Perth

Located 1,700 mi/2,735 km from any other large city, Perth (pop. 1,300,000) is the clean, progressive capital of the vast state of Western Australia. Walk along the Swan River, shop at Ye Old London Court (an arcade with a medieval-London motif) and visit at least one of the splendid beaches (some are nude or topless). Drop by the Western Australian Museum (Aboriginal art), visit the Kings Park (a very large area of undeveloped land with a great view of the city) and drive through the city's lovely suburbs - a pleasant way to pass an afternoon. You can also explore Underwater World, an aquarium that boasts a 321-ft/98-m underwater-tunnel, displaying 2,500 examples of 200 marine species, including sharks and stingrays. For nightlife, visit the Burswood Casino or, in summer, take in an outdoor concert at Perth Zoo or Kings Park. 

Neighboring Fremantle, the port town at the mouth of the Swan River, had a flurry of fame when the America's Cup yachts were based there in 1987. The quaint city's real claim to fame, however, is that it has the world's largest and best collection of 19th-century British colonial architecture. Offshore is Rottnest Island (11 mi/18 km), the local automobile-free vacation island with good beaches, great diving and curious quokkas (very small and appealing kangaroolike animals). Be sure to book your passage in advance; boats can fill up quickly. Other day trips from Perth include the Swan River Valley (9 mi/15 km) for wine tasting (some tours go by boat) or the Margaret River Valley (175 mi/280 km south), noted for boutique wineries and world-famous surf beaches. Avon Valley (60 mi/100 km east) is the site of York, the oldest town in Western Australia. If you're heading out to Avon Valley, be sure to see the stupendous Wave Rock, a monolith shaped like a giant wave. 1,330 mi/2,140 km southwest of Alice Springs.

Kalgoorlie

This town in Western Australia is still considered the Queen of the Golden Mile, a gold vein discovered in 1893 that contains one of the richest lodes ever found. The town's 20,000 residents continue to make their living from mining. You can descend 200 ft/60 m underground to tour the drifts of the old Hannan's North Tourist Mine. You can also see gold ingots being poured, view the nuggets at the Museum of the Goldfields and go pub hopping in the classic Outback pubs. Neighboring Coolgardie (25 mi/40 km west) is nearly a ghost town - but it still has the Goldfields Exhibition housed in a handsome old building dating from the boom days. We found a two-day visit to these cities very worthwhile. The area can be reached from Perth by air, train or car (it's a seven-hour drive). 375 mi/600 km east of Perth.

The largest park in Australia is renowned for its eco-systems and is home of the Aborigines who have been living in this region for at least 50,000 years. There are over 5,000 historical sites of incredible Aboriginal rock art, though only a few are open to the public.

Kimberley

Set at the northern end of Western Australia, the Kimberley is an isolated region that is considered by many to be one of the world's last frontiers. Covering more than 261,000 sq mi/420,000 sq km, the area has raging rivers and tropical forests, pristine beaches and rugged coastlines, as well as desert ranges and Outback cattle stations. Experienced adventure travelers can explore the rugged northwestern coast from Broome, where pearling is still the leading industry. You'll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach the Windjana Gorge National Park (multicolored cliffs and crocodiles) and the more remote Geikie Gorge National Park (cliffs, birds and animals). Derby, a port town on King Sound, is considered the gateway to the gorges. 

Farther east, past Halls Creek, is the Purnululu National Park, one of the country's most amazing natural wonders - some say it rivals Ayers Rock (or will, once they figure out how to get tour buses there). Formerly known as Bungle Bungle, it includes tiger-striped rock formations and thousands of rounded peaks resembling beehives that spout waterfalls during the rainy season. Traveling north takes you past spectacular peaks and into the town of Kununurra, where you can take a cruise on either Lake Argyle or Lake Kununurra and visit the Argyle Diamond Mine. Be aware that much of the Kimberley is inaccessible by land during the wet season. About 400 mi/650 km southwest of Darwin.

Eagle Heritage Wildlife Park

In this beautiful natural bushland setting you will see Australia's largest collection of eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons. At the daily Free-flight Displays you will marvel at the unique relationship between birds of prey and man seen in.

Swan Valley Heritage Trail

This heritage trail retraces the footsteps of Captain James Stirling, first Governor of the Swan River Colony, as he sought to find a site for the new settlement. Along the trail, there are picnic facilities, beautiful scenery, walking and canoeing.

Old Newcastle Gaol Museum

Here you can view artifacts as well, take part in a mock courtroom trial and learn about the many convicts who were shipped to Australia in the 1800's. The museum hosts an annual Colonial and Convict Festival in May.

Wyening Mission and Winery

The mission was established in 1890 as an outpost to the New Norcia Mission. The stone winery was built by European stonemasons from local rocks and still holds original vats & casks. See old wine making equipment including tools, wedges, etc.

Conners Mill

Built in 1870 this is the town's third steam driven flour mill. Come and see a working model steam generator drive flour mill equipment on the first floor. The flour mill display follows through from wheat in the head to flour and the various by-products.