Kalbarri

For the perfect escape with beach, bush and every kind of Aussie scenery rolled into one location and head straight to Kalbarri. There are spectacular red rock gorges, rugged coastal cliffs, colourful wildflowers, the Murchison River and pure white sandy beaches. Situated where the Murchison River meets the Indian Ocean, a six-hour drive north of Perth, Kalbarri is warm and sunny most of the year. To add to the postcard-perfect scene, whales and their calves migrate along the coast and dolphins frolic in the bay. It's easy to see why it's one of Australia's most popular holiday resorts. You can swim, water-ski and kayak, or hire paddleboats, dinghies and windsurfers on the river foreshore. Join a fishing charter for the catch of a lifetime, or throw in a line from the beach. In Kalbarri National Park, 800 species of wildflowers burst into bloom from July to October in a riot of colour. Hike through dramatic gorges or go for a leisurely cycle along miles of uninterrupted coastline, stopping at turquoise bays to cool off. For the energetic, there's abseiling, hiking, tennis, golf and surfing. Animal lovers can visit a parrot breeding centre with tropical gardens and waterfalls and and support their mission to save the endangered species. Don't miss the daily feeding of the pelicans on the foreshore. And you can't beat an invigorating horse-ride along the beach at sunset. Tour-wise, take your pick from Harley motorcycle tours, day trips to the gorges, camel treks, canoe safaris, whale watching and boat cruises. A sightseeing flight over the national park, coastline and Abrolhos Islands is the ultimate way to soak up the incredible scenery. All types of accommodation are on offer from resorts and holiday homes to backpackers and you won't be stuck for choice.