Editing Perth (section)

== The Must See/Do List ==

=== Margaret River (Margs) ===

When they say this, most people are actually referring to the whole region between Augusta and the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in the south to Yallingup and Busselton in the north. The actual town of Margaret River lies in the middle of this amazing region.
 
Go to this link and download the PDF of this map: http://www.margaretriver.com/pages.asp?code=112
 
It provides a great overview of what to do/see and where it all happens. Then, you just need to decide if you'd prefer to head for a swim or surf at one of the spectacular beaches...or perhaps a tour of some of the wineries and breweries in the area (this region produces some of Australia's and the world's greatest wines).... or maybe visiting the caves and some bushwalking is more your style... or perhaps four wheel driving and fishing is your preference....
 
The whole region is outstanding; missing it would truly be your loss.
For bookings and detailed information on the area go here:
http://www.margaretriver.com/pages.asp?code=500

 
=== Ningaloo Reef ===

This place is truly an oasis of sheer natural beauty. The reef runs along the WA coast from just south of Coral Bay to just north of Exmouth. It is the world's largest fringing reef and hosts an astonishing array of beautiful reef fish, turtles, coral and the real showpieces; Manta rays, Humpback whales and Whale Sharks. 
 
Now "What the hell is a fringing reef?" I hear you asking... Essentially this means the reef is just off the beach, rather than being an hour away on a boat like all the Great Barrier Reef. So you can get goggles, snorkel and flippers and swim 5m out from the beach and you really are on the reef itself. Paradise. Every day you can just pick a different spot along the beach and swim out, always something new.
 
So what's the point of all those tours then? Essentially they will take you to particularly nice spots along the coastline to see it. You can do that in a 4WD, on a quad bike (heaps of fun) or on a number of different boats. From a cruising catamaran to the glass bottomed variety, it's all there. 
 
Since there is always a need for workers, you can get deals to work in exchange for cheap accommodation and money. Meet other locals in the bar and see what other cool spots they can tell you about or take you to.
 
Do not miss the opportunity to swim with Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. Both of them are harmless to humans (the ray has no sting and the shark eats plankton). No words or video can describe the beauty of these creatures moving in the water right next to you. Both these tours require a boat and a spotter plane to take you to them, so they're not cheap. Thus the question you have to ask yourself is, "Am I really going to be happy to be this close and NOT do this thing?" It's only money and you don’t get a second life.
For the location overview and more information, go here: 
http://www.ningalooreef.net/exmouth/ningalooreef.html
 

=== Albany ===

Albany is the oldest town of Western Australia and is located on the State’s southern coast. It is approximately 400km south-east of Perth and accessible via the aptly named Albany Highway. 

With tourism as one of its main industries, Albany is home to many tourist attractions including the Whaling Museum, Albany Convict Gaol, The Princess Royal Fortress. The town also possesses an abundance of natural attractions such as “The Gap”, Natural Bridge (of granite), Blow holes and spectacular views via natural lookouts around King George Sound. It is also renowned for its coastline, attractive beaches and bays including Middleton Beach, Emu Point and Two Peoples Bay.

Albany is located near several other tourist attractions located in the Lower South of WA including Denmark and William Bay, Walpole and the Tree Top Walk, and the Porongurup and Stirling Ranges.

=== Shell Beach ===

Shell Beach is a unique stretch of beach situated in the Shark Bay region of Western Australia, about 45 Km south-east of the town of Denham. It is comprised completely of small white shells from 7 to 10 meters in depth. There is only one other beach in the world made entirely of shells.

Some parts of the beach are so densely packed with shells, that locals have actually cut blocks of shells out and used them to build buildings. These include a telegraph station and the Old Pearler restaurant in Denham. Such buildings efforts have been stopped since Shark Bay has been inducted into the world heritage list… so no littering!

Shell beach is just one of many locations offering unique attractions around the Shark Bay Region which is located approximately 800 km north of Perth.

=== Esperance ===

Esperance is a short 9 hour drive southeast of Perth, through farm country. Once you arrive, you’ll be so happy; it’s beautiful! Whitest white beaches with sand soooo fine it squeaks underfoot. The beaches are truly lovely, though the water is cold (thanks to the Southern Ocean). Great beaches include West Beach and Twilight Cove. The Recherche Archipelago is a cluster of granite islands just off the town’s coast. You can travel for an hour by boat to Woody Island and camp there, snorkel in its sheltered bay, and even have fun on the water slide in the middle of the bay (www.woodyisland.com.au). Other great camping spots include Lucky Bay and Wilie Bay. The fishing is good in Esperance (head down the jetty, you may even spot Sammy Seal there) and you can give surfing a try at the nice learner sized waves at 4 Mile Beach. 

=== Denmark Dinosaur World ===
 
Whilst I was forced to go in for the sheer novelty of a dinosaur world way out in south-west Australia, this place is also a living reptile and bird park. Once you take the obligatory photos of the crazy skeletons in the main area, you must check out the bunch of Australian reptiles and parrots too....but WAIT, that's not all!! The owners have hand raised some of the parrots so you can have them sitting on your hand or shoulder (or head) and get more photos while you give them a bit of a scratch...
 
Get in touch with your inner pirate and check it out:
http://dinosaurworld.com.au/