Lynda Spadaccini goes back home and discovers the beauty of Perth and South West Western Australia

I grew up a bogan. I mean, I grew up in Perth, and I returned last year for a three-week holiday. After all my European travels, I had forgotten how beautiful the South West of Western Australia is.

Quiet, postcard beaches, endless blue skies, great local food and a world class wine growing region all in one place. So if you have a week or two off and are wondering where to go – Go West!

Perth

The city of Perth is compact and easy to get around. Walking is the best way to explore the city, so pack your sensible lesbian shoes and hit the pavement.

A short stroll from the city, atop Mount Eliza, is Kings Park with over 400 hectares of cultivated gardens, native bushland and grassed picnic areas. Uninterrupted views from Kings Park stretch out over the Swan River to the Perth hills.

A half-hour train ride from Perth is the 19th century port city of Fremantle, or “Freo”. Federation buildings dominate the architectural style of the streets; Italian cafes rule the sidewalks and large pubs provide locally brewed ales and lagers.

Cottesloe Beach is a 15 minute cab ride from the city and one of my favourite Perth beaches. The sand is blindingly white and towering Norfolk pines shade the limestone and grass terraces. This is the perfect place to watch the sun go down over the Indian Ocean.

Perth is not really known for its gay scene, but there are a few places to head out in and around the city. The Court Hotel is the only seven day a week GLBT venue in Perth. The Court is located just out of the city centre and is a large venue offering food, drag shows and live music.

Down South

Hire a car for the drive ‘down south’ which takes about three hours. There are many beachside towns to stay in, but I recommend Dunsborough for its central location, stunning beaches and most importantly, the Dunsborough Bakery. The days of pies and lamingtons are not over.

Accommodation in Dunsborough ranges from on-site vans or units in the local caravan park, to town houses overlooking the beach. Surfing lessons, fishing charters, and winery tours are just a few of the activities on offer.

The beaches around Dunsborough are just beautiful. Short drives away from the town centre are Meleep Beach, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay. All with fine, white sand, gentle waves and plenty of space. A twenty minute drive away is Yallingup, known world wide for its surf beaches.

There are more than 150 wineries in and around Margaret River. Most are open for daily tastings and may have restaurants, art galleries and picnic grounds. Knotting Hill Winery is a family favourite and does a delicious antipasto platter for lunch. Swings and Roundabouts is another spot worth a visit, with wood-fired pizzas on the weekends.

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