Iluka

The fast-developing suburb of Iluka is set in a heavily-duned stretch of Indian Ocean coastline, about 20km north of Perth's CBD. And they're building marinas at such a rate that suggests everyone in town is going to buy a boat.

At the pick of them, Hillarys Boat Harbour, you'll find an interesting oceanarium at Sorrento Quay in the centre of the development.

Yes, boating (indeed, everything aquatic) is a way of life in the west. Rottnest Island is just offshore from Fremantle and the fishing from around here is just sensational.

About 20km north of Iluka is Yanchep National Park, a bird and wildlife refuge with wetlands and freshwater lakes. The off-shore Marmion Marine Park has clear, shallow lagoons, offshore reefs and islands, underwater caves and a remarkably diverse and colourful range of marine flora and fauna. Popular surfing spots in the region include Mullaloo Beach, Sorrento Beach and Hillarys Beach.