The sunkissed modern city of Perth basks in its glorious isolation from the rest of the country. After a day of shopping, art galleries and museums, watch the city’s glittering skyline reflected in the Swan River from one of South Perth’s trendy riverfront cafes. Then head down to Subiaco to join the city’s buzzing nightlife.

Perth’s pleasures extend beyond its city limits. Dozens of golden beaches line its coast. To the south, is the vibrant port city of Freemantle which seamlessly combines its maritime and convict heritage with bustling street markets, trendy restaurants and microbreweries. Just offshore, car-free Rottnest Island is where the locals go to swim at white sandy beaches and snorkel shipwrecks in clear turquoise waters. Explore the island by bicycle to see the cute native Quokkas (small wallabies) or just relax and enjoy a refreshing ale at the beachside Quokka Arms pub.