Toodyay Location: 85 km north east of Perth. Population: Town: 800 Shire: 3,700 Attractions: Old Gaol Museum, Historic Town Walk, Avon Valley National Park, Julimar State Forest and Moondyne Festival (first Sunday in May). Accommodation: B &Bs, camping, chalets, caravan parks, homesteads. Visitor Centre: 7 Piesse Street Toodyay. Tel: (08) 9574 2435 www.toodyay.com Situated in the picturesque Avon Valley, about an hour’s drive away from the city via Midland, Toodyay makes for an excellent day excursion from Perth. Toodyay is a former timber milling town surrounded by the Avon Valley National Park. The name Toodyay is believed to be derived from the Aboriginal word “Duidgee” meaning “place of plenty” which refers to the richness and fertility of the region. Flowing through Toodyay is the beautiful Avon River. Duidgee Park, nestled on the riverbanks is an ideal spot for picnics with playgrounds, barbecue facilities, public amenities and the Toodyay Miniature Railway. The Miniature Railway runs from Easter to November, winding its way along the banks of the Avon River and surrounding countryside. With its rustic composition the town plays host to a great pioneer history. This history can be explored by making use of the town’s historic walk. Browse local antique and craft shops, or pick up an original piece at the studios of local artisans specialising in handcrafted pottery, wood burning and sculpting. White water rafting and canoeing conditions are ideal. If you are here in winter, the rapids of Avon River are regarded as some of the premier in the world. Nicely complementing Avon Valley National Park is Julimar State Forest which covers 28,600 hectares and is home to beautiful jarrah, marri, and wandoo woodlands. Toodyay Holiday Park and Chalets is nestled in the hills of Toodyay on 25 acres of bushland. It is a unique rambling caravan park that boasts magnificent bird life and is home to the native kangaroo, emus and peacocks. Cosy brick cabins with log firs are available. www.toodyaycaravanparks.com.au

The Museum and Art Gallery is New Norcia’s star attraction. Established on its present site by Abbot Bernard Rooney in 1978, the Museum and Art Gallery was formerly St Joseph’s Aboriginal Girls’ Orphanage. Surrounding this beautiful town is a 19 760-acre working farm, first established in 1847 by the Spanish Benedictine missionaries. New Norcia is made up of 69 buildings spread over approximately ten acres with 27 of its buildings being listed by the National Trust due to their heritage value. Still owned by the monks, the hotel is a practical expression of their tradition of hospitality. Enjoy a coffee or lunch on the verandah, a glass of Abbey Ale or wine at the bar, dinner in the grand dining room or a special function on the balcony. There is accommodation available at the hotel, alternatively, you may like to enjoy the hospitality of the Monastery Guesthouse and benefit from the sanctuary of this quiet retreat. To fully experience the peace, quiet and prayer, you can participate in the daily celebration of the Divine Office and Eucharist, and join the monks for their seven daily prayers. See www.newnorcia.wa.edu.au

New Norcia A scenic two hour drive northeast from Perth, New Norcia is a little piece of Spain emerging out of the Australian bush. Everyone, regardless of their beliefs, will find themselves stilled by the soul of this tranquil community. A Benedictine monastery is located on the site which is still home to a community of monks who live a simple communal life of prayer and work within the monastery.

Wave Rock The Wave on Hyden Rock is one of Australia’s most famous landforms, which looks like a giant surf wave of multicoloured granite about to crash onto the bush below. Stand under it and feel rock power from over 2,700 million years ago. Its a long trip from Perth (339km). Hyden town is an authentic Aussie experience with a pub offering accommodation and a caravan park. See www.waverock.com.au for more info and check out the “Wave Rock Weekender” festival at www.soulhighway.com.au which will be held in October.

Go Inland Kalgoorlie

NEWMAN Mt Augustus

Location: 595 km east of Perth. Population: 30,000 Climate: Maximum average temperature 25.1°C. Minimum average temperature 11.5°C. Yearly rainfall 270 mm. Attractions: Mining Hall of Fame, Super Pit, historical hotels and pubs, bush 2-up, Flow Rider Wave Pool Accommodation: Hotels, motels, caravan parks, hostel and heritage hotels. Visitor Centre: Corner of Hannan and Wilson Street Kalgoorlie. Tel: (08) 9021 1966 www. kalgoorlietourism.com

CARNARVON

Wiluna Meekatharra

Murchison Cue

Leinster

Mt Magnet Yalgoo

Laverton

GERALDTON Morawa

While Kalgoorlie is a thriving and prosperous family town today, it still manages to retain some elements of its Wild West early years. The place has the highest concentration of lingerie barmaids- euphemistically INDIAN known as ‘skimpies’ – that you will ever find in one place.

Leonora

Paynes Find Menzies

Wubin Coolgardie

New Norcia

OCEAN The discovery of gold was what initially placed Western Australia and Perth on the map. A one mile-long gold vein running through hard rock prompted a frenzy of British, Chinese, and European migration. The Golden Mile as it has come to be called is still producing a significant amount of gold today. While in Kalgoorlie check out the Mining Hall of Fame which pays homage to ‘Kal’s’ early set of shady characters.

Also while you’re here step off the beaten path and check out surrounding towns like Coolgardie, a surreal kind of ghost town. Coolgardie rapidly expanded during the gold rush yet predictably, once that was over the town kind of shrunk as well. Check out the cemetery where each headstone describes the (often tragic) ways people died.

Toodyay

Southern Cross Merredin

Kellerberrin Northam

PERTH

York

MANDURAH

Narambeen Corrigin

KALGOORLIE Kambalda

NULLARBOR

PLA

Norseman

Narrogin

BUSSELTON

Wagin

Lake Grace Hopetown

Ravensthorpe

ESPERANCE

ALBANY

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AIN

Go Down South Mandurah Location: 72 km south of Perth. By train, 48 mins from Perth, 1hour by car. Population: 61,000 Climate: Summers are generally hot and dry, lasting from December to late March, with February generally being the hottest month of the year. Attractions: Foreshore esplanade, Peel Zoo, water sports, crabbing, fishing, scenic cruises, markets, pubs and cafes. Accommodation: Camping and cottages, caravan parks, B&Bs, chalets, motels and hotels. Visitor Centre: Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah. Tel: 08 9550 3999 www.visitmandurah.com Mandurah is ideal if you fancy a cruise capturing a glimpse of some of the many bottlenose dolphins that live in the waterways. You can catch a feed of succulent blue swimmer crabs yourself, or wet a line for some exciting river, estuary or ocean fishing. There’s also house-boating and cruising quiet rivers and waterways to be had, plus dining, theatre-going and art exhibitions on the Mandurah waterfront. Try your hand at white water rafting, visit a feature garden or just relax as you enjoy the extensive network of inland waterways, rivers, wetlands, lakes, forests, National Parks and beaches. Less than sixty minutes drive south from Perth, the Peel Region covers an area of 5,500 square kilometers and includes five sub-regions: Serpentine-Jarrahdale, Murray (including Pinjarra and Dwellingup), Boddington, Waroona and Mandurah.

Bunbury Location: 130 km south of Perth. Population: 67 000 Climate: Maximum average temperature 21.8° C. Minimum average temperature 11.6° C. Yearly rainfall 871mm. Attractions: Cappuccino Strip, regional art/craft galleries, wineries, Dolphin Discovery Centre. Accommodation: An excellent range of motels, hotels, B&Bs, apartments, backpackers, chalets and cabins located within caravan parks. Visitor Centre: Old railway station, Carmody place Tel: (08) 9792 7205 www.visitbunbury.com.au

Western Australia’s second largest city, Bunbury is located two hours from Perth. Harmonious with nature and the surrounding ocean, Bunbury is the South West’s dolphin capital. This title is due entirely to the friendly flip-flopping ocean creatures that frequent Koombana Bay. See info about the Dolphin Discovery Centre at www.dolphins.mysouthwest.com.au or call (08) 9791 3088. Aside from swimming in the ocean with dolphins there is loads more fun to be had in the sea. The Lena Dive wreck is home to a sunken ship that now provides a refuge for an array of marine life making it a great site for snorkelling and diving. At the far end of Ocean Beach is the 150 millionyear-old basaltic rock. If these natural attractions have you feeling bored don’t forget about the Hay Park Sporting Complex; Australia’s second largest sporting venue. While in the town also make your way towards Boulters Heights, which provides splendid views overlooking the city, harbour, coast, and neighbouring Darling Range. The new Catholic cathederal overlooks the City of Bunbury from Boulters Hill and is part of a new $17-million cathedral precinct. There is plenty of accommodation, including caravan parks for camping and two backpacker hostels. Bunbury is a great place to base your self if you want to explore Margaret River, Dunsborough, Busselton and Yallingup.

Eucla

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Busselton Location: 230 km south of Perth. Population: 18,000 Climate: Maximum average temperature 22°C. Minimum average temperature 14°C. Yearly rainfall 825mm. Attractions: Saturday markets, Busseleton Jetty and Underwater Observatory, scuba diving, wineries, Ludlow Tuart Forest, art/craft galleries. Accommodation: A great variety of resorts, hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and caravan park accommodation is available plus one hostel. Advanced bookings are preferred particularly for school holidays and long weekends. Visitor Centre: 38 Peel Terrace, Busselton Tel: (08) 9752 5800. www.geographebay.com Best known for its iconic two kilometre long jetty and calm turquoise bays, Busselton has a relaxed atmosphere and is a popular place base for regional working holiday makers, couples, families and stop off or base on a trip further south. Originally built in 1865 the historic jetty is the longest wooden pier in the southern hemisphere. The Underwater Observatory at the jetty’s end will take you up close to colourful fish and tropical coral. Descend eight metres below sea level and look through the observation chamber to see one of the country’s best artificial reefs. More than 300 marine species enjoy warm waters created by the Leeuwin Current. The Ludlow Tuart Forest provides a unique opportunity to enjoy a leisurely drive through the last remaining natural tall tuart forest in the world. Marvel at the beauty of these rare ancient giants that are estimated to be over 300 years old. Adding to Busselton’s appeal is a new canal and marina development north of town which is a great place for a relaxed drink. Stroll along the main shopping street - stopping at the old courtroom and jail, now arts centre, then cool off at the main swimming beach lined with lush lawns and magnificent pine trees.

To the north and south stretches 30 kilometres of immaculate beaches and crystal clear water. Try your hand at fishing, water ski-ing, snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing or sailing in the calm waters of Geographe Bay. Just three hours drive south of Perth, Busselton is a great base to explore the Margaret River Wine Region. Book a half or full day tour - there’s everything from canoeing, caving and camel rides. If you’re visiting from September to November, a wildflower tour is a must. Some other key events include: Festival of Busselton (January), Busselton Jetty Swim (February), Margaret River Wine Regional Festival (April), Busselton Half Ironman Triathlon (May) and the Ironman WA Triathlon (December). Aside from these attractions, Busselton offers numerous job opportunities and has a of cosy backpacker’s hostel. For further details on where to stay and what to do contact the Busselton Visitor Centre on (08) 9752 1288.

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Things to do - Down South • Take an Indigenous cultural tour throughout the Wardandi and Bibbulman country. www.koomaldreaming.com.au • Get sloshed, wine tasting the premium wines in the southern coastal area of Margaret River at any one of the many wineries. Best to go on tour so you don’t have to drive! www.winefordudes.com • Visit the Busselton Jetty, spanning 1.8 kilometres across Geographe Bay. It is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, with a spectacular Underwater Observatory, Jetty Train and myriad of recreational uses. www. busseltonjetty.com.au • Hike along part of the Bibbulmun Track - or all of it, if you’ve got a month or more to spare. Follow the Waugal signs. www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au • See where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet from the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse at Augusta. www.margaretriver.com • Walk through the trees, waaaaay up in the air, at The Valley Of The Giants near Walpole. www.valleyofthegiants.com.au • Brick yourself climbing the 60m high Gloucester Tree near Pemberton. www.pembertonvisitor.com.au • Taste some locally brewed ales. www.bootlegbrewery.com.au

• Surf on some of the world’s best breaks around Margaret River or see world class surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers at the main surf break, Prevelly. • Learn about Australia’s early whaling industry at Whaleworld, Albany. www.whaleworld.org • During the winter, go on a whale-watching cruise from Augusta. www.whales-australia.com.au • Clamber up to the top of Arthur’s Castle in the Porongorups. www.mountbarkertourismwa.com.au • Do the Munda Biddi Bike Trail. www. mundabiddi.org.au • Explore Esperance, the Recherche Archipelago and Woody Island. www.woodyisland.com.au • Have a big night out at the Settlers Tavern, Margaret River. www.settlerstavern.com • Get lost in the Boranup Forest Maze. www.margaretriver.com • Check out spectacular show caves; Lake, Mammoth, Ngilgi and Jewel and the CaveWorks Eco Centre. www.margaretriver.com • Margaret River is an inspirational focal point for those who must create. Peruse some local galleries and workshops. www.margaretriverartisans.com.au

Who are the Noongar People? The first inhabitants of the South West corner of Western Australia were the Aboriginal Noongar people.

These changes to the Aboriginal culture, imposed by white settlers, is sometimes reflected in Noongar art work in what has become known as the “Carrolup” style of painting.

The oldest evidence of their presence is at Devil’s Lair - an ancient mysterious place in the hills near Margaret River - where the Noongar people lived over 38,000 years ago.

However these people’s strong connection to the land has never ended and it is this connection which holds most prominence in the uniquely Australian, Noongar Aboriginal art.

The Noongar people live in the region running just south of Geraldton, to Esperance in the south in the State of Western Australia.

Noongar artwork is also influenced by the seasons and the traditional quest for food and shelter.

Noongar, which literally translated means man, is a culture linked by a common language and affiliation with the land. It is made up of 14 tribes. The Noongar people believe the Waagle, or Rainbow Serpent, dominated the earth and the sky creating waterways and people. It is a central figure in Noongar culture. Noongar people believe the Waagle gave life and sustenance to people who in return became custodians of the land. To the Noongar culture, Boojar, or land is important. Each tribal group had their own kaleep, or favoured camping locality, which held a special significance for them. The culture has a complex relationship to the land and pays respect to the seasons and the bountiful supply of food. However, the Noongar culture was to change dramatically when Europeans settled Western Australia in 1829. The breakdown of their long-held traditions occurred between the 1870’s and 1940’s through the enforced relocation of traditional landholders under Government law.

The Noongar year has six seasons - Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang. Birak, from December to January, is hot and easterly winds blow during the day. Noongar people would burn sections of scrubland to force animals into the open to hunt. Bunuru, from February to March, is dry and the Noongar people moved to the estuaries to catch fish which formed a large part of their seasonal diet. In Djeran, from April to May, the weather is cooler with winds from the south west. Fishing continued and bulbs and seeds were collected for food. In Makuru, from June to July, Noongar people moved inland to hunt once the rains had replenished inland water resources. In Djilba, from August to September, the weather becomes warmer. Roots were collected and emus, possums and kangaroos were hunted for food. In Kambarang, from October to November, families moved onto the coastal plains where frogs, tortoise and freshwater crayfish were caught.

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Dunsborough Location: 256 km south of Perth. Population: 4,000 Attractions: Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, whale and dolphin watching, Swan Dive Wreck, surfing, wineries, wine bars, Geographe Bay, caves. Accommodation: A wide variety of resorts, hotels, motels, B&Bs, guest houses, self contained units and caravan parks. Visitor Centre: Dunsborough Park Shopping Centre, Seymour Boulevard. Tel: (08) 9752 5800 www. geographebay.com With its translucent and calm waters Dunsborough is a great stop for anyone who does any type of water sport, especially sailing, surfing and diving. Geographe Bay is the home of the Swan Wreck. A former anti-submarine ship the Swan was scuttled offshore in 1997 and has since become the home to over 500 species of fish. Pristine forests, wineries, caves and surf breaks can all be found along the coast west of Dunsborough. Meelup, Eagle Bay, and Bunker Hill are all sheltered bays providing excellent swimming conditions. The Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse provides panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. For $10-$15 tour guides will show you around the place and tell some great ghost stories. You’ll find great waves at Rocky Point, Bunkers Bay and The Farm. Chock full of surfers, the town definately has its fair share of good lookin’ guys and gals who are up for a good time. Check out the ice creamery, breweries and camel and horse riding. For a country town, Dunsborough is surprisingly sophisticated and caters for budget travellers through to well healed Perth locals and international jet setters. The old school embedded surfing culture however prevails making it relaxed, easy going and there is plenty of time to linger over quality coffees. There are several great budget accommodation options in town including Dunsborough Central Motel, www.dunsboroughmotel.com.au and Dunsborough Inn Backpackers, www.dunsboroughinn. com.au

Yallingup The township of Yallingup was originally settled by Europeans to cater for visitors to the nearby Ngilgi Cave (formerly Yallingup Cave) which remains one of WA’s most popular tourist attractions. See www.geographebay.com For thousands of years prior to European settlement Yallingup was the primary ‘honeymoon’ destination for many Aboriginal people. Yallingup literally translates into “place of love.” The Wardan Aboriginal Cultural Centre covers the rich Aboriginal history in the region. The Centre offers a traditional Aboriginal tool making workshop along with lessons on art, music, and Aboriginal dance. See www.wardan.com.au or phone (08) 9756 6566.

Margaret River Location: 277 km south of Perth. Population: 10,000 Attractions: Lake and Mammoth caves, surfing, 100 wine cellar doors, 6 breweries beaches, forests, cuisine, galleries and wine bars. Accommodation: A range of farmstays, hostels, chalets, lodges, guest houses, caravan parks, hotels and motels. Visitor Centre: 100 Bussell Highway, Margaret River. Tel: (08) 9780 5911. www.margaretriver.com The beautiful Margaret River region welcomes travellers from around the world to experience the Jewel of Australia’s South West. A pleasant three-hour drive south of Perth, Western Australia’s premier holiday region is an alluring mosaic of forest, vines and surf combined into a magical paradise like no other. Summer in Margaret River is simply sublime. The irresistible blend of pristine natural wonders, premium wine and food, world-class arts and dazzling beaches are waiting to be explored in a perfect Mediterranean climate. There is a myriad of regular world-class musical events, theatre performances and twilight movies scattered across the many stunning wineries and indoor venues. Market days feature frequently with a multitude of fresh local produce, arts and craft. No matter how you enjoy soaking up the sun, Margaret River has something offer. Whilst in the region one can’t miss a visit to one of the region’s many attractions. Descend into an underground wonderland at Jewel, Lake or Mammoth Caves. Or experience the meeting point of the Indian and Southern Oceans at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.

The coastal part of town is blessed with a terrific reef break. Naturally the surf culture reigns supreme but it does blend nicely with both the country and urban vibes that make this town so very unique. Aside from surfing these waves, check out Canal Rocks - an unusual rock formation that can be traversed by narrow bridges.

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Situated where lush forest meets the headwinds coming off the ocean, Margaret River, or Marg’s as it’s affectionately called, has a huge variety of things to do and see. This place offers everything underneath the hot Western Australia sun: surf, ancient forests, world-class wineries, caving, canoeing, abseiling, bush tucker tours, and a thriving arts community, to put names to just a smattering. Locals here are still mellow and kind to everyone, despite the place having grown up just a little bit in recent years. Perhaps this preservation of spirit is due to the many surf breaks and 50 wineries, all within a half hours drive. Famous waves here include the Margaret River ‘Main

Augusta

Break,’ one of 75 surf breaks in the area. Several surf competitions are held here every year. The Margaret River “Drug Aware” Pro and has a five star rating and is held in April. Come November the Margaret River Masters, a predominantly a local contest, is held. If you find yourself driving around aimlessly do hit up Caves Road. Caves Road is very scenic and there are countless scenic caves you can check out; including Calgardup and Giant’s Cave. Both of these are still in their natural state and those annoying electrical lights are nowhere to be found. Graciously, both helmets and torches are provided. In the event money is a little bit tight consider stopping overnight at one of the many campgrounds that pepper the region. Conto Campground is right off Caves Road on Conto Road. In the event you want to beach camp it, continue on down Conto Road and you will soon find yourself at Point Road Campground. On the coast be sure to cast a fishing line. The entire Margaret River area abounds with Bream, Herring, and Yellow Fin Whiting fish. Or if none of the above strikes your fancy go for a leisurely bike ride on the Rails to Trails: a bike track stretching from Margaret River to Cowaramup. There are three hostels in town with a multitude of alternative accommodation options available in and around Margaret River.

Ngilgi Cave

Location: 321 km south of Perth. Population: 1000 Attractions: Swimming, fishing, diving, wineries, galleries, Blackwood River, whale watching (June to September). Accommodation: A wide variety of accommodation is available. Visitor Centre: Blackwood Avenue, Augusta.Tel: (08) 9758 0166. www.margaretriver.com.au Located at the mouth of the Blackwood River, Augusta has some of the most pristine beaches in the world. From here also, you can visit world-class wineries, Jewel Cave (one of the most iconic attractions in the South West and has just undergone a $3million redevelopment) and majestic karri forests. The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the tallest on mainland Australia and is situated at the most south west point of the continent where 2 oceans meet – it is a great land-based vantage point for sighting whales (June to September). Whale watching charters are available, providing those who partake with truly memorable encounters. Stingrays swim up and down Augusta’s Blackwood River daily and very often come right into the shallows. There are several bush walks around Augusta on offer, as well as great fishing, surfing, windsurfing, diving, sailing and canoeing. Augusta provides some great accommodation for budget travellers and the Augusta Bakery really does make the yummiest bread you’ll have tasted.

Donnybrook Location: 206 km south of Perth. Population: Around 2500. Attractions: Wineries, berry farm, The Old Goldfields Orchard and massive play park. Accommodation: Hotel, motel, hostels, B&Bs, chalets, farmstay and caravan park. Visitor Centre: Old Railway Station, South West Highway. Tel: (08) 9731 1720 www.donnybrookwa.com.au

Experience the ancient wonders of Ngilgi Cave! Beneath Cape Naturaliste, lies Ngilgi Cave, Yallingup (formerly Yallingup Cave), one of Geographe Bay and the Margaret River Wine Region’s most renowned tourist attractions. Not just a journey underground, Ngilgi Cave offers a variety of tour options suitable for all fitness levels! Explore Ngilgi Cave at your own pace. Semi guided leisurely one hour tours of the main Show Cave are conducted every 30 minutes. Feeling adventurous? Follow the path of ancient river bed and choose your own adventure on ‘The Explorer’ tour just like the challenge faced by the earliest caving pioneers! Be dazzled on a stunning ‘Crystal Crawl Tour’. The Ultimate Ngilgi Adventure Tour is awe- inspiring and takes in everything including some the most beautiful sections of Cape Naturaliste Ridge. Learn about the local Wardandi peoples’ legend of the cave and discover the areas fascinating European pioneer history. Tours conducted on a strict environmentally responsible basis. Open daily. To book your tour telephone 08 9755 2152 or email Ngilgi@geographebay.com

A rural community just 30-minutes drive from Bunbury, this is where you can go to replenish some funds before heading off for more hedonistic living. There’s plenty of fruit picking work to be found. Apples, pears, stone fruit and tomatoes are just some of the local produce in this rich agricultural belt. Although the majority of work in these orchards is seasonal, orchards on the fruit processing farms have to be thinned, pruned and spread so there is work to be had for 52 weeks-a-year. Oddly enough, Donnybrook is home to the biggest free-entry Fun Park in Australia.

Nannup Location: 290 km south of Perth. Population: 1,200 Attractions: Lavender farm, galleries and surrounding wineries. Accommodation: B&Bs, chalets, spa retreats, guest houses, hotel and motel. Visitor Centre: 4 Brockman Street, Tel: (08) 9756 1211 www.nannupwa.com.au Nannup is a small village nestled amongst thick forest in the Blackwood River valley. It is only 45 mins journey from Margaret River and Busselton. This is a true nature lover’s paradise with great walking tracks, canoeing, delicious food and world-class wine. Nannup also hosts several festivals throughout the year. Neighbouring town, Balingup, is located in lush, hilly terrain and is home to an assortment of herbalists and craftspeople.

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Manjimup

Walpole

Location: 306 km south of Perth. Population: 5,000 Climate: Maximum average temperature 20.3°C. Minimum average temperature 9.6°C. Yearly rainfall 1,023mm. Attractions: Forest, galleries, vineyards, wineries, cafes, camping, bushwalking. Accommodation: Motels, caravan parks, cottages and chalets. Visitor Centre: Giblett Street, Manjimup. Tel: (08) 9771 1831 www.manjimupwa.com This timber town has tree-lined approaches from all directions. The Age of Steam Museum has an impressive display of vintage machinery and the Forest Industries Federation runs guided tours of the surrounding forests. One of the principle forests is the Perup Forest. This is located 56km northeast of Majimump. It is considered to be one of the best places to see Australia’s rarest mammals. These include tammar wallabies, chuditch, southern brown bandicoots, and western ringtail possums. Manjimump also plays host to many small but sweet attractions. These include the King Jarrah Tree, The Timber Park, The Four Acres and One Tree Bridge.

Pemberton Location: 343 km south of Perth. Population: 1200 Climate: Maximum average temperature 19.8°C. Minimum average temperature 9.7°C. Yearly rainfall 1,245mm. Attractions: Beedelup Falls, Warren National Park, Gloucester Tree, wineries, galleries. Accommodation: Farmstays, resorts, backpackers, caravan park, guest houses and cottages. Visitor Centre: Brockman Street, Pemberton. Tel: (08) 9776 1133 www.pembertonvisitor.com.au Pemberton is where the forest meets the desert and it’s a blend that’s has something to offer every type of visitor. Home of the largest land locked sand dunes in the southern hemisphere – the Yeagarup Dunes, Pemberton is ideal for getting off road and exploring the surrounds by hiking bush tracks, travelling by four wheel drive or horseback riding. For spectacular views, venture up Pemberton’s climbing trees, originally fire lookouts in the 1940s. In spring the forest floor transforms with a burst of colorful wildflowers. See www.pembertondiscoverytours.com.au to get an inside/off road look at the area. A recent increase in nature-based tourism has resulted in an expansion of eco tourism operators and facilities complete with various accommodation options. The surrounding forests abound with giant Karri and Marri trees - truly magnificent. Take advantage of the Pemberton Tramway for a different perspective. The tramway meanders in and out through the trees and ventures out over trestle bridges spanning rivers and streams. Hire a canoe and paddle around Pemberton’s river, lake and estuary waters. A former timber mill centre, Pemberton oodles old world charm, with characterful buildings, an authentic pub and great facilities. It is also fast gaining a reputation for its wine and gourmet produce. Whatever your culinary preference, there’s something to suit your palate – Pemberton also has several galleries and is a must for the art and craft enthusiast. Cool and shaded in summer and cozy in winter, Pemberton is an ideal year round destination. Pemberton is located near five national parks: Gloucester, Warren, D’Entrecasteaux, Beedlelup, and Brockman National Park. Warren National Park is home to some of the largest karri trees. Enjoy a relaxed cruise from karri to the coast joining Donnelly River Cruises in the pristine D’Entrecasteaux National Park. Meandering along the 12 kilometre section of the Donnelly River, you will experience a diverse eco system that is only accessible by boat. See www.donnellyrivercruises.com.au

Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk For under $10 explore the magical tingle forests at a different level from the Tree Top Walk, a masterfully suspended steel construction which weaves through the treetops, giving visitors a birds-eye view. The swaying factor can make for an exhilirating 600-metre walk, particularly along the uppermost path, which is 40-metres high. The Ancient Empire walk runs on ground level, gazing up at the tingle wood forest. The bases of these trees are enormous, up to 20-metres in circumference, and they come in all sorts of weird shapes. You can even walk through the hollowed-out butt of one tree. Entry to the Ancient Empire walk is included with Tree Top Walk admission. Visit www.valleyofthegiants.com.au

Location: 423 km south of Perth. Population: Around 500 Attractions: Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, Conspicuous Beach, Knoll Drive, Fernhook Falls. Accommodation: Hotels, motels, caravan parks, chalets, hostels and B&Bs. Visitor Centre: Pioneer Park, South Coast Hwy, Walpole Tel: (08) 9840 1111 www.walpole.com.au Walpole and its surrounding areas are much loved for their beautiful tingle and karri forests, wildflowers, animals, waterfalls, and glorious coastline. The Valley of Giants Treetop Walk is an experience not to be missed. Another must see is Hilltop Giant Tingle which has the largest girth of any eucalypt in the world. Mount Frankland National Park is located nearby and has stunning panoramic views of all the karri, tingle, and jarrah forests that surround Walpole. On the coast there are many gorgeous beaches such as Conspicuous Beach, Peaceful Bay, and Mandalay Beach. In town there are several hostel options complete with a fun, olde world village atmosphere.

Denmark Location: 491 km south of Perth. Population: 4,600 Attractions: Bibbulmun Track, wineries, Lights Beach, Green’s Pool, art and craft. Accommodation: Bungalows, B&Bs, chalets, caravan parks, holiday units. Visitor Centre: 73 South Coast Hwy, Denmark Tel: (08) 9848 2055 www.denmark.com.au With alternative vibes and a country ambience those seeking true tranquility and a peaceful forest lifestyle base themselves in this area. One of the prettiest towns in Western Australia, Denmark is set on the Denmark River. Nearby lies the Indian Ocean. There are several lookout spots on the coast that offer splendid ocean views. Conspicuous Cliff is one of these and the only one with car access. Down the way lies William Bay which has colossal granite slabs resembling giant hills that were tossed into the sea. Greens Pool is another cool place to check out. If you are seeking something out of the ordinary check out Pentland Alpaca Stud. This is an animal farm with animals from the world over including native kangaroos and emus, in addition to American Bison. There is a backpacker hostel in town so call the Denmark Visitor Centre on (08) 9848 2055.

Porongurups and Stirling Ranges Western Australia is not known for its gigantic mountains, nevertheless be sure to check them out at Porongurup National Park and Stirling Ranges National Park. Bluff Knoll in Stirling Ranges National Park is the highest point in Western Australia; also it is the only place out west where snow occasionally falls. Snow in Western Australia is unexpected and sounds crazy. Well to a greater or lesser extent the same is largely true for the Stirling Ranges. In the Stirling Ranges the weather changes at the drop of a penny. Consequently this results in wacky and crazy cloud formations fit for an Alice in Wonderland movie. Bluff Knoll for instance was originally called Pualaar Miial by the Aboriginals. The name means ‘great – many faced hill’ and is fitting as it’s said many faces can be seen in the knoll. Make sure you notify someone of your itinerary if planning to climb Bluff Knoll as several travellers in recent years have been caught out with sudden changes in weather conditions - requiring emergency search and rescues! Contact the Mount Barker Visitor Centre on (08) 9851 1163 for advice and info.

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Albany Location: 408 km south east of Perth Population: 30,000 Climate: Maximum average temperature 19.5°C. Minimum average temperature 11.6°C. Yearly rainfall 934mm. Attractions: King George Sound, Middleton Beach, Emu Point, Whale World, The Gap, Natural Bridge and Blow Holes. Accommodation: A selection of hotels, motels, guest houses, cottages, caravan and camping parks, two hostels and Albany Discovery Inn - pictured below. Visitor Centre: Old railway Station, Proudlove Parade, Albany. Tel: (08) 9841 9290. www.albanytourist.com.au Western Australia’s first town, Albany was settled in 1826. Albany is rich with an atmosphere of olde world charm and very friendly locals. Best known for its amazing coastline and natural features, Albany offers many activities for the adventurous. Playing host to many water adventure excursions Albany is the perfect place for those looking for a little outdoor excitement. Excitement aside, there remains plenty for those looking for a little rest and relaxation. Mount Clarence is located within city limits and provides commanding views of the ocean and surrounding town. Nearby Two People’s Bay Reserve has many species of exotic and rare animals. If you are in search of some history check out the Albany Residency Museum. The museum has exhibits showcasing the social and natural history of Albany. The surrounding land boasts great wineries and clear pristine beaches to sprawl out on. Seven national parks are also found nearby, the most popular being Torrindup. Some spectacular granite formations close by are the Natural Bridge and the Gap. On the way to these is Whaleworld – a decommissioned whaling station that is now a museum showcasing the area’s fascinating whaling history. From July onwards Albany is visited by humpback and southern right whales. These awe inspiring behemoths can easily be spotted from the shore. If you want to get up close and personal, hop onto a whale watching tour. Albany is one of the best places in the world for paragliding from the cliffs straight out over the ocean. Spectacular scenery and qualified instructors to guide you through. Whether you are after an easy beginner’s tandem jump through to lessons or becoming a paragliding fanatic, Albany is Western Australia’s paragliding capital.

Esperance Location: 725 Location: 725 km south east of Perth. Population: 15,000 Climate: Maximum average temperature range during the year is a maximum 22°C, minimum average temperature 12°C. Yearly rainfall 617mm. Daytime Temperature from October to March is approximately 24C, in the core summer months the temperature is around 26C. Attractions: National Parks, Great Ocean Drive, Bay of Isles, Woody Island, beaches, marine and wild life, diving, fishing and wineries. Accommodation: YHA hostel, caravan parks, hotels, motels, B&Bs, self catering chalets/apartments, luxury and camping and eco safari hut accommodation on Woody Island. Visitor Centre: Museum Village, Dempster Street, Esperance. Tel: (08) 9083 1555 www.visitesperance.com The Noongar People are the first known inhabitants in the Esperance region and populated the area 20,000 years ago. Kepa (water) Kurl (boomerang) is the local Noongar name for Esperance, meaning “where the waters lie like a boomerang”. The region provided a wide variety of food. The Great Ocean Drive passes beautiful beaches and bays with stunning coastal scenery. Those pressed for time should not miss the views from the Rotary Lookout across the Archipelago. A stroll down the old wooden Tanker Jetty provides an excellent chance to view an Australian Sea Lion at close range... resident seal “Sammy” always puts on a show. For the more energetic activities include swimming, snorkelling, diving, fishing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, sandboarding... the list goes on. To the West of Esperance the Cape Le Grand National Park is home to beaches with pure white sand so clean that it squeaks. Lucky Bay is not to be missed. Bushwalks in the National Park offer opportunities for viewing wildflowers (Sep- Oct) and wildlife, every turn is a photographers delight. Further East Cape Arid National Park offers even more rugged coastal scenery and remote beaches. East of Bremer Bay and the Fitzgerald River National Park Esperance is a very unique Western Australia destination. Located in an area surrounded by the islands of the Recherche Archipelago you can spot amazing sea life such as penguins, humpback whales, seals and sea lions. You can visit or stay on Woody Island - only half an hour by boat from Esperance. Woody Island is the only Island accessible to the public, and provides camping and safari hut accommodation. See www.woodyisland.com.au for cruises, diving and fishing and eco accommodation on the island. Monjingup Lake Reserve provides its visitors with a breathtaking experience of Western Australia’s ancient landscape. Monjingup has fossilized zamia plant fossils that are believed to be 1000 years old and a myriad of bird life.

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Nanson

Go Indian Ocean Drive

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GERALDTON d an Br

Jump in the car for a leisurely drive and enjoy the hospitality of the towns along the way like Yanchep, Seabird, Guilderton, Ledge Point, Lancelin, Cervantes and Jurien Bay.

Narngulu

Greenough

Walkaway 1

The road begins at the intersection of Yanchep Beach Road, 57km north of Perth and stretches for 268km, finishing just south of Dongara.

way High

The Indian Ocean Drive is a perfect day trip, the ideal weekend getaway or the route to a fantastic far north west adventure, and is limited to light vehicles and tourist buses – so no highway road trains to contend with.

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Western Australia

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Ledge Point Indian

LEGEND

Perth to Geraldton Other Road

Brand

An hour and a half drive north (118 kilometres) from Perth is the sleepy little fishing town of Ledge Point. The town is a small commercial rock lobster centre which boasts good fishing and beautiful beaches, perfect for a chilled break.

IIIawong

Recognised internationally as one of the great windsurfing venues, the Windsurfing Ocean Classic kicks off from Ledge Point every January. Divers are attracted to the wreck of the Dutch ship, Vergulde Draeck and Ledge Point has sporting facilities, a nine hole golf course, a country Coolimba club and caravan park within the town centre. The larger town of Lancelin is only 15 minutes north. See www.ledge-point-holiday-park.wa.big4.com.au Leeman

Tathra Nat Park

Eneabba

Lesueur Nat Park

Green Head

Alex. Morrison Nat Park Drovers Cave Nat Park

Watheroo Nat Park

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Badgingarra Nat Park

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Location: 127 km north of Perth. Wedge Island Population: Nearly 800 Climate: Maximum average temperature 19-30°C. Minimum average temperature 10-18°C. Yearly rainfall Windmill 619.8 mm. Roadhouse Attractions: Sandboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, snorkelling, quad and trail biking, dune tours, beaches, Lancelin fishing, two pubs, Lancelin Ocean Classic windsurfing event (Jan).Accommodation: Offers hotel, motel, 126 Cowalla apartments, hostel and caravan park. Ledge Point Visitor Centre: 102 Gingin Road Lancelin. Tel: (08) 9655 1100 www.gingin.wa.gov.au

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Located on the edge of Lancelin Bay, Lancelin offers both water and land based action. The town has a supermarket, bakeries, a surf shop, and pubs to cater to all your needs. Surfers can escape the crowds and kick it with great rides on a reef break at ‘Eddies’ or the beach break at ‘Back Break.’ A kite surf school provides beginner through to advanced lessons, plus kite and paddleboard hire. This makes Lancelin a one stop place to learn windsurfing, kite surfing, surfing plus sandboarding on the white dunes.

Ford

Moore River Nat Park

Seabird

GINGIN

Guilderton

The Endeavour Tavern is the primary viewing point of the annual international windsurfing event, Lancelin Ocean Classic (January) and home to the LOC’s legendary wrap party. See www.lancelinoceanclassic.com.au

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Yanchep

The Lancelin Lodge YHA has been awarded several excellence awards recently including best YHA in W.A. and has a 90% plus overall guest satisfaction rating. The Lodge is also recognised as “W.A. home base” for windsurfers, kite surfers and surfers. Call (08) 9655 2020 or visit www.lancelinlodge.com.au Greyhound Buses service the Indian Ocean Road and Lancelin Lodge is the official Lancelin stop. There is a weekly 3 day service North from Perth and 3 day service South from Broome with a Broome to Darwin connection. Lancelin Lodge can also do Greyhound ticketing. Lancelin is easily accessible with the opening of the new Indian Ocean Drive. The Lancelin Lodge YHA provides services to Pinncales tours and Perth, in addition to destinations further up north.

Regans

Yanchep Nat Park

Muchea

Neerabup Nat Park

Bullsbrook Walyunga Nat Park

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Avon lley Va Nat Park

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MIDLAND

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Cervantes/Pinnacles Desert Location: 147 km (Nambung National Park) 198km (Cervantes) north of Perth. Attractions: Namburg National Park (Pinnacles Desert), Lake Thetis, Hangover Bay, wildflowers, kangaroos. Accommodation: Motel, caravan park, hostel and holiday homes. Visitor Centre: Pinnacles Drive, via Nambung National Park, Cervantes, 6511. Tel (08) 9652 7913 www.dec.wa.gov.au Less than two hours drive from Perth is Cervantes: home of the Pinnacles Desert or Nambung National Park. The Pinnacles Desert is a forest of petrified limestone pillars. Against the sky they look more like sentinels standing guard. These natural sculptors can officially be found within the Nambung National Park which is a 20 minute drive from Cervantes; entry is $11. Aside from the lonely, awesome limestone sentinels there are loads of other things to see. The Lobster Shack, in Cervantes, is a family owned seafood processing operation providing a close up encounter with the most valued single species fishery in Australia; the Western Rock Lobster. Pick up some delicious, local fresh seafood while you’re there! See http://lobstershack.com.au At Kangaroo Point you will by greeted by stunning views of Cervantes and Cervantes Island. You will find barbeque grills and picnic tables at the Point. Cervantes also has reliable wind thereby making the place a great spot to try windsurfing. Hangover Bay has a boat launch and the water nearby is great for diving and snorkelling. Don’t be too surprised if you come across bottlenose dolphins or the occasional sea lion.

Jurien Bay Location: 220 km north of Perth. Population: 2000 Attractions: Skydiving, sea lions, fishing, scenic drives, beaches, wildflowers, Jurien Bay Marine Park, cray fish. Accommodation: A range of hotel, motel, caravan parks and cottages. Visitor Centre: Shire Office Bashford Street Jurien Bay - open weekends. Tel: (08) 9652 0800 www.australiascoralcoast.com Jurien Bay is a gentle, laid back fishing town just under two and a half hours drive north of Perth. It boasts long sandy beaches, abundant marine life and off shore reefs and islands that shelter the bay – great for exploring at your leisure. Home to a thriving cray fishing and rock lobster industry, Jurien Bay is home and holiday spot for both professional and amateur fisherman. Limestone reefs and caves are covered with colourful sponges and are home to a big variety of fish, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving. The Jurien Bay Marine Park is where you’ll see whales migrating each year along the coast (September – December). Join a fishing charter or get up close and personal on a cruise visiting cheeky sea lions, dolphins and whales. See www.juriencharters.com Lesuer National Park, just half an hour drive from town is a scenic 18km drive dotted with roadside viewing stops for photo opportunities. In season, 900 species of native flora make Jurien one of the most wildflower rich areas in the world. Just north is Sandy Cape Recreational Park, host to beachfront campsite and awesome swimming, coastal walks and beach fishing. Kayak tours and scenic flights are also available in Jurien Bay. Jurien Bay’s latest attraction is a brand new circular jetty. It is the second longest in the State (next to Busselton) and has a swimming pontoon and seperate fishing area.

Dongara-Port Dennison Location: 349 km north-northwest of Perth Population: 2,700 Attractions: Fishermans Lookout, Dongara Cemetery, surfing, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, Live Lobster Facility, wildflowers, beaches, bird watching. Accommodation: Hotels, motels, B&Bs, cottages, caravan and camping parks. Visitor Centre: 9 Waldeck Street Dongara. Tel: (08) 9927 1404. www.irwin.wa.gov.au The sister towns of Dongara and Port Denison are well distinguished due to the Irwin River, creating a scenic landmark between the two, the fig tree-lined streets of Dongara, old buildings and boutique charm. The area is renowned for fishing and has great beaches that can be seen from Fisherman’s Lookout at Port Denison. While here take advantage of the Dongara Heritage Trail that takes you to 17 points of interest in Dongara including the Royal Steam Roller Flour Mill and Russ Cottage. Dongara Markets are held on the first Saturday of every month, from 9am to 3pm at the town park and Priory Lodge is a glorious historical establishment, right near the Irwin River, constructed in 1881. It was run by the Dominican Sisters for 70 years and today it serves as a bar and restaurant and also offers accommodation.

Skydive Jurien Bay is Australia’s most beautiful beach skydive. They offer tandem skydiving from a choice of altitudes up to 14,000 feet plus photos and computer edited DVD movies of your jump. A tandem skydive requires only a few minutes training because your tandem instructor does all the work, and the whole thing takes a bit less than an hour. You will always land on the actual beach and it will be an experience you will remember your entire life. With more than 30 years experience, and an immaculate safety record, you can be confident that your first skydive will be everything you have ever dreamed about and more. The exhiliration of freefall and the silence under parachute is the ultimate way to experience the spectacular Australian Turquoise Coast. Book now on 0438 44 1239 or see www.skydivejurienbay.com

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In 1970, on a farm about the size of Hong Kong, the Casley family seceded from the Commonwealth, citing a dispute over taxation. Consequently the family formed their own independent nation, the Hutt River Province. Make sure you stop in here and get your passport stamped. From Geraldton there are a number of trips into the surrounding areas such as the Greenough River, with its leaping fish and glorious abundance of birds. Also within driving distance you’ll find awesome coastal cliffs. Within Geraldton are museums and the immaculate St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. If history is not your thing, fear not, the nightlife here is nothing to complain about. With Western Australia’s third largest population, the atmosphere is always chilled yet it has the festive 0undertones 100 300 400 500 km of a major city. 200

Within the Greenough/Walkaway precinct are other historic and tourist attraction’s including National Park Ellendale Pool, Walkaway Wind-farm, walk trails, a wildlife park and museums. Greenough also boasts budget accommodation, beautiful unspoilt beaches, Flat Rocks competition surfing beach, 4WD tracks and much more. The iconic Leaning Trees of Greenough are bent 90 degrees due to their weak root system and environmental factors such as salt and coastal winds that surround the area. The stunning Greenough River mouth, where the river meets the ocean, is about 10 km to the north of Central Greenough Cafe & Visitor Centre. Ph: (08) 9926 1084 or see www.centralgreenough.com

Geraldton Location: 415 km North of Perth. Population: 33,000 Climate: Maximum average temperature 18-30°C. Minimum average temperature 9-19°C. Yearly rainfall 541.2 mm. Attractions: WA Museum Geraldton, wineries, Abrolhos Islands, Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, wildflowers, windsurfing, scuba diving, fishing. Accommodation: A large selection of hotels, motels, guest houses, cottages, chalets, units, two hostels and caravan parks. Visitor Centre: Chapman Road Geraldton. Tel: (08) 9921 3999 www.geraldtontourist.com.au Known as ‘sun city’ with its regular eight hours of sun per day and year-round high temperatures, Geraldton has fabulous surrounding beaches and activities. The weather conditions are ideal and the wind very reliable, to the extent that it is regarded as one of the top windsurfing spots in the world. Offshore is the hidden archipelago known as the Houtman Abrolhos Islands that are a mere 60km off Geraldton. The islands are a diver’s paradise. With warm tropical waters year round and visibility levels up to 30 metres they are destined to become nearly as popular as the Great Barrier Reef. The area is home to an abundance of wildlife including sea lions, dolphins, migratory whales and sea birds. The extensive coral reef system stretches for a hundred kilometres and is home to many species, some as yet to be named. The unique wildlife and pristine beaches make for excellent swimming, snorkelling and beach walking.

NINGAL

Greenough is mainly a historical town located 400 kms north of Perth 22 kms south of Geraldton on the Brand Highway. Central Greenough Cafe & Visitor Centre is the Gateway to Central Greenough Historic Settlement. Settlers came here in early 1900’s and set up a township that includes 2 churches, a gaol complex, convent, school and many other buildings that you can walk in a see how they used to live, work and play, some with interactions.

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EF E R North West Cape

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Exmouth

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Coral Bay Pt Farquhar Pt Cuvier Pt Quobba

CARNARVON Cape Inscription Monkey Mia

Gascoyne Junction

Denham Useless Loop

Kalbarri

Port Gregory Mullewa

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INDIAN OCEAN

Mingenew Morawa Three Springs

Greenough Dongara Eneabba

Jurien Bay Cervantes PINNACLES DESERT Lancelin

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Go Kalbarri Location: 589 km North of Perth. Population: 2,000 Climate: Maximum average temperature 21-34°C. Minimum average temperature 10-21°C. Yearly rainfall 371.2 mm. Attractions: Kalbarri National Park, fishing, abseiling, sandboarding, horse riding, canoeing, cruises, surfing, Red Bluff Beach, wildlife and wildflowers. Accommodation: Hotels, motels, guest houses, cottages, chalets, units, apartments, hostel and caravan parks. Visitor Centre: Allan Community Centre, on the foreshore, Kalbarri. Tel: (08) 9937 1104 www.kalbarri.org.au Split left at Northhampton and follow the wild-flower rimmed road to the ocean. Fairly quickly you will find yourself at Kalbarri, an adventurer’s dream. Check out the rugged, red-cliffed Coral Coast coastline from viewpoints at Natural Bridge, Eagle Gorge, and Red Bluff. This area is a sensory overload, with views of 500 million-year old Murchison River and the stunning gorges of Kalbarri National Park. Rising to a daunting 900 feet are the cliffs of Womerangee Hill and the Zuytdorp Cliffs. The inland roads of Kalbarri National Park are only accessible by 4WD.

Things to do - Coral Coast • Skydive or learn to abseil at Kalbarri. • Explore the Houtman Abrolhos Islands that are a mere 60km off Geraldton. See www.pelicancharters.com.au • Get in the sea with punctual, friendly, beautiful dolphins @ Monkey Mia. • See the oldest living things in the world – the stromatolites of Hamelin Pool in Shark Bay. • Go on a turtle, dugong and dolphin spotting cruise at Monkey Mia. • Check out the stromatolites - world’s oldest living fossils - at Hamelin Pool. • Get cultured with Wula Guda Aboriginal Eco Adventures and enjoy a Saltwater Dreaming Kayak Tour. www.wulaguda.com.au • Tour a working pearl farm near Monkey Mia. www.bluelagoon.com.au • Hire a cheeky little glass bottom boat, pedal boat or kayak from Monkey Mia Boat Hire, ph: 0428 175 643 • Check out the sharks and other marine life at Ocean Park. www.oceanpark.com.au • Dive with whale sharks off Exmouth (mid March - late July).

Nevertheless, day trips are possible with activities ranging from hiking, canoeing, and abseiling. On the coastal fringes of Kalbarri National Park fishing is a very popular pastime with stocks of snapper, dhufish, and red emperor all anxiously waiting to bite your hook.

• Snorkel and dive the Ningaloo Reef.

Skydive Kalbarri has just taken off in October and have happy customers to tell about it. They take you on a scenic flight up to jump altitude boasting beautiful views of Blue Holes, Jaques Point, The Murchison River and Gorges. On a clear day you can even see the Abroholos Islands! Once securely attached to your world class instructor you exit the aircraft into freefall at a mind blowing 220kmph! Your instructor deploys the parachute for you and then you take in the views from 360 degrees while you soar like a bird.

Only 25km from Monkey Mia is the small holiday resort/prawning town of Denham, which serves as a great base for your Shark Bay experience. En route to Denham be sure to check out Hamelin Pool. With a salination content twice as high as the ocean nothing survives except for our ancient ancestors: cyanbacteria. The cyans have created vast swaths of stromatolites on the water’s edge. The formations are regarded as living fossils and they are believed to be as old as the first life on earth.

Skydive Kalbarri lands you safely on the beach opposite of town, and you are then transported back with a complimentary boat ride. You’ll definitely love it! Jump on their website for more details www.skydivekalbarri.com

Eagle’s Bluff is another place worth checking out with its fantastic views. You can even see the sharks patrolling the waters. Outside of Denham is Francois Peron National Park, which is only accessible by 4WD. Nevertheless it has great camping, a historical homestead, and a natural spa.

Another coastal attraction here is surfing. Jaque’s Point is a legendary surf spot and holds the former title of “heaviest, meanest” left breaking wave in Australia. There is a backpacker hostel in town and several caravan parks with nearby restaurants, takeaways, and bottle shops/pubs.

Monkey Mia

Go Shark Bay Shark Bay is one of only a small number of places in the world with a World Heritage Listing, which was granted in 1991. World Heritage Areas must meet the following four criteria: • have major stages of the world’s evolutionary history • have geological and biological processes • have great natural beauty • be home to threatened species See the stromatolites (world’s oldest living fossils) at Hamelin Pool, at play against the magnificent, sweeping landscape of pure white shells and stunning turquoise waters of Shell Beach and explore the incredible Francois Peron National Park. Marine life including turtles, dolphins, manta rays, whales and dugongs are all commonplace in the area. Get up close with marine life and see shark feeding at Ocean Park - www.allretreats.com.au/oceanpark.

Denham Location: 834 km North of Perth. Population: 1,200 Climate: Maximum average temperature 21-32°C. Minimum average temperature 12-22°C. Yearly rainfall 226 mm. Attractions: Boating, diving, snorkelling, watching marine life, fishing (outside sanctuary zones), windsurfing and swimming. Accommodation: Resort, hotel, caravan parks, self-contained villas and hostel. Visitor Centre: 53 Knight Tce Denham. Tel: (08) 9948 1590 www.sharkbayvisit.com

With a dolphin research centre on its doorstep, it comes as no shocker that Monkey Mia is renowned worldwide for its dolphins. Monkey Mia is located smack dab in the middle of one of the most pristine marine environments worldwide. The dolphins are completely wild yet they have learned to trust humans, to the extent that they will take food from your hands in knee deep water. Local vessels offer wildlife spotting cruises in impressive catamarans, where dolphins, rays, turtles, sharks, and dugongs can be found. The Monkey Mia Resort caters for all from upmarket to backpackers, caravaners and campers. Exceptional facilities are available to all guests including two restaurants, a cafe, two bars, swimming pool, hot tub and tennis court. Additional facilities include internet café, wireless, digital photo lab, BBQs, mini-mart and laundries. See www.monkeymia.com.au

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Go Carnarvon Location: 904 km North of Perth. Population: 9,046 Climate: Maximum average temperature 22-32°C. Minimum average temperature 11-23°C. Yearly rainfall 229.6mm. Attractions: Blow Holes, kite surfing, station stays, Lake Macleod, fishing, Carnarvon OTC Dish, One Mile Jetty and the Small Boat Harbour. Accommodation: Carnarvon is well served with caravan parks, hotels, motels and holiday flats. Visitor Centre: Civic Centre, 11 Robinson Street Carnarvon. Tel: (08) 9941 1146 www.carnarvon.org.au Carnarvon is a warm year round destination. Step out of your car, plane or bus and slip into the relaxed atmosphere of our friendly coastal community - ready to enjoy the many experiences Carnarvon has to offer. The region is home to a thriving tropical fruit industry. When it comes to fresh food, whether from the land or sea, you’ll delight in sampling delectable, fresh local produce direct from the producers’ door or in the town’s cafe’s, hotels and restaurants. There are also opportunities to take working plantation tours. With a huge marine and fruit growing industry, seasonal work is widely available all year. See www. jobsearch.gov.au The mouth of the Gascoyne River Carnarvon serves as a terra firma base for some of the best fishing in WA. Thriving prawning and scallop industries operate here and the Lake Macleod Salt Mine produces as much as 1.5m tonnes of salt per year. If fishing is your passion, drop a line off One Mile Jetty, the beaches, the creeks, the rocks or offshore. Marlin, sailfish and pink snapper can be found out at sea. The town’s 1593m long jetty off Baggage Island is popular for mulloway, tailor, bream, mackerel, and blue swimmer crab, to name but a few. There are also some great beaches. The One Mile Jetty is also an attraction for history buffs as the home to the heritage precinct. Discover history of the outer-space kind at the OTC satellite dish. Additionally Carnarvon is a proclaimed whale watching spot as the sea giants can easily be watched from the cliffs along the Quobba Coast. The nearby Bernier and Dorre Islands abound with animals that are not found on the mainland. These include Banded-hare Wallaby, Lesueur’s Rat Kangaroo, Little Barred Bandicoot, and the Shark Bay Mouse. There’s no end of water sport activities including boating, swimming, surfing, kite boarding, paddle boarding and windsurfing. The Fascine waterway also provides the idyllic location for a relaxing walk, a scenic bike ride, a canoe paddle or a quiet barbecue. Mangrove creeks of the Gascoyne River mouth offer canoeists the untouched beauty of a bird haven, fish sanctuary and a myriad of desertmeets-ocean sights, sounds and smells. Stop off at the Blowholes where you can prise top class oysters off low-lying rocks while eyeing crayfish swimming below. Another catch of the sea here are the delicious North West Snappers. Carnarvon offers an excellent range of accommodation options from backpackers and caravan parks to motel and hotel accommodation. From the World Heritage Area of Shark Bay to the outback experiences of the Kennedy Range, Mount Augustus and the Ningaloo Reef, Carnarvon is a central base for exploring the region.

Go Ningaloo Reef Ningaloo Reef starts just north of Carnarvon. Ningaloo Reef stretches 260km along the Western Australian coast. This thereby makes it one of the longest fringing coral reef systems in the world. In contrast to its east coast counterpart (The Great Barrier Reef) Ningaloo Reef is much less developed for tourism, in turn rendering it far less crowded. Gnaraloo is a working pastoral station and wilderness tourism operation adjacent to the Ningaloo Marine Park,150 kilometers north of Carnarvon. Famous for its stunning coastline, wildlife and fishing, Gnaraloo is also home to 3 Mile Camp which offering beachside camping, close to the surf with a protected lagoon for swimming and snorkelling. The camp has bore water toilets, hot showers, basic laundry facilities and a shop selling basic supplies and a few luxury items. Swim, snorkel or dive on the Ningaloo Reef, walk and explore the area, then relax in the accommodation or camp grounds with a drink to watch the passing whales and some of the best sunsets in the world.... For something uniquely West Australian, it’s well worth taking a detour and really getting off the beaten track. See www.gnaraloo.com

Located in the centre of town and within walking distance to the shopping centre & speciality stores, restaurants, cafes, hotels, banks, cinema, fascine, town beach and post oﬃce. Just 100m to bus terminal and many other essential services.

Backpacker & Flashpacker Accommodation • • • • •

Motel units with air conditioning, ensuite, fridge, TV, tea & coﬀee Single, double & triple rooms with shared bathroom facilities No bunks Spacious common areas - including games room Guest kitchen

Other Features • • • • •

Guest Internet - 24 hour access including wireless hotspot Work Opportunities Transport to work available Guest laundry (coin operated) Oﬀ street parking

Phone: 08 9941 1704 Fax: 08 9941 1835 Email: stay@ﬁshandwhistle.com.au Web: www.ﬁshandwhistle.com.au 35 Robinson Street (Corner of Alexandra St) Carnarvon WA 6701

Every year from mid March to late July, following the mass spawning of coral, the world’s biggest species of fish congregate in the Ningaloo Marine Park. These are the Whale Sharks. The chance to snorkel with these gentle giants is the opportunity of a lifetime and visitors from all over the world head to the Ningaloo Reef during Whale Shark season. These massive filter feeders can grow up to 18m long. They cruise the world’s ocean in search of concentrations to feed on. Ningaloo Reef is one of the only places they appear regularly in large numbers. Very little is known about the biology of these creatures so research is ongoing. Day tours where you can snorkel along side Whale Sharks depart daily during the season from Exmouth and the experience is open to confident swimmers of all ages. Whaleshark facts: • Whale sharks are actually a type of fish, so not mammals as the name suggests. • Despite its size, the whale shark are actually quite gentle and can ‘play’ with humans. • They are known to migrate every spring to the continental shelf of the central west coast of Australia. The coral spawning of the area’s Ningaloo Reef provides the whale shark with an abundant supply of plankton. • Whale sharks sighted in the Ningaloo region are usually 5 - 9 metres long. The largest ever confirmed individual had a length of 12.65 metres and a weight of more than 21.5 tonnes. • The whale shark, Rhincodon typus, is a slow-moving filter feeding shark and the largest existent fish species. • This distinctively-marked fish is the only member of its genus Rhincodon and its family, Rhincodontidae. • The species originated about 60 million years ago. • The whale shark is found in tropical and warm oceans and lives in the open sea with a life span of about 70 years. • The whale shark is a filter feeder – one of only three known filter feeding shark species. It feeds on macro-algae, plankton, krill, Christmas Island red crab larvae, and small nektonic life such as small squid or vertebrates. It also feeds on small fish and the clouds of eggs and sperm during mass spawning of fish shoals. • Little is actually known about the breeding and life cycle of whale sharks. Neither their mating nor pupping has ever been observed. It is thought that whale sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning that the eggs remain in the body and the females give birth to live young.

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Coral Bay Location: 1132 km North of Perth. Population: Around 1100 Climate: Maximum average temperature 22-32°C. Attractions: Ningaloo Marine Park, humpback whales, turtles, fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, whale sharks, swimming, quad biking. Accommodation: Hotel, motel, holiday resort, caravan parks and hostel. Visitor Centre: See www.exmouthwa.com.au Welcome to paradise. Situated 1132km north of Perth and bathed in tropical sun all year round, Coral Bay is a tiny, unique settlement on the Coral Coast. Perched right on a gorgeous beach and sweeping bay, this is the place, unlike any other, where you can experience the fantastic Ningaloo Reef close up. The Reef here is a mere 50 metres from the shore, so you can literally just amble out from the beach with your mask and fins and have a world-class snorkelling experience. Coral Bay is the year round home to an array of majestic manta rays, dolphins, turtles, coral, colourful fish and other marine life. Seasonal attractions include giant, harmless Whale Sharks which may frequent the area from April through till June and Humpback Whales are usually around from August to November. Activities on offer include quad biking, coral viewing, snorkelling and breath-taking eco-tours. So check out local operators who will have you getting the most out of your Ningaloo experience in, on and/or under the beautiful turquoise waters. It’s mega chilled-out here so just laying on the beach is also an acceptable option. The town is small, has a pub, the locals are friendly and everything is within walking or swimming distance. Coral Bay is fast becoming a must-stop for independent travellers. The simple outdoor lifestyle, set against the stunning backdrop of Ningaloo Reef and surrounding waters is highly appealing. There is a range of budget accommodation on offer however, be sure to do your research and book in advance. High seasons (school holidays in particular) can see you without a campsite or bed if you turn up unannounced.

Exmouth Location: 1259 km north of Perth Population: About 2000 Climate: Maximum average temperature 22-32°C. Minimum average temperature 11-23°C. Attractions: Cape Range National Park, snorkelling, boating, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, whale sharks, wildlife. Accommodation: Hotels, backpackers accommodation, motels, self contained, caravan/camping Visitor Centre: Murat Road Exmouth. Tel: (08) 9949 1176. www.exmouthwa.com.au Exmouth is the gateway to the stunning Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef. The town is situated directly on the coast and it offers a huge variety of water based activities. By the time you leave you will be sun kissed and well spoiled after hours of surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, or just relaxing on the beach. Exmouth is where you can get on a Whale Shark tour from mid March through to late July, with numerous local operators offering the option. There are also opportunities to see Humpback and Southern Rights cavorting in Exmouth Gulf with their calves, or migrating along the coast between July and November. Great surf breaks can also be found in the region. Rays and dolphins have been known to join surfers as they ride the waves. A popular reef break just off-shore is located by the Vlamingh Lighthouse which is situated right before the Mildura Wreck on the Mildura Wreck Road. After you get bored with the beach and have done your fair share of partying in town, head on over to Cape Range National Park just a short drive away. At Cape Range National Park you will find spectacular rocky gorges, carved out by ancient rivers and rugged natural scenery. Book a boat trip along Yardie Creek and look out for wallabies, euro kangaroos, and birds of prey. When it comes to accommodation Exmouth has a selection of hotels, motels, self contained rentals, hostels and caravan parks. The township offers restaurants, shops, cafes, and two pubs. The main night out is Friday night at the Potshot Hotel’s disco.

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Beautiful places, wild places... Unique accommodation Many travellers seek an alternative Australian experience where they can be at one with nature, get off the beaten track and get away from tourist treadmills. For those truly wanting to get away from it all, Western Australia offers a wonderful choice of station and/or camping stays in amazing locations. Suitable for independent travellers, grey nomads and families alike, many offer beachside accommodation, year round warm weather, incredible fishing, stunning marine life, surf and sunsets to die for. On the Ningaloo Coast, Warroora Station awaits. Pronounced “Warra” Warroora Station is a family run sheep and cattle station, offering eco friendly wilderness beach camping and authentic station stay accommodation. Warroora Station offers wilderness camping on white sand beaches that you have only ever seen in photos and movies. Step out of your caravan, motorhome or tent onto the white sands, then just a few steps to the warm blue water. Warroora Station provides access for visitors to the Ningaloo Reef and Marine Park. Camping is available in a variety of stunning and unique locations right on the beach. Camping on Warroora Station is one of Western Australia’s best kept secrets. 14 Mile, The Lagoon, Black Moon Cliff, Elle’s Beach and Steven’s Surf Break are all camping areas on Warroora Station. If you would prefer a little more comfort while still experiencing the West Australian outback, you can stay at the old Station Homestead, Shearer’s and Stockmen’s Quarters or at the Cottage. Warroora has a range of accommodation around the Old Homestead. This complex is located only a short distance from miles and miles of secluded beaches fringed by the world class Ningaloo Reef - a paradise of pristine corals and beautiful tropical fish. The Station Stay complex is ideal for those not set up with their own camping equipment, but who still want to enjoy the unique experience of Warroora Station and its stunning coastline. Visitors can enjoy just watching the wildlife up close. Marvel at two young buck kangaroos having a “boxing match”, or watch Old Man Emu manage his brood of up to a dozen young chicks. Watch Sea Eagles and Ospreys hunt for a fish, or hypnotize yourself lying back and taking in the perfect symmetry of giant Wedge Tail Eagles hunting for their prey. Snorkeling, swimming, fishing (please only take what you can eat today), and wilderness walking, are all perfect pastimes along one of the largest fringing reefs in the world. Warroora boasts three awesome surf breaks. Constant swells from the Indian Ocean guarantees a great surf break on any occasion. Migratory Humpback Whales are a constant feature for several months of the year and can be easily seen from the shore playing almost constantly on the outer edge of the reef. It is truly a fantastic sight to see one of these massive mammals launch their bodies completely out of the water as they show off to all who are watching. Fish feeding frenzies occur regularly and give the viewer the thrill of seeing marine Mother Nature in jam packed action. Sharks congregate in hundreds & sometimes whales too, to feed on big black schools of pilchards which are herded into shore. Warroora is halfway between Carnarvon (190km) and Exmouth (190km) just south of Coral Bay (60km), and is only 23km from the bitumen highway. Travellers from the north take the Warroora Northern access 15 km south of the Coral Bay turnoff. If you’re coming from Carnarvon, turn left at the Lyndon Crossing Rest Area and it’s only 23 kms to the Homestead complex. Warroora has two airstrips, one to service the Royal Flying Doctor Service, 8kms from the Homestead (cross strip) and the other at the Homestead. Each strip is 1,000m and marked with windsocks. See www.warroora.com

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Go Up North

Cape Bougainville Cape Voltaire

Cape Londonderry Cape St Kalumbaru Lambert

Wyndham Kununurra

Cape Leveque

Derby

BROO ME Fitzroy Crossing

Cape Bossut

PORT HEDL AND Dampier

KARR ATHA

Exmouth

Onslow

Wickham Roebourne

Goldsworthy

Marble Bar

KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK

G R E AT SANDY DESERT

Halls Creek

TA N A M I DESERT

Telfer

Tom Price

Coral Bay

NEW MAN Mt Augustus

CARN ARVO N

Things to do Up North • Swim in Fortescue Falls, Karijini, where two waterfalls plunge spectacularly into the pool. • Explore and marvel at the deep red gorges of the Karijini National Park. • See the world’s biggest monolith (rock). And, no, it’s not Uluru – it’s Mount Augustus in the Gascoyne region, just south of the Pilbara. • See the staircase to the moon, as the full moon rises over tidal flats at Port Hedland or Broome. • Take a camel ride across the world class Cable Beach at sunset. • Discover thousands of rock carvings near Dampier (but be sure to pay respect and check with the local Indigenous communities - and never 2touch the paintings). • See where the Outback meets the ocean with the red cliffs and white sand of Cape Leveque. • Visit the Boab Prison Tree – 7km south of Derby. • Go for a boat ride up Chamberlain Gorge in the million acre El Questro Wilderness Park. • Take a scenic flight over the very striped Bungle Bungles. • See Australia’s biggest meteorite crater at Wolfe’s Creek. It’s nearly a kilometer wide and 50m deep. • Hike to the stunning, multi-layered Mitchell Falls. • Stay a safe distance from big teeth at the Wyndham Crocodile Farm. • Walk through the narrow Tunnel Creek, surrounded by huge rock walls. • Get on your walking boots, and take on Windjana Gorge. Spot wallabies, dingos, echidnas and snakes in Mirima National Park. • Canoe down the Ord River from Kununurra. • Check out the thousand PER THislands and massive whirlpools of the Buccaneer Archipelago. • Cruise on Lake Argyle, the picturesque man-made reservoir with 12 times the capacity of Sydney Harbour.

BUSS ELTO N ESPE RANC E ALBA NY

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Karijini National Park Karjini National Park is a little ways down the road from Millstream. The park is the traditional home of the Banjima, Kuruma, and Innawonga people. Evidence of their earliest occupation dates back more than 20,000 years. Animal life in the Park is amazingly diverse. Aside from your typical Australian mammals and marsupials, there is an abundance of reptiles. Commonly spotted species include geckos, goannas, dragons, legless lizards, pythons and other snakes. There are numerous swimming pools and well marked trails within the Karijini National Park. The unique Karijini Eco Retreat is located in the depths of the breathtaking Karijini National Park. It is the only permanent accommodation in the Park and it offers camping facilities, tours and authentic bush kitchens for self-caterers. Check out www.karijiniecoretreat.com.au Karijini Visitor Centre is an impressive architectural masterpiece in an astonishing location. Here you will get an introduction to the rich Aboriginal history of the area as well as the natural features of the park. Call (08) 9189 8121. You can also contact Tom Price Visitor Centre on (08) 9188 1112 for information in relation to Karijini National Park, tours and accommodation in the area. The mining industry thrives in North Western Australia and employment is still widely available for those willing to work in isolated areas. Accommodation can be hard to come by so make sure you book in advance before arriving.

Port Hedland Location: 1710 km north of Perth. Population: 15,000 Climate: Maximum average temperature 26-35°C. Minimum average temperature 14-27°C. Yearly rainfall 327 mm. Attractions: The port area, courthouse arts and gallery centre, cultural and heritage trail, BHP Iron Ore & Port Operations, Royal Flying Doctor, School of the Air & Rio Tinto Dampier Salt tours, Staircase to the Moon. Accommodation: Hotel, motel, self contained cabins, caravan and holiday parks Accommodation can be difficult to find if you arrive unannounced - so make sure you book ahead. Visitor Centre: 13 Wedge Street Port Hedland. Tel: (08) 9173 1711 www.phvc.com.au Port Hedland is an interesting stop-over and certainly surreal looking. The iron rich red earth of the town is set against the backdrop of the stunning blue waters of the colossal port. This is the largest bulk tonnage port in Australia and the second largest in the world. The surrounding coastal region is great for fishing and watching sea turtles making their nests.

Karratha Location: 1537 km north of Perth. Population: 12, 756 Climate: Maximum average temperature 26-36°C. Minimum average temperature 14-27°C. Yearly rainfall 248.3 mm. Attractions: Fishing, Aboriginal rock engraving sites (be aware that these are sacred sites, some of which are not open to the public) and Rio Tinto tours. Accommodation: Hotel, motel, caravan parks and backpacker accommodation are available. Best to pre book! Visitor Centre: Lot 4548 Karratha Road Karratha. Tel: (08) 9144 4600 www.pilbaracoast.com At the heart of the West Pilbara Coast lies Karratha, one of the largest and fastest growing towns in Western Australia’s Pilbara mining region. Venture beyond this bustling modern hub and you’ll discover the charming port of Dampier and some of the State’s most fascinating historic pioneering towns, including Point Samson, Cossack (population = 2), Roebourne and Wickham. The most glorious of attractions in the Pilbara region are all nature’s doing. Standouts include Mount Augustus National Park, home of the world’s largest free standing rock. Mount Augustus, near the Aboriginal community of Burringurrah, is twice the size of Uluru and estimated to be one billion years older. The inland region of the Pilbara has the Millstream and Karijini National Parks. Millstream National Park is an oasis. It contains the last remaining vegetation from a formerly vast northern rainforest which now survives around isolated pools and streams.

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Kimberley Region The Kimberley is one of the nine regions of Western Australia. It is located in the northern part of Western Australia, bordered on the west by the Indian Ocean, on the north by the Timor Sea, on the south by the Great Sandy and Tanami Deserts, and on the east by the Northern Territory. It is one of the earliest settled parts of Australia, with the first arrivals landing from the islands of what is now Indonesia about 40,000 years ago.

The Kimberley is one of the world’s last unspoilt frontiers - an ancient land extending from Broome in the South West to Kununurra and Wyndham near the Northern Territory border. It covers an area of 421,000 square kilometres, roughly 700km east-west by 600km north-south. That’s five times the size of Tasmania, 1.7 times the size of the United Kingdom and 10 times the size of Switzerland. The population of the Kimberley is only about 41,000 and the population is fairly evenly distributed, with only three towns having populations in excess of 2,000 people: Broome, Derby and Kununurra. Approximately 33% of the region’s population are of Aboriginal descent. The Kimberley Region is revered for its ancient Indigenous culture and history, majestic landscapes and tropical climate. The most well known attractions are the tropical, cultural oasis that is Broome, the giant, striped, conical Bungle Bungles rock formations in Purnululu National Park, amazing water ways and falls such as Manning Falls on the Gibb River Road (usually only accessible by car in the Dry season), Australia’s biggest meteorite crater at Wolfe’s Creek, Tunnel Creek, ancient rock art near Windjana Gorge, the Ord River and the savannah like Lake Argyle.

Unique Kimberley Accommodation • Gnylmarung Retreat: Camping and bungalow accommodation. 150kms north of Broome off Cape Leveque Road, Beagle Bay WA 6725. See www.gnylmarung.org.au Gnylmarung’s Hire Boat

Wildlife in the region includes wallabies, dingoes, echidnas, snakes, various exotic lizards, bird life and both fresh and saltwater crocodiles. Perhaps one of the most unique things about this region is opportunity to really get off the “beaten track” and experience Aboriginal culture and/or station living first hand. There are numerous accommodation options that offer far more than the usual caravan park, camping or hotel type set ups that we are so used to. Of course, to enjoy such adventures, you’ll need to be prepared to deviate from the common tourist routes - making sure that road conditions are permitting. Some locations are only accessible by 4WD vehicle or by air. See www.mainroads.wa.gov.au or call the Main Roads Department on138 138. Call the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055 if you come across sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife. An outstanding accommodation experience is Gnylmarung Retreat located on Beagle Bay. The unexpected magic of Gnylmarung gives visitors a taste of community life and an up close and personal look at the Dampier Peninsula. Accommodation at Gnylmarung includes powered bungalows with camp kitchen or secluded unpowered camp sites with firewood, bush BBQ, bathroom and laundry facilities. This retreat offers a peaceful and relaxing stay as visitor numbers are limited and your pet is welcome. Gnylmarung’s Hire Boat provides fantastic fishing and seasonal whale watching (mating and calving takes place in tropical waters from June to November) or you can just explore the beauty of this remote part of the Kimberley’s and its coastal waters. Gnylmarung is located on the Dampier Peninsula approximately 150kms north of Broome off the Cape Leveque Road. The community is situated around 25kms off the main road on the western side of the Peninsula, just follow the signs from Cape Leveque Road to Gnylmarung Community.

• Barn Hill Station: Camping (including caravans and motor homes) with ablution blocks. 128km south of Broome and 9km off the Great Northern Highway. See www.barnhill.com.au • Kooljaman at Cape Leveque: Safari tents, log cabins, beach shelters, units and camping. 220kms north of Broome on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula. Access is either by air or by 4WD. See www. kooljaman.com.au • El Questro Wilderness Park: Homestead, resort, bungalows and camping. 110 kilometres west of Kununurra by road – 58 kilometres on the sealed Great Northern Highway towards Wyndham, with the remainder on the unsealed and corrugated graded Gibb River Road. Flights and scheduled 4WD transfers are available from Kununurra. Up-to-date road conditions and information are available 24 hours a day on 1800 013 314. See www.elquestro.com.au • Home Valley Station: Grass castles, eco tents, guesthouse rooms, camping. 120kms from Kununurra on the Gibb River Road WA 6743 4WD access only. See www.hvstation.com.au • Drysdale River Station: Safari tents, rooms and camping. 360km east of Kununurra and 470km west of Derby on the Gibb River/ Kalumburu Road. See www.drysdaleriver.com.au

See www.gnylmarung.org.au or call 0429 411 241.

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Broome Location: 2275 km north of Perth. Population: 13, 717 Climate: Maximum average temperature 26-34°C. Minimum average temperature 14-26°C. Yearly rainfall 575.6 mm. Attractions: Cable Beach, China Town, Staircase to the Moon, Shinju Matsuri Pearl Festival, pearl showrooms, Pearl Luggers, Indigenous art, Sun Pictures Outdoor Cinema, markets, Chinese and Japanese cemeteries, Anastasia’s Pool and dinosaur footprints. Accommodation: A choice of accommodation is available from luxury to backpackers, selfcontained to caravan parks, but always pre-book to avoid disappointment. Visitor Centre: 1 Hamersley Street Broome. Tel: (08) 9195 2200 www.broomevisitorcentre.com.au The most visited town in this expansive hood is Broome. Broome is a modern oasis for travellers negotiating the WA coast. Despite its sophisticated modernity, it has managed to retain the characteristics of its original cultural influence. Indigenous Australian and the early Asian pearl fisherman whose cultural influences added to the rich tapestry of Broome society creating a unique cultural blend of all things Indigenous, tropical and oriental. The climate varies from very hot and humid in the summer time (known as the ‘wet season’) to comfortably warm in the dry winter. The biggest appeal of this place, aside from its people, is the beach and a relaxed ambience. It is quite common for visitors to fall into a cycle of relaxation, known here as ‘Broome time’, where things happen very slowly (if at all). Cable Beach is postcard perfect and rated as one of the top three beaches in the world. The beach is framed by deep red rocks with translucent water and gloriously fine white sand stretching for miles. Some attractions here include Crocodile Park and the town’s original open air cinema, Sun Theatre. There are four backpacker hostels and a number of caravan parks in and around the town. Adventure tours are available here from bushtucker walks to three-day tours that take in Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge National Parks. A definite must-do is an Aboriginal cultural tour to Cape Leveque to visit the Bardi people – a small coastal community 220km north of Broome. The annual Shinju Matsuri Pearl Festival takes place from late August to early September, when Broome is decked out in colour while the town celebrates its pearling and cultural history. See www. shinjumatsuri.com.au The Staircase to the Moon phenomenon is another must see. This happens on two days either side of a full moon when the tides are super low. The rising moon is reflected off the rippled tidal mudflats, creating the illusion of a brightly lit staircase rising up to the moon. At dusk go on a camel tour along the beach. At the southern tip of Cable Beach is Gantheaume Point. At low tide you can spot the tracks left by a dinosaur 130 million years ago.

Derby Location: 2495 km north of Perth. Population: 5,000 Climate: Maximum average temperature 29-35°C. Minimum average temperature 15-26°C. Yearly rainfall 622.4 mm. Attractions: Boab tree, Gibb River Road, Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek, Horizontal Falls, mud crabs, fishing, Derby Wharf, crocodiles. Accommodation: Station stays, hotel/motel, self contained, wilderness camps and caravan parks. Visitor Centre: 2 Clarendon Street Derby. Tel: (08) 9191 1426 www.derbytourism.com.au The oldest town in the Kimberley, Derby was one of the original port towns in the region and the town’s streets pay homage to this. The Boab tree lined streets are very wide in order to permit teams of mules and horses to do complete turn arounds after dropping off their loads. Nestled alongside the Indian Ocean, Derby is home to the second highest tidal range in the world. It’s the principle jump off point for Buccaneer Archipelago. A must see in this region is Horizontal Falls which unleashes an enormous volume of water between two sunken mountain ranges. Land based attractions include Tunnel Creek National Park, which is a two and a half hour drive from Derby. Located here is the famed cave that was the hideout for Aboriginal hero Jandamarra, who was tragically tracked down nearby and killed in 1897.

Kununurra Location: 3280 km north of Perth. Population: Approx: 6,000 Climate: Maximum average temperature 30-39°C. Minimum average temperature 15-25°C. Yearly rainfall 790.7 mm. Attractions: Barramundi fishing, crocodiles, Lake Argyle, Argyle Diamond Mine, El Questro Station, Ord Valley, Kelly’s Knob, markets, Ivanhoe Crossing, birdlife. Accommodation: A complete range of accommodation is available within 1km radius of town centre. Visitor Centre: 75 Coolibah Drive Kununurra. Tel: (08) 9168 1177 www.kununurratourism.com The last sizeable stop off before reaching the Western Australia/Northern Territory border is Kununurra or “The Meeting Of The Big Waters” in local Aboriginal dialect. This is Australia’s youngest town, put on the map in the 1960s to support the massive Ord River Irrigation Scheme. Do a three-day canoeing trip down the Ord River from Lake Argyle back to Kununurra, with fantastic scenery, cute little freshwater crocs (harmless ‘freshies’), waterholes and Aboriginal rock art. There are several waterholes that are safe for swimming and close to town, but ask the locals or the Visitor Centre first because you are right in the middle of croc country (there is always the super safe, shady town pool). Also check with the Indigenous communities before approaching the rock art as many of these areas are sacred sites. There’s lots of fruit picking work in Kununurra, with the season running from May-November. The produce is mainly mangoes and melons, and many of the farms arrange transport or accommodation, so it’s a good place to stock up on cash for your next adventure. There are three well equipped backpacker hostels in town and several caravan parks. The spectacular Lake Argyle was artificially created by the Ord River Dam scheme in 1963. The lake is the second largest in Australia and so large, some would argue that, it deserves the title of an inland sea. To the south is Argyle Diamond mine which is amongst the largest diamond mines in the world. Not to be shorthanded is Wolf Creek Meteorite Crater. The crater is 835m wide and 50m deep making it the second largest impact crater in the world. If you’ve seen the movie, you might want to give it a miss. Make sure you get to El Questro - WA’s million acre wilderness park (formerly a working cattle station). Gorgeous gorges (we couldn’t resist!) offer a true station atmosphere, bush entertainment and accommodation from camping through to 5-star. Good value day tours are available exKununurra.

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Explore the rich beauty, hidden gorges, flowing rivers and stunning landscapes of the Kimberley region of North West Australia. For the fit and active who want to well and truly get off the beaten track Adventure Tours offer a cracking Broome to Kununurra 7 day package.... Departing from Broome stop briefly at Willare Bridge, where a rushing torrent of water flows in the mighty Fitzroy River (in season). Then leave the bitumen behind and head for the Oscar Range and on to Tunnel Creek, where a 750 metre tunnel passes under the Napier Range. The area has a rich bushranger history. Jandamarra is a legend of the Bunuba people. He was only in his mid twenties when he was gunned down in 1897, but in his short life he created a legacy that will never be forgotten. He led one of the longest and most successful campaigns to defend Aboriginal country in Australian history.

Kimberleys Explore some of Australia’s greatest untouched wilderness with Adventure Tours

Explore Windjana Gorge (with loads of freshwater crocodiles!) before you hit the track again to travel along the famous Gibb River. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to explore Galvins or Adcock Gorge before setting up camp at Manning Gorge. Explore the striking Manning Gorge and time permitting, head into Barnett Gorge. Your experienced guide will use their local knowledge to determine the best gorges for you to explore. Then in for another night under the stars at the bush camp. Pass through some ancient and spectacular country as you travel along the Gibb River Road. Crossing the Pentecost River, reach the famous El Questro Station. Walk into the beautiful Cockburn Ranges for a swim under the waterfall at Emma Gorge before retiring for the night. Admire the awesome scenery of the Carr Boyd and Durack Ranges as you head to Turkey Creek. You take a challenging 4WD trip into the Bungle Bungle (Purnululu) National Park for sunset over the Osmond Ranges and another overnight bush camp. The rock formations of the Bungle Bungles massif are remarkable. Next visit breathtaking Echidna Chasm and magnificent Cathedral Gorge. There’s time to get another perspective of the Bungles by helicopter if you choose (at own expense) before you head back to the bush camp. Time for some 4WD action as you wind the way out of the Bungle Bungles. Time permitting, you will have the opportunity to explore the Hidden Valley, just a stones throw from Kununurra township.

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The Wet & The Dry Most visitors to our State’s nether regions tend to embark from Perth – or they may live there. Important to consider when planning an itinerary, either north, south or inland of Perth, is that with such huge distances to cover, the weather will be considerably different than current Perth temperatures, rainfall, wind, humidity etc. The beauty of this is that when it’s winter (June-August) in Perth - mild and wet compared to European winters - it is much warmer as you head north so, basically it is always summer somewhere in Western Australia. You just have to get your timing right. From Kalbarri up you will find winter temperatures to be as warm as mid 20’s °C during the day and this continues to rise as you head north, with mid winter temperatures hitting the mid 30’s °C and more in places like Broome and Kununurra. The Kimberley climate is defined by a distinct wet season and dry season. Located north of the Tropic of Capricorn, the Kimberley region enjoys a tropical monsoon climate. This applies not only to Western Australia, but also across the north of Australia. There is no spring, summer, autumn and winter, which can be initially confusing for visitors. A very broad generalization is: When it is winter in Perth, it is the dry season in the State’s far North. When it is summer in Perth, it is the wet season in the north. So the time from May to October is the Dry season, and from November to April is the wet season.

The Kimberley dry season is characterized by clear blue skies, easterly winds and balmy days with some chilly nights. The weather is very stable, and outdoor events can be planned years in advance. It won’t rain and every day is perfect. The wet season is a different story... hot and humid, and sometimes, very wet and stormy. Flooding is not unusual and even the main highway gets cut off at times, sometimes for many days. During this hotter time of the year the land heats up a lot more than the ocean does. Hot air rises upwards, a low pressure trough forms and sucks in moist air from the oceans. The air cools, moisture condenses, and it rains. It can be dramatic to experience an electrical tropical storm in action. So generally it is best to visit the far northern regions in the dry season if you are seeking sun, sand, balmy nightlife, some secluded tropical oases and want to access all areas (a 4WD vehicle may still be needed due to lack of sealed roads and rugged terrain). The downside can be that meccas such as Broome get very busy and accommodation needs to be booked in advance. The upside to visiting in the humid Wet season is that popular tourist haunts are all yours as tourist numbers are down and you’ll get to meet the real characters that make up the local population. The downside is many tourism operators “shut up shop” and enjoy a Christmas holiday themselves and flooding can prevent access to wonderful attractions. Whether sultry, stormy wet or sunny, funny dry is your style it’s important to know what you may be in for. More information about the State’s weather and climate can be found at www.bom.gov.au

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Self Drive the West

• Limit your driving time to daylight hours – kangaroos and livestock are very common and dangerous for drivers from sunset until after dawn.

One thing that is immediately apparent about Western Australia is that it is rather large. In fact, it’s bloody massive. This one state covers some 2.5 million square kilometres and, comparatively speaking, there is hardly anyone in it. If you’re into swinging cats, this is the place to be - there’s more wide open space in WA than virtually any other populated location on earth.

• Give way to road trains – bloody huge trucks.

To many people the remoteness is an attraction in itself. The WA experience could hardly be further away from the megatouristy and commercial conditions that visitors to the east coast of Australia encounter, yet the west has a wealth of natural and cultural attractions which its glitzier cross-continental cousin states can only dream about. The beautiful and vibrant city of Perth holds the twin honours of being both the world’s most isolated and sunniest capital city, and that is only the starting point of your WA adventure. Want some more reasons why everyone should Go West? Well glance your goggles over this lot: • is bigger than the whole of Western Europe. • has a population of just two million people, with about 90% of those living in and around Perth. • enjoys an average winter temperature of 18C and a summer one of 30C.

• Leave station (farm) gates as you find them. • Take extreme care to prevent bushfires. Try to use an established fire place, don’t make fires within 3 metres of any vegetation and never leave a fire burning unattended. Take note of fire danger signs and bans – which carry severe penalties if not heeded. • Collect firewood or use wood provided – don’t chop anything down. • Don’t use soap in creeks and riverbeds. • Make sure the area you are to set the tent up on is free from sharp objects that are likely to damage the floor of the tent and/or ants’ nests. • Check there are no overhanging branches that might fall on your tent. Gum trees are particularly dangerous. • Ensure that you are not erecting your tent in a natural waterway, i.e. a riverbed or anywhere water can channel during heavy rain. • If your vehicle breaks down or you are lost, never, ever leave the vicinity of the vehicle - you will have a far greater chance of being found!

• is home to countless Aboriginal language groups.

www.gocamper.com.au

many FREE campsites set off road along the main highways. These are marked by signs similar to the blue “P” (parking/rest area) signs but will also have symbols representing toilets, fires, tents, picnic tables etc. The tent symbol means you are welcome to stay the night. It’s a good idea, where possible, to keep collecting and carrying firewood with you (a roof rack is ideal). You will find that the best free campsites are full of knowledgeable “Grey Nomads” (seniors towing caravans) who have long ago collected all the firewood around the site. Its not much fun sitting next to a cozy group around a blazing fire at night and not having one yourself – unless they ask you to join them. Also useful is a shovel to bury your poo should the campsite have no toilets, or the toilets have not been recently serviced. Don’t forget your own toilet roll! No matter where you are camping, be sure to observe current fire restrictions, which will be well signed. It is always best to avoid driving at night because of kangaroos and livestock that pose a risk to drivers.

Itineraries 3 Day South West Day 1: Perth to Margaret River - 273km

• boasts the world’s oldest living organisms - stromatolites in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area - and evidence of the planet’s first recorded life forms entombed in the Gascoyne and Kimberley regions.

Day 2: Margaret River Day 3: Margaret River to Perth - 273km Highlights include a huge selection of world-class wineries, gourmet food and breweries. Spectacular surf and an array of wave riders can be found at Prevelly Point. Have a beer at historical Caves House and a stroll down the walking track to magnificent Yallingup Beach main break. There is an Aboriginal cultural centre and tours, caves and caving and scenic forests and beaches such as Boranup Forest and Beach. Take in bush tucker and cultural tours, nightlife in Margaret River (particularly over the summer months) and the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse at Augusta where the Indian and Great Southern Oceans meet. Go whale watching (June to September) with as many as 100 whales gathering in Flinders Bay, Augusta. Margaret river has 4 hostels and numerous caravan parks/camping grounds plus great camping sites in forested National Parks. See www. margaretriver.com. See www.dec.wa.gov.au for campsites.

• takes up roughly one third of the whole of Australia. • has Australia’s biggest monocline - that’s a rock to you and me - in the shape of Burringurrah, which is twice the size of NT’s Uluru and can be found in Mount Augustus National Park. • is four times larger than Texas, USA. • was first ‘discovered’ by a Dutch trading ship in 1616. Captain Dirk Hartog, the first European to set foot on Australian land, did so about 160 years before England’s Captain Cook waded ashore and stuck a Union Jack in the ground. • contains a region - the Kimberley - which is three times the size of England, but has a population of only about 26,000. • experiences ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ seasons in its far north - rather than winters and summers. • has over 70 National Parks and two World Heritage Listed areas - Shark Bay and Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles).

5 Day South West & Forests

• is visited every year by the world’s largest fish, the gigantic whale shark.

Go camping

Day 1: Perth to Bunbury - 177km

Outback travelling and camping tips

Camping in Western Australia’s natural areas is a special experience. Campgrounds within National Parks throughout the State vary, with some supplying firewood, “eco” toilets and even drinking water. Various campsites, such as those along the Bibbulmun Track have huts or shelters – first in first served! National park entry fees apply to some campgrounds. These are additional to camping fees. Camping fees are collected by rangers in the morning from campers at the campsite and are usually $7 per adult.

Day 4: Walpole to Albany - 118km

• Inform people of your itinerary as mobile phone coverage is not always available. • Seek advice on road conditions – unexpected changes are common. • Buy a map and compass and learn how to use them (or invest in a satellite navigation unit if you’re flush). • Carry plenty of drinking water, food, extra fuel and warm clothes. • Look out for wildlife and livestock – for interest and safety’s sake.

Selected campgrounds across the state are now bookable online for a trial period. If this trial is successful, more campgrounds will be bookable in the near future. Current National Parks with bookable campgrounds include: Cape Range National Park; Lane Poole Reserve; Beelu National Park (Perth Hills Centre); and Purnululu (Bungle Bungles) National Park Go to www.dec. wa.gov.au for National Park camping information and bookings. Although not usually set in such scenic locations, there are also

Day 2: Bunbury to Margaret River - 100km Day 3: Margaret River to Walpole - 268km Day 5: Albany to Perth - 409km Stop at Bunbury and the Dolphin Discovery Centre. There are several hostels and numerous caravan parks/camping grounds. See www.visitbunbury.com.au. Day 2 and the Busselton Jetty and Underwater Observatory followed by fish and chips for lunch. Next a short drive to Margaret River, see above itinerary (3 Day South West) for attractions and accommodation there. A morning’s drive then stop to climb the Gloucester Tree near Pemberton. Arrive in Walpole for lunch and the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, taking in beautiful Karri and Tingle forests. See www.valleyofthegiants.com.au and www.walpole. com.au. Day 4 is just 118 kms to Albany taking in the Stirling Ranges and Porongurups. In Albany spectacular rocky coast, the Blowholes, Gap and Natural Bridge and Whale World (www. whaleworld.org) await. See www.albanytourist.com.au for budget accommodation. Head back to Perth direct via the Albany Highway stopping at the pub in Williams for lunch. See www. dec.wa.gov.au for campsites.

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6 Day Albany, Esperance & Golden Outback

Day 6: Caranarvon to Geraldton – 494km

Day 1: Perth to Albany - 409km

Day 7: Geraldton to Perth – 438km

Day 3: Albany to Esperance - 310km

First day is straight up to Kalbarri, stopping to take in the Pinnacles Desert just 147km north of Perth, www.visitpinnaclescountry. com.au Spend the night in Kalbarri taking the time check out the cliffs and gorges in the morning. See www.kalbarri.org.au A half day drive will have you in Monkey Mia for dinner, drinks, hot tub and a visit from the dolphins in the morning. See www. monkeymia.com.au After breakfast meander up to sunny Coral Bay where you can snorkel Ningaloo Reef right from the beach. From here, it’s only a quick hop (152km) to Exmouth and the Cape Range National Park. If you are doing this trip between April and June you will have the opportunity to swim with giant whale sharks. See www.exmouthwa.com.au Day 5 has you cruising back down to Carnarvon with its lush plantations and blowholes (www.carnarvon.org.au) or take a detour beforehand and experience Gnaraloo Station (www.gnaraloo.com), a coastal, working pastoral station with abundant marine and wildlife. Next destination is Geraldton and the Abrohlos Islands. See www.geraldtontourist.com.au and www.pelicancharters.com. au The last day is a not too taxing drive back to Perth taking in seaside towns such as Dongara and Jurien on the way. Why not skydive the beach at Jurien Bay? See www.skydivejurienbay.com and www.australiascoralcoast.com See www.dec.wa.gov.au for campsites.

Day 4: Esperance to Kalgoorlie - 408km Day 6: Kalgoorlie to Perth - 595km Okay, it’s a lot of driving, but how else are you going to experience the ‘real’ Australia? Perth to Albany will take up most of your day so enjoy coffee breaks at Armadale, lunch at the pub in Williams, Kojonup and then Mount Barker for afternoon tea. Once in Albany spectacular rocky coast, the Blowholes, Gap, Natural Bridge and Whale World (www.whaleworld.org) await. See www.albanytourist.com.au for budget accommodation. Albany is Western Australia’s oldest town with character cafes, shops and pubs. After resting up and enjoying Albany head to Esperance with its pristine beaches, islands of the Recherche Archipelago and beautiful National Parks. See www.woodyisland.com.au for wildlife cruises, Woody Island eco stays and fishing and diving. See www.visitesperance.com. Next day is up to Kalgoorlie with refreshments at Norseman and then historical Coolgardie on the way. Whoop it up in wild west style at the numerous old pubs and check out all the “skimpies” (near naked bar maids). The Mining Hall of Fame is also worth a visit. See www.kalgoorlietourism. com Kalgoorlie to Perth can be done easily in a day along the Great Eastern Highway. Stop for lunch in Merredin. See www. dec.wa.gov.au for campsites. 6 Day Monkey Mia Day 1: Perth to Cervantes – 198km Day 2: Cervantes to Geraldton – 284km Day 3: Geraldton to Monkey Mia – 435km Day 4: Monkey Mia to Kalbarri – 380km Day 7: Kalbarri to Perth – 577km A leisurely first day’s drive with plenty of time for sandboarding at Lancelin – sand boards can be hired in the tiny town centre. Catch the Pinnacles Desert at sunset and, again in the morning if you like, as this is the best time to photograph them. You can either camp nearby or stay in the pretty coastal town of Cervantes which is only 50km from the Pinnacles. See www.visitpinnaclescountry.com.au After taking in historical Greenough, stop in WA’s third largest city, Geraldton and hop on a cruise or do a dive at the beautiful Abrohlos Islands with www. pelicancharters.com.au There is ample budget accommodation in and around Geraldton with a rambling foreshore located YHA. See www.geraldtontourist.com.au Head off early to glorious Monkey Mia, stopping at Denham for supplies (there is only one shop at Monkey Mia). Check out Ocean Park (Shark reserve and aquarium, www.allretreats.com.au/oceanpark), Shell Beach, Hamelin Pool Stromatolites and other spectacular lookouts in the Shark Bay area and/or take in some local Aboriginal culture with Capes www.wulaguda.com.au In the evening kick back at the Monkey Bar or in the hot tub at Monkey Mia, www.monkeymia. com.au Morning will have you ankle deep in the sea when the friendly, punctual dolphins come in for feeding. Next head back down to Kalbarri for surfing, the beautiful cliffs and gorges, abseiling, canoeing and just about anything else you are up for. See www.kalbarri.org.au Day 6 is a cruise back to Perth, and if you’re feeling sluggish, stop off at the pretty town of Dongara or skydive the beach at Jurien Bay (www.skydivejurienbay.com). See www.dec.wa.gov.au for campsites. 7 Day Perth > Exmouth > Perth Day 1: Perth to Kalbarri – 577km Day 2: Kalbarri to Monkey Mia – 380km Day 3: Monkey Mia to Coral Bay – 564km Day 4: Coral Bay to Exmouth – 152km

12 Day Perth > Broome >Perth Day 1: Perth to Kalbarri – 577km Day 2: Kalbarri to Monkey Mia – 380km Day 3: Monkey Mia to Coral Bay – 564km Day 4: Coral Bay to Exmouth – 152km Day 6: Exmouth to Karijini – 428km Day 8: Karijini to Broome – 670km Day 10: Broome to Newman – 652km Day 11: Newman to Mount Magnet – 558km Day 12: Mount Magnet to Perth – 471km Okay – this is a long round trip, so if you have more time you should take advantage of that, or go for a one-way van hire option. Your itinerary for this awesome road trip will be the same as the suggested 7 Day Exmouth (above) until you get to Exmouth and day 5, allowing an extra day/night in Exmouth to explore Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park. Day 6 is a real outback haul taking you to the magnificent Karijini National Park. There is a road that goes from Tom Price to Karijini via the Nanaturra Road House (not much else in between). We suggest two nights in Karijini as there are countless gorges, streams and pools to explore. You can stay at Karijini Eco Retreat but check their website or call them on (08) 9189 8013 to find out about road conditions and availability, which can be subject to weather (www. karijiniecoretreat.com.au). If you are planning to camp in the Park, see www.dec.wa.gov.au/campgrounds. Fireside evening Aboriginal story telling and guided tours may be scheduled. See www.tompricewa.com.au Please note, fires (unless lit and supervised by DEC – Department of Environment and Conservation) are forbidden in Karijini National Park and the nights can be very cold (zero degrees), so you might want to opt for free camping outside of the Park. Don’t miss the nearby Millstream-Chichester National Park. There are well maintained public camping facilities in this Park, including bush toilets, gas barbeques and wood for campfires. Permits and maps can be purchased from Karratha and Roebourne Visitor Centres, or from the Visitor Information Centre within the park. The Pilbara Region is rich in Aboriginal culture with some of the earliest examples of rock art in Australia. See www.pilbaracoast.com

Set of on day 8 for Broome, about three and a half hours drive from Karijini you will come across the surreal looking turquoise and red landscaped town of Port Hedland. The Port is one of the world’s largest in tonnage terms, with over 70 million tonnes of product shipped each year. After a potter, pee and postcard, kick back and enjoy the ride to Broome, taking in some spectacular scenery as you enter the Kimberley Region. All going to plan you should make it to Broome before dark, ready for a night of tropical fun. Spend the next day chilling out on the world famous Cable Beach and exploring this unique old Pearling town with its strong Asian and Indigenous culture – a real oasis. There are a number of caravan parks and hostels in Broome (you’ll probably want to stay in or near the town as the nightlife can be pretty good) See www.broomevisitorcentre.com.au Take a different route back to Perth by stopping in Newman located in close proximity to the Newman Waterholes and Aboriginal rock carvings. See www.newman-wa.org Day 11, cruise into Mount Magnet, entering the State’s Golden Outback. Mount Magnet is the longest surviving gold mining settlement in Western Australia. Follow the 37 km Tourist Trail from the town centre, through old and new goldmine sites, take in the spectacular views from Warrmboo Hill and explore the area’s magnificent granite rock formations, including a natural amphitheatre and cave. It’s worth doing a station or farmstay in this region with most offering inexpensive camping options or farm worker style accommodation. See www.australiasgoldenoutback.com Wow – okay day 12 and back to Perth, if you’re still reading this we doubt you’ve done the drive yet. There are so many wonderful diversions along this awesome trip, so take as little – or as long as you need. Don’t forget www.dec.wa.gov.au/campgrounds! All the way to Kununurra & on to Darwin! As this really is a monumental trip, we suggest making it a oneway journey. If you really want to take in some, or all, of the options and diversions along the way try not to limit your time if it can be helped. Follow the previous itinerary up to day 10, but head to Fitzroy Crossing rather than Newman. Fitzroy Crossing is one of only two “towns” along the over 1000 km stretch of highway between Broome and Kununurra. The small and mostly Aboriginal town Fitzroy Crossing owes its existence to the Fitzroy River. You can also get to Fitzroy from Derby, via the unsealed Gibb River Road (only accessible in the dry winter months) and Leopold Downs Road, past the Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge National Parks. www.kimberleyaustralia.com is a great resource for exploring this area. Most travelers stay at the Fitzroy River Lodge where camping is an option. See www.fitzroyriverlodge.com.au Halls Creek is your last stop before Kununurra which is 648 kms from Fitzroy Crossing – so a very full days drive. It is always best to avoid driving at night because of kangaroos and livestock that pose a risk to drivers. Once you get to Kununurra see natural wonders such as the Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park and be awed by the magnificent Lake Argyle. From sparkling diamonds to huge crocodiles and barramundi fishing, Kununurra has a lot to offer those looking for an authentic outback experience. A trip to El Questro Station Wilderness Park (former million acre station) from Kununurra is well worth it with stunning scenery and (safe) swimming holes. See www.elquestro.com.au The stunning Manning and Bell Georges (along the Gib River Road) are must sees, so best go with a tour from Kununurra unless you have a 4WD vehicle. There are several hostels and various camping options in Kununurra. See www.kununurratourism. com for downloadable maps and info. You are now just 45kms from the Western Australia/Northern Territory border! Katherine is 480kms from Kununurra and a mere 320kms north from there will have you in Darwin. See www.visitkatherine.com.au and www.tourismtopend.com.au

Day 5: Exmouth to Carnarvon – 303km

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Go Get a Job At some point during everyone’s big travel adventure there comes a sickening moment when you peer at your bank balance and realise that it is smaller than a pygmy’s pecker in icy water. This is generally when you have to start using the ‘work’ part of your working-holiday visa. As horrible as it sounds, working can actually be quite a laugh when you’re in a new country, giving you the chance to either further your career in a new exciting environment, or to try something refreshingly different. Working is a top way to meet new people - fellow travellers and locals alike. Before you can get started it is important to get yourself an Australian Tax File Number (TFN): for any job in Australia, you will need one of these. While taxes vary due to personal pay arrangements, it’s essential you supply your TFN, otherwise you’re automatically taxed the highest rate, which is a very high 45 cents in the dollar. Grab one from the Australian Taxation Office via their website www. ato.gov.au Also, if you are visiting Australia and want to work, you’ll need a current and appropriate Working Visa. Get some advice from the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs. For online service, visit their website at www.immi.gov.au If you are a trained professional, such as a registered nurse or qualified accountant, you should have little difficulty in finding decent work in WA. Search newspapers and the internet for positions and use the Yellow Pages to look for specialist employment agencies that deal with your trade. For online options, try www.seek.com.au or www.jobs.wa.gov.au. General office work will also be available, although at certain times competition will be fierce. Opportunities for blue collar work and manual labour are rife in WA, especially if you are fully qualified. You can search for yourself or contact relevant agencies. Another interesting way to earn your supper and see an alternative corner of Oz, is to get a job in a real Aussie outback pub - an experience which we’re pretty sure will leave you with some great friendships – not to mention some entertaining material for emails home. When looking for work beware of ads promising mega bucks on 100% commission, and make sure you’re aware of what you are being asked to do and how many hours you are expected to work. If you come across a dodgy employer who is breaking the law, report them to www.workplace.gov.au

Major changes have been introduced to the Australian Skilled Migration Programme 2012 The Skilled Migrant Selection Register (SkillSelect) is a new Australian visa program aimed to ensure that the best and brightest skilled migrants from a pool of intending migrants are selected for visa processing. On 01 July 2012, SkillSelect will replace the existing skilled migration program and will reform the way Australia selects skilled migrants for visa processing. SkillSelect gives the Australian government more control over who they let into the country but it will create significant uncertainty for intending skilled migrants’ says Declan Visafirst.com. In particular, it will impact those interested in independent, family, state or territory sponsored and business skills migration. So how will it work ? SkillSelect is based on an electronic two-stage process whereby intending migrants • Stage 1 - submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) • Stage 2 - you must be invited to apply for a skilled migration visa by DIAC (Department of Immigration and Citizenship) Despite lodging an EOI, there is NO GUARANTEE that you will ever move on to stage 2 (i.e. invited to apply for a skilled migration visa). You remain on a database of interested applicants ranked by points awarded, date of application and occupation for up to 2 years.

People should be aware that they could remain on the system for the 2 year period without ever being invited to apply for a visa (stage two). After that if you have not been invited to apply for the visa your EOI is removed. You can submit another EOI if the 2 year period has lapsed, you not been invited to apply for a skilled visa and subsequently have been removed from the pool. Again, you must meet the necessary visa requirement including the minimum pass mark and your occupation quota must not be full, to submit the second EOI. Keep in mind that you will be two years older which may effect your points score, your IELTS will be out of date after 2 years so you need to do this again and depending on your occupation, you may need to do your skills assessment all over again- this will be a non refundable cost to the applicant. After all this cost and work, there is still no guarantee that you will receive an invitation letter to apply for a permanent visa. If you are looking at applying for permanent residency, you should get your application lodged as soon as possible to prevent you being affected by the July 2012 changes. Those with a job offer will not be effected by the upcoming changes and can continue to have a sponsorship visa lodged for them. In addition those applying for a second year working holiday visa will not be effectedby the changes. For further information see Interstaff.com 695 Murray Street, West Perth WA 6005 Phone: +61 8 9221 3388 Email: visas@interstaff.com

When lodging an EOI, you must meet the points criteria, have your skills assessed and an English language test already carried out. So there will be a financial outlay without any guarantee of being invited to lodge a visa application. It is also worth noting that quotas will be introduced to this new system to prevent the pool being dominated by a narrow range of occupations. Once the limit is reached each year, there will be no further opportunity for that occupation to apply.

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Go General Info

Interstate buses Greyhound - 132 030

TRANSPERTH = BUSES • TRAINS • FERRIES Ph: 13 62 13 or use their great website where you just type in your location, destination and what time you want to be there. www. transperth.wa.gov.au will tell you where to catch your bus or train, where and when to change over (if you need to) and when to get off.

Metropolitan trains Transperth trains operate from the William Street station and cover the suburbs between Midland, Fremantle, Armadale, Joondalup and Mandurah on 5 consecutive lines. Call 136 213 for info.

Fares Fares range from $1.70 - $10.20 for metropolitan transit, depending on whether you buy a one-off ticket or purchase a SmartRider card. This enables you to have multiple trips at a lesser cost. Student concessions are valid but you must bring your card. A DayRider ticket entitles you to unlimited all day travel on all Transperth services after 9.00am on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays. It is available as a standard or concession ticket. Concession tickets may be used before 7.15am and after 9.00am on weekdays except in zones 5-8 where they can be purchased before 7.15am and after 8.30am. DayRiders cost $9.00 for standard users and $3.60 for concession users. Special assistance at stations 1800 800 022 Translation and interpreting services 13 14 50 Buses Tickets from Perth to suburbs are valid for 2 hours and can be used on all Transperth buses, trains and ferries. The main Perth city terminals are the bus station on Wellington Street and the Perth underground train station nearby on William Street. Free buses Travel is free on any Transperth buses within the Perth and Fremantle centres. CAT (Central Area Transport Service) buses are also free and encircle the city centre. Look out for the cat on the back and sides of the bus. Domestic airport services Bus 37 runs weekday and weekend return services from Kings Park to the Perth Domestic Airport via Perth city. The service also connects with the Victoria Park Transfer Station and Belmont Forum Shopping Centre, allowing connections with other Transperth services. International airport services Transperth does not operate services to the Perth International Airport. For all enquiries relating to services to the International Airport, please call 1300 666 806. However you can transfer from the domestic airport to the international airport for $8. Rural WA buses Transwa coaches service rural WA and depart from the East Perth Terminal Transwa - 1300 662 205 for reservations. Greyhound - 132 030

Transwa rural trains Indian Pacific (interstate) runs between Perth and Sydney (72 hrs) - Airport shuttles Fremantle Airport Shuttle - Urgent bookings Perth Airport Shuttle -

1300 662 205 13 2147 08 9457 7150 0437 197 240 1300 666 806

Taxis Taxis (or cabs) from the city to the airport will take about 25 minutes and cost $34-$44. Swan taxis - 131 330 Taxi’s Australia - 13 2227 Black and White - 9333 3333 Yellow - 131 924 Main airlines operating out of WA are: Qantas - 13 13 13 Jetstar - 1300 304 553 Qantas International - 9225 8282 Skywest - 1300 66 0088 Skippers - 1300 729 924 Rottnest Airlines - 9478 1322 Garuda - 13 00 365 331 Virgin - 13 6789 Emirates - 1300 303 777 British Airways 1300 767 177 Immigration Department of Immigration and Muticultural Affairs - Visa Information - Commercial enquiries - Registered migration agent For advise and help call Interstaff international visas@interstaff.com Interpreting services Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm -

131 881 1902 262 682 9231 9411 08 9221 3388

1300 308 983

For more information about Western Australia visit

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Go Caravan Parks & Camping PERTH & SURROUNDS BIG 4 PERTH INTERNATIONAL TOURIST PARK 186 Hale Rd Forrestfield Ph 08 9453 6677 CENTRAL CARAVAN PARK 34 Central Ave, Ascot Ph 08 9277 1704 KARRINYUP WATERS RESERVE 467 North Beach Rd, Gwelup Ph 08 9447 6665

GERALDTON BATAVIA COAST CARAVAN PARK Lot 3 Hall Rd, Geraldton Ph 08 9938 1222 KALBARRI MURCHISON CARAVAN PARK KALBARRI 29 Grey St, Kalbarri Ph 08 9937 1005

BROOME BROOME VACATION VILLAGE lot 1783 Port Drive Broome Ph 08 9192 1057 Ph 08 9192 3336 ROEBUCK BAY CARAVAN PARK 91 Walcott St Broome Ph 08 9192 1336 FITZROY CROSSING FITZROY CROSSING LODGE CARAVAN PARK GREAT Northern Rd Fitzroy Crossing Ph 08 9191 5141

GUILDERTON/MOORE RIVER GUILDERTON CARAVAN PARK 2 Dewar St, Guilderton Ph 08 9577 1021

SHARK BAY MONKEY MIA DOLPHIN RESORT Monkey Mia Dolphin Lodge Monkey Mia Western Australia 6537 FREECALL: 1800 653 611 Ph: +61 8 9948 1320 Fax: +61 8 9948 1034 Callers from the United Kingdom: 0871 711 9836 enquiry@monkeymia.com.au

MANDURAH MANDURAH CARAVAN & TOURIST PARK 522 Pinjarra Rd, Mandurah Ph 089535 1171

CARNARVON CORAL COAST TOURIST PARK 108 Robinson St, Carnarvon Ph 08 9941 1438

SOUTH WEST

COOGEE BEACH HOLIDAY PARK Cockburn Rd, Coogee Ph 08 9418 1810

PRESTON BEACH CARAVAN PARK Ph 08 9739 1111 ROCKINGHAM ROCKINGHAM HOLIDAY VILLAGE 147 Dixon Rd, Rockingham Ph 08 9527 4240 SWAN VALLEY SWAN VALLEY TOURIST PARK 6581 West Swan Rd West Swan Ph 08 9274 2828

NORTH WEST CORAL COAST

CERVANTES CERVANTES PINNACLES CARAVAN PARK 35 Aragon St, Cervantes Ph 08 9652 LEDGE POINT LEDGE POINT CARAVAN PARK 742 Ledge Point Road Lancelin WA 6043 Tel: 08 9655 2870 E-mail: gilt2@oceanbroadband.ne Web: www.ledgepointholidaypark.com.au PORT GREGORY PORT GREGORY CARAVAN PARK 13 Sanford Street Port Gregory, Western Australia Tel: (08) 9935 1052 Fax: (08) 9935 10 E-mail: bookings@portgregory.com Web: www.portgregory.com BADGINGARRA WADDI BUSH RESORT Konah Rd (off Brand H’way) PO Box 5 6521 Ph 08 9652 9071 DONGARA-PORT DENISON SEASPRAY CARAVAN PARK 81 Church St, Dongara Ph 08 9927 1165

EXMOUTH EXMOUTH CAPE HOLIDAY PARK 3 Truscott Crescent Exmouth Western Australia 6707 Freecall: 1800 621 101 Ph: (08) 9949 1101 Email: Exmouth@aspenparks.com.au www.aspenparks.com.au Blue Reef Backpackers 3 Truscott Crescent Exmouth WA 6707 Freecall: 1800 621 101 Tel: 08 9949 1101 Email: exmouth@aspenparks.com.au CORAL BAY PEOPLE’S PARK CARAVAN VILLAGE Robinson Rd, Coral Bay Ph 08 9942 5933 KARIJINI KARIJINI ECO RETREAT Karijini National Park Perth office: 206 Adelaide Tce Perth + 61 8 9425 5591 Karijini Eco Retreat on site: + 61 8 9189 8013 For directions see: www.karijiniecoretreat.com.au PORT HEDLAND COOKE POINT HOLIDAY PARK crn Athol & Taylor St, Port Hedland Ph 089173 1271 PORT HEDLAND CARAVAN PARK 77-95 Hamilton Rd,South Hedland Ph 089172 1197 KARRATHA Karratha Caravan park Mooligunn Rd 08 9185 1012 NEWMAN CARAVAN PARK Kalgan Dr Newman Ph 08 9175 1428

KUNUNURRA Discovery Holiday Park Lakeview Drive 08 9168 1031

ALBANY ALBANY HOLIDAY PARK 550 Albany H’way, Albany Ph 08 9841 7800 AUGUSTA DOONBANKS CHALETS & CARAVAN PARK Lot 1 Blackwood Ave Ph 08 9758 1517 PORONGURUPS PORONGURUP NATIONAL PARK Mount Barker Porongurup Road A variety of Camping, Caravan and backpacker accommodation. BREMER BAY FISHERY BEACH TOURIST PARK crn Wellstead & Point Henry Peninsula Rd, Bremer Bay 6338 Ph 08 9837 4290 BRIDGETOWN BRIDGETOWN CARAVAN PARK South West HWY South of the CBD 08 9761 1900 ESPERANCE Pink Lake Tourist Park 113 Pink Lake Rd, Esperance FREECALL: 1800 011 311 Ph 08 90712424 pinklake@westnet.com.au www.pinklakepark.com.au BUNBURY BUNBURY VILLAGE PARK Crn Bussell H’way & Washington Ave, Bunbury Ph 08 9795 7100 RIVERSIDE CARAVAN & CABIN PARK 5 Pratt Rd, Eaton Ph 08 9725 1234 BUSSELTON Peppermint Park EcoVillage 97 Caves Road, Abbey Ph 08 9755 4241 pepipark@iinet.net.au www.peppermintpark.com.au

AMBLIN CARAVAN PARK 583 Bussell H’way, Busselton Ph 08 9755 4079 MANDALAY HOLIDAY RESORT 652 Geographe Bay Rd, Busselton Ph 08 9752 1328 DENMARK KARRI MIA RESORT Mt Shadforth Rd, Denmark Ph 08 9848 2233 DUNSBOROUGH FOUR SEASONS HOLIDAY RESORT lot 33 Caves Rd, Busselton Ph 08 9755 4082 HAMELIN BAY HAMELIN BAY CARAVAN PARK Hamelin Bay Rd, Karridale Ph 08 9758 5540 MARGARET RIVER TAUNTON FARM HOLIDAY PARK Bussell H’way Cowaramup Ph 08 9755 5334 MOUNT BARKER MOUNT BARKER CARAVAN PARK & CABIN ACCOMMODATION Lot 584 Albany Highway Mount Barker Ph 08 9851 1691 PEMBERTON PEMBERTON CARAVAN PARK 1 Pump Hill Rd, Pemberton Ph 08 9776 1300 www.pembertonpark.com.au WALPOLE COALMINE BEACH HOLIDAY PARK Coalmine Beach Rd Walpole Ph 08 9840 1026 WILLIAM BAY NATIONAL PARK Light Rd, Denmark Ph 08 9848 2055 YALLINGUP YALLINGUP BEACH HOLIDAY PARK Yallingup Beach Rd Ph 08 9755 2164

OUTBACK

KALGOORLIE-BOULDER GOLDMINER CARAVAN PARK cnr Great Eastern H’way & Atbara St Kalgoorlie Ph 08 9021 3713 MERREDIN MERREDIN CARAVAN PARK Cnr Great Eastern H’way & Oats St Merrendin Ph 08 9041 1535 NORSEMAN FRASER RANGER SHEEP STATION 100km east of Norseman Eyre H’way Norseman Ph 08 9039 3210

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Go accommodation PERTH Rainbow Lodge 150 Claisebrook Road Perth Western Australia Tel: +61 8 9227 1818 or 0417 927 529 www.rainbowlodge.com.au Mad Cat Backpackers 55-63 Stirling Street Perth Western Australia Tel:+61 (0)8 9228 4966 www.madcatbackpackers.com.au 12:01 East Backpackers 195 Hay Street WA 6004 East Perth Tel: 1800 00 1201 (free within Australia) www.1201east.com.au Hotel Bambu Backpackers 75 / 77 Aberdeen Street Northbridge Western Australia + 61 8 9328 1211 www.bambu.net.au Beatty Lodge 235 Vincent Street, West Perth Western Australia Tel : +6 18 9227 1521 www.beattylodge.com.au Billabong Resort 381 Beaufort Street Northbridge Western Australia Tel:+61 8 9328 7720 www.billabongresort.com.au Mountway Holiday Apartments 36 Mount Street Perth Western Australia 6000 info@mountwayapartments.com.au www.mountwayapartments.com.au One World Backpackers 162 Aberdeen Street Northbridge WA 6003 + 61 8 9228 8206 www.oneworldbackpackers.com.au Spinners backpackers 342 Newcastle Street Perth Western Australia + 61 8 9328 9468 www.spinnersbackpackers.com.au Britannia on William 253 William Street Northbridge Western Australia Tel: +61 8 9227 6000 www.perthbritannia.com Coolibah Lodge 194 Brisbane Street Perth Western Australia Tel: +6 18 9328 9958 www.coolibahlodge.com.au

Regal Apartments 11 Regal Place East Perth 6004 Freecall: 1800 778 614 www.regalapartments.com.au Royal Hotel Cnr Wellington & William Streets Perth Western Australia 6000 www.royalhotelperth.com.au The Old Swan Barracks 6 Francis Street Perth Western Australia + 61 8 9428 0000 www.theoldswanbarracks.com UNDERGROUND BACKPACKERS 268 Newcastle Street Northbridge Western Australia + 61 8 9228 3755 undergroundbackpackers.com.au YMCA Jewell House 180 Goderich Street Perth Western Australia + 61 8 9325 8488 www.ymcajewellhouse.com.au Perth Beaches Scarborough Beach Western Beach Lodge 6 Westborough Street Scarborough WA 6019 + 61 8 9245 1624 westernbeach@iprimus.com.au www.westernbeach.com Cottesloe Beach Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric Street Cottesloe WA 6011 + 61 8 9384 5111 backpackers@obh.com.au www.oceanbeachbackpackers.com Fremantle Backpackers Inn Freo 11 Pakenham Street Fremantle WA 6160 + 61 8 9431 7065 reception@backpackersinnfreo.com.au www.backpackersinnfreo.com.au Callan Apartments Various locations Fremantle www.callanapartments.com.au 08 9336 2522 0407 948 537 SOUTHWEST Busselton Phat Sam’s Backpackers 14 Peel Terrace, Busselton Western Australia 6280 Tel: +61 8 9754 2763 Mob: +61 0415 243 058 bsnbpk@westnet.com.au www.phatsams.com.au

PARADISE MOTOR INN 6 Pries Avenue Busselton Western Australia 6280 Tel: +61 8 9752 1200 www.paradisemotorinn.com.au E: paradisemotorinn@bigpond.com Bunbury Wander inn Bunbury Backpackers 16 Clifton Street Bunbury Western Australia 6230 Freecall: 1800 039 032 book@bunburybackpackers.com.au www.bunburybackpackers.com.au Dolphin Retreat YHA 14 Wellington Street Bunbury Western Australia 6230 + 61 8 9792 4690 info@dolphinretreatbunbury.com.au www.dolphinretreatbunbury.com.au DUNSBOROUGH DUNSBOROUGH CENTRAL MOTEL 50 Dunn Bay Road Dunsborough Western Australia 6281 + 61 08 9756 7711 www.dunsboroughmotel.com.au DUNSBOROUGH INN BACKPACKERS 50 Dunn Bay Road Dunsborough, Western Australia 6281 + 61 08 9756 7277 www.dunsboroughinn.com.au Margaret River Inne Town Backpackers 93 Bussell Highway Margaret River 6285 + 61 8 9757 3698 Freecall: 1800 244 115 innetown@westnet.com.au Augusta Baywatch Manor YHA 9 Heppingstone View Augusta 6290 +61 8 9758 1290 enquiries@baywatchmanor.com.au www.baywatchmanor.com.au PEMBERTON KANGAROO CREEK CHALETS 2247 Channybearup Road Pemberton Western Australia 6260 +61 88 9776 0252 www.kangaroocreekchalets.com.au Walpole Walpole Lodge Cnr Pier St reet & Park Avenue Walpole Western Australia 6398 +61 8 9840 1244 walpolelodge@westnet.com.au www.walpolelodge.com.au TINGLE ALL OVER YHA 60 Nockolds Street Walpole Western Australia 6398 +61 8 9840 1041 tingleallover2000@yahoo.com.au www.yha.com.au/hostels

Albany ALBANY Backpackers Cnr Stirling Tce & Spencer Street Albany, Western Australia 6330 Freeecall - 1800 260130 abp@albanybackpackers.com www.albanybackpackers.com Discovery Inn 9 Middleton Road Albany Western Australia 6330 Tel: +61 8 9842 5535 discovery@westnet.com.au www.discoveryinn.com.au Esperance Woody Island Eco Stays Woody Island +61 8 9071 5757 info@woodyisland.com.au www.woodyisland.com.au YOT SPOT ESPERANCE The Esplanade Esperance + 61 8 9071 5111 www.yotspotesperance.com.au Blue Waters Lodge YHA 299 Goldfields Road Esperance Western Australia 6450 +61 8 9071 1040 yhaesperance@hotmail.com www.yha.com.au INLAND Goldfields - Kalgoorlie Golddust Backpackers YHA 192 Hay Street Kalgoorlie Western Australia 6430 +61 8 9091 3737 kalgoorlie@yha.com.au www.yha.com.au NORTHWEST Lancelin Lancelin Lodge 10 Hopkins Street Lancelin Western Australia 6044 +61 8 96 55 2020 accom@lancelinlodge.com.au www.lancelinlodge.com.au CERVANTES PINNACLES BEACH Backpackers 91 Seville Street Cervantes Western Australia 6511 Freecall 1800 245 232 + 61 8 9652 7377 E: pbb@wn.com.au www.cervanteslodge.com.au Kalbarri Kalbarri Backpackers YHA 51 Mortimer Street Kalbarri Western Australia 6536 + 61 8 9937 1430 kalbarribackpackers@wn.com.au www.yha.com.au

PELICAN’S NEST 45-47 Mortimer Street Kalbarri Western Australia 6536 + 61 8 9937 1430 pelicansnest@westnet.com.au www.pelicansnestkalbarri.com.au GERALDTON FORESHORE BACKPACKERS 172 Marine Terrace Geraldton Western Australia 6530 + 61 8 9921 3275 foreshorebp@hotmail.com foreshorebackpackers.bigpondhosting.com Carnarvon Fish & Whistle Backpacker & Flashpacker 35 Robinson Street Carnarvon Western Australia 6701 + 61 8 9441 1704 stay@fishandwhistle.com.au Denham Bay Lodge YHA 113 Knight Terrace Denham Western Australia 6537 +61 8 9948 1278 baylodge@wn.com.au www.yha.com.au Monkey Mia Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Monkey Mia Dolphin Lodge Monkey Mia Western Australia 6537 Freecall: 1800 653 611 +61 8 9948 1320 Callers from the UK: 0871 711 9836 www.monkeymia.com.au Exmouth Blue Reef Backpackers 3 Truscot Cresent Exmouth Western Australia 6707 Freecall: 1800 621 101 + 61 8 9949 1101 exmouth@aspenparks.com.au www.aspenparks.com.au KARIJINI KARIJINI ECO RETREAT Karijini National Park Perth office: 206 Adelaide Tce Perth, Western Australia 6000 + 61 8 9425 5591 Karijini Eco Retreat on site: + 61 8 9189 8013 For directions see: w: www.karijiniecoretreat.com.au BROOME Beaches of Broome 4 Sanctuary Road Cable Beach Western Australia 6726 + 61 8 9192 6665 www.beachesofbroome.com.au Kununurra Kununurra Backpackers 22 Nutwood Cresent Kununurra Western Australia 6743 Freecall: 1800 641 998 info@kununurrabackpackers.com.au www.kununurrabackpackers.com.au

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