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 was founded on 11 June 1829 by Captain James Stirling as the political centre of
the free settler Swan River Colony. It has continued to serve as the seat of Government for
Western Australia to the present day.
The metropolitan area is located in the south west of the continent between the Indian
Ocean and a low coastal escarpment known as the Darling Range. The central business
district and suburbs of Perth are situated on the Swan River.
Before European settlement the area had been inhabited by the Whadjuk Noongar
people for over 40,000 years, as evidenced by archaeological findings on the Upper
Swan River. These Aborigines occupied the southwest corner of Western Australia, living
as hunter-gatherers. The lakes on the coastal plain were particularly important to them,
providing both spiritual and physical sustenance.
Rottnest, Carnac and Garden Islands were also important to the Noongar. About 5,000
years ago the sea levels were low enough that they could walk to the limestone outcrops.
The area where Perth now stands was called Boorloo by the Aboriginals living there at
the time of their first contact with Europeans in 1827. Boorloo formed part of Mooro, the
tribal lands of the Yellagonga, one of several groups based around the Swan River and
known collectively as the Whadjuk. The Whadjuk were part of a larger group of thirteen or
more tribes which formed the south west socio-linguistic block known as the Noongar
(The People), also sometimes called the Bibbulmun.
On 19 September 2006, the Federal Court of Australia brought down a judgment
recognising Noongar native title over the Perth metropolitan area, in the case of Bennell v
State of Western Australia FCA 1243
PLACE TO VISIT
Kings Park - is a large beautiful park full of native flora located in the middle of the
city. The best views of Perth can be found here. Visit the modest but beautiful war
memorial
Red Bull Air Race - This race is held in Perth each year in early November. It is the
last race of the season to determine the champion. Thousands pack the Swan River
foreshore as planes travelling at over 300km/h fly just metres above the water. After the
race there is an air show and an "expression session" so to say, where the pilots can go
nuts and pull some tricks. The air show concludes with jets flying over and many other
planes also put on a show
Fremantle - about 20km south-west of Perth CBD is the original port and still
supports a major maritime industry. Although part of the continuous built up area that is
"Perth," it is considered by most locals to be a different city. Small enough to walk around
comfortably with attractions that include the Maritime Museum and the amazing weekend
markets (open Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Popular with the locals as a place to go for
a coffee and is even more laid back than Perth. Renting a moped is a great way to see all
of what Fremantle has to offer.
Hillarys Boat Harbour - in Perth's northern suburbs is about thirty minutes from
the centre of the city. Great food, drinks and beaches. A small water park, The Great
Escape, will keep the kids entertained. The Aquarium of Western Australia (Aqwa) is
located here as well. Aqwa features an underwater glass tunnel where you can get close
up to sharks, stingrays and a huge variety of other marine species. There are also
numerous souvenir shopping and eating opportunities.
Perth Mint - is the nation's oldest operating mint and one of the oldest mints in the
world still producing coins from its original premises. You can buy and sell gold,
purchase jewellery and souvenirs, see the mint in operation, and watch molten gold
being poured to create gold bars
Perth Zoo - has been open since 1898 and has an excellent reputation with both
tourists and locals. The cost of entry can be found on the website, and free guided
walking tours are offered at 11am and 1.30pm each day. Catch the ferry from Barrack
Street jetty to Mends Street (South Perth) and walk to the zoo from there. There are lots of
cafes in Mends Street. The ferry is operated by Transperth, and tickets are transferable
between the ferry, buses and trains.
Burswood Casino - for those who like to flutter. The adjacent theatre is the home
of many large shows and Burswood Dome the location for major tennis events and
'arena'-style pop shows
Claisebrook Cove - A major urban redevelopment area on the Swan River at the
fringe of the city centre. Spend a few hours wandering around the unusual modern
architecture in bright colours or stop for a meal or coffee in one of the establishments in
the area. Views of the city centre from the footbridge over the cove are particularly
stunning at night.
Swan Bells - a unique bell tower 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 Weir was
completed in 1903, and was designed by famous engineer C.Y. O'Connor (also
responsible for the Fremantle Harbour). The weir is open for people to walk over and
around, and the surrounds have picnic areas and BBQs. There is also a museum nearby
which documents the history of the Weir and Pipeline project. The Mundaring Weir Hotel
is also a historic location, and offers nice food, accommodation and often live (usually
classical) music events - although staying there is a tad expensive. The weir is a relatively
short drive from the Mundaring townsite, and a great way to take in the native bushland of
the Perth Hills.
WHAT TO DO
Swim - Perth boasts some of the country's best beaches, which are great for a swim in
the warmer months. Sunscreen is essential and insect repellant may be useful in the
evenings. As the beaches are on the open ocean it is strongly advised that you only 'swim
between the flags' at patrolled beaches. Probably the easiest beach to get to by public
transport is Scarborough beach
Cycle - Perth has excellent bike paths and fantastic weather almost all year round
which makes it perfect for cycling. The paths that follow the Swan River are very scenic
and mostly flat. You can take your own bike, hire a bicycle from one of the bike hire
locations near the Swan River, or take a tour with Bluetongue Bike Tours or Pedal OZ.
Catch a flick - at one of the many independent or European cinemas, including
Paradiso in Northbridge, Astor in Mount Lawley, and Luna in Leederville or Fremantle.
There are a number of Bollywood, French, Italian or International film festivals throughout
the year, and the opening night of movies often has fingerfood and drinks beforehand at
no extra cost. Also check out the open air cinemas in summer, located in Kings Park,
Luna Leederville, Mundaring, and The University of Western Australia.
Fun park - For the children and teenagers there is Adventure World. Located in the
outer suburb of Bibra Lake, this fun park features 5 waterslides, various rides for the
adventurous (and some for the timid) and a special 'Kids Cove' for children. Picnicking is
enouraged, or you can buy food on site (no alcohol). Access is easiest by car, or by bus
510 from Cockburn Central bus station or Fremantle Train Station (half-hourly weekdays,
hourly Saturday, 2-hourly Sundays, zone 3 fare). Best of all, all the rides are included in
Adventure World's entry fee. Over summer Adventure World also hosts several "Adults
Only" evenings of a Friday or Saturday night. The park is closed to children, and becomes
a fully licensed venue, serving alcohol as well as hosting bands after dark.
Go Wine Tasting - a popular afternoon out is a trip to the wine growing region of the
Swan Valley. Although the wine is perhaps not as top notch as that produced further afield
(e.g Margaret River), the Swan Valley has the advantage of being close to the city. A
combined river cruise and organised bicycle tour with Pedal OZ is a pleasant way to visit
the area, or if you have a 'designated driver' you can do it yourself. The easiest way is to
drive out of the city along Lord Street, which becomes Guildford Road to Guildford (20
minutes) then follow the brown tourist information signs. For many people, the Swan
Valley is synonymous with Houghtons Wines and the grounds of their Swan Valley winery
is a popular location for a picnic. Visits to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory and
Oggies Ice Cream (both on West Swan Road) are obligatory.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Practically all scheduled flights arrive and depart from Perth Airport (IATA:
PER).
There are three terminals at Perth airport:
Terminal 1 - Perth International Airport: International flights including Qantas flights
QF1-QF399 operate from this terminal.
Terminal 2 - Qantas Perth Domestic Airport: Qantas domestic flights QF400 and above,
QantasLink (which services numerous regional centres in WA) and Jetstar operate from
this terminal.
Terminal 3 - Skywest and Virgin Blue Domestic terminal.
Terminals 2 and 3 are adjacent to each other, but Terminal 1 is eleven kilometres away
by road (NOT walking distance). A shuttle service operates between terminals 1 and 2 to
coincide with international flight arrivals. Qantas passengers may get complimentary
transfer vouchers. For other passengers, the fare is $8.00.
By boat - The sea port of Fremantle is irregularly visited by a number of cruise lines.
By rail - The Indian Pacific trans-continental railway runs from Perth to Sydney via
Kalgoorlie, Adelaide and Broken Hill. It is not cheap but a 3 day journey to remember,
especially if you're a train buff. The Indian Pacific leaves from and arrives at the East Perth
terminal, which is not Perth's main train station. A transfer to the suburban service
(Midland Line - East Perth Station, 1 zone fare) or taxi is required to get into the city centre
from East Perth.
By road - There is currently no regular scheduled coach service across the Nullarbor
Plain between Perth and Adelaide. People wishing to travel by road may wish to consider
one of the adventure oriented tours that include camping and sightseeing.
Greyhound Australia offers a daily coach service the length of the state from Darwin via
Broome. At over 2 1/2 days this is not a trip to be taken lightly!
Driving a car from Perth and Adelaide is also an option and the road and accommodation
infrastructure makes it achievable without too much stress. However, be warned that it is
still a 2700 km drive and is considered a 'once in a lifetime' activity for locals.
