Boylie97

My wife and I are visiting Perth from March into April this year. The plan is to visit family and friends in Perth for a while and then take a week 'somewhere' by ourselves (End of March). We had initially looked at Cable beach but have been advised against this because of the risk of cyclone / monsoon. We are looking for somewhere close to the beach, within a 2hr flight or 4hr drive of Perth, that is relaxing but has a few activirties i.e. bush walks, sea fishing and sight seeing and has predictable weather. Does anyone have any good suggestions?

Thanks

Melnq8

I'd head to our beautiful southwest.

Margaret River is a three hour drive south of Perth - absolutely loads to do down there - beaches, forests, wineries, galleries, caves, bush walks, lighthouses, fabulous food and wine. Hamlin Bay is a popular fishing area south of MR, near Augusts.

http://www.margaretriver.com/

Denmark is another possibility, about four hours drive south of Perth. Towering trees and forest, fishing, beaches, stunning scenery, good food and wine. Walpole is nearby as well - here you'll find the treetop walk through the tingle forest.

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


http://www.denmark.com.au/

Albany is just another 40 minutes or so from Denmark - lots to do in and around Albany too. It's a bustling town, not terribly exciting in and of itself, but it's surrounded by some lovely national parks, beaches, etc.

I have several trip reports on these areas (and others) posted here on Fodor's. Just click on my screen name and scroll through trip reports. Lots of details on driving routes, what to do and see along the way, etc.

mareeS55

I agree with both of the above recommendations to the south and south-west of Perth. However, going north from Perth is also very interesting along the coast up to Geraldton, Kalbarri, the Coral Coast and Exmouth.

We have been to Broome many times since the 1970s, last year the last time, and we wouldn't bother now. It is like Byron Bay from the 1970s, full of hippies who hate people who aren't hippies.

eliztravels2

I also would recommend the Margaret River area. You could stay there for a week and take day trips, or choose a couple of locations. What are your interests?

Silvanello

Hello,

I would suggest a trip by car to Cape Le Gran National Park. This is in the south west region of WA. It should take not much longer than 4 hours by car and you will be able to go fishing, swimming, camping, bushwalking and you will be surrounded by one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. On the way to this national park are also many nice attractions like Wave Rock, Margaret River and The Valley of the Giants.

Have a lot of fun!

Cheers

maplebjb

Funny the Margaret River didn't do it for me, but I did LOVE Cervantes, about 2 hrs drive north of Perth. The Pinnacles are there. It reminded me of the Sunshine Coast Qld back in the early 70s, a backwater but I loved that. The sand as white as snow, the water emerald and warm. Few people on the beach, a couple of general stores and a pub. There is the Lobster Shack where you can tour or go on a fishing charter.
Of course in Perth there is always Rottnest Island too
Denmark in Albany was gorgeous, ideal for families with small children.

Melnq8

Silvanello -

Cape Le Grande is indeed a lovely place, but it's
30 minutes from Esperance. Esperance is an eight hour drive from Perth.

Bokhara2

Bookmarking

Diamantina

I just came across this article from the Daily Telegraph reprinted in the NZ Herald. It won't help you to decide where to go, but you might enjoy reading it.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/new...ectid=11187530

Boylie97

Thanks for all the great responses. Looks like it is south WA here we come! I am partial to the odd nibble and wetting of the lips with vino! We have narrowed it down to Smiths beach near Yallingup or Williams bay near Denmark. Has anyone got any comment on these locations?

Thanks again

Melnq8

Both locations are good Boylie and entirely different from one another. Smith's Beach is in Yallingup and will give you easy access to the entire region of Margaret River, which is some 100 km long...lots to do. Generally speaking, it's dryer, hotter and the immediate landscape more short shrubs and coastal plain. Plenty of good food and wine within a short drive.

Williams Bay is very quiet and laid back, as is the entire Denmark region. Williams Bay is all about peace and beauty, solitude and incredible oceanscapes. The vicinity has some lovely forests and bushwalking opportunities - I'm not aware of any facilities at the beach, are you camping?

If I had to choose between the between Yallingup and Denmark, I'd choose Denmark, hands down.

I have trip reports for both areas listed here on Fodor's if you want to get a feel for them and what they offer.

Boylie97

Thanks for the info Melnq8 (do you do this for a living?) We have decided on Williams bay. Looks like a more relaxed area but still has the options of cycle / walking paths, foodie and winey stuff also. We have booked williams bay cottages a small group of cottages near mazzoletti beach reviews are all excellent and unlikely to be too busy. I have also pinched a few of your ideas for what to do around Perth. I will post a review when I get back. Thanks again to everyone for thier input.

Melnq8

(do you do this for a living?).

No, just an avid traveler

Have a great trip.