Passport To Perth - The Wild West

On the Western Coast of Australia there sits the most isolated city in the world. Sandwiched neatly between vast red desert and the Indian Ocean lies the city of Perth.

 Perth's reputation is for being laid back and almost a bit sleepy. The magical coastline certainly gets its fair share of attention from beach goers, and the great climate encourages a chilled out way of life. However, don't be fooled! Perth's sleepy veneer belies the action to be found in the region. For an Australian adventure holiday, my advice is to hit the wild west!
Stuff for everyone....
Cycling Rottnest
Located just 19km from the City of Fremantle sits sparkling Rottnest Island; Perth's backyard island getaway. A short and inexpensive ferry ride of about 20 minutes will transport you to another world. Long and skinny as Kate-Moss' leg, Rottnest is 11km long, and only 4.5km at its widest point. While the pristine white beaches and incredible turquoise water will conjure up images of beach towels, bikinis, and a horizontal position, this tranquil little haven also boasts opportunities for energetic activity.
The most popular way to see Rottnest is by bicycle, and typically my partner and I decide to circumnavigate the island in one day! At least it’s flat, mostly! A quick stop in at Rottnest bike hire and we're ready to go. Mostly flat terrain means the going is suitable for all fitness levels, but make sure you carry adequate sun protection as shade is very scarce! Our first pit stop is at a stunning white sand beach, complete with turquoise water and not another soul in sight. What more can you say? Basking like a lizard in the sun before a quick snorkel in the bay; just perfect! Rottnest is scattered with patches of beautiful wildflowers between each of its 63 beautiful bays. It is also the only true home of the Native "Quokka", a type of Kangaroo-rat that is very cute and pretty used to people.
A day's cycling and sun-worshipping can only lead to one thing - a beer at the local pub! After our day's 'exertion' ( I do have to admit my thighs are feeling the burn) a good chill-out at Hotel Rottnest in Thomson Bay with a local 'Little Creatures' beer couldn't be better. Just enough time left to board the short ferry back to the mainland! Its very tempting to stay though.
Sand boarding Lancelin:
No surf? No snow? No worries! One thing WA is not in short supply of, is sand. An hour and a half's drive from Perth, the town of Lancelin is home to some of the state's most spectacular white sand dunes. Hire a sand board from the local store for around $20AUD and you're ready to go!
You can access the dunes either in your own four wheel drive vehicle, leave your car at the start and access the closer dunes, or hop on the monstrous Desert Storm bus which takes groups out frequently. The huge, white, rolling sand formations are elegant and beautiful, so if you can risk the sand, take your camera! Sand boarding will be no problem for those who can snowboard. For the rest of us, sliding down soft sand leads to laughs aplenty! Just be careful where you fall, as the sand is compacted and harder in some spots. I am particularly stoked to make it to the bottom of one very big dune, standing up, with no falls! My standing runs are interspersed with sitting on the board, pushing off, and hurtling down the dune on my backside. Just as fun, faster, and without the risk of a face-plant! So as you can see, everyone can enjoy sand boarding in Lancelin! 

Kite boarding & Windsurfing.
The third windiest city in the world, Perth attracts a multitude of wind-sport enthusiasts. A powerful sea breeze known as 'The Fremantle Doctor' (due to the relief it brings from summer's intense heat), blows in from the west creating ideal sailing conditions. The pristine Indian Ocean provides an endless run towards the horizon. Riders can be seen thundering back and forth from such popular spots as South Cottesloe Beach. You can't beat planing across unspoilt waters on your windsurfer or performing tricks on your kite board, with a glowing orange sunset as your backdrop!
The Swan River is another popular spot which snakes its way past Perth city to the sea. Here you can find lessons, and boards for hire. On an international scale, Perth's wind-sport conditions rate as high as they come. Each year Western Australia hosts the Lancelin Ocean Classic, once again in the tiny town of Lancelin, north of Perth. This international windsurfing event attracts around 400 board riders annually to compete for the title, or just attempting to finish! Having been present at the 2008 event, I can say it is definitely one for spectators! Watching the hundreds of colourful sails fly across the ocean was an incredible sight, and Lancelin has snorkeling, accommodation, restaurants and, magical coastline to entertain every visitor, plus the Ocean Classic boasts a legendary after-party!Windsurfers looking for a challenge should make the pilgrimage to WA next January!
Head north to Ningaloo:
The Ningaloo reef is WA's answer to Queensland's Great Barrier. Ningaloo's islolation means it attracts far less tourism, making this natural wonder as unspoilt as they come. The small town of Exmouth is approximately 14 hours drive from north from Perth, and is the gateway to the reef. Most travellers take two days to complete the journey, with a popular pitstop being the town of Canarvon. Home to thousands of tropical fish species, Ningaloo and its surrounding waters are also famous for attracting one very unique and spectacular creature. From about April till June each year, the coast of Western Australia is visited by whale sharks! Tours run during this time to see these stunning creatures. Helicopters scout ahead to locate the whale sharks before the boats head out in that direction. Kayak tours operate around Ningaloo from around April to October. Ningaloo is Australia's largest fringing reef, which means a reef that is in a continuous band, within three kilometres of the shore. Leigh Sutherland, a guide with Capricorn Kayaks, describes the experience:
"You've got turtles, sharks, stingrays, dolphins, and every possible colour fish you could ever think of! The water's so clear you just get such a good view from your kayak. Plus you're kayaking along, almost hugging the shoreline, and there are emus in the sand dunes and kangaroos hopping along the beach. It’s all happening!"