Leederville

Leederville, just six kilometres or so north-west of Perth's CBD, has some delightful Federation houses, many of which have been restored to elevate the pleasant suburb to 'trendy' status.

And why not? It's close to the city and to Kings Park, while some of the city's best beaches - such as Scarborough, City Beach and Floreat - are just 8km or so to the west.

Smack in the middle of Leederville is the small but gorgeous Lake Monger, with its pleasant, verdant surrounds which are just right for picnics or a lazy Sunday morning, spread out on the grass with the papers.

But it"s birdwatching that draws many folk to the lake, which, at certain times of the year, can host thousands of resident and migratory water fowl and waders. According to locals, Lake Monger is an especially good spot to see black swan, pink-eared duck, hardhead, blue-billed duck, musk duck and the great crested grebe.

In summer the island in the south west corner is a good site to see the clamorous reed-warbler, little grassbird and spotless crake. White-cheeked honeyeaters are sometimes on display, while the freckled duck pays the occasional visit.