Sunset Coast

If one aspect of WA were to characterise life in the West, surely it's our beaches - those magical places where the Indian Ocean meets the land, each coastal hideaway as awesome as any glossy brochure's promise. Here in Perth we have the cleanest of unspoilt white beaches and the contrasting landscape of native bushland, including the Yanchep National Park with its thriving colony of koalas. The Sunset Coast encompasses a strip of unspoilt beach which stretches north from Fremantle all the way up to Yanchep, 45 minutes' drive from Perth. It is this proximity to the city that has helped make the Sunset Coast such a popular spot, as well as the memorable sunsets, busy beach-side cafes and safe swimming beaches, all within just a few kilometres of Perth and Fremantle. See the Sunset Coast map for more information.

The Aquarium of Western Australia AQWA is one of the Sunset Coast's major attractions. AQWA gives visitors the opportunity to discover the incredible and unique marine life of Western Australia's 12,000km coastline. Featuring Australia's largest aquarium and underwater tunnel, the world's largest collection of Western Australian marine life, beautiful living coral reefs, giant sharks, rays and turtles, and playful seals and hands-on fun, this is a great day out for the whole family.

Rottnest Island is a popular destination for local and visitors alike, located just 18km off Fremantle. A visit to Rottnest is just a ferry trip away - half an hour from Fremantle, 40 minutes from Hillarys and an hour from Perth. Rottnest Island feels like another world entirely. Discover its pristine waters, brilliant beaches and hidden bays during a day excursion, or enjoy a longer stay. Rottnest Fast Ferries can take you to Rottnest Island - it’s just a 40 minute journey from Hillarys Boat Harbour on the Sunset Coast. They operate a wide array of Rottnest Island day tours and also offer accommodation packages. Alternatively, discover Rottnest at your own leisure; just take the ferry transfer and hire a bicycle and snorkelling gear. Free coach pick-ups are available from hotels, caravan parks and backpackers accommodation. There are also whale watching and twilight cruises in season. Shop 56 Hillarys Boat Harbour Phone 9246 1039.

Explore the spectacular oasis that is Wanneroo Botanical Gardens just 25 minutes north of Perth; five acres of stunning botanical gardens complete with ponds, waterfalls and streams as well as Australia's largest mini golf complex. You're sure to have lots of laughs as you attempt to conquer the tricks and traps of the two courses. Leapfrogs Cafe is fully licensed and offers superb alfresco dining and great coffee – the perfect way to relax after your game. 25 Drovers Place, Wanneroo Ph: 9405 1475.

Lose yourself in 32 acres of parklands and discover a unique range of attractions guaranteed to challenge and entertain the whole family at The Maze. Enjoy a range of mazes including the 2,500 square metre timber maze with supa slide and lookout tower, plus mini golf, koalas, kangaroos, emus and a walk in aviary. Cafe Iguana serves alfresco lunches and there are shady picnic areas and BBQ facilities. 1635 Neaves Road, Bullsbrook, Ph: 9571 1375.

Sorrento Quay at Hillarys Boat Harbour is a leisure, dining and entertainment centre 20 minutes from the heart of Perth. It sits in the sheltered bay of Hillarys Boat Harbour, and offers one of Perth's safest swimming beaches. The Harbour is probably best known as the home of AQWA, the Aquarium of WA, but visitors should make sure to leave time for a leisurely browse through the many shops on Sorrento Quay itself, which is open seven days a week. There are also many dining options at the Quay, including a la carte seafood restaurants, smorgasbords, cafes and takeaways...and because you're on a quay, the ocean views are panoramic and plentiful.

Each summer the City of Joondalup conduct a variety of free events, including concerts and the awesome Joondalup Festival. Bring the whole family to the Sunset Markets in the city centre on Friday evenings and enjoy free entertainment, kids' activities and, of course, stalls showcasing everything from food to fashion, toys to textiles and coffee to craftwork. Phone 9400 4912

Perth is renowned for its beaches - some are suitable for children and others offer a challenge for the experienced swimmer or keen surfer. One of our most famous beaches, Cottesloe Beach, is considered a safe swimming beach most of the time. The biggest danger is the rocks when strong onshore winds make the water choppy and a strong rip can develop along the northern side of the groyne. Swanbourne Beach is a reasonably safe swimming beach with the biggest danger being the short break which can develop with strong onshore winds. Popular with nudists! The small bays in the Marmion Marine Park are fairly safe for swimming provided inexperienced swimmers and children do not venture past the reef line. Renowned for their cafes and nightlife as well as very good surfing are Scarborough Beach and Trigg Island Beach. This area is not recommended for children or inexperienced swimmers, especially if the surf is rough. Permanent rips exist in several places.

Good visibility and interesting coral formations make the waters around Perth popular for scuba diving. Several local companies operate dive charters and you'll have no trouble hiring gear and tanks. The many coral reefs and limestone caves off the coast of Rottnest Island are particularly popular, although there's some good stuff to see at the Marmion Marine Park which extends north of the city. Rottnest also offers some of WA's best snorkelling spots. Because it's an island, there's always somewhere sheltered to swim, and in places the reef comes right up to the beach. Beginners should find the Basin's varied fish life rewarding. You can also dive with sharks and other creatures at AQWA - The Aquarium of Western Australia.

Transperth operates many services in the Sunset Coast area. To get to Scarborough, catch a train on the Currambine line to Glendalough Station, then bus route 400 heading west, or to Stirling Station, then bus route 410 heading west. Both of these services terminate at Scarborough Beach.The fastest way to Hillarys Boat Harbour is by train on the Currambine line to Warwick Station, then bus route 423 heading west. The 469 bus from Whitfords train station on the Currambine line will take you east to Wanneroo and Wangara. A 468 bus runs from Whitfords to Joondalup train stations, via Wanneroo and Burns Beach Roads. You can also take a bus direct to Wanneroo from the city - the number 346 bus leaves Wellington St Bus Station approximately every hour. In Joondalup you can use the fast free CAT bus service that departs from Joondalup Station at 15 minute intervals Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm and from 9.00am to 6.00pm on Saturdays. This service does not run on Sundays or public holidays.

If you plan to explore this area by car, leaving from the city, there are two main routes. If you head north up Thomas Street and keep following it (despite its name changes), this eventually becomes Wanneroo Road. This road runs up to and through the Sunset Coast region, and will take you to all the wildlife parks and activities located in the Eastern part of the Sunset Coast. If you head north on the Mitchell Freeway (there are several entrances in the city), and travel until you reach either Hepburn Avenue or Whitfords Avenue, turn left (heading West) as you're leaving the Freeway and this will, in almost no time, bring you to the white beaches and casually elegant lifestyle of Sorrento Quay and surrounds. If you are heading North from Fremantle, a slightly longer but very scenic drive will take you along the ocean to the Sunset Coast. Start on Port Beach Drive in North Fremantle, which will become Curtin Avenue and West Coast Drive.

For more information visit the Sunset Coast Tourism Association