Perth, City on the Swan

Those of us who enjoy living in Perth may not realise that this major Australian city is practically unknown to the rest of the world. While we may understand that Perth is the most isolated metropolitan destination, many potential international tourists could not place our city on a map and are unfamiliar with the rare treasures it has to offer. Seen from this perspective, it is not surprising that tourism, which should be one of its major industries, is highly underplayed.

Perth is a modern and vibrant city of refinement and sophistication. Superb restaurant dining, exciting nightclubs and charming bistros are plentiful and well served by Perth’s public transportation. My personal recommendation is to visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia featuring the best of authentic Australiana, contemporary and indigenous art.

Visitors can take a relaxing cruise upon the beautiful Swan River or visit our superb botanical gardens. Within a stone’s throw, there is open public access to our magnificent Indian Ocean beaches. wilderness, and State parks and forests are on Perth's doorstep. Unique to the South-West of Western Australia, we have the delightful rare and protected marsupial quokka, to be found on Rottnest Island, a short reasonably priced ferry ride from Perth. Hire a bicycle and explore this natural haven or take a joy flight for an aerial view of the island. For the adventurous, the ruggedness of an outback adventure can be combined in one package for an unforgettable lifetime experience.

A major attraction for visitors to Perth is the Burswood Casino, which is open around the clock and provides world-class entertainment including musical stage performances, live bands and international headliners. There is a choice of restaurants and bars from relaxing informal meals and sumptuous buffets to diverse global dining experiences.

A must see is Kings Park, covering 400.6 hectares and overlooking Perth city, with panoramic views of the Swan River and the Darling Range in the distance. It’s approximately 1.5 km from the Central Business District of Perth, and visited by millions of international and interstate visitors annually. Kings Park’s 17 hectares botanic park showcases our State’s spectacular and unique flora. View the magnificent wildflowers in season at Kings Park.

• Family vacationers regard Perth as a safe and affordable city with beautiful beaches, State parks and forests and family-oriented attractions.
• For couples, Perth has something to satiate all tastes and budgets from high rollers to more modest incomes, and a lifestyle second to none. For shopaholics, Perth has it all, designer boutiques abound and specialist stores cater for eclectic tastes. Alternatively, choose to visit areas such as the scenic Margaret River South-West region or Swan Valley wineries, Burswood Casino, and the many fine dining spots, spas, and idyllic accommodation dotted in and around Perth.
• Sports enthusiasts know of Western Australia’s status as a major sporting centre that has hosted historic events such as the America’s Cup competition staged in its port city of Fremantle. The America’s Cup was a memorable world-wide event that left a lasting and favourable impression of our region. Our local salt water fishing is second to none, surfing, hiking, as well as further adventure destination packages, such as the Kimberley region, Exmouth, etc.
• Business persons, especially senior-level management, view Perth as an exciting and welcoming host city with a new well-equipped convention centre centrally located near the Esplanade, and a range of full-featured five star hotels and more budget conscious accommodation available, including picturesque rustic settings for team-building/motivational retreats and specialist conferences.
• Perth city’s products and services workforce are generally affordable. Visitors enjoy the friendliness and welcoming nature of its citizens. Perth, a travel destination in its own right, is also a gateway to all the wonders that Western Australia has to offer. With its world class facilities, convenient public transport, and the ease of access afforded by Perth International Airport, Perth is your natural choice when beginning your Western Australian “breath of fresh air” vacation.

visit the colonial Indiana Tea House at Cottesloe Beach,

enjoy a delicious coffee at the Port of Fremantle, home to the prestigious America’s Cup in 1987, and only a short drive away from Perth, Western Australia’s capital city. Visit the colourful local “Fremantle Markets” with 150 stalls under one roof,

experience Perth’s well-known attraction Rottnest Island and the cute marsupial quokkas uniquely inhabiting the coastal islands,

take a leisurely walk through John Forrest National Park,

hop on an air conditioned train and see Mandurah, a popular coastal resort with a splendid marina – all an hour’s ride away,

tour Margaret River and Swan Valley wineries,

visit the historic gold mining town of Kalgoorlie,

see the pristine white beaches of Esperance and awesome nearby Pink Lake,

play and interact with dolphins at Monkey Mia,

tour the Kimberley to Geikie Gorge, Mitchell Falls, and the Argyle diamond mine.