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Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia. With a population of 1,650,000, Perth ranks fourth amongst the nation's cities, with a growth rate consistently above the national average. Perth is ranked number 4 on The Economist's 2008 list of the World's Most Livable Cities. It became known worldwide as the "City of Lights" as city residents lit their houselights and streetlights as American astronaut John Glenn passed overhead while orbiting the earth on Friendship 7 in 1962. The city repeated its feat as Glenn passed overhead on the Space Shuttle in 1998.

What to See 

Western Australia Museum is located in a series of heritage listed buildings. It’s collection of specimens and artifacts showcase the social and natural history of W.A. It is open 7 days a week, year round, except for national holidays.  

Kings Park and Botanic Gardens is the most popular tourist destination in Western Australia. This large, lush park contains over 300 species of plants, more than 80 species of birds and has unbeatable waterfront and city views. There are outdoor concerts, plays and movies showing here year round!

Art Gallery of Western Australia is part of the Perth Cultural Centre. This gallery has one of the best Aboriginal art exhibits in Australia. It also features rotating exhibits of past and present art.

Aquarium of Western Australia is Australia’s largest aquarium. Here one can observe sea life that is unique to W.A., such as sting rays, giant sharks, sea turtles, the leafy sea dragon and living coral reefs. 

Caversham Wildlife Park & Zoo is situated in Whiteman Park and houses one of the largest collections of native fauna in Western Australia.

Western Australia Maritime Museum is symbolic of Fremantle’s past, present and future as a coastal town. The Museum houses six unique galleries, each focusing on a different aspect of Western Australia’s relationship with the sea.

Rockingham Wild Encounters is a locally owned eco-tourism operation that specializes in interacting with the local marine wildlife in their own environment

Hillarys Boat Harbour can be found within Perth's northern suburbs (just a thirty minute car ride). 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.

The Perth Zoo is home to around 1300 native and exotic animals from over 230 species, as well as world famous breeding programs for critically endangered species.

Whiteman Park; located in the Northern outskirts of the city, Whiteman Park is an amazing national park and wildlife sanctuary. Kids can pet the Kangaroos and other wildlife and the grownups can enjoy the railway, railway museum and loads more.

What to Do

Shopping

Whether you're looking for designer fashion, souvenirs, Aboriginal Art, antiques or local fresh produce, you can find a wide variety of shopping options in and around Perth.

• The King Street precinct in Perth's historic West end is peppered with chic, leading fashion houses including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co and Chanel.
• Harbour Town is where you’ll find designer labels at brand direct and factory prices.
• Rokeby Road and Hay Street is a great place to find some wonderful and original boutiques.

Dining

There are an abundance of dining options in Perth. Whether it's posh nosh on the waterfront you're interested in, or cheap and cheerful cafes, there is lots of great dining in Perth!  Many Perth restaurants even allow you to bring your own wine or beer. Perth does not have have any special cuisine, rather it has adopted a world wide approach to dining and embraces every cuisine. These are the best districts for dining:

• Northbridge - located just over the railway line in Perth, this area is the nightspot of Perth and contains the majority of nightclubs and restaurants/bars frequented by the younger set and those looking for a good meal.  Nearly every cusine is available at reasonable prices.
• Fremantle - is the port for Perth and is located approximately 20 km from Perth. Fremantle is famous for it Fish and Chips and seafood restaurants, particularly around the Fishing Boat Harbour and the cappuchino strip in South Street.
• Subiaco - another quaint area with an abundance of shops and al fresco dining establishments. Very popular on weekends with the in crowd.
• Leederville - just outside of Perth. Oxford Street is fast becoming the place to be seen dining or just enjoying a coffee.

Day Trips

Some great options for day trips from Perth:

• The Swan River The suburbs along the northern banks of the Swan River house some of the most exclusive properties in Australia. For a day away from the city, take a leisurely drive through these leafy, wealthy and extremely pretty river suburbs.
• Mandurah, Rockingham and Fremantle Take a drive through the port at Freemantle,to the Fishing Boat Harbour and take a drive out to the western point to view Garden Island. Leave Fremantle and head south past Woodman Point, continue to to Rockingham, which has a great beach for kids, and spectacular bviews of the Indian Ocaen. Contiune onto Mandurah, on the windy road road goes through some of the prettiest parts of the coast. Once in Madurah, spend a relaxing afternoon on the foreshore or join a cruise through the canals viewing the million dollar homes.
• Head out to Sunset Coast for the day and enjoy a picnic on the beach, explore the boardwalks or visit visit the Naturaliste Marine Discovery Center to learn more about the local underwater environment.
• The Darling Scarp , known locally as The Hills provides an opportunity for bush walks; especially recommended during the spring (September through November) when the wildflowers are in bloom. There's a chance you will see wild kangaroos but be warned that they often jump in front of cars, especially at dawn and dusk. A drive to the old towns of Toodyay and/or York makes for a nice day's outing, being about an hour's drive away. Toodyay is also accessible by train.

Weather

Perth receives moderate though highly seasonal rainfall. Summers are generally hot and dry, lasting from late December to late March, with February generally being the hottest month of the year, making Perth a classic example of a Mediterranean climate.