1 2013/14 HOLIDAY PLANNER SUNSET COAST WESTERN austRALIA 2 3 SUNSET COAST WHERE THE SEA TURNS TO GOLD THE SUNSET Coast encoMPASSES THE GLORIOUS coastLINE OF METROPOLItan PERTH FROM CottesLOE UP TO TWO RocKS AND THE HINTERLAND OF JOONDALUP AND WanneROO. The evening sun dipping spectacularly City Beach is a regular winner of the The northern edge of the Sunset Coast, into the Indian Ocean gives this region prestigious ‘Best Beach’ award in Western the little fishing village of Lancelin, is its evocative name, and it’s a sight you Australia - an accolade for which the famous for its world-class water sports can enjoy daily, from any number of competition is very hot, indeed. Whether and sand-boarding. picturesque locations. you want to go swimming, jogging or Natural treasures to discover While the beaches and facilities are inviting, just sunbathing, this charming, clean and Further inland, the Sunset Coast region and the weather is exceptional, it’s rarely quiet spot is heavenly. presents many fascinating opportunities to crowded. This area enjoys a wealth of open There’s also Swanbourne, and experience natural Australian environments space that contributes to a wonderful sense Scarborough, and the peaceful, relaxing close to the city. of relaxation and freedom. Floreat Beach, where the pure white sand In Joondalup, you’ll find walk trails through Getting around the region is easy, with is great for swimming, fishing or a run along native bushland where kangaroos and wild an excellent road system that puts great the water’s edge. In fact, the Sunset Coast’s birds watch you go by. There’s also one of beaches a short drive from the city centre, world-class beaches extend all the way to Australia’s finest golf courses here, which is and the northern limits no more than an Lancelin, 125 kilometres north of the city. regularly visited by the local wildlife. hour away. Most places are also accessible All kinds of seaside fun by bus or train. The beautiful bush setting of Yanchep Along the Sunset Coast there’s a lot National Park features a koala sanctuary, Endless, beautiful beaches to do near all our brilliant beaches. amazing limestone caves and educational During the warm, dry summer months from At Scarborough, Cottesloe, Hillarys and experiences of Aboriginal culture. December to February, daily temperatures others, the Western Australian outdoor The beauty of this diverse region is that average 31°C, with warm evenings and little culture is vibrantly on show, with whatever kind of Western Australian rainfall. Combine those conditions with 50 alfresco cafes and restaurants offering experience you desire, from relaxing beach kilometres of metropolitan coastline, and great atmosphere to accompany the to thrilling action to uplifting nature, you’ll the Sunset Coast is the ultimate destination stunning vistas. be able to find it close by. for sun worshippers. There are extensive walking and cycling You can also choose from all kinds of Everyone will find a beach here to fall in trails hugging the beaches, allowing you accommodation here, from hotels to love with. Hire a car, ride a bike, catch a bus to take-in both the dazzling views and serviced apartments to B&Bs to backpacker or join a tour to explore them. They’re well the fresh, ocean air. hostels to leafy caravan parks and maintained, and they’re open to the public Along the coast, you can dive into every camping sites. all year round, free of charge. Many have imaginable water sport, from yachting On the following pages, we’ll take a journey public barbecues and children’s to windsurfing, from deep-sea fishing to through the three distinctive districts that playgrounds. jet-boating, from body-boarding to kite make up the Sunset Coast. Cottesloe - ‘Cott’ to the locals - is one surfing, from snorkelling to scuba. of Perth’s premier summer locations. Its At Hillarys Boat Harbour, among the pens pristine white beach is great for swimming, bobbing with pleasure craft, you’ll find a and it also has beautiful, elevated grassed waterpark, an aquarium, a marine discovery areas overlooking the beach, lots of shade centre and a huge array of shopping and from the summer sun, and a huge choice dining. Here, and at Ocean Reef, there are of cool cafes and restaurants. also public boat-launching facilities. Clancy's Fish bar SC map 205x275_2012 28/11/12 2:58 PM Page 1 SUNSET coast 5 6 BeacH LIFE: STIRLINg’S WONDERLAND OF WAVES YouR JOURNEY BEGINS WITH A LEISURELY DRIVE THROUGH THE LEAFY STREETS OF PERTh’S WESTERN SUBURBS. THIS LEADS YOU TO THE cooL, SPARKLING WateRS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN, AND THE SUNSET Coast’S SOUTHERN DISTRICT THE CITY OF STIRLING RENOWNED FOR ITS BeautIFUL BeacHES, PARKS AND RESERVES. This area is where beachgoers really strike North of Trigg Island the coast changes it rich, with many of Western Australia’s from the wide sandy beaches of greatest beaches conveniently laid out Scarborough and Trigg to rocky bays. Some along scenic West Coast Highway. of the better known of these bays include But perhaps before you hit the surf, you Mettam’s Pool, a popular family location might enjoy getting your bearings at and calm snorkelling spot ideal for children Mt Flora in North Beach. It’s one of the and early morning swimmers of all ages, higher natural points along the Sunset North Beach and Waterman’s Beach. Coast, and it affords some awesome views There is also a great pathway overlooking along the coast to Scarborough and across these beaches which is popular with walkers TOP THINGS TO DO the suburbs towards Perth. and cyclists wanting to enjoy the fresh air IN STIRLING... Once you’re properly oriented, it’s time and great coastal views - and of course the to meet the Indian Ocean. Just 20 minutes beautiful sunsets in the late afternoon. • Get close to nature and see a huge from the city centre are the wonderful Nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts will variety of native flora and fauna in beaches of Scarborough and Trigg through love the Marmion Marine Park, stretching a natural and scenic location to Mettam’s Pool, North Beach and from Trigg Island to Burns Beach. It’s a rich • Discover the history of the region at Waterman’s Beach. Any one of them would habitat where the reef forms shallow, crystal the Mt Flora Museum or meander along be most people’s idea of a perfect beach, lagoons. Dolphins can be seen playing here, the Scarborough-Trigg or Star Swamp and you have all of them to choose from. and sea lions laze nearby on Little Island. Heritage Trails The City of Stirling has approximately Entertainment is plentiful on the Sunset • Explore the world-class walking tracks 7.5 kilometres of coastline under its care Coast, too, with the huge Innaloo Cinema along the coast from Scarborough to and control. The beaches are all well Complex, the historic Astor Theatre in Mt Waterman's Bay, around Lake Gwelup equipped with facilities from public showers Lawley hosting live performances, and and the Carine Open Space or and restrooms to picnic areas and Scarborough boasting the state’s only undulating Stirling Civic Gardens playgrounds, and most are patrolled by beachside amphitheatre for live shows • Tee off at one of the four Golf course lifeguards in summer. There’s also plenty on warm summer nights. in the city of Stirling of scenic strolling to be had along these If you have the shopping bug, Stirling has a • Enjoy shopping in air-condition comfort beaches, and between them. trolleyful of options for you, with three, large in one of our three major shopping Scarborough Beach located at the end of shopping centres, in Innaloo, Karrinyup and centres; Innaloo, Karrinyup or Mirrabooka. Scarborough Beach Road, is arguably Perth’s Mirrabooka. From national chain stores and • Dine out in the funky cafes in Mt Lawley most popular beach. It’s well served by public groceries to designer clothes and gift shops, or watch the sun set over the Indian transport providing easy access for all. you’ll be spoilt for choice. Ocean with fish and chips And when you’re done surfing or body- And, of course, hand in hand with every • During the warmer months, enjoy live boarding, spend a relaxing hour or two at retail expedition, there must be coffee! entertainment in Scarborough at the one of the many cafes or bars overlooking The Beaufort St precinct in Mt Lawley is only amphitheatre on the beach in WA the ocean. They’re great places to sit with a treasure trove of funky cafes and eateries, • From Scarborough and Trigg to friends and watch those famous sunsets. not to mention its own abundant supply of cool shopping. Mettam's Pool, North Beach and Scarborough is also an excellent location Waterman's Bay enjoy a whole range to find a place to stay: there’s a large range And if you’re still hungry, there’s casual of excellent coastal activities of beachfront accommodation here, from fish-and-chips overlooking the ocean, or • For amazing views head up to Mt Flora affordable family apartment to five-star superb fine dining at the many restaurants museum and climb the steps of the penthouse. Think of it: you can wake up of Scarborough, North Beach and Trigg. water tower and walk to the beach before breakfast. • Escape the everyday and pamper Trigg Beach is Perth’s most consistent surf WANT MORE INFO? yourself at one of the luxurious spa break, particularly over summer when it is salons in Mt Lawley or Scarborough often the only beach in the metropolitan For all this and more visit • Stay awhile at the excellent range of area with a wave breaking.