| For a Western Australian experience that brings you | | | | not head to the lush and fertile lands of the Swan |
| close to the state capital of Perth but far enough | | | | Valley. Just thirty five minutes away, this is the perfect |
| away that you escape the hustle and bustle of big city | | | | day trip getaway, although the amount of activities on |
| life look no further than Joondalup. Just a short drive | | | | offer here will probably entice you to stay a bit longer. |
| north of Perth this serene city is a stones throw from | | | | Known for its world class wines, it would be a waste |
| pristine white beaches and numerous National Parks, | | | | not to visit some of the numerous cellar doors and |
| where large stretches of natural bushland surround a | | | | sample their wares. A lot of the wineries have a |
| chain of impressive inland lakes. It is a perfect place to | | | | restaurant or eatery on site, so enjoy a hearty meal |
| base yourself on a self drive holiday, with many | | | | amongst the vineyards with a smooth glass of red. A |
| options for daytrips and longer excursions. | | | | cultural haven, the Swan Valley is home to plenty of |
| A popular tour from Joondalup is to head north for | | | | art galleries, antiques stores and crafts fairs, all set |
| about three hours to the Nambung National Park, home | | | | against the beautiful bushland backdrop the region is |
| to the limestone formations known as the Pinnacles. | | | | famous for. The river itself is wide and smooth flowing, |
| These are resistant mounds and pillars of limestone | | | | which makes evening cruises or canoeing and |
| rock rising out of the desert floor in a way that makes | | | | kayaking an absolute pleasure. Accommodation |
| them seem from another planet. In the months of | | | | options are plentiful and cater to all budgets. |
| August to October the famous Australian wildflowers | | | | If you dont feel like driving anywhere, then why not just |
| bloom around them, which adds to the alien feel in a | | | | stick around Joondalup for a while. Bright blue waters |
| vibrant and colourful way. In the sunrise or sunset the | | | | and clear white sands characterise the famous Burns |
| play of light and the lengthy shadows accentuates the | | | | Beach, which is popular amongst surfers, swimmers |
| features of these strange formations, and at these | | | | and fisherman. The beach marks one end of a coastal |
| times you are more likely to see the local wildlife out | | | | nature walk that extends all the way down to |
| and about. You cannot stay within the park, but nearby | | | | Fremantle, so if you are feeling energetic why not give |
| at Cervantes there is beach side accommodation. | | | | this walk a go. Remember, you don't have to do the |
| Another geological feature that will blow you away is | | | | whole thing! Just twenty minutes from the beach is |
| Wave Rock. A long drive at four hours, every | | | | Yanchep National Park, a haven of tuart and banksia |
| kilometre will seem worth it once you reach the rock | | | | woodlands that is rich in Aboriginal and European |
| itself. Fifteen metres high and over 110 metres long, | | | | history. Alive with local flora and fauna, this park is |
| geological forces over the centuries have shaped this | | | | home to pristine wetlands and limestone caves that |
| formation exactly like a large wave just about to | | | | are all awaiting your exploration! |
| break. Standing below it gives you the feeling that its | | | | If you are looking for a friendly and homely place to |
| peak is going to come crashing down at any second! | | | | stay near Joondalup then why not check out the |
| Its an awe inspiring look into the power of nature, | | | | Kookaburra Apartment. Set in serene and green rural |
| which you can see more of in the other rock | | | | surrounds, you are guaranteed privacy here and the |
| formations in the Wave Rock Reserve, such as | | | | opportunity to kick back and relax in a homely |
| Hippo's Yawn and the Humps. The walls of Mulka's | | | | environment that has all the facilities you would expect |
| Cave were the canvas for Aboriginal painters of old, | | | | in your own home. The lush trees in the large |
| and their work can still be seen in the dark recesses | | | | backyard house families of the infamous Australian |
| of the cave. There is also a museum and a kiosk, and | | | | kookaburra, and memories of your stay here are |
| a caravan park where you can overnight before | | | | bound to be laced with the unique song of this one of |
| heading back to Joondalup. | | | | a kind bird. So have a look at their site, and definitely |
| If Nambung and the Wave Rock Reserve has | | | | have a look at Joondalup as an option for your next |
| satisfied those urges to experience the Western | | | | holiday. |
| Australian desert, then for your next excursion why | | | | |