Perth, the capital of Western Australia , is a modern city and supposedly Australia's sunniest capital. Perth is also the most isolated capital city in the world with 80% of the 1.8 million people in Western Australia living in and around the city. 

Situated on the west bank of the Swan River and founded in 1829 it grew due to the convicts arrival around the labour shortage, with many of the major buildings built by the convicts. The city boomed during the 1890's gold discovery. Perth is home to many great architectural landmarks of interest to both locals and visitors alike. One such landmark is The Perth Mint, housed in an elegant, late 19th century, heritage building. This is a popular tourist attraction being Australia's oldest operating mint with a number of attractions. 

The main business area is on St. Georges Terrace with the main shopping area being at Hay Street and Murray Street Malls. 

Kings Park which is approximately 1,000 acres in size (406 Hectares) and makes an ideal place to relax, enjoy a picnic or take a leisurely walk is situated in the city. Here you can enjoy wonderfully cultivated gardens, natural bushland, recreational areas and over 300 species of native plants together with roughly 80 bird species. Kings Park also offers great views of Perth and Swan River and is simply a must do when visiting Perth. 

- some Must-dos 

Check out some of the most spectacular, untouched natural scenery in the world. From the white sparkling sand and turquoise water of our coastline to some of the most dramatic gorges, you’ll be amazed at the unique things you can see and do in Western Australia! 

1. Fremantle is a vibrant port city rich in heritage buildings, unique attractions, maritime history and cosmopolitan culture. Just 20 minutes southwest of Perth, the streets of Fremantle are a buzz with shoppers and al fresco diners seven days a week. 

2. Rottnest Island - Crystal clear bays and coral fringed beaches with sparkling white sands, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, surfing or sunbathing make Rottnest Island one of Western Australia’s favourite holiday destinations. It's the ideal place for a pristine marine experience. 

3. Kings Park offers sweeping parklands, a Botanic Garden, spectacular wildflowers and a huge expanse of native bushland, all only a few minutes from the centre of Perth. Visitors can also enjoy amazing panoramic views of Perth city and the Swan River 

4. Perth beaches - Travel only minutes from the city to find some of the most pristine coastline in the world. Powdery white beaches with sparkling blue water stretch for as far as the eye can see, from the city’s western suburbs to Lancelin, 125 kilometres north of Perth. 

5. The Margaret River region is a superb blend of good living and stunning nature just three and a half hours' drive south of Perth. Visitors be prepared to indulge in the gastronomic delights of worldclass wineries and gourmet vineyard restaurants. 

A little bit further….. 

1. Ningaloo Marine Park - Stretching 260 kilometres along pristine coastline, Ningaloo Reef is Western Australia’s largest and most accessible Coral Reef. With dazzling water, amazing marine life and untouched nature, Ningaloo Marine Park is an unforgettable holiday destination. 

2. Shark Bay World Heritage area - Shark Bay was Western Australia's first World Heritage listed area. Friendly bottle-nosed dolphins, clear turquoise water and some of the oldest and largest living fossils in the world make for a very unique holiday. 

3. Broome simply oozes with colour and has a fascinating history. It's Western Australia's secret getaway - right on the Indian Ocean's doorstep and the gateway to Australia's last frontier of pristine wilderness - the Kimberley. - Stay at Cable Beach.

4. Kununurra - Located in the far north, is the eastern gateway to Western Australia's top end and home of outback adventure. With year round warm weather and plentiful water, Kununurra is lush and fertile, and produces much of the State's fruit and vegetables. 

Day tours 

1. Morning tour of Perth and Fremantle.- starting at 08:00 am. The afternoon tour starts at 1:15 pm. Same itinerary.

A great morning taking in Perth and Fremantle giving you an insight into the city and the alfresco lifestyle locals enjoy.

Starting in Perth, the tour takes in all major attractions, beginning with Kings Park botanical gardens, where you have time to experience a walk through the trees canopies on the Tree Top Walk. Later, continue to Cottesloe Beach before arriving at historic Fremantle. Part with the group for more time here making your own way home via public transport otherwise we highly recommend you take the optional Swan River Cruise back to Perth with Captain Cook Cruises. Onboard, relax into panoramic scenery of Perth as you enjoy a Western Australian wine tasting whilst cruising by extravagant waterfront houses of Millionaires Row. Alternatively, stay on the coach returning to Perth by road travelling past the University of Western Australia, Royal Perth Yacht Club, the Old Swan Brewery, Barrack Street Jetty, the Bell Tower and finally the Perth Mint, arrive at approximately 12.30 pm 

Cost: Adult AUD 69.00 Child 35.00

2. Full day Margaret River with picnic lunch. Departs at 08:00.

Known as one of Australia's finest wine regions, the Margaret River Region is an area also blessed with natural beauty. Providing a diverse range of activities, this tour allows you to experience this high profile Western Australian area in one day. Travelling south we stop for morning tea (own expense) at Dawesville Channel. We continue south to the Margaret River Region and visit Xanadu Winery, one of the early established vineyards of the region. Here we enjoy wine tasting and the chance to purchase from their extensive cellar and merchandise collection. We then travel on to the Eagles Heritage Raptor Centre, housing the largest collection of native raptors in Australia. View them handled close up and witness their lightning speed during a free flight display. Here, we also enjoy a picnic lunch  or upgrade to the optional lobster lunch. From here we experience a guided tour of Mammoth Cave, one of over 300 natural underground limestone caves in the district. Travelling south we pass by stunning Boranup Forest, a visual highlight of the region before arriving at Augusta's famous Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, a geographical point of significance marking the dividing point between the Southern and Indian Oceans. Returning to the north of the region we break at a café for a light dinner at the Busselton Jetty (own expense). Whilst here marvel at this two kilometre construction, the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere before our return journey home to Perth arriving back approximately 9.30 pm.
Cost: Adult AUD 179.00  Child 90.00 

3. 1 day 4WD Pinnacles,koalas & sandboarding with picnic lunch. Depart 08:00

This fabulous day out explores the world renowned Pinnacles Desert, an amazing moon like landscape. Other highlights of this exciting day include sand boarding on huge white sand dunes, viewing Australian native wildlife including kangaroos, emus and koalas We leave the city limits and head north to Caversham Wildlife Park where we stop to view and photograph koalas and kangaroos. We break at the small fishing settlement of Lancelin before the thrilling experience of 4-wheel driving over massive Lancelin sand dunes and the chance to try sand boarding. We journey along quiet back roads where kangaroos and emus are often spotted, passing through wildflower country. We move onto the Rock Lobster town of Cervantes for lunch  alternatively indulge yourself and order the optional lobster lunch . Afterwards, visit the wildflower shop or alternatively in summer time, weather permitting enjoy a swim or a walk on the white sandy beach. Afterwards we visit Nambung National Park, home of the amazing Pinnacles Desert. Here your driver guide takes you for an easy paced walk through parts of this fascinating landscape covering some 404 hectares. Ensure you wear comfortable footwear, bring a hat and plenty of film. Later enjoy a sunset journey back to Perth. If flowering, stops to view spring wildflowers will be made en route with arrival back in Perth at approximately 7.30 pm. Note: Tour may operate with morning in coach and afternoon in 4WD, or vice versa depending on passenger numbers. Sometimes due to soft sand dunes delays may occur. Tour not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems and infants. 

Cost: Adult AUD 169.00  Child 85.00 

4. 1-day wine cruise incl. lunch and wine tasting. Depart at 09:45 am. 

A fabulous way to reach the Swan Valley and sample some of their world-class wines. Cruise on board a modern fully air-conditioned river cruiser for a scenic journey up Perth's Swan River to the historic Swan Valley wine region. Join Perth's famous full day wine cruise from the city all the way upstream into the picturesque Swan Valley. Enjoy morning tea soon after you board, followed by cheese and biscuits and tasting of our premium 'Wines of the Month' from local Western Australian vineyards. On arrival in the upper reaches of the Swan, transfer to one of our air-conditioned coaches and visit two of WA's most prestigious and best known wineries, Houghton and Sandalford. Here you will sample and have the opportunity to purchase some of their distinctive premium wines. Relax at the riverside restaurant at Olive Farm Winery with a delicious three course lunch (choice of three mains). Enjoy music from our pianist and live entertainment that follows on the cheerful trip home. Wines are included throughout the day, including with your meal and there is a further wine tasting opportunity after lunch at Olive Farm. Complimentary hotel transfers are available on request. 

Cost: Adult AUD 125.00  Child 75.00 

 

Accommodation: 

We recommend the following hotels in Perth; 

5 stars *****   The Richardson Hotel 

The Richardson, a striking new building designed by renowned London Architect Sir Terry Farrell, is sure to be a Perth landmark. Conveniently located in West Perth, with the unique Kings Park, the new Perth Convention Centre and the Central Business District a short walk away. 

The Richardson Hotel, Suites and Spa boasts 58 suites and 16 guestrooms, on eight floors, most with private balconies and views of Perth City, Kings Park and surrounding areas. 

All have been carefully designed with the modern traveller in mind. The LCD flat panel TV and entertainment console offers the latest technology in each suite’s separate lounge area. The guest bathrooms fuse clean white porcelain walls, marble top vanity units and picture hung mirrors – creating an atmosphere for relaxed bathing.

 

4 stars ****     Sheraton Perth 

With panoramic views overlooking the Swan River, Sheraton Perth is a 10-minute stroll from the central business, shopping and entertainment areas. All 390 comfortably appointed guest rooms cater to your needs, most with panoramic views of the Swan River. Discover another level of comfort on the Executive Level, complete with top-floor views and access to the private Executive Club Lounge.

3 stars ***       Goodearth Hotel 

The Goodearth Hotel is a Full Service, Apartment Style Hotel conveniently located in Adelaide Terrace, just minutes from the city centre. The Goodearth Hotel offers a range of accommodation options to suit the needs of business travellers, holiday makers, families and groups. The diverse range of accommodation options with 181 well appointed rooms which include; studio apartments, one bedroom family apartments, multi-share rooms and two bedroom apartments

For more information on hotels and rates, please click here.

 

 

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City of lights - Perth.

All paintings on this page by Jeremy Holton. Please click here to visit his studio.

Summer on the Swan

Jigsaw - Fremantle Harbour

Town with a view - Albany

Men of stone - near Windjana Gorge.

Bungle Bungles

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