Tours

Australian Pacific Touring. Commonly known as APT, this national group runs extended 4WD adventure coach trips around Western Australia for groups of 20, and one very special cruise. Comfortable, multiday tours travel from Perth to Monkey Mia, via wildflower country and Shark Bay; and from Broome to Perth, stopping in at Ningaloo Reef and the Pinnacles. APT specializes in the Kimberley, crossing the fabled Gibb River Road, and staying in their own wilderness lodges at numerous locations including Purnululu National Park. The most popular tour is the 15-day Kimberley Complete. You can also cruise the Kimberley coastline by boat. Tours run from five days and up. Perth, Western Australia. 1300/336932; www.aptouring.com.au. From A$8,995 (twin share), A$11,345 for solo travelers.

Australian Pinnacle Tours. This local outfit conducts day tours of Perth and its major attractions. You can also take a day or multiday trip of outer sights like Nambung National Park—with its weird limestone formations—Margaret River and its wineries, or, with more time, Monkey Mia, Wave Rock near Hyden, and the Treetop Walk near Walpole (be aware that this is a long 14½-hour tour). Shop 1, Barrack St. Jetty, CBD, Perth, Western Australia, 6000. 08/6270–6060 ; 1300/551687; www.australianpinnacletours.com.au. From A$79.

Captain Cook Cruises. A scenic glide on the flat water of the Swan River with this tour company makes for an excellent afternoon, especially if you want to travel from Perth to the Indian Ocean at Fremantle. Optional 1½-hour stopovers are included. Cruises cost A$28 one-way, A$38 return, or A$69 with lunch included. It also has tours upriver to the Swan Valley vineyards. Pier 3, Barrack St. Jetty, CBD, Perth, Western Australia, 6000. 08/9325–3341; www.captaincookcruises.com.au. From A$28.

Casey Australia Tours. A range of extended tours departing from Perth covers nearly every inch of the state, including a 14-day four-wheel-drive tour that traverses the iconic Gibb River Road and covers the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, plus an optional flight over Mitchell Falls. Some accommodation is in motels, but it's mostly camping—this is an Outback tour, after all! Shorter tours visit the southwest's apple and truffle growing region in four days. 63 Birdwood Circus W, Bicton, Perth, Western Australia, 6157. 08/9339–4291; 1800/999677; www.caseytours.com.au. From A$1140.

Golden Sun Cruises. This ferry operator provides round-trip passage along the Swan River; thrice-daily (except winter) between Perth and Fremantle (one-way trips are also available), or daily to Guildford and the Swan Valley. Barrack St. Jetty, Pier 4, CBD, Perth, Western Australia, 6000. 08/9325–1616; 0418/816–166; www.goldensuncruises.com.au. From A$15.

Perth Explorer. This open-top bus company runs hop-on, hop-off trips around central Perth and to Kings Park on a typical red double-decker. Tickets (A$35) are valid for 48 hours, and you can get on and off as you choose, or stay on for the full two-hour tour. Book online for discounts or upgrade your ticket to a Triple Tour (A$95), which includes a Swan River cruise and tour of Fremantle in a wooden replica tram. Western Australia. 08/9203–8882; www.citysightseeingperth.com. From A$35.

Rottnest Express. Rottnest Express runs excursions to Rottnest Island once daily from Perth and six to eight times daily from Fremantle, depending on the season. It also runs whale-watching tours in season, September and October, as does Rottnest Fast Ferries and Mills Charters. Fares are cheapest on Tuesday, and several package options are available, including with bike rentals. Pier 2, Barrack St. Jetty, CBD, Perth, Western Australia, 6000. 1300/467688; www.rottnestexpress.com.au. From $A31.

Two Feet and a Heartbeat. These guys are award-winning for several reasons: their walking tours are fun, informative, and wrap in elements that reveal the personality of a city, such as street art, small bars, sculptures, history, and hidden relics. You can also take a small bar and laneways (side alleys) tour; a walk through the CBD's grittier cousin, Northbridge; plus sailor- and convict-themed tours in Fremantle. There's a bike riding excursion on Rottnest Island, too. Book early for a "Tight Arse Tuesday" tour, which is half price (only A$20). CBD, Perth, Western Australia. 08/6143–4620; 1800/459388; www.twofeet.com.au. From A$40.