Perth

Get active and enjoy the sunshine, natural parklands and beach lifestyle of Perth, one of the country's most beautiful cities and the capital of Western Australia. The weather is fantastic, the beaches are clean and uncrowded, and the city, situated on the banks of the Swan River, is in a postcard-perfect setting. Free buses get you around the CBD where you can visit the Perth Mint, Bell Tower, Museum and art galleries. And there's a train and bus station right in the centre of town, as well as plenty of accommodation in the form of hotels and hostels. If you're after some serious retail therapy and make a beeline for up-market King Street. Packed with boutiques, art galleries, eateries and beautiful people, it's the place to be seen. For quality department and fashion chain stores, the Murray Street and Hay Street malls hit the spot. Fancy a lazy lunch? Take your pick from a stack of riverside and beachfront cafes and restaurants. Northbridge, Mount Lawley, Leederville and Subiaco have buzzing nightlife, or try Cottesloe or Scarborough for a more laid-back surfie vibe. Over 80 kilometres of white sandy beaches make Perth's coast ideal for swimming and surfing. Stroll through King's Park botanical gardens and or try the treetop walk for a unique view of the city. There are free barbecue facilities and plenty of picnic spots to dine among the gum trees. If sport is more your thing, catch a game of cricket, Aussie Rules or rugby at one of the sporting stadiums. Jump on a ferry to South Perth to take that world-famous snap of Perth's skyline. Lined with well-kept lawns, palm trees and riverfront cafes, it's a nice spot to relax over lunch. At night, it's especially spectacular when the city's glittering skyline is reflected in the Swan River.