Travel guide Western Australia for Cruising

Best Aussie Adventures Where do you think is the best adventure holiday destination in Australia? The 2009 votes are still being counted to find the best place to take yourself and your friends, partner or family on an adventure holiday. Where are the best places to go, things to do and things to see? TakeABreak.com.au, Australia’s only independent holiday rental website, has initiated a first time ‘Best Places to Stay’ award for Australian destinations, which recognises towns and cities that have outstanding facilities in specialist segment categories. Winners will be voted on by the public with 8 categories presenting finalists across each state. Just some of the TakeABreak Adventure Destination finalists… Freycinet P... Read more

Those of us who live in Australia grow up understanding the joys, dangers and safety rules that make it such a great place.  However, many visitors to our country find Australia an alien, but starkly beautiful country, and they have little or no understanding of the best way to stay safe and enjoy their time here. A few very simple rules can help to make a visit to Australia a safe and pleasurable experience, and Tourism Australia has a brochure available for download that lists safety tips in a variety of languages. Driving tips One of the first things to remember is that speed limits are strictly enforced in Australia, more so than in many countries overseas.  Generally, when driving in urban and suburban areas, the speed limit is between 50 and 60 kilometres per hour. When ... Read more

We know that our teenage children can be delightful, exasperating, funny, sullen, adventurous, shy, talkative, slothful and manic – and sometimes that is just in the space of an hour!  All these moods are magnified when it comes to travelling, be it in Australia or overseas, as teens and parents are forced into one another’s company without a ‘get out of jail free’ card, such as time with friends. Travelling overseas with teenagers tends to be a better experience for a number of reasons, such as the brilliant entertainment systems now available on most flights, menus that let them eat things they like, resorts that have activities that cater for most age groups and the “wow” factor.  So let’s concentrate on surviving travelling in Austra... Read more

Around 175km south of Perth lies a picturesque city with harbours and beaches on three sides. A paradise for anyone who loves swimming, watercraft, fishing, or scenic strolls - Bunbury has grown steadily since its discovery by French explorer Captain de Freycinet in 1803. Today, 56,000 people call Bunbury home – along with more than 100 bottlenose dolphins who jump and play in Koombana Bay. Named after Lieutenant Henry William St. Pierre Bunbury in honour of his explorations in 1836, Bunbury is predominantly a mining town, with a busy deep-water port transporting more than 12 million tonnes of cargo each year.  It is a city that manages to combine the benefits of a large cosmopolitan centre with the ambience of a small town. Shops, services, entertainment, family restaurants an... Read more

Long white sandy beaches, dinosaur footprints, sparkling skies and lunar phenomena set in a rich cultural landscape make Broome an unforgettable holiday destination. The perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate, Broome's Cable Beach is arguably one of the most spectacular in the world. Lazing under the stars in the evening while listening to the waves, or running along the surf enjoying warm water and soft sand, you will be wistfully planning your return visit as soon as you leave. History When people refer to Broome as a "pearl" of a place, they're not kidding. This beautiful town set on 22km of white sandy beach began European inhabitation as a pearling settlement, which survived many tumultuous times thanks to two world wars decimating its pearling industry. During the wars, t... Read more

The Buccaneer Archipelago is a stunningly rugged area off the Kimberley coast in Western Australia, consisting of up to 1000 islands. The scenery is spectacular with secluded white sandy beaches, patches of rain forest, mangrove estuaries, plunging cliffs, indigenous rock art and hidden reefs that litter offshore waters. Situated approximately 2800 kilometres north of the Western Australian capital of Perth, its distant location has meant it has remained an unspoilt and remarkably pristine location to explore and experience. Tides of up to 11 metres are among some of the biggest in the world, and certainly the largest in Australia. In some places they are treacherously strong and unpredictable, surging up rivers and ripping through inland passages. These tides create such phenomena as... Read more

The Abrolhos Islands, with their rich flora and fauna and surrounding coral reef communities, form one of Western Australia's unique marine areas. The Abrolhos Islands lie about 60 kilometres west of Geraldton, on the Western Australian coast, and consist of 122 islands clustered into three main groups: the Wallabi Group, Easter Group and Pelsaert Group, which extend from north to south across 100 kilometres of ocean. The area is home to an abundance of wildlife including sea lions, dolphins, migratory whales and sea birds.  The extensive coral reef system stretches for a hundred kilometres and is home to many species, some as yet to be named. The unique wildlife and pristine beaches make for excellent swimming, snorkelling and beach walking.  The Abrolhos Islands ... Read more

The city of Perth is a gem nestled on the banks of the Swan River and its marvellous location is at the heart of the character of this most unusual of Australia’s capital cities.  The nearest large city to Perth is Adelaide, which lies over 2000 km away and it is this isolation that has allowed Perth to develop such a distinctive personality. Lying about 20 km inland from the sparkling Indian Ocean, Perth enjoys an unparalleled climate and is classed as one of only five Mediterranean climate regions in the world. Summers tend to be hot and dry, and most rain occurs in winter, however the temperatures still hover around 18-19 degrees C, so winter is still a fine time to visit. The city enjoys a wonderful quality of light, making it a favourite with artists and photographers. ... Read more

Seeking adventure this summer? You may be surprised to learn that there’s plenty to kee... Read more

“WA has it all,” says Harvey Raven, scratching his beard and looking contentedly out over Monkey Mia beach.  “But the people who appreciate this state the most are almost always from overseas.” Harvey has that Indiana Jones kind of ruggedness.  With his deeply tanned skin, well-worn leather boots and a hearty laugh you just know this man wouldn’t be fazed by much that nature can dish up.  He also has what many would consider one of the best jobs in the world.  Harvey owns and operates Monkey Mia Wildsights, a business offering cruises, outback tours and guided walks through some of the world’s most pristine natural surroundings.  His luxurious catamaran, named ‘Shotover’, takes visitors on early mornin... Read more