Perth, Australia is quite possibly one of the most remote cities in the world. The capital of Western Australia, it is nearly 4,000km from other Australian cities like Sydney and Canberra on Australia’s east coast. However, don’t let that distance detract from what an amazing city it is. It’s proximity to some of the world’s most interesting animals, incredible natural phenomenon, and one of Australia’s best wine regions makes it a great destination for adventurous travellers!
Those of you that follow my page on Facebook will have seen that about a month ago I shared Perth as a destination. Every day I highlighted something different! Unfortunately this post won’t be as detailed so head over there (search for Perth in the sidebar) for more!
Perth, Australia
Perth was settled by Europeans in the 19th century. The Dutch were the first to arrive, sailing south from the East Timor Sea, in the 17th century. However, the Dutch were not impressed with the area and left. The British, under Captain James Stirling, arrived in the 1820s and settled what is now known as the Swan Valley.
Fremantle was the first city that the British settled, although it grew gradually over the century. Today it is the predominant port of Perth as well as a popular dining and entertainment district. It takes about a half an hour to get to Freo from Perth by train.
What to do in (and around) Perth
Perth is blessed with (on average) 265 days of sunshine, so you’d be amiss if you didn’t spend at least some of your time here at one of the beaches. Perth, Australia is the sunniest city in the country!
Did you know there are 80km of coastline in Perth?! Popular swimming beaches are Cottesloe, Scarborough, and City Beach.
Keep an eye on surf competitions, as these occur often during the summer. While it won’t overwhelm the beach, parking may be tricky at the beaches during the events.
The city centre is also a great place to hang out. With little gems like London Court, Beaufort Street, and Gordon Street, you will always find someplace exciting to hang out at. Elizabeth Quay is new (2017) and a great vantage point for the city, from the city. Kings Park and the Botanic Gardens also have sweeping views of the city. Kings Park is the world’s largest inner city park, and yes, that includes Central Park. Two thirds of the park is native, undeveloped bushland. This means it is highly concentrated conservation land important for both biodiversity and understanding Australian plants and animals.
Outside of the city
If you would like to get out of the city and explore the Margaret River, Augusta, and Albany areas, or even further, you will need a few weeks in WA. If you want to get to Perth and fly onward, to say Dubai or Johannesburg, five days is an ideal duration to see the city and still get a day or two in Margaret River. The Margaret River wineries may be remote, but they are quickly becoming some of the most well known and sought after wineries in the world!
Another interesting destination within a day’s drive from Perth is the Pinnacles. Located within Nambung National Park, these unusual formations are otherworldly. I always describe them as like something out of Return to Oz!
Getting to and from Western Australia
Perth is accessible from all other Australian cities as well as Southeast Asia, Dubai, and South Africa (Johannesburg).
It is possible to drive to Perth, but I don’t recommend it as its 28 hours from Adelaide and almost double that from Sydney (41 hours)! However, once you are in Perth, driving south to Margaret River or north toward Cervantes and the Pinnacles is pretty easy if not a bit long. To get to Karajini National Park or Exmouth (where you can swim with whale sharks!), you should fly. There are daily flights from Perth on Australian carrier Qantas and budget carrier Jetstar.
While in Las Vegas for Virtuoso Travel Week, I met the tourism director for Western Australia. If you have any questions whatsoever, definitely reach out to me because I can go direct to her! This is one thing I love about my network – no one is too far away, even if they’re literally on the other side of the world!
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If you’re considering Australia, please get in touch with me! This is one of my favourite countries, and I truly believe that my personal experience here can only add value to what I create for you.
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