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Surrounding Regions…

SWAN VALLEY
Located just 20 minutes from the heart of Perth is the Swan Valley, Western Australia's oldest wine growing region. Nestled along the Swan River , it is a compact area of award winning wineries, restaurants, galleries, accommodation venues and other tourist attractions, making it an ideal day trip destination.

More than 30 wineries are located within the Swan Valley region, from small third generation family vineyards to large multi-national wine producers. Most of the wineries provide tasting opportunities and cellar door sales, with many also providing restaurant and cafe facilities in alfresco and indoor surroundings.

For lovers of quality food, the Swan Valley boasts a number of superb dining experiences. Whether for a relaxing lunch, decadent afternoon tea or special evening meal, visitors will find the perfect place to enjoy the food of the Swan Valley , from intimate teahouses set in manicured gardens, to winery restaurants with fabulous Australian bush views and five star award-winning establishments.

The Swan Valley is richly endowed with artists and studios, including Western Australia 's largest private gallery. The collection of art is eclectic and includes aboriginal art, forged iron work, lino cut paintings, pottery and fine art, many reflecting the diverse and natural landscape of the area.

ROTTNEST ISLAND
Just 22km off the coast you'd swear you were in Greece . Bleached beaches, rocky coves, water the colour of cornflowers, offset by coral, shipwrecks and magnificentfishing make this a magnet for locals and visitors alike. There are no cars, so hire a bicycle and hop aboard. It is possible to pedal around the 26km perimeter of the island in a few hours, but most visitors take a day, feeding the small friendly marsupial quokkas en route and being rewarded at your journey's end by appropriate delicacies from the island's famous bakery.

PENGUIN ISLAND
Penguin Island , only 600 metres off the coast of Rockingham , and just 45 minutes drive south of Perth , is one of the few places in the world where visitors can see delightful fairy penguins frolicking in an idyllic coastal island setting. The Penguin Experience Island Discovery Centre has been built to allow visitors to see the penguins during the day in an environment similar to their natural habitat, and is surrounded by grassed picnic areas and boardwalks for visitors to explore the island.

THE PEEL REGION
A very special welcome awaits every visitor to the Peel Region of Western Australia. Blessed with 75 kilometres of attractive and accessible coastline, which includes the picturesque Peel Inlet, Harvey Estuary and associated waterways, the Peel also offers spectacular forest scenery and unique farm experiences. With the ever-increasing range of convention facilities and quality accommodation options, Mandurah in the Peel Region is the ideal venue for your next corporate conference, meeting, seminar or for inclusion as a pre/post conference touring option.

NORTHAM
Located in the heart of Western Australia 's Avon Valley . The town was linked by rail with Perth in 1886 and was the gateway to the goldfields for many eager prospectors. Today it is renowned as the starting point for The Avon Descent, an annual white-water event that brings together some of Australia 's leading kayakers and power boat racers for a thrilling race down the river to Perth .

YORK
Just an hour from Perth , York is Western Australia 's oldest inland town, listed on the Register of the National Estate, a monument to the restorer's art. Surveyed in 1830, a year after the establishment of the Swan Colony, York boasts many fine sandstone buildings, while its main street, Avon Terrace, still strongly evokes the days of the 1890's goldrush, and contains the old post office, court house, police station and the charming 1886 railway station which is still in operation. The Motor Museum houses more than 150 classic and vintage cars, motorcycle and horse-drawn vehicles, with charabanc rides for added authenticity.

NEW NORCIA
In 1846 a small band of Benedictine monks arrived in Australia to establish a mission for Aborigines. Their settlement, New Norcia, is today a unique blend of Spanish architecture, European art treasures and pioneer history, a splash of the Mediterranean in the heart of the Australian bush. The Brothers continue to live a simple life of prayer and work, the latter producing some of the finest olive oil in the country. The New Norcia Heritage Trail is an easy walk which covers the monastery, church, old mill, hotel and jail, plus the museum and art gallery, which houses an eclectic collection of European and Australian paintings.

THE AVON VALLEY
This region offers a multitude of attractions and activities only an hour out of the city. Wineries and art galleries, animal and wildflower farms combine with picturesque woodlands and river valleys to offer something for everyone.

TOODYAY
The Avon Valley 's nearest town to Perth is Toodyay. The town lies within a tranquil rural setting with breathtaking views of the Avon River , easily accessible from Perth by car or in the comfort of Westrail's “Avonlink” rail service. Toodyay has many examples of well-preserved historic buildings constructed by convicts including the Old Newcastle Gaol built in 1864. Western Australia 's most notorious bushranger, Moondyne Joe, once roamed the rugged bush-clad hills around Toodyay in the 1860's.

THE OUTBACK
In truth, this is indeed a long way from the metropolitan life of Perth . But visitors can glean an idea of life in the bush through a vast number of walking trails through national parks which are within easy access of the city. Picnicking and barbecues are permitted in certain areas. Spend a few days in Perth and you'll soon discover what makes this city such a popular convention and incentive destination. The city's enviable climate and relaxed lifestyle allows an astonishing range of activities for visitors.