Joondalup: The Peaceful North of Perth

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Author: Gavin Wyatt

For a Western Australian experience that brings you close to the state capital of Perth but far enough away that you escape the hustle and bustle of big city life look no further than Joondalup. Just a short drive north of Perth this serene city is a stones throw from pristine white beaches and numerous National Parks, where large stretches of natural bushland surround a chain of impressive inland lakes. It is a perfect place to base yourself on a self drive holiday, with many options for daytrips and longer excursions.

A popular tour from Joondalup is to head north for about three hours to the Nambung National Park, home to the limestone formations known as the Pinnacles. These are resistant mounds and pillars of limestone rock rising out of the desert floor in a way that makes them seem from another planet. In the months of August to October the famous Australian wildflowers bloom around them, which adds to the alien feel in a vibrant and colourful way. In the sunrise or sunset the play of light and the lengthy shadows accentuates the features of these strange formations, and at these times you are more likely to see the local wildlife out and about. You cannot stay within the park, but nearby at Cervantes there is beachside accommodation.

Another geological feature that will blow you away is Wave Rock. A long drive at four hours, every kilometre will seem worth it once you reach the rock itself. Fifteen metres high and over 110 metres long, geological forces over the centuries have shaped this formation exactly like a large wave just about to break. Standing below it gives you the feeling that its peak is going to come crashing down at any second! Its an awe inspiring look into the power of nature, which you can see more of in the other rock formations in the Wave Rock Reserve, such as Hippo's Yawn and the Humps. The walls of Mulka's Cave were the canvas for Aboriginal painters of old, and their work can still be seen in the dark recesses of the cave. There is also a museum and a kiosk, and a caravan park where you can overnight before heading back to Joondalup.

If Nambung and the Wave Rock Reserve has satisfied those urges to experience the Western Australian desert, then for your next excursion why not head to the lush and fertile lands of the Swan Valley. Just thirty five minutes away, this is the perfect day trip getaway, although the amount of activities on offer here will probably entice you to stay a bit longer. Known for its world class wines, it would be a waste not to visit some of the numerous cellar doors and sample their wares. A lot of the wineries have a restaurant or eatery on site, so enjoy a hearty meal amongst the vineyards with a smooth glass of red. A cultural haven, the Swan Valley is home to plenty of art galleries, antiques stores and crafts fairs, all set against the beautiful bushland backdrop the region is famous for. The river itself is wide and smooth flowing, which makes evening cruises or canoeing and kayaking an absolute pleasure. Accommodation options are plentiful and cater to all budgets.

If you dont feel like driving anywhere, then why not just stick around Joondalup for a while. Bright blue waters and clear white sands characterise the famous Burns Beach, which is popular amongst surfers, swimmers and fisherman. The beach marks one end of a coastal nature walk that extends all the way down to Fremantle, so if you are feeling energetic why not give this walk a go. Remember, you don't have to do the whole thing! Just twenty minutes from the beach is Yanchep National Park, a haven of tuart and banksia woodlands that is rich in Aboriginal and European history. Alive with local flora and fauna, this park is home to pristine wetlands and limestone caves that are all awaiting your exploration!

If you are looking for a friendly and homely place to stay near Joondalup then why not check out the Kookaburra Apartment. Set in serene and green rural surrounds, you are guaranteed privacy here and the opportunity to kick back and relax in a homely environment that has all the facilities you would expect in your own home. The lush trees in the large backyard house families of the infamous Australian kookaburra, and memories of your stay here are bound to be laced with the unique song of this one of a kind bird. So have a look at their site, and definitely have a look at Joondalup as an option for your next holiday.

Gavin Wyatt is a journalist with a passion for travel. originally from Zambia he has traveled around the world to end up on the sunny shores of Australia. For more of his articles visit West Australian Car Hire