Penguin Island is nestled in a paradise location in the southern suburbs of Perth, 45 minutes away from the central business district and just five minutes off the coast of Rockingham (where we swam with wild dolphins). As its name suggests, the local star is the little penguin. It is the same species we came across on Philip Island. Other than that Penguin Island is also the ideal place to enjoy wildlife, activities and breathtaking scenery of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. We also took part in a very popular cruise that sails the bay for 45 minutes. This is a unique opportunity to approach sea lions. During our cruise we even witnessed a rare spectacle when these mammals amused themselves by jumping in the waves with dolphins. On the way back, the boat drops the passengers off at Penguin Island where it is very easy to spend a full day as it is so beautiful and pleasant. Laze the day away in paradise!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Rockingham Wild Encounters.

His Majesty's Theatre is a beautiful Edwardian-style building located in the heart of Perth central business district. It sits on Hay Street not far from the famous international brand designers. When it opened in the early twentieth century, it was the largest theatre in Australia. It could accommodate over 2,500 people seated (1,200 today). In all likelihood, it would be the first reinforced concrete building constructed in Perth. The theatre has always played a very important role in Western Australia's cultural landscape. It continues to host many events such as musicals, operas and plays. During our stay, we had the opportunity to attend a performance of Pinocchio presented by West Australian Ballet. What an experience! Whether for a tour or to attend a show (see event calendar), do not miss the opportunity to discover this cultural institution of the city.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of His Majesty's Theatre.

The City of Stirling is located in the heart of the Sunset Coast, only 20 minutes away from Perth central business district. There, Scarborough Beach is probably one of the best beaches around Perth. It offers all the advantages of the perfect beach. It is equipped with changing rooms including showers and toilets. There are also picnic areas with barbecues and children's playgrounds (caution snakes!). Once you are done with sunbathing and surfing, you can visit one of the many bars and cafes overlooking the ocean. Ideal to enjoy the sunsets! Scarborough is also known to have a wide range of accommodation. From a room in a hostel to five-star apartments, you will find the right option to suit your budget. Finally, during the warmest months of the year, you can enjoy live performances and events at the only amphitheatre on the beach in Western Australia.

The Sunset Coast is the ultimate destination for Perth's inhabitants looking for a trip to the beach. This coastal strip extends about fifty kilometres from Cottesloe, north of Fremantle, up to Joondalup. You have a very wide choice. The beaches are clean and are generally not crowded. Most of them have children's playgrounds and barbecues. A bike path runs along the coastline. A must for a bike ride or a jog with magnificent views of the Indian Ocean. By late afternoon, locals swap their work clothes for their wetsuit and go for a surf. The coast also offers excellent views to admire the sunset. Did you have any doubt about the Australian lifestyle?

Rockingham is located only 45 minutes south of Perth. With its long sheltered beaches, water sports and parks, it is a popular tourist destination. The city is located opposite the beautiful waters of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, famous for its underwater wildlife. If in Mandurah, you can see dolphins, here you can just get into the water and swim with wild dolphins! Early in the morning Rockingham Wild Encounters takes you to the heart of their territory. When the mammals are approaching, it is time to put your wetsuit on and slip into the water with an experienced guide. You literally plunge into another world, quickly surrounded by dozens of dolphins, both curious and playful. We can just recommend you to keep your eyes wide open - and ears as well - not to miss the show. It is an amazing experience to live once in your life! For us, it is now done. The crew are adorable, which makes it a really enjoyable cruise. Please note, even if it is completely anecdotal after such an experience, the lunch is served on board before returning to the mainland.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Rockingham Wild Encounters.

Fremantle is located at the mouth of the Swan River. This bustling port city is a rich cultural destination only 30 minutes away from Perth. Although geographically close, the two cities are different in many ways. "Freo", as called by Australians, is a fishing port that appeals to casual artists, hippies and other eccentric characters. You could almost compare it to the suburb of Venice Beach in Los Angeles. Fremantle has one of Western Australia's richest cultural and historical heritage, which has not prevented its many cafes, bars and restaurants to attract a young and dynamic crowd. Recently we have discovered what appears to be the best Indian restaurant in Australia. On weekends, the streets, parks and terraces located on the quays are crowded. Whether for sunbathing or enjoying a local beer and a seafood plate, tourists and locals love to spend time in its relaxed atmosphere. During your stay, do not forget to add a visit to the Fremantle Prison to your schedule!

Visiting the centre of the largest cities accompanied by guide is quite a common tourist activity in Australia. In Melbourne, we experienced a bike tour. In Perth, as was the case in Hobart, we experienced a guided walking tour. We joined a guide from Two Feet & a Heartbeat. Thanks to the quality of their services on offer the company is now Australia's most awarded walking tour company. Your guide strives to present the rich cultural and historical heritage of the city in a dynamic way. It is very informative and it also allows you to find your way in your new environment. Moreover, you learn much more than you would flipping through any tourist guide book. The atmosphere is relaxed and the tour ends in a local pub in Northbridge. And the icing on the cake, they shout your first drink! This activity should be placed at the top of your to-do list when you arrive in Perth! Several tours and schedules are available. Two Feet & a Heartbeat now also offers its services in Sydney.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Two Feet & a Heartbeat.

If you are looking for entertainment, head to the Perth centre. This is where you will find some of the cultural institutions of Western Australia's capital. Part of the district - Murray Street Mall and Hay Street Mall - are pedestrian only streets. Very popular on weekends and nice sunny days! In this area there are a multitude of shops and several malls open seven days of the week. On King Street, choose between Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci or other international brand designers in this charming neighbourhood that is strongly reminiscent of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and SoHo in New York City. If you are looking for more popular brands at factory prices, you need to go to Harbour Town. In short, everything is situated within walking distance and there is something for everyone. If you are afraid of getting lost, check for the blue and green shirts of the city volunteers that will happily point you in the right direction.

When we discovered Sydney in winter in May, Destination NSW arranged our stay at the Kirketon Hotel, member of the 8Hotels family. We were delighted by this charming 4-star boutique hotel nestled amongst the hype of the vibrant Darlinghurst neighbourhood. In Perth, we stayed at another hotel in the family: Pensione Hotel. This newly refurbished and stylish property is a real gem. It is conveniently located on the doorstep of Perth central business district, the train station, shops and restaurants. Both modern design and attention to detail offer a sense of intimacy which is truly enjoyable. As in Sydney, the beds are of high quality and exceptional comfort! The service is impeccable from the moment you enter the hotel until the moment you check out. A note signed by the General Manager of the hotel, in the room upon your arrival, expresses this personalized service perfectly. 8Hotels also offers a selection of hotels, villas, apartments and restaurants in Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Hepburn Springs (a few kilometers away from Hanging Rock), Thredbo (at the foot of Mt Kosciuszko), Bali and Paris. Having already stayed in two of their hotels, we can already highly recommend 8Hotels accommodations.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of 8Hotels.

A four-lane freeway separated by a railway line for high-speed commuter trains, what a great public transport service found in the Perth metropolitan region. It is practical and very clever from an environmental point of view. A high frequency train services allows you not to worry to much about schedules. That is not the only thing. You can travel for free on any bus or train in the Free Transit Zone (FTZ) within the Perth city boundaries. Perth is not the only one to offer this kind of service which is also available in Melbourne and Adelaide. You will find more information about the Free Transperth Services on this page.

A rather special bus drives through Fremantle's streets every day: Fremantle Tram Tours. This replica-tram offers guided tours of the city. So far nothing too unusual. However, every Friday night, you can join The Ghostly Tour which is a torchlight tour of Fremantle's oldest buildings. As often is the case, the driver is a human encyclopedia who entertains you through his stories and tales of some of Fremantle's earliest residents. Along the way the tram stops at Cicerello's, considered to be the best Fish & Chips in Perth and Western Australia (supper and a soft drink included). But the highlight of the evening is undoubtedly the Torchlight Tour at the Fremantle Prison. Accompanied by a guide, over one and a half hours you explore the darker side of this historic building (featuring the Main Cell Block, solitary confinement, whipping post, the gallows and even the morgue!). Expect some surprises along the way. This great activity lasts for four hours in total. It is an unusual experience, ideal if you are a small group. Bookings for this tour are essential.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Fremantle Tram Tours.

A light tube (known as a skylight in Australia) is a brilliant concept patented by an Australian company in the 80s. Rain or shine, this system distributes light uniformly throughout the day without any use of energy and without any heat transfer. It is very common in Australian houses and mainly used to increase the amount of natural light into an otherwise darkened room. Actually Australians are usually extremely environmentally savvy. When the time comes to leave a room and "turn off the light", the uninitiated can easily spend a few minutes looking for a switch ... that does not exist (tested and approved by iPhoneography Oz)! To give you an idea, this photo was taken in the late afternoon in the toilet room of a house. No filter has been applied on the photo. Simple and clever concept, in total harmony with the environment, we love it!

There are plenty of attractions in Perth and surrounds. Many, such as Kings Park and Rockingham Wild Encounters, revolve around nature. Some others are more unusual. This is the case with The Bell Tower, which is simply one of the world's largest musical instruments. Steeped in history (the bells, more than 600 years old, are from St Martin-in-the-Fields, one of London's most famous churches) and offering a unique and distinctive design, this tower has become a Perth and Western Australia icon. It is located in the heart of Barrack Square, where cruises on the Swan River depart. On Level 6, an open air observation deck offers a 360-degree view of the river and the central business district. The Bell Tower is also one of the world's only bell towers that allows close-up viewing of the bell ringers practising. Plan your visit according to the bell ringing times to make sure not to miss the show!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of The Bell Tower.

Perth, like all Australian capital cities, is a foodies destination. The multiculturalism of its inhabitants is reflected in the diversity of its restaurants. Fremantle, the port city located 30 minutes away from Perth central business district, is famous for its cafés, pubs and its dynamic atmosphere. In amongst it all we have found an unusual indian restaurant: Maya Indian Restaurant. Forget the clichés about Indian restaurants! Here, no Taj Mahal or traditional Indian music. The atmosphere is much more inspired by the Fremantle lifestyle. It is for good reason that the restaurant's slogan is Food - Fun - Fashion. It is located in a historic building in the heart of Fremantle. The dishes on the menu, adapted to Western taste buds (hence being less spicy than in India) are delicious. According to the recommendations on Trip Advisor, Maya Indian Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in the city and one of the best Indian restaurants in Australia. We understand why! Remember to book as it is often full, especially on weekends.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Maya Indian Restaurant.

Kings Park, located in downtown Perth, is one of the largest inner city parks in the world. It is located on a hill overlooking the city offering stunning views of the central business district and the Swan River waters. Tourist or local, everyone loves to laze on its lawns or run and ride their bicycle on its trails. In spring time, the park is home to the Kings Park Wildflower Festival, an internationally renowned event celebrating the beauty of Western Australia native wildflowers. Kings Park is also a sacred place for Aborigines. Various tours are offered to visitors.

Perth central business district is located on the banks of the Swan River, which gave its name to the Swan Valley, famous for its wines and fresh local produce. It really divides the city in two. Its inhabitants are defined as living "south of the river" or "north of the river". The fact is that the waters of the Swan provide a unique opportunity to escape from the city either by kayak or sailboat. The river is surrounded by many parks, ideal for a picnic or a nap with an amazing view of Perth skyline. Many cruise options are available departing from Barrack Square. In need of an adrenaline rush? Water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing and parasailing are also available. Stunning urban backdrop included free of charge!

Perth is known to be one of the most remote cities on earth. Its nearest neighbor is Adelaide, more than 2000 kilometers away. Heading out from the central business district, you quickly reach the countryside. Thus, the drive along the Swan River is a journey through Western Australia's oldest vineyards. The area is home to no less than 150 places where you can taste wines and fresh local produce. One of the best ways not to miss anything is to start from the charming Guildford and by car or by bike follow the 32 km Food and Wine Trail of the Swan Valley. We did not do any tasting this time, but apparently the Verdelho and Shiraz are not to be missed!

Northbridge is the cultural hub of Perth. It is only five minutes walk from the city centre. Whether you are a foodie, an art lover, a shopaholic or a clubber, you can not go wrong here! This is where we can find two of the most important museums of the city, Art Gallery of Western Australia and Western Australian Museum. Northbridge is also famous for hosting an amazing amount of restaurants offering Chinese, Italian, Indian, Japanese, Greek, Thai, Vietnamese and even... Egyptian cuisine. After sunset, the streets are full and the area comes to life. We love this atmosphere!

Australia is a country where one will find the largest number of venomous animals, among the most venomous species in the world. This is not the first time we have touched on this subject, as we have already mentioned a previous encounter we had with a snake on iPhoneography Oz! The novelty for us is that apparently these charming creatures do not live in the bush only. After Sydney and its invasion of deadly funnel-web spiders, it seems that snakes have established their home in the bushes around some of Perth's beaches, close to bike paths and kids playgrounds. We have not seen any yet, but be careful, you have been warned!

The Perth Mint is a historic building in central Perth. Founded at the end of the nineteenth century to produce the money under the authority of the Royal Mint, it is the oldest institution of its kind in Australia. During the twentieth century, it produced much of the Australian currency. The Perth Mint, now open to the public, mainly produces coins for collectors and gold bullion today. A permanent exhibition allows you to get closer to the precious metal. It includes medals of the 2000 Sydney Olympics (produced by the The Perth Mint), the second largest gold nugget in the world (25.5 kg), the world's largest coin (1 tonne of pure gold) as well as the world's largest collection of gold bars (more than 900 gold bars, including 130 on display). The tour includes an amazing gold pouring performance in which pure gold is heated, melted and turned into a solid gold bar. You have certainly never been so close to so many millions of dollars!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of The Perth Mint.