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Destinations
/ Australia
/ WA / Perth And
The South West
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
book
directly
Perth
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Margaret
River Wine Region
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