Hi John -

I live in Perth, so maybe I can help out a bit.

We like John Street Cafe in Cottesloe - it's located on a quiet tree lined street just a few blocks up from the beach. There are several takaway joints directly across from the beach too, but I've not tried any of them.

There's so much to do in around Albany, you'll be spoiled for choice. For good grub, be sure to try out Dylan's on the Terrace, an inexpensive restaurant with a huge varied menu.

If you have time, you might want to drive out to Two People's Bay (30 minutes from Albany) - Little Beach is gorgeous and a good place to spot whales and dolphins. Take a picnic.

Waychinicup Inlet in Waychinicup National Park is also a good whale watching spot, 65 km east of Albany. It's a bit desolate and rugged, but the inlet is gorgeous.

If you're up for a walk, you might want to explore the Luke Pen walk, which follows the east bank of the Kalgan River.

Mt. Clarence, which is just east of downtown and home to an ANZAC memorial - there are some great views of Princess Royal Harbor from up there.

You've also got the wind farm, on the outskirts of Albany.

You'll find blowholes located off Salmon Holes Road and the Gap and Natural Bridge are definitely a worthwhile stop.

Loads to do in Denmark and Walpole too. Be sure to check out the Valley of the Giants treetop walk in Walpole and Elephant Rocks in Williams Bay National Park - both are easily accessible from the South Coast Highway.

The kids might enjoy Pentland Alpaca Stud and Animal Farm in Denmark (I did) and the Toffee Factory located between Denmark and Walpole.

Another ideal place for spotting southern right whales (in season) is the Conspicuous Cliffs - beautiful spot.

There are three wildlife parks in Perth that I'm aware of. Caversham, Cohuna and Marapana. I haven't been to any of them yet, but I recently did some research for a overseas visitor....Caversham got great reviews, Cohuna not-so-much. I have yet to look into Marapana.

I loved Perth Zoo though - easy to get to via ferry and on foot.

I have several detailed trip reports covering SW WA and an ongoing thread on things to do in Perth. They're all posted here on Fodor's. If you're up for a read, just click on my screen name and scroll down to trip reports.

Good luck with your planning. WA is a great place to visit!

Thanks. This has been very helpful especially the albany portion as I have not been there!

Is there anything in Denmark? Should I spend a night there given the fact that I will spend 2 nights in Albany?

I personally love Denmark. On our first two trips down south we based ourselves in Albany and drove to Denmark for a day. On our second two trips, we based ourselves in Denmark.

Since it's your first visit, I'd suggest staying in Albany all three nights and either make a day trip to Denmark or just spend a few hours there as you pass through. Albany has more to see in terms of National Parks, reserves and beaches. Denmark has loads of wineries and a handful of good hiking trails, but with young kids that probably doesn't interest you so mich.

I'd definitely try to fit in a few hours at Pentland Alpaca Farm for the kids, a stop at Williams Bay National Park and a visit to the Valley of the Giants in Walpole.

Here's a good site for things to see/do in Denmark:

http://www.denmark.com.au/en/Denmark+Attractions/default.htm

And Albany:

http://www.albanytourist.com.au/

And Walpole:

http://www.walpole.com.au/