Perth is located in the southwestern region of Australia on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Perth’s central business district occupies a prime location on the banks of the Swan River, it is 713 km away from the capital city of Australia, Sydney, 2721 km from Melbourne, and 2652 km from Darwin.

Perth is located along the estuary of the Swan River at an altitude of 19 km above the mouth of the river, and the suburbs of Perth extend in all directions to the Darling Range in the east and the Indian Ocean in the west.

Perth lies on the Swan River, which was named after the mother of the black swans by Wiliom di Vlamingh, the leader of the Dutch expedition, in which he discovered birds while exploring the area in 1697.

A large part of Perth is built on a series of wetlands and fresh waters, which stretch from cattle rancher’s lakes in the west through Claisebrook Kof in the east, and the city is also bounded to the east by a low escarpment called the Darling River.

Perth is one of the closest Australian cities to Southeast Asia, it is about 3 hours away from Bali by plane, and 5 to 7 hours by plane from the cities of Bangkok, Jakarta, Singapore, and other Asian cities.

Itis one of the most isolated major cities in the world, and the nearest city with a population of over 100,000 is Adelaide, which is about 2,104 km away, and geographically closer to each Dili, East Timor, about 2,785 km, and Jakarta, Indonesia, about 3,002 km.

Perth is the capital of Western Australia, and home to the Parliament, and the Supreme Court of the states, as well as the seat of government, and the residence of the Governor of Western Australia.

History of Perth City

Perth was founded in 1829 by Captain James Sterling, who made it the administrative center of the Swan River Colony, which raised the city’s improtance and in 1856, it became a city. The city’s population increased as a result of the influx of gold from Western Australia in the late 19th century, and as a result of immigration from the eastern colonies of Australia, during Australia’s participation in World War II, where it served as the port of Fremantle, which houses the base of submarines operating in the Pacific Theater.

That accommodated the US Navy’s Catalina flying boat fleet in Matilda Bay, which led to the post-war influx of immigrants, mostly from Britain, Greece, Italy, and Yugoslavia.

Perth became known globally as the City of Light when the city’s residents lit the lights of their homes and streets, as the American astronaut John Glenn watched it when he orbited the Earth.

The Economy of Perth City

Perth is well known as an administrative center for business and government, the Western Australian economy is dominated by Perth, and its economic base and population size have also created opportunities for the development of many other companies oriented to local or more diversified markets.

Perth’s economy has changed in favor of service industries, although one of the large groups of services they provide is to nations related to the resource industry.

As a result of Perth’s relative geographic isolation, it does not have the conditions for the development of important manufacturing industries other than those serving the immediate needs of the population, such as mining, agriculture, and some specialized fields, as in more recent times, specialized shipbuilding and maintenance.

Industrial employment influenced the economic geography of Perth, after World War II, and Perth experienced suburban expansion which helped lead to high levels of car ownership. It became possible to set up small-scale factories in the suburbs, and many companies took advantage of relatively cheap land to build spacious bungalows in suburban locations with plenty of parking, easy access, and minimal traffic overcrowding. 

The establishment of the Kwinana Industrial District was supported by the unification of the East and West gauge rail linking Perth with eastern Australia, and since 1950 the area has been dominated by heavy industry, including an oil strainer.

Another development was done by linking the railway together, and it was developed in 1968 when the Kewdale freight station, adjacent to the Welshpool Industrial District, was developed to replace the former Perth Railyards.

The population growth came in the post-World War II era, and employment growth increased not only in manufacturing but in retail and wholesale trade, business services, health, education, community, personal services, and public administration.

More information about Perth

• It includes the oldest coin center in the country, and accordingly, part of the center has been turned into a museum, visited by more than 120,000 visitors annually.
• It is the most sunny city in the world, with at least 8 hours of sunshine per day throughout the year.
• It was known as Boorloo, an Aboriginal name given to some of the Moro tribes that inhabited Perth more than 38,000 years ago.
• It is the third most crowded city in the world.

Transportation in Perth

As many people know, Australia is a huge continent, so the best way to travel between cities is by plane, and if the city you want to visit is nearby, you can use buses or trains.

In Perth, there are many means of transportation such as:

• Trains: Perth has six railway lines, four of which start from Perth Train Station, and two of the Perth Underground connect to the main station.
• Taxis: There are a lot of taxis all over Perth, you can easily get one in the street.
• Buses: It is one of the perfect transportations in Perth, it runs every 15 minutes, but you should check the schedule carefully, as they don’t pass often outside of business hours, and you can wait about two hours on Sundays.

Perth also has an excellent network of CAT buses that run in                   circles around the city, they run every eight minutes between 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., and every 15 minutes for an hour or two after that period.

• Ferries: Ferries make a round trip down the river every half hour on weekdays and more on weekends from Barrack Street on the city side to Mendes Street in South Perth.

The Best Time to Visit Perth

The city of Perth is known for its wonderful weather, with hot dry summers, and mild winters. The best time to visit Perth is in September, October, or November when the city is glowing with the colors and embalms of spring and sunny days.

Also, the months of December, January, and February are summer months there, and the temperature is hot in these months. Besides, from March to May is the second-best time to visit Perth, where its warm days are perfect for the beach and other outdoor activities.

Weather in Perth

 

Perth’s climate is considered temperate, despite high monsoon rainfall, making it the fourth rainiest city in the Australian capital after Darwin, Sydney, and Brisbane. The summer is usually very hot and dry lasting from December to late March, and winter is mild and wet, making Perth a classic example of a Mediterranean climate.

Perth is a particularly sunny city for this type of climate, it had an average of 8.8 hours of sunlight per day, which equates to about 3,200 hours of sunlight per year. This makes it the sunniest capital in Australia and the summer is not complete without rain and humidity, as it rains intermittently in the form of short-lived thunderstorms.

Things to do in Perth

Perth is one of the distinctive Australian cities that have a major role in tourism in Australia, due to its multiculturalism, especially religion and the diversity of tourist places that distinguish it as well as its leadership in the field of science and technology, and it is located on both sides of the Swan River, which made it a wonderful landscape because of its beaches of charm and beauty.

Perth also abounds with parks, museums, recreational activities, and festivals, but the most important thing that distinguishes it is the high level of education and its possession of the University of Western Australia. 

As a result of the diversity of cultures and the high level of its education, it is known as one of the most expensive cities in Australia in terms of living and residence.

Kings Park and Botanical Garden

Kings Park covers a large area of land right in the middle of the city, it is a natural wonderland, with plenty of cycling trails running around the park. There are plenty of playgrounds and picnic areas scattered around, and you will find the poignant State War Memorial and impressive Aboriginal Art Gallery, you can also enjoy stunning views of Perth’s central business district and the Swan River.

The park is located on 1,000-acre including more than 2,000 different species of native plants on display, and Kings Park and the Private Botanic Garden are not to be missed when in Perth. The park also includes plants from Western Australia and other Mediterranean climates, such as South Africa and California.

Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is located in the Indian Ocean, about an hour’s ferry ride from Perth, and it is a popular day trip among locals and tourists alike due to its stunning scenery and the abundance of recreational activities it offers.

It is a car-free nature reserve and a popular place to escape from the city. Dutch navigator Willem de Fleming landed on the island in 1696 and declared it an earthly paradise, and wonderful coca species still live on the island, which is found only in Western Australia.

The island is dotted with many salt lakes and forests, while its beaches, coves, and secluded reefs attract sunbathers, swimmers, snorkelers, and surfers.

There are many attractions on the island that you can visit such as the Rottnest Museum, housed in an 1857-era thresher barn and mill with collections of historical materials, shipwreck artifacts, and the Parker Point marine path.

Swan River

Swan River is the most famous place in Perth, and there you can do many things for fun. You can go on a nice cruise between Perth and the historic port of Fremantle, or take a tour upriver to the fertile shores of the Swan Valley which is the oldest grape-growing region in Western Australia.

On both sides of the river, you can find many restaurants, where you can sample fresh local foods, and besides that, you can enjoy a picnic with your family and friends in the riverside parks, bike or hike along the trails located there.

Ningaloo Reef Marine Park

Ningaloo Reef Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest reef in the world.It extends over260 km, and there you could find many kinds of marine creatures, such as whale fish, humpback whales, turtles, over 500 species of fish and 300 species of coral.

Also, you can go to one of the best beaches for snorkeling with white sand and crystal-clear water, and it is also one of the few places in the world where swimming with whale fish is an amazing experience for animal lovers.

Coral Bay is also a great base with long white sand beaches and ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and boating as off the coast there are ample opportunities for divers with many wrecks around Point Cloates.

Horizontal Waterfalls

One of the best things that you can do in Perth is to watch the horizontal waterfalls from a jet boat which features a powerful tidal flow up to 11 meters high through two narrow gorges to form this strange natural phenomenon.

It is also one of the best outdoor adventures in Australia and the only way to experience this remote attraction is to take an organized tour by seaplane or jet boat.

Tours depart from Broome or Derby and include a scenic ride over the stunningly beautiful Bukaner Peninsula, a wild stretch of red coast dotted with turquoise-washed cliffs and dotted with hundreds of uninhabited islets.

Mary’s Cathedral

St. Mary’s Cathedral was built over three centuries, it is a grand neo-Gothic church and renovated extensively over the years. It is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and the site for the cathedral was included in the first plan of Perth in 1838.

Broome City

The city of Broome is one of the most popular destinations in Western Australia and the gateway to the wonderful Kimberley region, it includes a beautiful beach called Cable Beach, and it is one of the city’s main attractions as this stunning coastline is backed by stunning red cliffs stretches for 22 kilometers with broad white sand and turquoise waters.

It is also known as the pearl capital of Australia and you can learn about this fascinating history at the Broome Historical Museum which includes many interesting finds as well.

Broome is also famous for a natural phenomenon called the Stairway to the Moon, which is when the full moon rises over the bay, locals and tourists gather to enjoy the rays of light shimmering on the water creating an optical illusion of steps leading to the moon.

Perth Zoo

Perth Zoo is located about 3 km from the city center, it was opened in 1898, and there you experience some of the country’s unique wildlife in the Australian Bushwalk and Wetlands exhibits.

The zoo hasmany animals, such as kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, wombats, and Tasmanian devils. The exhibits there can take you around the world to different ecosystems, where you will be able to feed the giraffes at the African Savannah, enjoy an elephant show, or take a look at a pygmy marmoset in the South American primate exhibit.

The Bell Tower

 

The Bell Tower is located in Barrack Square, it is considered one of the world’s largest musical instruments, and it includes the original 14th-century bells from Saint Martin in the Fields Church, the parish church of London’s Buckingham Palace.

The construction of the tower was completed in 2001, and reaches a height of 82.5 meters, and includes 12 bells. 

While you are there you can enjoy the 360-degree views of the city and Swan River from the open-air observation deck on the 6th floor. Also, you can see a show on the ancient art of bell ringing, and exhibits on the history of the bells.

Mint Facility

 

The Mint Facility is one of the famous and oldest attractions in Perth, it was opened in 1899, and it is based on filling the need during the period of gold prospecting. This house contains a large number of gold bars from all countries in the world.

Art Gallery of Western Australia

The Art Gallery of Western Australia is located in the Perth Cultural Center, it is also near the train station, and it includes collections of both international and Australian art from 1829 till today.

The museum was opened in 1891 and includes within it a large number of departments related to human sciences, as well as animal sciences, and it is possible to enjoy many different types of living creatures from several eras.

Also, you will be able to find a large number of different mummified wild animals from the Victorian era, and enjoy a gallery that displays works by eminent artists such as Hans Heysen and Frederick McCubbin.

Penguin Island

 

The Penguin Island is located just 30 minutes south of Perth, where you can find many different types of birds, especially penguins, and there is a center called Penguin Experiment Island, that allows its visitors to see many of the initiatives launched by the workers to carry out the conservation of penguins.

There are also many corridors that the island provides, and these corridors are along the edges of the island to help preserve the places where penguins breed. 

Avon Valley National Park

It is one of the quietest parks away from the hustle and bustle of Perth, it is located 47 km northeast of Perth, and it is a perfect place to do a lot of activities, including biking, boats, and canoeing.

When you reach the park, you will find a large number of exciting country trails and there is the flowing Avon River through the surrounding area while the forestis home to more than 90 different species of birds and rare trees.

Lake Bibra

Lake Bibra is a freshwater lake in the suburb of Bibra Lake, located south of Perth’s Central Business District, which is 20 minutes from the city, and it includes a large number of birds, including swans and waterfowl, in addition to other types of birds.

The lakes include a center for introducing the wetlands, and this lake allows its visitors to participate in the rehabilitation of wounded or sick birds and mammals before they are released into the wild.

Elizabeth Quay

It is located just beside the city center and the Swan River, it is considered a hot spot for Perth nightlife, and you can dine on everything from gourmet burgers and pizza to succulent seafood specialties.

It is also a perfect place for kids, where they can ride the antique carousel, devour tangy gelato, and frolicking around the fountains at the BHP Water Park. There are outdoor sculptures and art installations adorn the Public Art Walk, and the Bell Tower, and it is a nice place for a romantic dinner with the view of the city and the ferry boats on the Swan River.

Margaret River

Margaret River is a great place for hanging out, where you can find famous galleries and restaurants, and it is located in the southwest about three and a half hours drive south of Perth.

There you can do many activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, whale watching tours, and surfing, besides that, you can find more than 40 spots for surfing along the coast. The place is famous for its limestone caves, such as Lake Cave, Jewel Cave, and Mammoth Cave with shimmering stalactites and prehistoric fossils.

Aviation Heritage Museum

The Aviation Heritage Museum is located 15 kilometers south of Perth, there you will find exhibits including more than 30 aircraft and thousands of artefacts covering civilian and military aviation from World War I planes to present-day passenger jets.

Adventure World Theme Park

This park is one of the most important tourist attractions for children and adults in Perth, as it includes a large number of unique games within it. It includes adventure games and thrills for older visitors, and an area called Fire Factor 5, with several exciting games, including Power Surge, Terror Tunnel, Bounter Revenge, and The Ramping.

Hillarys Boat Harbor

The Hillarys Boat Harbor is located 20 km northwest of central Perth, and it is a vast marina with restaurants, shops, and kids’ attractions. One of the famous attractions there is the Aquarium of Western Australia, where you can walk through a glass underwater tunnel and observe more than 200 species of marine animals.

Also, you will find bike paths, walkways, parks, and sheltered beaches making this a favorite spot for a fun family day out. Besides that, you can go on fishing trips, whale watching cruises, yacht charters, and dive excursions depart from here as well, and you can also catch a ferry to Rottnest Island.

Fremantle Markets

Fremantle Markets is the most popular weekend market in Western Australia, and one of the best in the entire country. One of the best things to do in Perth City is visiting Fremantle Markets, where you can buy fresh and local products, handmade souvenirs, clothes, and foods.

The Fremantle Markets are open on Fridays from 9 am to 8 pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm.

Caversham Wildlife Park

Another great attraction that you can visit in Perth, as it is home to around 200 animal species and over 2,000 unique animals, and some of the animals that live there you may not have heard of before such as Kookaburra, Cocos, Echidna, and much more.

Some guides could help you to know more about the animals, show you how to hand-feed the kangaroo, or have you pictured posing with your favorite Australian animal.

SciTech

If you want to spend a fun weekend while touring Perth with kids, take them to Scitech, the museum supports kids to explore science and technology, engineering, and math through interactive exhibits.

There is Discover land which was designed for three- to seven-year-old kids, where you can find displays on air, water, gravity, electricity, and magnets. Also, there is the construction zone, where kids can dress up as sea creatures and crawl into a tunnel at the small aquarium exhibit.

It is located in West Perth, and it is open from Friday to Monday from 9:30 am to 4 pm, and from Saturday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, and the entrance to the museum costs 19 dollars.

State War Memorial

The State War Memorial is located within Kings Park, it commemorates all the Australian soldiers and women from the state who lost their lives serving their country, and it overlooks the Swan River.

The monument was first revealed after the First World War, and its quiet location makes it a serene and poignant place to visit.

Hotels in Perth 

Here are some of the hotels that you can stay in while your visit to the city of Perth.

• Crown towers Perth Hotel
• Taj Metropol Perth
• Aloft Perth Hotel
• Great Southern Perth Hotel
• Crown Promenade Perth
• Duxton Hotel Perth 
• The Ritz Carlton, Perth
• Quest Mounts Bay Road
• Sage Hotel West Perth
• Comfort Hotel Perth City

Beaches that you can visit while you are in Perth

The city of Perth includes many wonderful beaches to visit, and spend a great time with your family and friends, and here are some of the famous beaches that you can visit.

Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe Beach, or as the locals call it Cote, is one of the most popular beaches in Australia, it is located about 20 minutes away from Perth City, and it is bounded by a beautiful ocean road that separates its fine sands from the Perth suburb of Cottesloe behind it.

It is a very popular place due to its surf culture and clear waters, with plenty of cafes and restaurants lining the beach, and there is plenty to do if you get bored of lying on the sand and staring at the ocean.

Cottesloe Beach is also blessed with one of the most stunning sunsets imaginable, so it’s worth waiting until the evening before heading back to the city center.

Mullaloo Beach

Mullaloo Beach is a favorite place for families, the waves are not too high, so it is safe even for beginners to swim, and the beach has a grassy area at the top with barbecue areas and sheltered picnic benches.

Mullaloo Beach is one of the most important beaches in Perth, it extends over a spacious area and includes a range of tourist and recreational facilities, such as restaurants, clubs, and wooden huts for overnighting, relaxation, and a playground for children to play.

City Beach

It is a great beach for surfers with strong waves that continue all year round, there you will find plenty of outdoor cafes and fine seafood restaurants overlooking the Indian Ocean, so this is the perfect place for a post-swim meal.

Scarborough Beach

Scarborough is a perfect gem, it is one of my favorite places to visit in Perth, and the locals call it scabs. The reconstruction of the beach sector began in 2017 with an investment of $100 million and recently reopened, and the new additions to the beach include a large play area for families, a beach pool, and a skateboard area.