Clean and predominantly safe, Perth's 35-kilometre coastline - from Fremantle in the south to the northern suburbs, is easily accessible by the city's suburban bus and train network. Alternatively, there's ample car parking. And, like the beaches, it's free.

So, too, is the fishing - both from the beach and the man-made groynes along the coast. Hordes of people are attracted to the annual early tailor summer run, while herring are available year-round. Boat anglers fishing from crewed sailing yachts chase big, succulent dhufish, pink snapper and samson fish offshore.

Dolphins are a regular sight along Perth's beaches where they playfully swim alongside unsuspecting surfers and the crew on sailing yachts taking a Perth sailing vacation... But the best beach to interact with dolphins is a few hours north of Perth at Monkey Mia in the crystal-clear blue waters of World Heritage-listed Shark Bay. Crewed sailing yachts often include stop-overs at Monkey Mia on their 3-5 day cruises itinerary. Here, the bottle-nosed dolphins come into shore to feed and play. Tourists stand shoulder-to-shoulder in a long line as the shiny grey dolphins swim in close for a fishy feed but, always under the supervision of a ranger.

From Hillarys Boat Harbour, as well as Perth and Fremantle, you can catch a high-speed ferry to the beaches at Western Australia's top "overseas" destination - Rottnest Island. Just a short hop from the mainland by ferry or plane... plan to reach the island's beaches either by bike or on foot as Rottnest is traffic-free apart from a few tour buses and service vehicles... crewed sailing yachts also depart for 3-5 day cruises from Busselton on the edge of the Margaret River wine region 2 hours south of Perth.

ROTTNEST... This is a small island situated just off the coast of Perth famous for its snorkelling, diving, surfing and swimming... A popular holiday and Perth sailing vacation destination for locals, visitors and passengers on crewed sailing yachts. Rottnest is home to some of the world's finest beaches and crystal clear bays. The semi-arid Mediterranean style climate and indigenous flora and fauna of this island, provide the backdrop to a special vacation experience.

The diversity of fish and coral species, and the numerous shipwrecks found around the island make Rottnest Island a favourite site for divers and snorkellers on crewed yachts. There are thirteen historic shipwrecks found here and many species of tropical fish make their home in and around the numerous reefs. Around 360 species of fish are drawn to the waters off Rottnest by the Leeuwin current and some 20 species of coral are found within the Marine Reserve, which ensures the protection of the marine environment which provides ideal cruising grounds for crewed sailing yachts.

Rottnest Island boasts some of the best surfing conditions in the state. Strickland Bay, Salmon Bay and Stark Bay in particular are popular for surfers and bodyboarders. The waves can often be two or three feet larger than those at Perth Beaches.

The swimming at Rottnest is superb. The island has many sheltered bays and beaches perfect for a day in the water and an ideal stopover for crewed yachts on 3-5 day cruises during a Perth sailing vacation... Popular spots include the Basin, Longreach Bay, Little Parakeet Bay, and Geordie Bay. Rottnest Island is also a popular site for recreational fishing. Equipment can be hired or bought at the local dive shops and the general stores.