Visit Perth in Western Australia and you’ll experience the joys of life on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Here in WA the locals are blessed with sun, sea and serious wealth. The ‘sandgropers’ point out that they bankroll the rest of Australia – tapping into a rich vein of minerals and metal. But alongside the mines, they also bring you fine wines and rich dining. For many ‘west is best’.
You don’t have to dig too deep to unearth Perth’s best attractions. The skyline rises from the scenic Swan River like a glistening modern mountain range. City highlights include the Bell Tower in Barrack Square, a menu of world foods in Northbridge and nature-loving King’s Park. To the east lies the Swan Valley wine region and to the west Fremantle. Planning to spend Christmas in Perth? Here are a few treats.
The bustling, vibrant port of Fremantle feels like Perth’s rather exuberant little sister. Twenty minutes drive from the city you’ll find streets lined with enticing shops, restaurants and bars. Freo’s charm lies in its conversion from convict settlement to trendy hot spot. Visit the Roundhouse for a taste of its penal past then find former dockworkers’ cottages and warehouses transformed into trendy apartments and galleries.
The Swan River is Perth’s heartbeat. The lure of the water is irresistible. You can hire a surf cat, sail at twilight or take a river cruise along this hugely versatile body of water. Head for King’s Park and you’ll see the skyscrapers etched against a cloudless Perth sky. Alternatively, pack some tinnies in the esky and waltz up to Matilda Bay, Perth’s favourite picnic spot.
Fancy some quokka spotting? Just a short ferry ride from Perth lies Rottnest Island. It’s home to the rare quokka, a small kangaroo-like marsupial, and more than 60 idyllic, sheltered beaches. ‘Rotto’ is car-free but you can hire a bike or jump on a bus to explore the island’s rich history, flora and fauna. These include early colonial buildings, a lighthouse and relics of World War II.
Originally a ‘surfie’ town, Margaret River is now a corking wine and food destination. Three and a half hours’ drive south of Perth, you’ll find more than 60 world-class wineries in this idyllic seaside resort. Although small in terms of production, the region produces more than 15% of Australia’s premium wine. Margaret River also delivers boutique breweries and some of Western Australia’s top restaurants.
The Perth Mint is a real nugget when it comes to Perth tourist attractions. Housed in its original 19th century premises, the Mint contains a wealth of treasures. You can see gold being poured into bars, handle thousands of dollars in bullion and engrave your own medallion. Are you worth your weight in gold? There’s only one way to find out!
Perth Local Time
+8 Hours GMT
You require a valid passport and visa for the duration of stay
Highest Average: 30°
Lowest Average: 10°
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