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For almost 30 years, 3 generations of wild bottle-nosed dolphins have made a ritual of visiting a remote beach at a small settlement called 'Monkey Mia', 850 kilometres north of Perth. This beach is located in what is now known as the Shark Bay World Heritage region, an area recognized for its unique marine environment and is home to some of the world's near extinct or endangered marine life, including over 10,000 Dugong, the most secure colony of these large air breathing mammals left on earth. Most mornings between 7.00am and mid-day, small groups of dolphins, all well-known and identified by their distinctive dorsel fin markings, visit the beach to interact with visitors who can walk amongst the dolphins in the shallows and feed them under the supervision of full-time national park rangers. The feeding of the Monkey Mia dolphins is very strictly controlled - only freshly caught local fish are fed to the animals and never more than one-third of each dolphin's daily food requirement is offered at the beach. This is to ensure that the animals do not become dependant on human handouts. A separate section of the beach is set aside where visitors can swim with the dolphins and observe their antics and family interactions. Monkey Mia is one of the most important dolphin research centres in the world, the clear shallow waters of the bay makes it easy to observe the animals in their natural environment. Go to www.monkeymia.com.au Cape to Cape Walk Track In the far south west corner of Western Australia, a broad peninsula projects into the Indian Ocean. Running north to south along its western edge, between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, is a windswept limestone ridge, perched on a basement of ancient and resistant granite rocks. This long thin strip of land forms the backbone of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. This is the setting of the Cape to Cape Walk Track, a 140 km long trail. Hikers may complete it from end to end, or walk short sections, revelling in the magnificent coastal scenery, heathlands and forests of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge. Eagles Heritage Raptor Wildlife Centre Put on a glove and have a bird of prey sit on your arm at our twice daily free-flight displays. If international surfing star Wendy Botha can do it, so can you. Eagles Heritage is set in 29 acres of natural bushland. There is a souvenir shop, facilities for disabled persons, great photographic opportunities, undercover seating in display area, coach facilities (including inside eating area). The Margaret River region is known for its golf, its wineries, coastal scenery, surfing beaches and limestone caves. While you are in this region, go the extra mile to Pemberton and then to Albany to tackle the unique tree top walk near Walpole. Albany is a resort town and former whaling port located on the picturesque Princess Royal Harbour, 249 miles/409 km south-east of Perth. Also there is excellent estuary fishing and magnificent coastal scenery in the Torndirrup National Park. Coach tours and all types of accommodation available. Go to albany.jrc.net.au Go to www.margaret-river-online.com.au Ningaloo Reef, 702 miles/1130 km north of Perth, is Australia's closest fringing reef and the focus of Ningaloo Marine Park. It can be reached by boat from Coral Bay and offers scuba diving or snorkelling. Semi submersible boats offer a close look at the reef without getting wet. Coral Bay is a small settlement that lies protected from the Indian ocean by the Ningaloo reef. It is Australia's only fringing reef. In contrast to other locations the coral starts right at the water's edge. The fish and the coral are very accessible to all including small children. Fish and coral can be experienced either snorkeling or on one of the Coral viewing boats. It is about 50 km to the North of the tropic of Capricorn, some 120 km south of Exmouth in Western Australia. The weather is mild, without the humidity that is often associated with tropical climates. It comprises a resort hotel, two caravan parks and about 20 houses. It is a holiday destination for Western Australians together with some overseas backpackers. Some houses are available for short term holiday rentals. and are booked well ahead for the school holidays. There is excellent fishing outside the marine park area which is directly off the beach. Snorkelling, Scuba and Power dive are all available as is lying on the beach in the sun. Whale sharks come to the area between March and June. The largest fish in the world, they can grow to 14 meters in length They are filter feeders that live off plankton and Krill and thus are entirely safe to swim with. From the months of June to October this area of the coast sees the migration of the Humpback Whales. Accommodation: Resort hotel, camping. The second largest national park in Western Australia, Karijini is one of the most spectacular sights in the Pilbara. With breathtaking gorges, crystal clear rock pools, waterfalls, and stunning scenery, a visit to Karijini is a must. The park has a system of excellent walk trails of varying levels, for the beginner to the adventurous, which will lead you deep into the subterranean gorges and through waterfalls where you can dive into sparkling rock pools. There are excellent picnic areas as well as allocated camping sites within the park (visitor and camping fees apply). Wild and wonderful, the Kimberley is one of the world's last great wilderness areas. Covering more than 420,000 square kilometres (261,000 miles), an area three times the size of England, it is home to only 25,000 people. This means that there are fewer people per kilometre than almost any other place on the planet. Remote and rugged, its landscape is truly spectacular. With wide horizons, ancient gorges, picture-book rock pools and pristine beaches, it is a special place that will linger in your mind long after you have left. Take a trip into Purnululu National Park where you will marvel at the thousands of huge beehive-shaped mounds of the Bungle Bungle. Striped in orange and black colours, these sandstone mounds rise majestically from the red earth and are one of Western Australia's most significant natural features. Cruise the waters of the mighty Fitzroy River. See where it has cut deep into the landscape producing the wonderful Geikie Gorge that is bordered by sheer walls of yellow, orange and grey. On the coast is the township of Broome, a tranquil tropical spot, world famous for its pearling industry. Relax and unwind on the soft clean sands of Cable Beach, swim in clear turquoise waters. The beach extends 24 kilometres (15 miles) so you can choose a different spot every day and never get tired of the view. Travel further north along the remote and pristine Kimberley coastline and you will find the Buccaneer Archipelago or 'Thousand Islands'. Rugged red cliffs, cooling waters and white sandy beaches abound. The Kimberley has a tropical summer and dry winter and this diverse climate changes the landscape from season to season. Whichever season you choose you are sure to agree that Mother Nature was remarkable when she created the Kimberley. Getting about Perth: Coach tours operate from your hotel door to the immediate south, north and eastern regions. The Great Southern Railway operates the Indian Pacific to the eastern States via the Goldfields. It is advised to fly to the vast northern regions. If you prefer self drive, Vacation Australia provides rental cars and 4wd Toyota Landcruiser (4 person) and 4wd Troopcarrier (8 person) vehicles. Climate: Warm to hot summers and cool to cold winters. Mild Spring/autumn. Tropical in the far northern regions. KANGAROO KELLY says that Vacation Australia can and will custom plan and competitively package "add-on" tours to your Aussie itinerary including your Western Australian holiday experience Vacation Australia provides custom planned golf & leisure vacations Vacation Australia's "Kangaroo Kelly" has comprehensively golf and travelled all States in Australia. He not only knows the popular tourist regions but also knows the favourite places of the crafty locals. Go to Enquiries & Quotations for your custom planned, competitively priced itinerary
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