Perth - Western Australia Travel Highlights
Overview of Perth
Perth is one of the most isolated state capitals
in the world. Located in the south west area region of the
vast state of
Western Australia, with 1.5 million residents, it
contains around 70% of that state's population.
Perth is based around the Swan River on a flat coastal plain down from the Darling ranges. The many uncrowded beaches along the Perth coastline also help define the lifestyle; Perth is laid-back, quiet and safe.
Fremantle is in the Perth (region) of
Western Australia. It is a fun weekend destination. All
South of the River people go there for the clubs and such.
Although Fremantle is it's own town, fun to amble about in after the pubs close, envisioning the drunken sailors and saloons and bordellos.
The Notre Dame university an extension of the American one, is unfortunately buying up all the old buildings. So the darling hotels, all with bars extant inside are being shuttered until further use. Still, the place is it's own timewarp.
Rottnest Island, Western Australia's very
own island getaway featuring a casual atmosphere,
picturesque scenery and some of the world's finest beaches
and bays, is located just 19 kilometres off the coast of
Fremantle.
Rottnest
Things to See at Rottnest Island
- Kings Park is a large and lush park that is full to the brim with native flora and fauna. Located to the South-Western side of the city centre, Kings Park provides a fantastic view over the city (especially at night). The modest yet striking War Memorial can be found here. To get here, take either bus #37 (weekdays) or #39 (weekends) from St Georges Terrace. Also 39 on Sundays (Kings Park is located within the Free Transit Zone if you are traveling from within the city centre).
- Rottnest Island are under the administration of the Western Australian Government.
- Hillarys Boat Harbour can be found within Perth's northern suburbs Here you can find the ultimate sunset experience as you swim all day in the ocean, before enjoying a meal and a beer at any one of the area's great eateries and watering holes. There is a small water park called The Great Escape, for those who need to keep the kids entertained! The Aquarium of Western Australia (Aqwa) is located at Hillarys as well. Aqwa features an underwater observatory that takes the shape of a tunnel.
- Perth Mint is the nation's oldest operating mint and one of the oldest mints in the world. Even today it still produces coins and gold bullion from its original premises. You can buy and sell gold, jewellery and souvenirs, see the mint in operation and watch molten gold being poured to create gold bars. (Walk from City Centre along Hay Street east or catch the red CAT).
- Perth Zoo has been open since 1898 and has an excellent reputation with both tourists and locals alike.
- Burswood Entertainment Complex: Situated amongst some of the most valuable real estate in all of Australia is this all-in-one entertainment precinct.
- The Swan Bells, is a unique bell tower located at the foot of Barrack Street. The bells are from the church of St Martin-in-the-Field in London, and were a gift from the City of London to the people of Perth.
- Mundaring Weir; a historic feature of the Perth landscape, the Mundaring Weir was completed in 1903 and was designed by the famous enginee;r C.Y. O'Connor (who also responsible for the Fremantle Harbour and the Kalgoorlie water pipeline). Visitors may walk over or around the Weir and the surrounds have picnic areas featuring public barbecues.
Events and Festivals at Perth
- The Red Bull Air Race. is held in Perth annually in early November. It is the Final of the season and the event determines the overall winner of the competition. Thousands of spectators pack the Swan River foreshore as planes fly at low altitude (just metres above the water!) at speeds reaching well over 300kmp/h). After the race there is an air show in which the pilots can perform some airborne trickery.