Location

Perth

Perth is situated on the west coast of Australia. It is renowned for its beautiful year-round weather and beach-oriented lifestyle. The city stretches along a 30 kilometre wide strip of coastal plain from Rockingham 40 kilometres south of the CBD to Mindarie 40 kilometres north of the CBD, and includes the satellite cities of Mandurah and Joondalup. Click here to see a map.

As well as being a destination in itself, Perth serves as the international gateway to the vast and beautiful landscape of Western Australia. The rocky shores on the Southern Ocean, the famous wine-growing region around Margaret River, the nineteenth-century gold rush mines of Kalgoorlie, the world famous Pinnacles and the stark beauty of northern gorges all lie on Perth's doorstep.

Sorrento

Named for its famous Italian counterpart, Perth's Sorrento is just as charming and just as much a tourist destination. 20 kilometres north of Perth CBD, Sorrento is an area of white beaches and pleasure craft. The world-standard Hillarys Marina and Sorrento Quay is home to hundreds of boats and a shopping and dining experience not to be beaten in the region. Sorrento Quay provides access to two pubs, five restaurants and numerous cafes and informal dining houses that cater for all tastes and budgets. Fishing and sailing charters are available from the quay. Browse 20 different shops featuring a range of goods from souvenirs and unique gifts through to surfwear and books. The world-famous Western Australian Aquarium (AQWA) is also on site.

Access to Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island, 20 kilometres off the coast of Perth, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Vehicles are kept to a minimum on Rottnest so travellers can enjoy a peaceful stay, with most of the island accessible by bicycle or on foot. Make sure you pack your bathers - you can walk straight off the beach into some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world.

Ferries to Rottnest depart from and arrive at Hillarys Marina at various times throughout the day, seven days a week. See www.rottnestisland.com for information on Rottnest, or www.hillarysfastferries.com.au for ferry, whale watching and twilight cruise timetables.