Alright so you’ve booked a trip to Black Diamond Lake down near Collie, but feel like making a weekend of it. Of course, you can’t camp at Black Diamond, but did you know there’s an equally adorable little swimming hole just around the corner, where you can also camp?

No, we’re not talking about Stockton Lake (although we will soon enough), we’re talking about its very romantic little neighbour, Honeymoon Pool. So grab that special someone, and read on below.

What Is It:

Honeymoon Pool is a popular little picnic, camping and swimming spot in the Wellington National Park. It’s one of a few in the area, including Black Diamond Lake and Stockton Lake.

It’s a tranquil, shady little spot just off the beaten track, perfect for a day’s picnicking by the water, or night or two of chilled bush camping.

Where Is It:

The Honeymoon Pool campground is situated on the banks of the Collie River about half-an-hour west of Collie and two hours south of Perth.

If you’re coming from Perth it’s straight down the Forrest Hwy, before a left turn onto Raymon Rd onto Coalfields Hwy. From there head down Welling Dam Rd before veering off onto River Rd and follow the signs!

What To Do:

It’s just close enough for a day trip from Perth, but why not pack the tent and spend the night? It’s a small camp ground (20 spots), so bookings are essential, and the camp grounds are nice and sparse – a couple of gas barbies, picnic tables and toilets and that’s about it.

The tranquil waters at Honeymoon Pool are perfect to cool off in, or you can launch your canoe/kayak and do a bit of exploring under the shady peppermint trees that line the water’s edge.

In the bushland surrounding there are also some great walking and cycling trails, and if you’re a 4WDing fan, there’s a few trails in the surrounding areas you can hit up.

What Not To Do:

Head down expecting to camp without booking first! It can get pretty popular, especially in the warmer months, so make sure you book ahead (It’s $15 per adult per night, although cheaper for concession card holders and kids).

There are fire pits on the camp grounds, but especially during summer make sure you check ahead with regards to fire bans.

As we said, it can get pretty busy and it’s not the biggest swimming hole going around, so make sure you play nice and be mindful of letting everyone enjoy the serenity.

Anything else?

There’s plenty of beautiful inland lakes and walking trails in the area, so don’t be afraid to do a little exploring and see what you can find.

Check in with the rangers with regards to water quality in the area too, as it can get hazardous at different times of the year. Of course you can always just play it safe and keep your head above water.

While summer in Perth obviously means BEACH, it’s also a ripper time of the year to learn to surf. The big winter swells are long gone, and with them the icy cold water – replaced with sun, sand and of course, you!

Summer’s gentle (see: tiny) swells are perfect for beginners to get out there and hang ten. Not surprisingly, Perth has a bunch of a great surf schools around the joint to suit people of all ages and skill sets.

Scarborough Beach Surf School

Self-proclaimed as the oldest surf school on the planet (and who are we to argue?), Scarborough Beach Surf School has been ripping it up since 1986. So it’s fair to say they know their way around a green room. They operate small classes (only 4-6 people/instructor) for longer (2.5 hours instead of 1.5), all at very descent prices. And they offer a heap of different levels depending on where you’re at.

Go Surf Perth

Another company operating down at Scarborough, you’ll find the Go Surf team at Brighton Beach in summer, and Leighton Beach in winter. They also cover all the bases, along with private 1-on-1 lessons, and even corporate or birthday party packages. And if you’re looking to shake the kids off for a few hours over the holidays, they offer multi-day school holiday courses too.

Surfing WA Surf School

Another mainstay of the Perth surf school scene, this one’s an arm of the state’s surfing governing body, so you know it’s legit. Operating off Trigg Beach for over three decades, the organisation has 7 full-time staff and over 20 coaches. Kids, teens and adults are all catered for, with a maximum of 8 students per class. Classes run at 7am and 9am every Saturday/Sunday.

Big Wave Surfing School

Despite their name, Big Wave Surfing School are actually more focused on the little ones, specialising in kids and families. Operating at Secret Harbour, the family owned and operated school is all about getting your kids cool, calm and confident in the ocean. They offer a comprehensive variety of levels to suit groms of all ages, along with courses of different lengths to save $$.

Aloha Surfhouse

And finally, if you’re a little wary of the ocean or cold weather, why not hit up Aloha Surfhouse in Joondalup? Their indoor wave breaks every day of the year, and has a variety of different settings to suit all levels. You can also bodyboard, check out their adventure climbing wall, or organise a little wave party with your friends.

You’re at an Indian restaurant and you can’t decide if you want butter chicken or beef vindaloo. Perhaps you feel like some dahl, too. It’s tricky being indecisive, but don’t worry, because the thali is here to make sure you get a taste of everything. While the word ‘thali’ literally translates to ‘plate’, it also refers to a set meal made up of various scrumptious dishes served on a platter.

Mela Indian Sweets and Eats, Northbridge

Located at 428 William St, Mela Indian Sweets and Eats has been a popular Indian restaurant for years. Their menu boasts an array of Indian curries, snacks and desserts. It can be difficult to narrow it down to just one choice, but luckily, they’ve taken the guess work out for you! Mela has three thalis available: vegetarian, meat or seafood. Each thali comes with a selection of their best curries, rice, raita, naan, pappadum and dessert! Mela is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week.

Thali Contemporary Indian, Perth

It goes without saying that Thali Contemporary Indian of course has a thali on their menu. Conveniently located in the CBD, Thali Contemporary Indian has a mini thali available featuring two curries and basmati rice – perfect to pick up on your lunch break. Or if you were after something with a little more variety, there is also a traditional thali available loaded with three rich curries, basmati rice, fresh naan and a crispy pappadum. There are a wide range of curries to choose from, including flavoursome chicken, fish and paneer varieties.

Curry Affair, Malaga and Joondalup

Curry Affair is a casual dining location in Perth’s north and boasts itself on offering authentic Indian cuisine. Having originally been situated in Subiaco for almost 20 years before moving to Malaga and Joondalup, Curry Affair have built a solid reputation in our city. Their menu offers a beautifully spiced thali to sample their range of tasty curries, which comes in two sizes depending on your level of hunger. The thali can be customised to suit meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

Chutney Mary’s, Subiaco

Located on the corner of Hay Street and Rokeby Road in Subiaco, Chutney Mary’s prides itself on cooking up delectable curries that are packed full of flavour. Each dish is lovingly crafted with fresh herbs and spices and delicious seasonal produce. Chutney Mary’s is conveniently open for lunch to serve up their rich and tasty thali’s, perfect for those on their lunch break or taking a stroll in nearby King’s Park. Each thali is loaded with an array of different curries, soup, rice and dessert to keep your tummy and your tastebuds happy.

Royal India, West Perth

For more than 30 years, Royal India has been somewhat of an institution for Indian cuisine in Perth. Royal India prides itself on its exquisite food and exemplary service, making it one of the most popular Indian restaurants in our city. If you’re stopping by for lunch, be sure to try their Lunch Time Thali. With a choice of seafood, vegetarian or meat, each thali comes bursting with three scrumptious curries, dhal, rice, bread and dessert!