PERTH’ S NATURAL RESOURCES

While the city has much to offer urban explorers, Perth is even more blessed when it comes to natural beauty.

Catch the sunrise at Kings Park

It’s an outdoor movie and concert venue, a popular vantage point for Australia Day fireworks and home to the state’s biggest Anzac Day Dawn Service. Kings Park (bgpa. wa.gov.au), Perth’s sprawling inner-city green lung, knows how to rise to the occasion yet it’s equally impressive outside of a special event. Do a self-guided tour of the park’s Boodja Gnarning Walk, hit the running trails or simply soak up the views of the city and Swan River.

Take time out at the beach

Want to really get away from it all? Perth’s coastline boasts plenty of quiet beaches. Consider setting course for enclaves such as the northerly stretches of Port Beach, near Fremantle, or Mettams Pool, a natural rock pool protected by a reef at North Beach.

Bushwalk at Bold Park

It’s hard to believe you’re less than eight kilometres from the city centre. A world-class urban reserve in Floreat, Bold Park (bgpa.wa.gov.au) has more than 15 kilometres of walking trails plus a bridle trail for horseriding. Cycling is permitted on one trail. Lookouts give spectacular views of the coast and city.

Swim with dolphins at Rockingham

Just a 40-minute drive south of Perth, Rockingham’s sheltered bays serve as a playground for more than 200 wild dolphins. The pod is never fed or trained – they welcome visitors into their world on their own terms – and you can frolic with them from September to May.

Spend the day at Rottnest Island

Named for the furry “rats” (actually quokkas) that are native to the island, Rottnest is a popular getaway just 25 minutes by ferry from Fremantle. No cars are allowed and hiring a bike is the best (and most eco) way to explore the postcard-perfect swimming bays.