Prince Charles has chosen the white sands of Cottesloe beach in Western Australia's capital Perth to celebrate his 67th birthday on 14 November. The royal will mark the day with a relaxed barbeque with his wife, Camilla, and West Australian families overlooking the turquoise Indian Ocean. No stranger to the most popular of Perth's 19 beaches, Prince Charles was famously chased through the surf at Cottesloe in 1979 by a bikini-clad model.
The royal visit comes at the same time as a huge redevelopment of Perth, with a stunning new waterfront, Elizabeth Quay, named after the Queen, due to open later this year as well as new hotels and a thriving restaurant scene. Here are 10 tips for discovering the gems of Western Australia.1. Escape to an island paradiseA short ferry-ride from Perth is Rottnest Island, a nature reserve where cars are banned and quokkas, similar to a cute mini kangaroo, bound free. Pick up a bike and free-wheel between the 63 white sand beaches and turquoise bays.
2. Explore the outback in the city3. Feast like a king at the new foodie scene4. Head out to sea to spot wild dolphins5. Stay at the new COMO hotel6. Take a sunset cruise7. Shop for some jewels8. Discover the "Humpback highway"9. Taste fine wine10. Step back in timeAustravel (0800 988 4834/ www.austravel.com) has an eight night self-drive holiday to Perth and Albany from £1,149 per person, including return international flights, accommodation and car hire. Based on travel in February 2016. For more information visit westernaustralia.com.