Perth is the vibrant, modern capital of Western Australia. Located 4,400 kilometres from Sydney, Perth is an attractive travel destination for tourists wanting to get off the beaten path. Perth is a mix between natural beauty and contemporary architecture. The city's stunning skyscrapers are situated between the Indian Ocean and distant Darling Ranges. On the west of Perth is the Swan River, which gives the city a charming harbourside. With a population of just 1 million people, Perth is famous for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere, as well as its sunny skies and white sand beaches.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES/DESTINATIONS: Perth offers a variety of activities for any kind of traveller. You can enjoy the natural beauty of Perth's parkland and endless beaches. Outside the city limits, you can explore the rough, natural beauty of Western Australia. Perth also has excellent restaurants and eateries that cater to all tastes and budgets. The shopping in Perth is fun and affordable with a variety of chic designer outlets. When the sun goes down, Perth pulsates with nightlife in its many bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Kings Park is one of Perth's biggest tourist attractions. The park occupies about 400 hectares of Mount Eliza which overlooks the city of Perth. Kings Park contains ample bushland, relaxing park areas for picnics and gatherings, native birds and plantlife, and panoramic views of Perth. Kings Park also contains Perth's Botanic Gardens, which features an outstanding collection of native Western Australian plants and flowers. Every year in September, Kings Park and the Botanic Gardens host the Perth Wildflower Festival, in which 25,000 people come to see a spectacular display of Western Australian wildflowers. Besides the natural beauty of Kings Park, you can enjoy the restaurants, tearooms, cafe and shops along the park.
The Perth Zoo is an excellent choice for families or individuals. Just minutes away from Perth's city centre, the Perth Zoo is the home of over 1,500 animals representing 200 species. The Perth Zoo allows you to get an up-close look at Australian wildlife, as well as animals from other habitats, such as the Asian rainforest and African savannah.
The Art Gallery of Western Australia is located in two joining buildings in the Perth Cultural Centre. The Art Gallery of Western Australia has a stunning collection of European, Australian, and Asia-Pacific art, with a particularly rich display of Aboriginal Australian art. Regular national and international exhibitions are held in the art gallery. Perth also has many other Perth Art Galleries and Art Exhibitions.
The Berndt Museum of Anthropology is a must-see for any traveller visiting Perth. The Museum holds one of the finest collections of Aboriginal art and Aboriginal artefacts in all of Australia. The artefacts and cultural materials come from the Arnham Land in the Northern Territory, to the southwest, desert, and Kimerbly regions of Western Australia. The Museum also has an extensive collection from Melanesia, Asia and South-East Asia.
Perth Beaches are some of the most pristine beaches in the world. Powdery white sand beaches stretch along the city of Perth and as well as its suburban regions. Life in Western Australia revolves around the ocean, but the beaches never seem to get overcrowded. One of the most popular Perth beaches is Cottesloe Beach, which is filled with cafes and children's playgrounds. Other great beaches around Perth include City Beach, Floreat Beach, Leighton Beach, and Port Beach.
Fremantle is a mere twenty minute drive from Perth, and is an excellent get-away from the towering skyscrapers in the city. Fremantle is full of attractions, heritage, maritime history, and culture. The town contains the most heritage listed buildings in all of Australia. For those interested in maritime, you should check out the Fishing Boat Harbour and the new Western Australia Maritime Museum.
Fremantle is also a very multi-cultural and artistic area you will find a diverse range of restaurants, bars, art galleries, museums, theatres, shops, and much more. The famous Fremantle Markets run on the weekends, selling everything from art and crafts, clothing, jewellery, and food. Fremantle also hosts a number of different art festivals throughout the year. The Fremantle Street Art Festival brings in comedy acts, acrobatics, and street performances, and attracts over 60,000 people each year.
Rottnest Island is only a short ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle, and is a popular holiday spot for locals and tourists alike. People flock to Rottnest Island for its beautiful coral fringed waters, white sand beaches, and warm temperatures. Rottnest tends have warmer temperatures and less rain than Perth, making it the perfect place to surf or sunbathe year round. Another attraction of Rottnest Island is the quokkas, which are small marsupials that resemble kangaroos. Quokkas are found almost exclusively on Rottnest Island. The peak season for Rottnest Island is from November until April.
Swan Valley is a bustling tourist area only twenty minutes away from the central Perth. In Swan Valley, you can experience a blend of history, culture, fine-dining, wine-tasting, and art. As the oldest and biggest wine region in Western Australia, Swan Valley has a large amount of wineries, wine tours, and al fresco restaurants. The natural beauty of Swan Valley is inspiration to many artists, and the area contains many art studios and art galleries. Swan Valley is the home of the largest private art gallery.
PERTH WEATHER: Perth is famous for its sunny skies and warm temperatures. The city enjoys an extended summer season lasting from December until March. During the summer, little rain falls and the temperature stays at about 30° C (86° F). The winds from the sea, known as the "Fremantle Doctor", help cool down the city on hot days. In the winter, the temperature averages at about 18° C (64° F), and the city experiences more rain and wind.
TRANSPORT: Although some international airlines use Perth as the gateway to Australia, most visitors access Perth by the eastern states. You can get a direct flight to Perth from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin, Alice Springs, and even Uluru. You can also catch a bus from Darwin or Adelaide. The greatest way to travel Perth is to take the Indian-Pacific train line from Sydney via Adelaide. On the train ride, you will see fantastic scenery and beautiful open land.
ACCOMODATION: You can choose from the city's many hotels, serviced apartments, motels, and hostels when visiting Perth. The city also offers bed and breakfast accommodation, holiday rental homes, and beachside resorts. There are also many places around Perth to camp or park your caravan.
