Reclining with my sandy feet on the open window frame of a beachside bar along the coast of Perth, I sip a glass of cool local wine and indulge in one of the world's truly most magnificent views.
Beneath me the Indian Ocean greets the pure white of Cottesloe Beach. Two young boys paddle at the water's edge, refusing to relinquish the summer's day that is already giving itself over to evening.
The sun is now a disc of deep orange slipping into the ocean and throwing off a golden light against the darkening sky. It is still; the afternoon sea breeze didn't turn up. Probably, like me it just decided to take a day off.
A Perth summer holiday is about lazy days spent by the sea and warm nights strolling on the beach or dining in alfresco restaurants.
Perhaps best known for its easy going lifestyle and glorious natural environment, Perth 'does' summer rather well. Bars and restaurants dot the coastline from Fremantle in the south to Sorrento in the north. Spoilt for choice, there is a range of options from the casual café such as Cottesloe's Beaches where dogs and thongs are okay, to the finer dining experiences at Indiana Teahouse and the Blue Duck. Wherever you choose the common element is fresh food and friendly service.
While Perth is ideal for singles and couples seeking sunshine and summer vibes, it's also fast becoming an affordable family holiday destination.
There are many accommodation options available to suit a broad range of budgets. On the coast is the newly refurnished three and a half star rated Comfort Inn Ocean View in North Beach. The waves are just 100 metres away, with Hillarys Boat Harbour a five minute drive to the north. Hillarys is home to plenty of action including AQWA, the Aquarium of Western Australia, cafes, restaurants, bars, food halls, gift shops and a children's play area.
Hillarys is one of the many areas in Perth to offer self catering apartments. The two or three bedroom apartments available at Hillarys Harbour Resort provide an affordable alternative to hotel accommodation. The Resort also has the benefit of being located on the doorstep of a bustling tourism precinct.
Families are increasingly realising the benefits of self catered accommodation, causing a mini boom in this sector in recent times. In the city, there is the new Kingstone on Hay and Mont Clare Boutique Apartments, while Alderney on Hay has been operating for some months.
The recently opened Ascot Quays Apartment Hotel opens up the eastern side of the Swan River and offers one, two and three bedroom apartments. It's the first property of its kind to be located on the river and adjacent to the airport.
A drive along Perth's magnificent coastline will take you to Fremantle, Perth's historic port city. The multicultural influence makes Fremantle a lively city with a fascinating past and well-preserved heritage buildings. On weekends Fremantle is alive with street performers, markets and restaurants.
Fremantle is also home to some of the best Italian fare WA has to offer. Lively cafes like Gino's Trattoria are well known for their great coffee and buzzing atmosphere. If it's pizza you're after head to the popular Pizza Bella Roma, where the loyal crowd say the garlic bread is the best in town.
The city has a long tradition of fishing, which has spawned an abundance of seafood restaurants. There are plenty of fine dining options but for a truly authentic and tasty Fremantle experience, indulge in fish and chips on the waterfront. There are several good quality fish and chip shops at the harbour including Kailis Fish Market Café and Joe's Fish Shack. The oldest is Cicerello's, established in 1903.
Back at my viewing station at Cottesloe beach, I marvel as the sky transforms from bright yellows and pinks into a deepening magenta. A giant sandcastle which had been my afternoon's work has disappeared below the tide. The day is done. It's time to move on, perhaps to that café on the corner. Or perhaps I'll just think about it for a moment longer.
For more information on a Perth summer holiday contact the Western Australian Visitor Centre on 1300 361 351.