Averaging eight hours of sunshine every day, Perth locals are blessed with the ideal climate for an outdoor lifestyle. Nineteen beautiful beaches frame the city, and if you get the chance to befriend some locals, there are more secret spots to discover. Picture dolphins dancing in the clear blue water while people lounge on snow-white sand. Swim, surf, snorkel, and soak up ocean sunsets while feasting on locally caught fish. Most of the city beaches are patrolled, offering a safe sanctuary for all who want to dive right in, but if you’re looking for a little extra adventure, Rottnest Island should be your first port of call.

Rottnest Island’s name in native Noongar language is Wadjemup, which means ‘place across the water where the spirits are.’ Visit ‘Rotto’, as it’s known by locals, with Rottnest Express, a comfortable ferry service with terminals in Perth and Fremantle. Cars are not permitted on the island, so the coast and bushland feel untouched and offer the perfect home for the cutest little creatures – quokkas. Native to Rottnest Island, quokkas have a perpetually happy expression, making them ideal models for selfies. Just search #quokkaselfie on social media to see millions of photos posted by those capturing a special moment with this photogenic animal.

Fremantle should be top of your list if you’re after a little home-grown charm. A short train ride from Perth, Fremantle is Perth’s Old Town, and much of the heritage architecture remains, with a number of UNESCO World Heritage-listed structures. Narrow streets lined with historic buildings offer culture and character, while fresh sea breezes and hoppy aromas from a growing cohort of craft breweries swirl in the air. Little Creatures is the best-known craft brewery in the region, but if you’re a connoisseur, this will only be the start of your craft beer education. Fremantle’s vibrant culture doesn’t rest there, either. The city is also known for the 100-year-old Freemantle Markets, with local makers and artists filling the stalls that spill onto the streets. The market is well worth a visit if you’re hoping to pick up a keepsake to take home with you.

Perth is the gateway to Western Australia, and with so much to see and do across the state, there’s an adventure to suit every traveller. For those wanting to relax and rejuvenate, visit Ningaloo Reef on the Coral Coast, and swim, snorkel or dive into the colourful marine world below the water’s surface. Spend the night in one of Sal Salis’ eco-luxe tents, nestled amongst the sand dunes. This is where the outback meets the reef, where you can disconnect and reconnect with yourself.

For thrill-seekers, we recommend soaring through the incredible Horizontal Falls off the coast of Broome with Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures. Sideways waterfalls rush through the ridges of the McLarty Ranges, making an ocean phenomenon that can only be experienced in Western Australia.

For those wanting to explore a deeper connection to country, embrace the wild and experience the beauty of the Kimberley. Considered one of the world’s final frontiers, rugged escarpments, incredible gorges, and gushing waterways fill this ancient landscape. Outback Spirit can help you navigate the 400,000 km region, taking in phenomenal sights such as Mitchell Falls and the Bungle Bungles on your travels.

So, start in Perth, pick a direction and set off on a Western Australian adventure. There’s plenty to discover and uncover.