Western Australia (WA) is located in the southern hemisphere, occupies approximately one third of Australia's land mass and covers an area of 2.5 million square kilometers. WA is bound by water on three sides - the Indian Ocean to the west, the Southern Ocean to the south and the Timor Sea to the north. To the east, the arid outback country of WA meets South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Western Australia offers a diverse range of tourist attractions. The Margaret River wine region and South West presents a myriad of opportunities to wine and dine, as well as scenic attractions such as beautiful coastline and karri forests. The north of Western Australia offers stunning natural landscape including rugged gorges, waterfalls, pristine beaches and coral reefs. For more information about travel and tourism in WA, visit the Welcome to Western Australia website

Perth, the capital of WA, sits on the banks of the beautiful Swan River and is the centre for business, government, entertainment and the arts. Although a small city, Perth offers excellent shopping, dining at riverside and beachside restaurants and cafés, world-class golf courses and long stretches of clean white beaches. The Perth Tourist Centre gives a comprehensive list of tourist attractions in and around Perth.
Some suggestions include:

• The Perth Observatory, who conduct both daytime guided tour and night sky stargazing evenings.
  337 Walnut Rd, Bickley WA 6076
  Ph: +61(0) 8 9293 8255
• Kings Park and Botanic Gardens
  Fraser Avenue West Perth WA 6005
  Ph: +61(0) 8 9480 3600
• Perth Zoo
  20 Labouchere Road, South Perth, WA 6151
  Ph: +61 (0) 8 9474 0444 Monday-Friday; (08) 9474 0333 weekend enquiries/bookings
• The Swan Valley, just 25 minutes from the CBD, is Perth's premier wine and food destination
• Word of Mouth Food tours showcase Perth's food culture. Options include Day tours, progressive lunches and progressive dinners.
  Ph: 0429 829 289
  Email: info@womtours.com.au

Fremantle, the conference setting, is located at the mouth of the Swan River 20 km away from central Perth. Fremantle was the first settlement of the Swan River Colonists in 1829 and as a port city has a rich maritime heritage. The West End of Fremantle is believed to be one of the most intact examples of a Victorian port city in the world. Fremantle offers a relaxed atmosphere and an eclectic mix of people and cultures.

Fremantle Focus and the Fremantle Visitors Centre are both excellent websites detailing things to do and see around the Port. A few suggestions are:

• Fremantle Maritime Museum, Shipwreck Galleries and Submarine Ovens
• Fremantle Prison. Tours operate throughout the day, and for the brave-hearted, are also conducted at night by torch-light
• Fremantle Arts Centre
• Fremantle History Museum
• Fremantle Markets (open Fri, Sat, Sun)
• Rottnest Island, WA's very own Island getaway, is a favourite holiday destination and lies just 19 km off the coast of Fremantle. A ferry ride to Rottnest takes approximately 30 minutes from Fremantle and is a lovely day trip. A number of ferry companies can transport you there and back, including Oceanic Cruises and the Rottnest Express
• Fishing Boat Harbour, including Cicellero's, Kailis Bros and Little Creatures
• Flybynite Musicians Club

For general information about "what to do" and "where to go" in Perth, including restaurants, live entertainment and sports, try The Guide, Perth Now or The Street Network.

For information about music and the arts, visit:
West Australian Opera
West Australian Symphony Orchestra
West Australian Ballet
Perth Jazz Society
Express Magazine