Perth: City Sights
Kings Park
Western Australia’s wildflowers and colourful birds are just a few minutes from the city in Kings Park. Hire a bike to explore the 400 hectares of parklands and natural bush at the top of Mount Eliza. This is a great spot to admire Perth’s skyline. Have a bite to eat at the new Botanical Café or visit the Aboriginal Art & Craft Gallery.
Perth Mint
Dreaming of making your own money? You can mint a coin of your own at the Perth Mint. Choose from either gold-plated, pure silver or pure gold coins and print a personal 100-character message on the coin. The Perth Mint is one of the world’s oldest mints housed in elegant late-19th century heritage buildings.
Aquarium of Western Australia
Delicate sea dragons, jellyfish, sharks, fish and turtles are some of the thousands of marine creatures at the Aquarium of Western Australia, only 25 minutes drive north of Perth. Take a dive with a shark if you dare.
Swan Bells
Hear the world’s largest musical instrument on the foreshore of the Swan River at the Barrack Street Jetty. Twelve of the 18 “change ringing� bells were presented to Western Australia from St Martins in the Fields Church, London, as an Australian Bicentennial project in 1988. Six new bells were cast and added to the collection, which can be heard each day.
Beaches
Splash into the Indian Ocean or find a romantic spot to watch the sun set at one of Perth’s 19 metropolitan beaches. Each has its own special atmosphere. Try Cottesloe, Scarborough, Trigg and Port beaches.
Fremantle
To the south of Perth is the port city of Fremantle. At weekends, this colourful port city is alive with street performers, markets and alfresco cafes. To enjoy the Italian flavour of this community, get on board a Swan River cruise, or catch a train from Perth.
Fremantle Markets
The aroma of fragrant spices and international foods wafts tantalisingly from South Terrace and Parry Streets. The Fremantle Markets hum every weekend with colourful exhibits, crafts, antiques, and the freshest food and produce.
Western Australian Maritime Museum
Our sporting and adventure heritage is on show at the Western Australian Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay. See the America’s Cup-winning yacht, Australia II and more.
Fishing Boat Harbour
Anyone can feel like a salty sea captain among the 500-strong fleet of fishing boats at the Harbour. Stroll along the boardwalk and wash down Fremantle’s renowned fish ‘n’ chips with a locally brewed beer from the Little Creatures Brewery.
Fremantle Prison
Convicts built this vast prison from limestone rock. A maximum-security jail from 1855 until 1991, this is an award winning tourist spot. You can tour the Prison any day.
South Terrace
South Terrace is commonly known as the ‘cappuccino strip’ where cafes and restaurants spill out onto the footpath. Enjoy a relaxing coffee and indulge in some people watching.
Rottnest Island
When Western Australians talk of holidaying “overseas�, we mean we are off to Rottnest Island. Its crystal clear bays and beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing, skin-diving, sunbathing, surfing, boating and fishing. There are no cars here. Rottnest wouldn’t be Rottnest without the quokkas, the small marsupials that inhabit the island and were the inspiration for the island’s name. Ferry services leave daily from Perth, Fremantle and Hillary’s Boat Harbour in Sorrento.
Swan Valley
Lazy summer afternoons on the veranda of a gourmet cafe, cellar-door tastings, sampling the local olives, cheeses or chocolates to find the perfect accompaniment to a bottle of the valley’s best wine. This is life in the Swan Valley, just a short ferry ride up the Swan River. Local microbreweries will keep beer lovers happy.
The Pinnacles
Limestone spires, up to five metres high, rise from the sand. The early morning light creates an eerie moonscape scene at the Pinnacles. This natural phenomenon is part of the Nambung National Park, which has beautiful beaches and coastal dune systems. Make beautiful memories when the park bursts into flower from August to October.
The Peel Region
Stretching from the white sands and crystal waters of the coast to the rugged terrain of the Darling Scarp, the Peel Region has an activity for every season. With less than an hour between our doorstep and the city of Perth, the region is close enough to be the perfect weekend break away. Picnic among the tall jarrah trees of Dwellingup or play a round of golf right on the Indian Ocean. For the adventurous, try whitewater rafting, swimming with the dolphins or hiking the Bibbulmun track. Mandurah is the focal point of the Peel region. Characterised by the popular Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary this city is dominated by waterways and known for its good fishing, crabbing and prawning.
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