The capital of Western Australia, Perth is one of the most naturally beautiful cities in the country. Perth is said to have the most sunshine of any large Australian city - which may have something to do with why everyone there is so friendly.
Perth is a fantastic destination for the whole family, with its museums, zoos and parks. It's also an ideal spot for a romantic holiday. You won't want to miss the culinary offerings of Perth restaurants, which serve up fresh seafood.
Getting in and around
Perth Airport
If you want to travel between Perth and other large Australian cities, you'll probably want to fly, unless you've got a lot of time on your hands. All the way over on the west coast, Perth is some distance from all other major Australian cities: driving from Perth to Melbourne, for example, is a journey of more than 3,400 kilometres.
Dozens of domestic and international airlines serve Perth Airport, and a terminal transfer service is available between the international and domestic terminals.
Alternately, the Indian Pacific Railway also connects Perth to Adelaide and Sydney. Its 4352-kilometre track offers spectacular views of Australian landscape.
Perth Transport
Perth offers free transport around the city centre in what's known as the Free Transit Zone. For getting outside the CBD, Perth's public transport system, Transperth, comprises a combination of trains, buses and ferries. Western Australia's regional public transport provider, Transwa, provides rail and coach links to surrounding and rural cities.
Perth Car Hire
Perth is very spread out, so if you'd like to do it in your own time, hiring a car may be more suitable for you. There are car rental companies at Perth Airport and others throughout the city.
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Perth Accommodation
| Luxury |
- Hyatt Regency Perth offers spectacular views of the Swan River and provides fine cuisine, high tea, a fitness centre, a heated pool and sauna.
- Duxton Hotel Perth is among the finest of the Perth hotels, offering a central location, magnificent rooms, gym, pool and restaurant, plus stunning views of the Swan River from the Club Lounge.
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| Mid-range |
- Novotel Perth Langley offers the convenience of hotel services with the room of an apartment. This hotel offers a great location and has a fitness centre, restaurant and bar.
- ibis Styles East Perth is steps away from everything Perth has to offer and includes a restaurant, bar and modern rooms.
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| Budget |
- City Waters Motel offers self-catering comfort for budget travellers. The one or two-bedroom units are within walking distance of the city centre.
- Comfort Inn and Suites Goodearth Perth is a full-service apartment-style hotel that provides a variety of room options, restaurant, bar and central location.
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| Backpackers |
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Things to do in Perth
Perth is known for its sunshine, culture and friendly locals. No matter which of these you're in Perth to experience, you're sure to enjoy every minute.
Perth's beaches are uncrowded and laid back: definitely worth a visit. City Beach is quieter than surrounding beaches and has a BBQ area and playground. Cottesloe Beach has gorgeous white sands, and Scarborough Beach is popular with sunbakers, swimmers and volleyballers alike.
The Perth Cultural Centre is a one-stop shop for lovers of arts and culture. Here you'll find the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the State Library, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, the Blue Room and more.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is an ideal spot to relax and rejuvenate. With a superior botanic garden, unique bushland and expansive parkland, it's a day's worth of activities rolled into a single stop.
Water Sports. Perth has a wealth of adventure activities on offer: go parasailing, white water rafting, kayaking, fishing or sailing.
Perth Zoo. Visit a rare sun bear, hear experts talk about your favourite animals, see a koala feeding and join a free guided tour.
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Day trips in and around Perth
Wadjemup/Rottnest Island is one of Perth's premier attractions. Located off the coast of Perth, you can take a ferry to the island and see the famous photogenic Quokkas.
Margaret River Region. Especially popular are the Margaret River wineries, part of the country's oldest wine-growing region. There are a tremendous number of wineries and restaurants on the Caves Road tourist drive alone.
Fremantle. There's so much to take in: fascinating maritime history, scandalous prison lore, and "haute couture" on High Street. Or, take a quick trip to the Port of Fremantle, a major transportation hub for Western Australia.
Ghost Tours in Fremantle. Perth's neighbouring city offers a spine-tingling torchlight ghost tour of the old Fremantle Prison. This 90-minute tour is creepy, fun and not recommended for children under 10.
Western Australian Shipwrecks Museum. Internationally recognised, the WA Shipwrecks Museum has contributed significantly to maritime archaeology as well as shipwreck conservation. Here you can see the reconstructed famous Dutch shipwreck, the Batavia.
Adventure World is Western Australia's premier amusement park. The park incorporates both dry and watery fun, including everything from rides for the youngest visitors to thrills (and chills) for the adventurer, and it's only 25 minutes from Perth City.
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