Love birds around the country should look to the many extraordinary offerings available in Western Australia as preparations begin for Valentine's Day 2011.
As February 14 rapidly approaches, so too does the scramble for the best vantage point, best restaurant table and unique ideas to win over one's lover.
For a truly sultry and romantic break, look north to the exotic pearling town of Broome. Easily accessible from Perth, Sydney and Melbourne by plane, Broome's red dirt will surely get hearts racing as will the stunning sunsets which embrace Cable Beach every night. Seashells Broome is offering one bedroom spa apartments with chocolates and sparkling wine for $99 a night, which is valid from February 11 and 15.
If your love is more inclined to enjoy a mediterranean climate, WA's capital city Perth is the ultimate destination. The city's vibrant atmosphere and amazing natural environment are some of the attributes which made Economist Magazine rate Perth of one of the world's top ten most livable cities. Pack a picnic and watch a stunning sunset over the Indian Ocean or catch a movie under the stars at one of Perth's many outdoor cinemas. Or, if you're an indoors type, head to one of the cities' diverse restaurants or hip bars, sit back, and indulge. Single? Head to one of Perth's hippest inner-city bars, 1907. The cocktail bar is hosting a cocktail degustation evening for single hopefuls and rest assured there will be an even match of girls and guys!
Drive around three hours south of Perth and you will reach the famed South West region, well-known for its food, wine, tall timber forests, pristine beaches and boutique accommodation. Towns such as Dunsborough, Yallingup, Margaret River, Albany, Denmark and Pemberton all offer amazing locations, picturesque views, romantic accommodation and top quality food and wine to provide the perfect Valentines package.
Feel like a frolic in the sun? Head north to Australia's Coral Coast where the wonders of Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Coral Bay, Exmouth and Carnarvon await. The recently completed Indian Ocean Drive offers motorists a more scenic and direct coastal route to the region with views of native bush lands and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean. Pack the car, not forgetting a collection of "your" songs and enjoy the delights of these pretty coastal towns.
Finally, if you want to strike Valentines gold with your loved one, head to the Golden Outback. Mix with the colourful characters at the many pubs, nightclubs, café and restaurants in Kalgoorlie, or for an awe-inspiring journey, head to Antony Gormey's Inside Australia exhibition at Lake Ballard.
Here's a top ten of the most romantic experiences available in WA:
•Toast each other and an extraordinary sunset at one of WA's many amazing beaches - around Perth, Cottesloe is iconic, and in the regions Broome's Cable Beach is unforgettable and Esperance's Lucky Bay is remarkable.
•Indulge in a degustation menu at one of WA's many world-class restaurants or get to know each other better over a cocktail in one of Perth's small bars.
•Lock yourselves away in one of the South West's many boutique accommodation providers and experience luxury like you've never experienced before.
•Hit the road with a collection of "your" favourite songs and soak up WA's unique landscape, feel the wind in your hair and unwind at one of many beaches along the way.
•Escape day to day life and experience total seclusion at Faraway Bay - a place so remote you won't find it on any map.
•Show how much your lover means to you by presenting him or her with a WA treasure - a Broome pearl, a Kimberley diamond or a piece of Kalgoorlie gold.
•Let your hair down and party with Kalgoorlie's colourful characters.
•Reach new heights at Walpole's Tree Top Walk.
•Pack a picnic and admire Perth's skyline and the Swan River from Kings Park.
•Camp under the stars and get close to each other and nature at one of hundreds of camping grounds in WA's private and national parks.
Visit www.westernaustralia.com for more.
