A one-week holiday in Australia? It's entirely possible...

There is a great article in this month's Sunday Times Travel Magazine that suggests it's entirely possible to take a holiday to Australia (and enjoy it!) in just a week.

The plan is that you fly to Perth, and from there take a few days in the city, then explore the Margaret River region (south of Perth, about 3 hours drive), and/or fly up to Exmouth area to explore the Ningaloo Reef.

If you get your flight times right, it's not even too bad on the jet-lag as you can arrive in the middle of the night and then sleep straight away (— sounds better on paper that it does in practice, having done that, but it is certainly better that the 7am arrival that happens with most East-coast connections).

The unmistakably distinctive architecture style of Fremantle, WA

So, article aside (although read it — it's good), what would I do in and around Perth for a week? Well, the first couple of days I would spend in 'Freo' — Fremantle — which is the port area of Perth, and about 30 minutes from the centre of town. You can easily catch the train into the city centre ,or a boat up the river (much nicer!). Two things you must do in Freo — drink beer (and eat — the food's good, too) at Little Creatures, and have a coffee or, if like me you're not addicted to caffeine, have an amazing slice of cake at Gino's. There's lots going on in Freo, and it's a nice base in Perth, I think. However, if you want a beach, you need to head north of the city to Scarborough or Cottesloe. This is the Indian Ocean all laid out for you to enjoy (with sunsets).

Great views of the Swan River from the tree-top walk in King's Park, Perth

So that could be your week sorted right there. Some beach, some city shopping and cappuccino drinking, beer supping, explore lovely Kings Park , take a trip over to Rottnest Island for a day (or more), and don't forget there's also a wine region very close to Perth at the Swan Valley which is only 25 minutes away.

If you want to travel a bit further though, then a trip down to Margaret River for a couple of days is great. Stop at Busselton Jetty on the way to check out the coral reef at the end.

The Pinnacles, near Cervantes, Western Australia

Heading in the other direction about 3 hours (north) of Perth, you can go see the Pinnacles (you're bound to recognise the pic!) at Cervantes.

You are not going to run out of things to see and do that is for sure, and in the process you'll get a good variety of Aussie scenery and culture. If you can take a night flight on a Friday, then you can maximise your week and maybe even try to match it with a bank holiday for the flight home on a Monday and you'll have the complete 7 days to enjoy.

That said, while one week would be good, two weeks is better... and three even more so!