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Perth, Australia

Known as the “friendly city”, it is said that Perth enjoys more sunny days than any other place in Australia. Perth is only six miles from the Indian Ocean, and less than an hour from numerous National Parks and natural bushland. At the same time, it is a city of soaring skyscrapers that form an impressive wall along the Swan River. In the distance, the magnificent mountains of the Darling Ranges rise from the coastal plains. From the attractively landscaped , bustling business district to the fabulous mansions on “Milllionaire’s Row” to the leafy suburbs and on to Lake Monger and the Swan River where the black swans make their home, the city of Perth is an enchanting place.

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is a cosmopolitan city with the charm and intimacy of a small town. Perth offers an abundance of attractions, a sunny climate and a friendly and hospitable atmosphere.

The city and surrounding area offer a wide range of dining choices from southern European alfresco cafes to a complete array of Asian cuisines and everything in between. Many restaurants serve local produce and fresh seafood. Perth is a short distance from the Indian Ocean and the main port of Fremantle, a delightful fishing town full of culture, history, and great shopping. The area’s public transportation system is excellent. It is easy to board a bus, a train, or a ferry to just about any part of the city or the surrounding towns in minutes. Travel within the city centre is free.

Must see attractions include: King's Park that offers a view of Perth skyline with the sunset reflecting off the glass skyscrapers. Perth Zoo, Burswood Casino, Perth Mint, Adventure World, AQWA walk through aquarium with a seal exhibit. Pioneer Village. Perth's many museums. Perth Institute of Contemporary Art are all attractions that are not to be missed.

The beaches are lovely, and there are waterparks in which to splash on a warm day. Caversham Park is unique with its interactive wildlife exhibits and camel rides that will be a highlight of any excursion with children. Numerous sports and recreational facilities are available throughout the area and include snorkeling, boat cruises, parasailing, and kayaking.

Rottnest Island is an island paradise that is the scene of some of the world’s best beaches and bays that remain in their natural state. It is a popular spot for fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and swimming. A day trip by ferry from Victoria Quay in Fremantle is a possibility.

Perth is home to the elegant Black Swan. In the 1960s The Swan River Trust was established to ensure that the waters it inhabits will remain clean and clear. There are numerous walkways and tracks around the river and shore areas, and the river is safe for swimming.

Perth’s wine and gourmet food region is just 30 minutes away and easily accessible by road or via the Swan River. Perth’s shopping center lies between William and Barrak streets. It is a delightful maze of arcades, plazas, and elevated walkways.

Perth is a city of unlimited possibilities for those traveling alone, in a group, or as a family. It is a place of beauty and refinement, and it is a place to have fun!

Population: 1.3 Million

State: Western Australia

Time Zone: GMT +9

Average Temperatures:

Month	High	Low
January	85F	63F
February	85F	63F
March	81F	61F
April	76F	57F
May	69F	53F
June	64F	50F
July	76F	63F
August	64F	48F
September	67F	50F
October	70F	53F
November	76F	57F
December	81F	61F

Local Seasons: Perth, Western Australia's weather and climate, is best described as Mediterranean, with long dry summers and mild rainy winters. It is because of these long hot summers that many Perth activities revolve around the water. Summer officially starts in December and ends in March. The hottest months are January and February, and temperatures can reach 95-100F and occasionally 100+.

Autumn runs from March to the end of May. The weather is cooler, although still warm.

The mild Perth winter lasts from June to the end of September. It is a rainy season, interspersed with chilly yet sunny days. A typical Perth winter day may fall between 60-65F. There are sometimes thunder storms. Spring begins at the start of September as the weather quickly warms to fine sunny conditions again. The temperatures rise as summer nears.

Electricity: Australia’s electrical current is 240-250 volts and requires a two or three pin plug. Adapters and converters are necessary in order to use US appliances. Most hotels will provide one US 110-volt outlet (and often, only one.)

Measurements: Metric

Currency: The local currency is the Australian Dollar, which is a decimal currency in which 1 A$ is equal to 100 cents.

Telephone: The Australian country code is 61.

Holidays

New Year’s Day January 1

Australia Day 1^st Monday after January 26

Good Friday (variable)

Easter Monday (variable)

Anzac Day April 25

Queen’s Birthday 2^nd Monday in January

Christmas Day December 25

Boxing Day December 26

Arriving

By Air

The Airport in Perth is 9 miles from the city. Tel (08) 9478 8888.

Because of the distance between Perth and the other big cities, flying is the most popular way to get there. Most fly in on either Qantas or Virgin Blue.

Perth Airport (tel (08) 9478 8888 is 9 miles northeast of the city centre. The international and domestic terminals are located several kilometers apart and locals often talk about them as if they’re separate airports. The domestic terminal is served by local bus routes 37 and 39 as well as the more expensive Airport City Shuttle and Fremantle Airport Shuttle, which also serve the international terminal.

The Airport City Shuttle (tel 1300 666 806) is the quickest option into the city centre from the international terminal or the domestic terminal.

Jandakot Airport, south of the city centre handles some regional flights including flights to Rottnest Island.

By Cruise Ship: Ships dock in the Port of Fremantle.

Bus

Perth has three bus terminals. 1)Transwa (tel 1300 662 205) Buses to destinations in the state’s south depart from the East Perth Terminal train station.

2) Greyhound and Integrity coaches depart from the bus station at 554 Wellington Street near Perth train station.

3)Southwest Coachlines operate buses to the southwest including Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River. Southwest buses depart from the City Busport on Mounts Bay Road.

Train

The East Perth Terminal is the terminus for long distance trains. Transwa (tel 1300 662 205) has trains to Bunbury and Kalgoorlie and Great Southern Railway operates the Indian-Pacific to Sydney with stops at Kalgoorlie, Adelaide and Broken Hill. The East Perth Terminal is part of Transperth’s suburban train network with frequent trains to the city centre and Fremantle.

Getting Around

Transperth (tel 13 62 13)) operates Perth’s public transport network, which is comprised of buses, ferries and trains. It is a good value way to get around the city and there is free transport in the central area.

Bus

Buses form the backbone of Perth’s transport system and it is inevitable that you’ll ride them at some point or another, particularly if you want to get to the beaches.

Buses are free within the central area, although with regular buses it can be difficult to know which rides are free and which ones you have to pay for. Fortunately there are a couple of frequent bus routes confined to the free central area that are extremely popular with ravelers. The Central Area Transit (CAT) buses run three routes – the Red CAT runs an east-west route in the city centre, the Yellow CAT goes between the city centre and East Perth and the more useful Blue CAT connects the hostels in Northbridge with the city centre. The only problem is that the CAT buses stop running shortly after 6pm. There is also an Orange CAT, which runs a loop around Fremantle.

Perth’s bus network covers a large area with buses running as far away as Rockingham and Mandurah. The Public Transportation throughout Perth and Fremantle is fast and reliable.

Train

Perth’s rail network consists of five lines. The Fremantle line runs from the city centre to Fremantle via Cottesloe. Trains run approximately every half hour.

City West, Perth, McIver and Claisebrook stations lie within the Free Transit Zone.

Ferry

Perth has a limited ferry service between Barrack Street Jetty in the city centre and Coode Street and Mends Street Jetties in South Perth. The Barrack Street Jetty to Mends Street Jetty ferry is a popular route for ravelers visiting Perth Zoo. Ferries run around every 20 minutes.

Like many other public transport networks, Perth is divided into different fare zones. Most attractions are in zones one and two; although the transport network extends as far as zone eight. A Perth to Fremantle train trip requires a two-zone ticket, as does a trip between the city centre and the domestic airport terminal.

A DayRider ticket allows unlimited travel on Transperth buses, trains and ferries from 9am on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays.

Art Gallery of Western Australia

Perth Cultural Centre, James Street, Northbridge

Bus Blue CAT Train Perth

Tel (08) 9492 6622

Admission free, charge for some temporary exhibits

Open 10am-5pm daily

Australian and international art are shown at the state's most important art museum.

Cottesloe Beach

+61 8 9285 5000

The sprawling white beaches in Perth are sensational. Regular swimmers, picnicking families and sun seekers visit Cottlesloe. It offers a choice of locations to watch the sunset. Enjoy spectacular views across the Indian Ocean from one of the many cafes and restaurants along Marine Parade or from a tranquil spot on the sand. At the southern end of the beach, a reasonably sheltered reef proves a great spot for snorkeling. The main beach area has showers and toilets.

Rottnest Island

+61 8 9372 9752

Only 25 minutes by ferry from the mainland to enjoy this aquatic paradise. Rottnest Island, 11 kilometers long and almost five kilometers wide, boasts numerous fantastic beaches. Enjoy leisure activities galore. Bicycles, the main source of transport, can be hired at Thomson Bay. The amazing array of marine life living in the coral reefs that fringe the island ensure superb snorkeling and scuba diving. The island also proves very popular with city surfers.

Kings Park & Botanic Garden

+61 8 9480 3600

Only minutes walk from central Perth, this park offers a tranquil respite from the city. With 400 hectares of parklands and natural bush to explore, visitors can enjoy numerous activities. Hire a bike, take a tram tour, or join a free guided walk. An evening visit proves spectacular. Meander along 'Honour Avenue' (lined with towering lemon-scented gum trees) and enjoy the city lights.

Armadale Reptile & Wildlife Centre

+61 8 9399 6927

The Reptile Park was set up as a conservation and education facility in 1994. It now houses more than 200 species of reptiles from the venomous local variety to the more friendly python family and waddling goanna. The park also lodges a variety of other residents that do not belong to the reptile fraternity such as flying foxes, quokkas and enichindas. Other amenities include barbecue areas, a snack bar and souvenir shop. Admission: Adults AUD11; children AUD6.50; concession AUD8.80.

Rockingham Dolphins

The Cruising Yacht Club jetty

Val Street

+61 8 9591 1333

Rockingham Dolphins has been operating since 1987 and knows all the right spots to locate wild dolphins. Daily tours from September 1 until May 31. First, you will cruise through the waters off Rockingham, home to about 180 bottlenose dolphins. When the dolphins are spotted, the experienced crew will assist you in donning a wet suit, snorkel, and mask, and you will join them in their underwater world. All dolphins at Rockingham are wild, (meaning no tricks and no training), thus visitors experience the mammal in it's true state! The trip runs between two and five hours. The other option is a dolphin watch tour.

Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA)

51 James Street, Northbridge

Bus Blue CAT Train Perth

Tel (08) 9227 6144

Admission Gallery free, charge for performances

Open Tue-Sun 11am-8pm

The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts features exhibits of avant garde and contemporary visual and performing arts.

Perth Mint

310 Hay Street

Bus Red CAT

Tel (08) 9421 7223 or 1800 098 817

Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm; gold pours Mon-Fri 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, Sat-Sun 10am, 11am, noon

This impressive building on Hay Street offers a unique insight into how money is made.

Penguin Island

+61 8 9592 5191

Little penguins and numerous sea birds inhabit this 12.5-hectare island haven. Penguin Island is a breeding site for 16 species of birds. The island also has excellent snorkeling and surfing conditions, delightful picnic areas, a Discovery Center, lookouts and walkways. A ferry operates (on the hour) from Mersey Point at Shoalwater and ferry tickets include entry to the Island Discovery Center.

Swan Bells

Barrack Square, Riverside Drive, Perth

Bus Blue CAT Ferry Barrack Street Jetty

Tel (08) 9218 8183

Open 10am-5pm daily; bell ringing Mon-Fri 11.30am-12.30pm, Sat-Sun noon-2pm

This impressive copper and glass tower in Barrack Square is one of the world's largest musical instruments. It houses a set of 18 bells, which includes 12 bells from St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square, London that date from before the 14th century. The tower features galleries where you can see the bell ringers in action as well as observation decks that boast stunning city views.

Western Australian Museum

James Street Mall

Perth

+61 (0)8 9427 2700

Mon-Fri. 10:30-5:00

Western Australia's largest and most comprehensive museum houses more than two million artifacts and specimens. The museum's permanent exhibitions include the Katta Djinoong display (which focuses on Western Australia's Aboriginal heritage), bird, butterfly, marine, mammal and dinosaur galleries. The Old Perth Gaol, also on site, features a number of regularly changing and special exhibits.
The museum shop and coffee shop are worth a quick visit. Admission: Free.

Adventure World

179 Progress Drive

Bibra Lake

+61 8 9417 9666

Seasonal

Only 20 minutes drive from Perth, this is Western Australia's major theme park. It is only open from September until April but with over 30 exhilarating rides and a wildlife park, it is worth a visit. Try the Tunnel of Terror, the Turbo Mountain Roller coaster or meet some of Australia's original inhabitants in the wildlife area and touch farm. Do not forget your swimsuit - the park has swimming areas and a children's water playground. There are food and refreshment outlets and shaded picnic areas.

Sir James Mitchell Park

+61 (0)8 9474 0777

Enjoy the splendid sunset scenes and sparkling Swan River while cycling or walking along the South Perth foreshore. Established in the 1970s, Sir James Mitchell Park was initiated specifically for passive recreation and it serves its purpose superbly.
The only building in the entire area is the old Wesley College Boatshed at Coode Street Jetty. The park stretches along the river from Mends Street jetty to McCallum Park at the Causeway Bridge. There are several wetland areas and a wonderful paperbark swamp that is worth a visit.

John Forrest National Park

+61 8 9298 8344

This park is one of the oldest and most-loved picnic areas located in the Darling Ranges. The main tree species found in the area are Jarrah, Marri and Wandoo - home to an abundance of bird life. Take time to enjoy the extensive walking trails and visit the lookout for the fantastic views. Other features are the 100 year-old railway tunnel, the two waterfalls and rock pool. The park has a tavern and several picnic areas with barbecues.

Cape Peron

61 8 9483 1111

Situated within the Shoalwater Marine Park is a group of ideal beaches for children. Cape Peron offers a wonderful series of small bays with rocky outcrops making the area an adventure to explore. This is a great spot for snorkeling and shore diving. The best time for diving is in the morning before the wind begins to blow too much. The marine park covers 6,545 hectares taking in Shoalwater Bay and Warnbro Sound with a chain of limestone islands including Penguin Island and Seal Island. Ferries and tours to the islands run from Mersey Point.

Whiteman Park

Lord Street

Whiteman (Perth suburb 15 km from the city center)

08-9249-2446

9-6 daily

Be sure to arrange round trip transport from Perth if you do not have an automobile. Caversham Park is remote, and it is difficult to arrange transportation back to the city from the park. There is a gift shop/café that has a telephone and helpful personnel, however. Rides to the entrance gate are available. However, taxis will come right to Caversham Park entrance if arranged in advance.

Weekend evenings: occasional special outdoor film presentations and concerts

Located northeast of the city center. Within this extremely, though isolated, popular park is a section known as Cavensham Wildlife Reserve which offers up-close photo opportunities of koalas, interaction with kangaroos and emus, and camel rides. The park also contains an extensive collection of vehicles from the past 100 years and a craft village that displays the work of local artisans. There is also an exhibit of the history of farm machinery.

Perth Zoo

20 Labouchere Road

08-9367-7988

In South Perth, a ferry ride away from the city centre. The zoo is dedicated to conservation and has all the features of an international standard zoo. Attractions include a nocturnal house, a wildlife park, and an African Savannah exhibit.

Parliament House

Harvest Terrace, Perth

Bus Red CAT

Tel (08) 9222 7429

Admission free

Tours Mon, Thu 10.30am

Free tours of the Western Australian state parliament building are available on premises.

The Houghton Wine Company

+61 8 9274 9540

Western Australia's largest winemaker, Houghton's, produced its first commercial vintage in 1859. The grounds here are delightful with picturesque gardens and heritage buildings that house the wine cellar. Western Australia's only bushranger, Moondyne Joe, was supposedly captured in the cellar of Houghton's Winery after one of his many escapes from the law. Houghton's has other vineyards within three to four hours drive southwest of Perth in Mount Barker, Pemberton and Frankland River.

John Forrest National Park

+61 8 9298 8344

Visiting a forest while in Western Australian should be on the top of your list. This park is one of the oldest and most-loved picnic areas located in the Darling Ranges. The main tree species found in the area are Jarrah, Marri and Wandoo - home to an abundance of bird life. Take time to enjoy the extensive walking trails and visit the lookout for the fantastic views. Other features are the 100 year-old railway tunnel, the two waterfalls and rock pool. The park has a tavern and several picnic areas with barbecues.

City of Lights Dinner Cruise

+61 8 9325 3341

Most cities look fabulous at night, but Perth's Swan River offers a perfect vantage point for spectacular viewing. This tour offers the opportunity to cruise the river while enjoying a delicious buffet meal. Full bar facilities are available on board and a disc jockey encourages guests to dance the night away. This is a fun evening out, with the dazzling city lights adding a romantic edge to a starlit deck stroll: 7.30p Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Fremantle Attractions

Fremantle (Port)

This seaside suburb has long been Perth's port. The area has a laid-back ambience and is worth at least a day-trip from Perth. There is fabulous shopping in the markets and a maritime museum.

Fremantle Markets

Corner Henderson Street & South Terrace, Fremantle

Bus Orange CAT Train Fremantle

Tel (08) 9335 2515

Admission free

Open Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-5pm

This old market hall (established in 1897) is now one of Fremantle's most popular attractions with over 150 stalls ranging from produce to arts and crafts.

Fremantle Prison

1 The Terrace, Fremantle

Bus Orange CAT Train Fremantle

Tel (08) 9336 9200

Open 10am-5pm daily; tours depart every half hour

The Fremantle Prison was built with convict labour in the 19th century and was operated as a prison until as recently as 1991. It has now been opened to the public and has frequent guided tours.

Maritime Museum

Forrest Landing, Victoria Quay, Fremantle

Bus Orange CAT Train Fremantle

Tel (08) 9335 8921

Open 9.30am-5pm daily

The new maritime museum on Victoria Quay features an excellent collection of exhibits including a 90-metre-long submarine.

Shipwreck Museum

Cliff Street, Fremantle

Bus Orange CAT Train Fremantle

Tel (08) 9431 8444

Admission free

Open 9.30am-5pm daily

The old maritime museum on Cliff Street houses a collection of exhibits focusing on shipwrecks.

Scitech Discovery Centre

Corner Railway Parade & Sutherland Street, West Perth

City West First Floor

Tel (08) 9481 5789

Open 10am-5pm daily

This hands-on science museum features over 160 interactive exhibits. However, like many science museums, it is geared mostly toward children.

Cottesloe Beach

+61 8 9285 5000

Rottnest Island

+61 8 9372 9752

Kings Park & Botanic Garden

+61 8 9480 3600

Armadale Reptile & Wildlife Centre

+61 8 9399 6927

Rockingham Dolphins

The Cruising Yacht Club jetty

Val Street

+61 8 9591 1333

Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA)

51 James Street, Northbridge

Bus Blue CAT Train Perth

Tel (08) 9227 6144

Admission Gallery free, charge for performances

Open Tue-Sun 11am-8pm

The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts features exhibits of avant garde and contemporary visual and performing arts.

Perth Mint

310 Hay Street

Bus Red CAT

Tel (08) 9421 7223 or 1800 098 817

Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm; gold pours Mon-Fri 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, Sat-Sun 10am, 11am, noon

This impressive building on Hay Street offers a unique insight into how money is made.

Penguin Island

+61 8 9592 5191

Swan Bells

Barrack Square, Riverside Drive, Perth

Bus Blue CAT Ferry Barrack Street Jetty

Tel (08) 9218 8183

Open 10am-5pm daily; bell ringing Mon-Fri 11.30am-12.30pm, Sat-Sun noon-2pm

Adventure World

179 Progress Drive

Bibra Lake

+61 8 9417 9666

Seasonal

Only 20 minutes drive from Perth, this is Western Australia's major theme park. It is only open from September until April but with over 30 exhilarating rides and a wildlife park, it is worth a visit. Try the Tunnel of Terror, the Turbo Mountain Roller coaster or meet some of Australia's original inhabitants in the wildlife area and touch farm. Do not forget your swimsuit - the park has swimming areas and a children's water playground. There are food and refreshment outlets and shaded picnic areas.

Sir James Mitchell Park

+61 (0)8 9474 0777

John Forrest National Park

+61 8 9298 8344

Cape Peron

61 8 9483 1111

Whiteman Park

Lord Street

Whiteman (Perth suburb 15 km from the city center)

08-9249-2446

9-6 daily

Weekend evenings: occasional special outdoor film presentations and concerts

Perth Zoo

20 Labouchere Road

08-9367-7988

Early January

The BMW-Perth Cup

Western Australia's answer to the Melbourne cup is the region's premier horse-racing event. The BMW-Perth Cup now carries prize money of A$400,000. The race is held at Royal Ascot Raceway and is regarded as Australia's toughest test for thoroughbreds, run over the same distance as the Melbourne Cup. The race is also the highlight of the Perth social calendar and for visitors to the region it's a great opportunity to meet the locals, and to celebrate New Year's Day.

Throughout the day, an acre of lush green paddock is transformed into a party zone. This is rated as Perth's biggest party, but don't forget the race, nor to place your bets.

+61 (0) 8 9479 5986

Early January

Summadayze

Together with the cream of Australia's dance music scene, a hand-picked selection of the world's finest talent ensures ten hours of non-stop entertainment. Given that it's the height of summer, there's ice cream, fresh fruit, food and festival stalls, as well as plenty of shaded areas and more than 70 free water drinking points to keep party-goers refreshed and cool.

Early February

Perth’s Big Day Out

Australasia's huge touring music festival, Big Day Out, finishes in Perth at the Claremont Showgrounds.

While the northern hemisphere endures the big freeze in January, the countries in its southern counterpart enjoy summer. Australia celebrates with its annual Big Day Out music festival, which begins in Auckland, New Zealand then transfers to Australia over the following three weekends.

+61 (0) 8 9385 2396

Mid February

Good Vibrations

The Good Vibrations festival aims to get back to basics in natural amphitheatres. Planned to create a relaxing and inviting environment, Good Vibrations works on a "wholly different ethos" to other music festivals, aiming to get back to the "original festival spirit, before things turned to big name drawcards and big business.

+61 (0) 8 9296 3033

Mid February-Early March

Perth International Arts Festival

Founded in 1953 by the University of West Australia, Perth's International Arts Festival is the country's oldest and largest multi-arts festival, far outreaching the city boundary that gives it its name.

+61 (0) 8 9380 2000

Early-Mid March

Sculpture by the Sea

The idea is breathtakingly simple - outdoor sculptures along the beach - and with 25,000 visitors to the first Sculpture by the Sea it was no surprise that the idea spread.+61 (0) 8 9483 1111

Early March

Flickerfest International Short Film Festival

Flickerfest, Australia's premier annual short film festival, is an Oscar Academy accredited festival which tours the country after being seen at Sydney's Bondi Beach Pavilion. Here it arrives at Perth's Camelot Outdoor Cinema. In addition to the annual focus on Australian shorts, the festival offers an international competition - entries have come from as far afield as Romania, Thailand and Brazil -documentary programs, an Oscars program and a retrospective at the work of major directors.

+61 (0) 8 9385 1777

Early October-November

Western Australia Pride

Western Australia Pride opens with Fairday and ends with the Pride Parade and Party. Events also cover theatre, music, visual arts, film, community activities and public forums.

+61 (0) 8 9324 1310

Late December-Early January

Hyundai Hopman Cup

Recognized by the International Tennis Federation as an "Official Team Competition," the Hopman Cup welcomes teams of two players - one male, one female - from the world's leading tennis nations. Over the eight days of the tournament at the Burswood Dome there are both men and women's singles matches, as well as mixed doubles.

Mid-October is the date for the official draw of the nine teams. The eighth and ninth-ranked teams play off for a position in the main draw, which is divided into two seeded groups of four, with the winning team of each draw meeting in the final.

+61 (0) 8 9362 7777