By Karen Edwards, Travel & Lifestyle Journalist. @KarenNEdwards on Instagram and Twitter. TravelButterfly.com.
Sunday 1 Apr 2018 2:00 pm
The first non-stop flight from Europe to Australia has successfully taken place. Now, holidaymakers can fly directly from London to Perth in just under 17 hours, making travel to the Land Down Under much easier.
Last week, Qantas launched its new Dreamliner route, which crosses an impressive 14,498km (9,009 miles) in one swoop.
There is no need for fuel stops or a semi-conscious walk around a foreign airport. This is officially a speedier and more efficient means of travel to the opposite side of the planet.
11 reasons why you should visit Australias Kangaroo Island
Until now, it took over 20 hours to reach the city of Perth on Australias west coast, and a further four to six hours if you were to fly on to Melbourne or Sydney.
But with daily flights now arriving directly into Perth, there is now a good excuse to enjoy Western Australias capital city.
Here are six reasons to book yourself a seat to Perth:
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Take a day trip to Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island boasts some of Australias best beaches and with 63 to choose from, you cant go wrong.
Take the 90-minute ferry ride, which costs AUD $60 (£32) from the jetty and spot dolphins, seals and sea birds along the way.
On arrival, hit the beach (the secluded Marjorie Bay is beautiful) or relax with a Muscle-Melt body massage (AUD $70, £40) at the Karma Spa.
Dont miss your chance to see the islands famous marsupial, the Quokka. Free, guided walks run daily.
Exploring Fremantle
Steeped in history, Fremantle – affectionately nick-named Freo, is the place to learn about Western Australias eventful past.
Bike hire from the Fremantle Visitor Centre is free of charge and the easiest way to explore.
Stop at the Fremantle Prison for a guided tour detailing infamous past inmates. Then ride the one kilometre to the Western Australian Museum for a detailed look into local indigenous history and culture.
Visit the Shipwreck Galleries
Learn about what is known as Australias most famous and bloodiest shipwreck at the Western Australian Museum.
The Batavia was a Dutch merchant ship that struck a reef 40km off the Western Australia coast in June 1629. What ensued was attempted mutiny, but the story gets more sinister.
Be prepared for tales of brutality, murder, abuse, torture and survival.
Swan Valley wineries
If sampling Australian wine is high on the agenda, head south of Perth to Swan Valley, Australias oldest wine region – where 40 wineries await along the famous 32km trail.
Ugly Ducking Wines offers free wine-tastings for groups of less than six, while nearby veterans Sandalfords offer delicious grazing plates from AUD $12 (£7) – perfect for soaking up the booze as you go.
Dont miss the char-grilled marinated octopus.
Take a tour to Wave Rock
At 15m tall, this extraordinary-looking geological formationis shaped like a breaking wave.
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On arrival, youll be greeted by the Njaki Njaki Nyoongar traditional landowners at a Welcome to Country ceremony. This is a short introduction acknowledging the Aboriginal people and their ancestors.
The rock itself is formed of granite and, in aboriginal culture, thought to have been created by an ancient Rainbow Serpent who dragged her water-filled body across the barren land.
William Street
Espresso Martinis are the order of the day at lively-but-cosy 399 Bar in the Northbridge suburb.
Aside from the huge selection of beers and cocktails, you can order food in from surrounding restaurants.
Dough, across the road, will deliver your choice of wood oven pizzas (the Diavola is divine) directly to your booth, while Vietnamese favourite Vinh Hong will send over spring rolls or a bowl of rice noodles.
Now thats what you call service.
(Top picture: Getty)
MORE: 12 reasons to add Noosa to your Australian bucket list
MORE: 8 amazing places in Australia that youve probably never heard of
MORE: 11 amazing destinations to visit in New South Wales, Australia
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