Perth is one of most isolated cities in world – Adelaide is around 750 miles to the east – and also one of the sunniest. It’s a great place to visit: a clean, modern city with great beaches, lively nightlife and a strong sense of regional pride. All manner of activities are possible too: from surfing and swimming with dolphins to fishing and cycling, outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element.
Things to see and do:
- Beaches – whatever you want from a beach, Perth has one for you. Families with children should make for Sorrento or Cottesloe, while surfers should try Trigg Island and Scarborough – the latter being the place to go for beach atmosphere and attitude too.
- Nightlife – bars, restaurants and clubs abound in Northbridge, and Fremantle is also worth a look.
- Kings Park – the city centre haven houses tropical birds and botanical gardens, and offers great views of the cityscape from across the river
- Rottnest Island – Rottnest is Dutch for ‘rat nest’: the first European explorers to come here mistook the island’s marsupial inhabitants – quokkas – for overgrown rodents. The island has lovely beaches that are ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving, and almost no motorised transport; take the bus, or better, hire a bike to get around.
Getting there:
Perth airport is 8 miles north-east of the city; shuttle buses and taxis are available to take you from one to the other, and car hire is available at the airport as well.
Location and weather:
Perth is situated towards the south of Australia’s western Indian Ocean coast – it’s not very near anywhere; the nearest sizeable settlements are Adelaide to the east (750 miles), and Broome and Uluru to the north (600 miles). The city enjoys a very generous amount of sunshine, and while the summers are hot, humidity stays low so it’s never oppressive.
Top tip:
Perth’s beaches can be evocative and romantic places to watch the sun set, but dusk is also the time when sandflies come out looking for food – make sure you’re not on the menu by covering up and wearing insect repellent. |
