• Check out all the hot bods gravitating towards the Indian Ocean on a summer’s day.
• Learn to surf, kitesurf, or windsurf like a pro.
• Have a cold beer at the Stamford Arms pub and be thankful that you’re not in England.

A casual beachside community north west of Perth, Scarborough has a laid back identity all of its very own. The beach itself has some of the finest white sand around. For any traveller Scarborough provides the perfect base from which to explore the coastal fringes of Perth, as it is home to a number of hostels and hotels. Great backpacker accommodation can be found at the Western Beach Lodge. The Western Beach Lodge is an intimate and friendly place teaming with travellers and surfers. Guests can borrow body boards and take full advantage of the laid back check-in and out times. Call 08 9245 1624 or go to www.westernbeach.com.

Other beaches within walking distance include Brighton and Floreat Beach to the south of Scarborough, and Trigg Beach, just 1.4km to its north. Trigg Beach is popular for snorkelling with its many island and rock pools and the surf breaks are said to be amongst the best. Water conditions here are usually best in the morning. If you are into windsurfing or kite surfing then Perth’s beachside suburbs are the place for you. The breeze here is very consistent and kite-surfing is hugely popular.

 Cottlesoe is Perth’s playground for the rich and beautiful. Cott Beach is adorned with Norfolk pine trees, cafes, pubs, cycle paths and picnic/BBQ facilities. At Cables Station an artificial reef has been constructed to generate some waves during flat spells. The Sunday Sessions go off at the Cottlesloe and Ocean Beach Hotels, where surfers and beach babes squeeze every last drop out of the glorious Perth summer weekends.

With beautiful public and private gardens, Subiaco is known as the ‘leafy city.’ Despite this nickname, Subiaco probably resonates more with the passionate shopper than the tree-hugging hippie.

Fashion followers should check out the variety of boutique and designer stores. If you are a sporty type of person duck into the Nike seconds store for bargains, and make sure you take in a game of Aussie Rules Football at the Subiaco Oval. The choice of restaurants and pubs here is also good – albiet generally more upmarket than Northbridge and Fremantle.

Claremont’s Bayview Terrace is located directly across from the Claremont train station and the surrounding streets are the focal point of Perth’s yuppie fashion mecca. It’s a classy place and the Lake Claremont Golf Course is stunning. Not to be outdone, the Lake Claremont Golf Course has floodlights so you can even golf after the sun has set. Looking for a little activity on the cheap? Hop over to Mrs. Herbert’s Park, overlooking the Swan River, where free BBQs are well placed for all to enjoy.

Leederville

With its blend of cafes and funky fashion outlets, Leederville has a slightly alternative feel and is a great coffee quaffing, people-watching hangout. Home to the Hip E Club (famous for its Backpacker/Student Tuesdays) and Luna Cinemas (offering cheap Wed and Mon double deals). Leederville is close to the city and easy to get to on the Perth - Joondalup train line.

Up Beaufort Street from Northbridge is the shopping, café and restaurant precinct of Mount Lawley. A huge variety of delicatessens, grocers, small local parks and casual and café style dining establishments can be found here – as well as pubs. The Queens and Flying Scotsman are both popular watering holes and many students and backpackers set up their homes around here because of its close proximity to Perth and availability of rental bargains.

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