Perth WA

Perth WA 6000 (Pop 1 600 000)

Perth is set on the beautiful Swan River and located in the state’s South West. WA’s capital is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that is currently Australia’s 4^th most populated urban area whilst also being the world’s most isolated capital city which is closer to Singapore than Sydney. Original inhabitants were the Nyoongar Aborigines with white settlement beginning in 1829. Labour shortages resulted in convicts being sent here between 1850-1868.  A city full of trendy cafés, innovative restaurants, great shopping and endless beaches (including City, Cottesloe, Floreat, Scarborough). Beautiful Kings Park has over 400 ha of leisurely walks, natural bushland, gardens and a prolific birdlife. Main events include in January the Hopman Cup (tennis),  Perth Cup (horserace) & Australia Day Skyworks, Perth International Arts festival (Feb), Kings Park Wildflower Festival (Sept-Oct), Perth Royal Show (Oct), Telstra Rally Australia (motor sport) (Nov).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Central Perth:  Government House, Kirkman House, Old Court House, Perth Town Hall, St George’s Cathedral and St Mary’s Cathedral. Northbridge: Art Gallery of WA, Western Australian Museum (incl Old Gaol), Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (free admission). East Perth: Perth Mint, Queens Gardens, Transby House. Kings Park & Foreshores: Botanic Gardens, University of Western Australia (incl Berndt Museum of Anthropology and Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery). Markets include Galleria, Subiaco, Station St, Scarborough, Canning Vale, Stock Rd and Wanneroo.

Nearby:
Fremantle, (20 km south) linked to Perth by a suburban sprawl, is lovingly known as ‘Freo’ and is far more historic in feel than Perth. Of interest here is the Fremantle Motor Museum, Western Australian Maritime Museum including the Shipwreck Galleries, Freemantle Prison, Fremantle Arts Centre & History Museum and the famous Freemantle Markets (9am-9pm) Fri (9am-5pm) Sat (10am-5pm) Sun. Rottnest Island (18 km west) a relaxed holiday and day trip destination which can be explored by bicycle, limited bus services or walking (no visitor cars allowed). Ideal watersport bays & beaches, historic buildings and interesting flora & fauna including the furry native marsupial quokka numbering about 10 000. Swan Valley (34 km n-e) the state’s oldest wine region is set on the Swan River and has abundant orchards and vineyards set in a lovely bushland setting. Walyunga NP and historic Guildford complete a very interesting area also full of cafés, restaurants, boutique shops & accommodation. Darling Range (35 km east) encompasses the 80 000 ha of cliffs and jarrah forests of the Hills Forest area and John Forrest NP full of beautiful bush trails, waterfalls, picnic areas and scenic vistas. Yanchep NP (53 km north) spectacular 2 842 ha park of limestone formations, underground caves, tuart forests & nature trails.

Visitor Information Centre: Albert Facey House, cnr Forrest Pl & Wellington St. Tel (08) 9483 1111 or 1300 361 351.