Perth, Australia

Food gurus and wine buffs can tantalize their taste buds in Perth and be sure of an unforgettable experience. Surrounded by vineyards, orchards and market gardens, the city has delicious produce at its doorstep. Add to that the location—on the edge of the Indian Ocean and straddling the sparkling Swan River—the city offers a supply of succulent seafood as well as superb waterside venues. Then there is the dynamic cultural diversity and vivacious ambience. Dining and drinking in and around the city will not leave you disappointed.

City Center

If you are staying in the city centre there is a long list of eateries within walking distance. Head down to Barrack Street Jetty to dine outdoors at Moorings Cafe , or enjoy river views from Shun Fung on the River .

In the heart of the city, Hay Street and Murray Street Malls are dotted with food favourites, particularly for lunchtime diners. If you are in a hurry grab a delicious croissant . For those who like to indulge in a pancake , take a detour down Carillon Arcade, or if you are in the mood for sushi Jaws Kaiten Sushi should not be missed. Another heartland favorite is the Empire Cafe. For more up-market locations, Joe's Oriental Diner serves a choice selection of Southeast Asian cuisine, or meander through some fusion fare at Globe's Wine Bar and Restaurant .

Strolling along Murray Street you will find the stylish Cockatoo Island Cafe open until mid-evening most nights. For juice fanatics chasing a shot of wheat-grass, there is Java Juice . Next door to His Majesty's Theatre , the delightful CBD is the perfect spot for a pre- or post-theatre meal.

Northbridge

The other direction to head from the mall area is over the railway tracks to Northbridge, a bubbly hive of activity popular with hip suits and in-the-know locals. This area is pumping with trendy clubs, pubs, and cafes. Vultures is a great spot for kerbside viewing, and the brasserie balcony at the Brass Monkey is another place with a streetscape view. For an upbeat contemporary edge head to the Universal Bar , where the partying goes on until the early hours of the morning.

Fremantle

For the best coffee in the state, try Fremantle. The main thoroughfare is known as the "Cappuccino Strip". It is an outdoor haven, that promises a relaxing yet stimulating cafe experience. Both Gino's and Old Papas's are an institution, with delicious Italian dishes and mouth watering cakes. Just a few minutes from the strip you will stumble across an absolute gem for food, beer and music— Clancy's .

While exploring the sights stop for Tea at the Round House or treat yourself to ice cream at the fishing boat harbour. The harbour offers a challenge when deciding what to eat. You cannot go wrong choosing a fish and chip venue, as they all serve fresh fish and offer fast service. Other choices include, the exquisite Chunagon for Japanese cuisine, the Sicilian for a casual ambience and impressive menu, and Sails , with spectacular views across the Indian Ocean.

The Swan River

The Swan River offers a superb scenic backdrop for a number of venues. E Shed market at Victoria Quay has a food hall with entertainment on the weekends. For those with a passion for Sunday brunch The Red Herring has a wonderful location. While the nearby Left Bank is a favorite haunt for members of the Freo Dockers, (a national Australian Football League club), and is generally a very popular watering hole.

Beyond the City

Sitting at the edge of the ocean, alongside the river, in quaint suburbs and picturesque hills, there are many delightful venues worth seeking out. Indulge in a sunset view from the decks of the Blue Duck or take afternoon tea at the fabulous Indiana Tea House overlooking Cottesloe Beach. Enjoy a twilight stroll along Scarborough Beach before an evening meal at Savannahs . Spend a day at Hillarys Boat Harbour and stop for lunch at Jetty's Restaurant .

For exclusive service, excellent food and an exquisite setting, book a table at Meads in Mosman. If you prefer something a little more casual on the water, try JoJo's . South Perth is a haven for delightful restaurants like Plantation Estate and Holy Guacamole. For spectacular city views and stylish dining visit Frasers Restaurant at Kings Park. Whether it be vegetarian or a wood fired pizza , Mt Lawley has a lot to offer for the gastronome. Subiaco also has a fantastic selection of high quality eateries like the award winning Witches Cauldron Cafe .

The Swan Valley

The Swan Valley's tourist drive offers a selection of vineyards and attractions along the way. Pop in for lunch at Lamonts , then finish the day at Isadora's in Guildford, or grab a scrumptious burger on the way back to the city. Head to the hills for lunch at Araluen , or enjoy the live music and family atmosphere at the Mundaring Weir Hotel.

Special Tastes

For something a little different, look for marron (freshwater crayfish), kangaroo and emu, all of which appear on menus throughout the city. For wine connoisseurs, there is an excellent choice of vineyards--watch for wines from the Margaret River region, Baldivis and the Swan Valley. If you prefer a nice cold beer, Western Australia has two favorite brews, Redback and Matilda Bay, plus a number of boutique breweries such as Inchant Brewery and Duckstein Brewery . Also worth a visit is the Sail and Anchor in Fremantle--you can tour the in-house brewery and taste a refreshing chilled beer.

To the east are the picturesque Darling Ranges. To the west the sublime Indian Ocean. The meandering Swan River runs through it, whilst in the south, find the ancient Karri and Jarrah forests. North it is golden sands and red-dirt dreamlands. Surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty, a visit to Perth guarantees an awe-inspiring range of tour opportunities.

Getting to Know the City

When you arrive in Perth, it is a good idea to orient yourself by jumping on one of the local buses. The Central Area Transit (CAT) system is a free service that loops central Perth. The blue CAT does the north-south round stopping at spots like London Court . The red CAT runs from east to west, including drops at the renowned WACA sports-ground and His Majesty's Theatre .

If you prefer a guided tour, then the City Explorer Tram is an excellent way to travel. It takes in the main sights including Kings Park & Botanic Garden , where you will enjoy a superb vista of the city and Swan River.

Once you have covered the central city follow the river on a ferry from Barrack Street Jetty to Fremantle. On arrival, you will find a similar service to the Perth system called the Fremantle CAT Service. Alternatively, climb on board one of the Fremantle trams , which leave from Kings Square at regular intervals.

The More Exotic

If you want something a little different, or indulge in a luxury-chauffeured tour . Perhaps a horseback ride along the Perth foreshore. Or, why not hire a bike from Barrack Street Jetty and soak up the riverside ambience. For a particularly unusual experience, join a ghost walk through some of Fremantle's haunted buildings.

Another option is a scenic flight with Kookabura Air . For those who like to shop, then Let's Go Shopping Tours will escort you to a variety of outlets. Other city tours options include the Perth and Swan River by Night tour , the Aboriginal Heritage Tour and the Perth and Fremantle Morning Sights tour .

Several tourist attractions also offer their own tours. Checkout tours held by the Perth Mint , Fremantle Prison , Kings Park , the Old Observatory and the Perth Zoo .

Beyond the Central Sights

While Perth and Fremantle have more than enough to keep you busy, visiting the surrounding areas is a must. Head north to the Sunset Coast, Yanchep National Park and the Pinnacles. Eco Activity Tours does a day trip to these attractions, or if you want to go further afield Bush Ecotours offers a variety of packages, including a tour of the beautiful wildflowers when in season. Another option is the Water, Wildlife and Winery Tour , which follows the coast north, to one of Western Australia's premier attractions, The Aquarium of WA , before heading inland to vineyard territory.

Swan Valley is renowned for its wines, arts and local produce. If you are in town in autumn you might catch the annual local event, Tastes of the Valley, or, later in the year, Spring in the Valley . If not, enjoy the sights on a wagon trail , where you will get the chance to test wines, visit historic sites and view local art.

Boat Torque Cruises combines a peaceful river cruise with a vineyard tour and delicious lunch at Mulberry Farm. Caversham Wildlife Park is situated in West Swan and an interesting way to visit here is on an After Dark at a Wildlife Park tour.

A little further south you will enter the magical hills area. Planet Perth Tours offers an excellent bush tour on horseback that includes a barbecue lunch. You could hire a car and drive the Cala Munnda Heritage Trail . For those chasing an adrenaline rush, try some rock climbing or abseiling with Adventure Out . For the more subdued, treat yourself to a Llama Leisure picnic. Another fun option is a camel trek . The Hills Forest Activity Centre has guided flora and fauna walks, and you can tour the Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre to see injured and endangered native animals. For those with a passion for the stars, Perth Observatory has star gazing tours.

Taking to the Water

Water plays an important part in the local lifestyle. If you have time, a visit to Rottnest Island is not to be missed. Rottnest Express has a day tour to the island and offers whale-watching tours from September until December. Regular ferries run to the island from Barrack Street Jetty , Victoria Quay in Fremantle and Hilarys Boat Harbour. There is plenty to do. The Visitor Centre organises free walking tours from 11.30am-2pm daily. You can hire a bike, and there is excellent snorkeling and diving. Diversity Diving Australia has a selection of dive tours that include Rottnest Island and other spectacular dive sites along the coast. Another great dive site is Penguin Island . Or you can swim with the dolphins in the Cockburn Sound.

If you would like more rigorous exercise while on holiday then checkout the kayak tours and Leeuwin Ocean Adventures . For a more leisurely water experience go sailing, try some beach fishing , maybe a bit of offshore fishing or surfing .

Beyond the City

This may be the city and its surrounds taken care of, but do not forget that further north there is the incredible Ningaloo Reef, one of the only places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks. Broome is another incredible town, with its amazing tides and sunsets. Then there is the southwest corner, and the major tourist drawcard—the spectacular Margaret River region.

For a fine tour and a unique experience check out Worldwide Shopping Tours (http://www.worldwideshoppingtours.com.au). They offer an insiders guide to some of the best products in the region. Email them at: sales@worldwideshoppingtours.com.au.