ESCAPE FROM THE CITY

Enjoy RESTORATIVE walks, rolling skies, wildflowers, farm gates and A CORKER of a COASTLINE in close proximity to Perth.

DUNSBOROUGH

Imbued with the Margaret River’s laid-back vibe, stunning beaches and love of all things food and drink, the town of Dunsborough is the best of the area in one cool package.The ideal day trip here would involve a swim or snorkel in the blue waters followed by lunch and a browse of the boho boutiques in town, and then a walk along a coastal track in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park to the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse. And if you have time, many of the wineries in these parts pride themselves on being family friendly.

CERVANTES/JURIEN BAY

Located on the state’s Coral Coast, start out early on a day trip here so that you have time to take in the area’s two natural wonders: the Pinnacles, ancient limestone rock pillars found in Nambung National Park, and pristine Jurien Bay Marine Park with its abundant marine wildlife including its famed cheeky sea lions.

SWAN VALLEY

Sitting at the edge of the city, stop at the Swan Valley Visitor Centre to pick up instructions and a clue sheet for one of the fun family driving trails, or plot your own adventure. Tour the quirky taxidermy museum, see live bees at The House of Honey, load up at The Margaret River Chocolate Co, and budget a few hours for Whiteman Park , where kids can enjoy tram rides and see the tractor museum.

CHITTERING

An hour from Perth, head to the verdant Chittering area to discover charming country townships like Bindoon, Muchea and Wannamal, collect produce at its farm gates and orchards, visit its wineries and generally take in the unspoilt scenery of its bushlands and wetlands. If you are visiting in spring you can expect a stunning wildflower show here.

ROCKINGHAM

Located south-west of the city centre, an easy 45-minute drive away, Rockingham has enough attractions to divert for a few days. Many of its drawcards revolve around the water that the city sits at the edge of, with Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, located just 500 metres offshore, boasting abundant marine and birdlife.Take a dolphin interaction tour to see the wild dolphin population that makes its home amongst the limestone islands here, or drop in on Penguin Island to see little penguins going about their business.There are also cafes and restaurants aplenty for the family to fill up in, and Peel Estate Wines is worth a visit to pick up a bottle of chardonnay.