Perth is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and modern city, pleasantly situated on the Swan River, with the port of Fremantle a mere 20 kilometres downstream. Although nowadays considered a suburb, Fremantle has a much more laid-back feel than the gleaming skyscrapered Perth and a café culture to match.

Perth is the sunniest state capital in Australia and the most isolated capital city in the world. Around 80 % of WA's 1.8 million people live in and around Perth.

Rottnest Island, just 19 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle is home to some of the best diving off any Australian capital city. In the last 30 years, the island has developed as a popular day trip from Perth, with numerous high-speed ferries making the trip from Perth and Fremantle everyday.

Dunsborough is a pleasant little country town south of Perth that makes a great base for visiting nearby beaches and wineries. Dunsborough is also home to the HMAS Swan, a navy vessel sunk specifically for diving, upon being decommissioned. Don't miss it !

Further south, Margaret River is a popular area, due to its proximity to wonderful surf and swimming beaches, some of Australia's best wineries and spectacular coastal scenery.

Travelling southeast, Albany is a beautiful and historic town. Once a thriving whaling port until the late 1970's, Albany now boasts whale watching as a major industry. The HMAS Perth, another decommissioned Australian warship has been sunk in November 2001 specifically for divers. As marine life gathers around her superstructure, she is becoming a wonderful dive.

To the east, Esperance is growing in popularity as a resort area with its temperate climate, magnificent coastal scenery, squeaky clean white beaches and blue waters, seasonal home to Southern Right Whales.

The Abrolhos Islands or "Islands of Angry Ghosts", as they are known, are located 40 kilometres west of Geraldton, which is approximately 300 kilometres north of Perth. The Islands were so named because of the early explorers who perished here when there ship was wrecked on the reef. The area provides excellent diving with fantastic coral gardens and the best diving visibility on the West Coast.

How To Get There

Perth is well serviced and best reached by air. Perth has frequent international connections to major ports in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Additionally, many transcontinental flights arrive daily from the Australian east coast (Flying time is 4 to 5 hours).

For the patient traveller, bus and rail travel to Perth is possible from the east coast of Australia. Remember to take your pillow and several good books to survive the 4000 kilometre (2600 mile) journey that can take up to 3 days.

Connections to regional centres are possible by air and bus.

Climate

Perth and the southwest regions have a mild Mediterranean style climate with low humidity and lots of sunshine. Average daily maximum temperatures range from 32°C (89°F) in November-March, to 17°C (60°F) from June to September. July is the coldest month and February is the hottest month. Rainfall from November to March is low, from May to August it is heavier.

Diving

• Abrolhos Islands: The "Islands of Angry Ghosts", as they are known, are located 40 kilometres west of Geraldton, which is approximately 300 kilometres north of Perth. The Islands were so named because of the early explorers who perished here when there ship was wrecked on the reef. There are three groups of Islands- The Wallabi Group, The Easter Group and The Pelsart Group. Here at the Abrolhos Islands you will see magnificent Coral Gardens - undeniably the best on the West Coast - with visibility up to 45 meters. You might dive on an historical shipwreck or one of the most beautiful anenome gardens you will ever see. Enjoy a leisurely Drift Dive and discover this is one of the easiest places on the coast to explore. At this time of year (October), you are right in the path of the migrating Humpback Whales returning from the Ningaloo Reef and a large population of friendly Sea Lions roam the area. Unfortunately excursions are offered not on a regular schedule this year.

  

• Rottnest Island: October to June is the best time to dive at Rottnest Island which is only 11 kilometres from Perth. Sponges, soft and hard corals in all varieties are the attraction in the water surrounding Rottnest Island. The island consists of mainly limestone reefs with a combination of temperate and tropical species of fish, making it a great location to see many different varieties. You get to dive historical ship wrecks and also some cavern diving. Visibility is usually very good in the area. Rottnest Island is regarded as the best dive location off any capital city in Australia.

• The Wrecks: The HMAS Swan & the HMAS Perth at Dunsborough and Albany respectively, are a pioneering idea in diving. Both specifically sunk for diving, they provide artificial reefs and shelter for many fish and marine animals, whilst offering the serious wreck diver a challenging look into their respective histories and magnificent structure.

Dive Operators

• Diving infrastructure on the West Coast is not so well developed like on the Australian East Coast. The dive operators are best contacted locally when you are there. Pre-bookings through us are not possible at this stage. There are operators in Perth, Dunsborough and Alabany who service the above areas.

Hotels

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