Perth – General Information

Famous for its blue skies, stunning natural setting and friendly spirited people, Perth is one of Australia’s most beautiful cities. Built on the banks of the Swan River and flanked by the Kings Park botanical gardens, the city provides plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy their surroundings.
 

Perth enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other Australian capital city, and even the colder winter months of the year are mild. Perth’s lifestyle is easygoing with a number of inner-city parks adding to the relaxed, nature-based feel, and accessing Perth’s major attractions is simple thanks to a free public transport service within the city centre. Colonial architecture, museums, galleries, boutiques and department stores are all within walking distance. Kings Park, Perth’s most visited attraction, offers a sweeping panoramic view of the city skyline, the Swan River and the Swan Bells.

Perth offers bustling nightlife precincts and quality eateries. Combine the splendour of nature with the sophistication of fine wines, alfresco dining and a sublime climate and you have the perfect place for a holiday.


Climate

Perth has a Mediterranean climate, and is the sunniest of Australian capital cities, averaging eight hours of sunshine a day, year round. It experiences four seasons, with average temperatures between 18ºC and 29ºC in summer, and between 10ºC and 18ºC in winter. February and March are usually the hottest months. While the mercury can sometimes rise to 40ºC during this time, the heat is dry and the ‘Fremantle Doctor’ – a refreshing south-westerly ocean breeze – can be relied upon to bring relief by mid-afternoon.

Areas of Interest Rottnest Island
 

When Western Australians talk of holidaying ‘overseas’, they may be referring to a holiday to Rottnest Island – 25 minutes by ferry from Fremantle, or an even shorter plane ride. Rottnest draws thousands of holidaymakers each year. Its crystal-clear bays and beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing, skin-diving, sunbathing, surfing, boating and fishing. One reason for the idyllic atmosphere is the absence of cars. Bicycles are the popular mode of transport and can be hired on the island. Rottnest wouldn’t be Rottnest without the quokkas, the small marsupials that inhabit the island and were the inspiration for the island’s name. Ferry services leave daily from Perth, Fremantle and Hillary’s Boat Harbour in Sorrento. www.rottnest.wa.gov.au

Swan Valley
 

A short ferry ride up the Swan River is the Swan Valley – one of Western Australia’s premium winegrowing regions. This is a scenic area of rolling green vineyards, wineries, boutique restaurants and art galleries. Enjoy a lazy summer afternoon on the veranda of a gourmet cafe or visit one of the many wineries that are open for cellar-door tastings. A visit to the local olive, cheese or chocolate factories is the perfect accompaniment to a bottle of the valley’s best wine. If beer is more to your taste, stop at one of the local micro-breweries. www.swanvalley.info

The Pinnacles

A comfortable three-hour drive north of Perth is the remarkable natural landscape of the Pinnacles, where limestone spires, up to five metres high, rise from the sand. Erosion has exposed this natural phenomenon, which in the early morning or afternoon light creates an eerie moonscape scene. The Pinnacles form part of the Nambung National Park, which has beautiful beaches and coastal dune systems. The vegetation bursts into flower from August to October, creating a memorable spectacle for visitors.

The Peel Region
 

For a southern getaway that is just a short drive, one-hour from Perth, explore the Peel region. Enjoy a Murray River cruise as it winds through the calm waterways of Mandurah. Relax in a rural setting with a farm-stay break, picnic among the tall jarrah trees of Dwellingup or play a round of golf. For the adventurous, try whitewater rafting, swimming with the dolphins or hiking the Bibbulmun track. Mandurah, the focal point of the Peel region, is a coastal city characterised by the popular Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary. Bordered by the Indian Ocean to the west, it is a city dominated by waterways and known for its good fishing, crabbing and prawning. www.peeltour.net.au

Beyond Perth

Perth is the gateway to the other wonders of Western Australia. From Perth, travel just a few hours in any direction and feel as if you’re a world away. Whether you’re looking for an outback adventure, gourmet getaway or holiday with a splash – it’s all on offer in Australia’s biggest state.


Australia’s Coral Coast

In this region you can swim with whale sharks – the world’s largest fish, or have an underwater adventure at the world-class Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. Considered by many to be the best dive spot in Australia, here you’ll find mantra rays, dugongs, dolphins, sea turtles, 520 species of fish, 200 species of hard corals and 50 species of soft corals.


Australia’s Golden Outback and North West
 

In this region you can go off the beaten track to discover the real Australia - rich with Aboriginal history, unique wildlife, natural wonders and amazing landscapes. With rugged terrain and un- populated plains, it’s the perfect place to embark on an outback adventure. In a four wheel drive, you can delve into the most remote corners of this magnificent state. Here you'll witness amazing scenery, spect- acular gorges, cascading water- falls and crystal-clear swimming holes.
The exotic pearling town of Broome in the North West offers some luxurious accommodation dotted across its spectacular landscape. Famous Cable Beach, with 22 kilometres of white sand, kissed by warm, crystal waters, is justifiably world famous and the ideal place to watch the sunset on a balmy, tropical night.

Australia’s South West

In this region you’ll find Margaret River - a food and wine lover’s paradise. It boasts more than 220 grape growers and wine producers, 100 cellar doors and hundreds of restaurants and gourmet food producers. In addition, Margaret River is famous for its surf breaks, ancient caves, forests, fishing and incredible beaches.

Whether you want to simply relax on one of the many pristine beaches, tour the many world class wineries and restaurants or explore the wonderful forests and wild flowers – it’s all found in Margaret River and the South West region.


Discover the wonders of Western Australia at www.westernaustralia.com