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ABOUT PERTH
PERTH
PERTH IS AUSTRALIA'S ONLY CAPITAL CITY WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY THE BEACH
LIFESTYLE, RELAX IN NATURAL BUSHLAND, SAMPLE WORLD-CLASS LOCAL WINES AND
WATCH AN OCEAN SUNSET WITHIN JUST 30 MINUTES OF THE CITY. IT'S ALSO THE SUNNIEST
STATE CAPITAL, AVERAGING 3,000 HOURS OF SUNSHINE PER YEAR AND BOASTING A STRING
OF 19 BEAUTIFULLY CLEAN AND UNCROWDED BEACHES, FROM ICONIC COTTESLOE TO THE
SURF HOTSPOT OF SCARBOROUGH.
REGULAR FLIGHTS TO PERTH DEPART FROM OVERSEAS, ALL STATE CAPITALS AND
MANY REGIONAL LOCATIONS, LANDING YOU JUST 20 MINUTES FROM THE CENTRAL
BUSINESS DISTRICT. FOR MORE EXCITING WAYS TO GET THERE, HOW ABOUT A RIDE ON THE
LEGENDARY INDIAN PACIFIC RAIL, AN EPIC ROAD TRIP ACROSS THE NULLARBOR, OR A
SUMMER CRUISE OF THE COAST?
SITUATED BESIDE THE SWAN RIVER, PERTH IS A LIVING PICTURE POSTCARD, WITH
THE BEST VIEWS OF ALL FROM KINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN - ONE OF THE BIGGEST
INNER-CITY PARKS IN THE WORLD. LARGER THAN NEW YORK'S CENTRAL PARK, THERE ARE
SO MANY WAYS TO ENJOY ITS 400-PLUS HECTARES OF SCULPTED GARDENS AND NATURAL
BUSHLAND. STROLL THE TREETOP WALK, TAKE AN INDIGENOUS CULTURAL TOUR, PICNIC
AMONG THE GUM TREES AND IN SPRING, SEE THE WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM.
ANOTHER CITY ICON IS THE SWAN BELLS, WHICH FILLS THE AIR WITH SOUNDS FROM
ONE OF THE LARGEST MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ON EARTH. FROM THERE, YOU CAN HOP ON
THE FREE BUS TO MUSEUMS, ART GALLERIES AND THE PERTH MINT - HOME TO THE WORLD'S
GREATEST COLLECTION OF GOLD BARS.
THERE'S ALSO PLENTY OF RETAIL THERAPY ON OFFER. THE HIGH-END FASHION
BOUTIQUES OF KING STREET MAKE IT THE PLACE TO BE SEEN. THE MURRAY AND HAY
STREET MALLS ARE WHERE YOU'LL FIND THE BIG BRANDS, OR FOR SOME ECLECTIC VIBES,
HEAD TO NORTHBRIDGE, MOUNT LAWLEY, LEEDERVILLE, SUBIACO OR VICTORIA PARK.

TAKE A LAZY LUNCH BY THE RIVER OR BEACHSIDE AND ENJOY THE FRESH FUSION
FLAVOURS OF PERTH'S MANY CAFES, RESTAURANTS AND NEW SMALL BARS.
JUMP ON A FERRY TO SOUTH PERTH TO TAKE IN THAT SENSATIONAL SKYLINE. IT'S
SPECTACULAR AT NIGHT, WHEN THE GLITTERING LIGHTS ARE REFLECTED ON THE RIVER.
MORNING: PERTH TO NORTHBRIDGE
A GOOD PLACE TO START IS THE PERTH CULTURAL CENTRE, ON THE NORTHBRIDGE
SIDE OF THE PERTH TRAIN STATION (BETWEEN ROE, BEAUFORT, FRANCIS AND WILLIAM
STREETS). HERE, YOULL FIND A CLUSTER OF PREMIUM CULTURAL EXPERIENCES TO
CHOOSE FROM THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM, ART GALLERY OF WESTERN
AUSTRALIA, LIBRARY, STATE THEATRE CENTRE OF WAAND THE BLUE ROOM THEATRE. TAKE
A BREAK IN BETWEEN VISITS TO ENJOY SOME QUIET REFLECTION IN THE URBAN ORCHARD.
HEAD OVER TO JAMES STREET AND THE PERTH INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART
(PICA) TO CHECK OUT SOME AUSTRALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL VISUAL, PERFORMING, NEW
MEDIAAND HYBRID ARTS.
A LITTLE FURTHER ALONG JAMES STREET IN THE NORTHBRIDGE PIAZZA, YOULL
FIND 24 HOURS OF FREE LIVE PERFORMANCES, EXHIBITIONS AND FESTIVALS, AS WELL AS
SPORTING EVENTS AND MOVIES ON THE OUTDOOR LED SCREEN.
AFTERNOON: PERTH TO KINGS PARK
WALK BACK OVER THE PERTH TRAIN STATION FOOTBRIDGE TO FORREST PLACE, AND
THE MALLS OF MURRAY STREET AND HAY STREET HOSTS TO REGULAR AND SEASONAL
EVENTS, INCLUDING GOURMET FOODIE TREATS FROM THE TWILIGHT HAWKERS MARKET
AND PERTH HOME GROWN MARKET. LEADING OFF FROM THESE HUBS, YOULL FIND A
NETWORK OF LANEWAYS THAT CREATE A CAPTIVATING OUTDOOR GALLERY OF MODERN
STREET ART BY LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS.
CATCH A BUS OR TAKE THE WALK UP TO KINGS PARK AND EXPERIENCE ONE OF THE
OLDEST LIVING CULTURES ON EARTH. THE ABORIGINAL ART GALLERY AND GUIDED
INDIGENOUS TOURS LET YOU SEE THIS ANCIENT LAND THROUGH THE EYES OF ITS
TRADITIONAL OWNERS, THE NYOONGAR PEOPLE.
OTHER BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED PIECES OF TRADITIONAL AND MODERN ART CAN BE
FOUND ATASPECTS OF KINGS PARK.
EVENING: PERTH OR MOUNT LAWLEY

RETURN TO THE PERTH CBD AND HIT THE THEATRES.

HIS MAJESTYS THEATRE IS ONE OF THE FEW REMAINING EDWARDIAN THEATRES IN
AUSTRALIA. HERE, YOU CAN CATCH PERFORMANCES BY THE MATINEE CABARET, WESTERN
AUSTRALIAN BALLET, WESTERN AUSTRALIAN OPERA AND LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL
COMEDY ACTS.
OR CHECK OUT THE PERTH CONCERT HALL, HOME OF THE WEST AUSTRALIAN
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND HOST TO MANY OTHER AUSTRALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL
PERFORMERS.
A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD, IN THE BUZZING URBAN VILLAGE OF MOUNT LAWLEY,
YOULL FIND THE ASTOR THEATRE A TOP SPOT FOR LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY FROM
LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHATS ON DURING YOUR STAY, GO TO THE EVENTS
SECTION
SUN & SEA
IT'S ALWAYS SUMMER SOMEWHERE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
Abundant sunshine, clear turquoise sea and the whitest Australian beaches can be found
all year round on WAs extensive stretch of coast a grand total of 20,781 kilometres of
coastline, including its many islands and archipelagos.
In the capital city of Perth, youre spoilt with a choice of 19 stunning beaches. The far
north is blessed with the world-famous Indian Ocean sunsets of Cable Beach, and the south
boasts Australias whitest beach, Lucky Bay. Thats not forgetting the idyllic island getaways,
luxury cruising escapes and sailing adventures that lie in-between.
Two of Australias most treasured World Heritage listed wonders also sit on the coast of
WA Shark Bay and the largest fringing reef on Earth, Ningaloo Reef, not to mention the
biodiversity hotspots of Rottnest, the Abrolhos Islands, Dampier Archipelago and Rowley Shoals.
Gaze in awe through your snorkel mask or a glass-bottom boat at the sheer diversity of
marine life. Grab a once-in-a-lifetime close encounter with wild dolphins, turtles, manta rays and
the biggest fish in the ocean the gentle whale shark. Witness one of greatest whale migrations

on the planet. Or venture beyond the sanctuary zones and enjoy some world-class boat, beach
and big-game fishing.
As for the surf, Australias west coast is world-renowned among the surfing, windsurfing
and kitesurfing elite for some of the most consistent, top quality reef breaks, beach breaks and
point breaks on Earth. Hit the windsurfing capital of Geraldton, the surfing capital of Margaret
River, or go in search of the locals best-kept secrets.
FOOD & WINE
A PROFUSION OF FRESH FLAVOURS, INCLUDING WORLD-CLASS WINES, SEAFOOD AND
TRUFFLES.
Being one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world, its no surprise that
Western Australia produces such a profusion of fresh local flavours, succulent seafood, worldclass wines and highly prized black truffles.
WA is home to nine sensational wine regions, each with their own unique characteristics
and qualities, including the world-renowned Margaret River and the states oldest wine growing
region, the Swan Valley. On a tasting tour of the cellar doors, youll also find the perfect pairing
of restaurants, as well as a growing number of award-winning boutique breweries.
In Perth, youre spoilt for choice, with more restaurants per capita than any other capital
city in Australia, many of which have been awarded for their commitment to food excellence.
The bar scene is equally as impressive, whether you seek the grand heritage of an iconic colonial
hotel, the character of a country pub, or the European elegance of the small bar scene thats
tucked away in the citys charming lanes and alleyways.
See the Australian Good Food Guide for up-to-date information on wineries, bars and
restaurants in Western Australia.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
DIVERSE CULTURES AND OUTDOOR LIFESTYLES.
Evolving into one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world, with a beautifully
sunny climate, Western Australian culture and lifestyle is what makes this extraordinary place an
unforgettable holiday experience.
Come see for yourself why Perth is regularly ranked in the top 10 most liveable cities,
with its own premium wine region, 19 white-sand beaches and Indian Ocean sunsets. Discover
the stories, secrets and traditions of one of the oldest surviving cultures on Earth on an authentic

indigenous tour. Indulge yourself with a little luxury in the most exclusive of locations. And
dont leave without experiencing the thrill of your favourite competitive sports and the
enchantment of art and live performances in some of the worlds most spectacular landscapes
and cityscapes.
FORESTS & FLOWERS
MIND-BLOWING DIVERSITY AND NATURAL LANDSCAPES MAKE FOR A TRULY
EXTRAORDINARY HOLIDAY.
Western Australia is about half the size of Europe one of the largest states in the world
but its the sheer diversity of natural landscapes youll encounter that will truly blow your mind.
The Mediterranean climate of the south has created the perfect conditions for majestic
tall-tree forests and one of the worlds biodiversity hotspots. Head north, and the feel is
decidedly more tropical, with mighty rivers carving out cavernous gorges and feeding the
wetlands of one of the worlds last true wilderness areas, the Kimberley.
The changing of the seasons also transforms the mood of these already striking
landscapes, particularly between June and November when Mother Nature carpets WAs forests,
outback and national parks with the colours of more than 12,000 species of wildflowers
showcasing the worlds largest collection of wildflowers.

FLORA & FAUNA

2.5 MILLION SQUARE KILOMETRES OF INCREDIBLE BIODIVERSITY.
While Western Australia covers one third of the Australian continent, over half of the
nations biodiversity hotspots and a significant percentage of its unique flora and fauna thrive
here.
As well as being home to iconic Australian animals, such as red kangaroos and
crocodiles, WA has 141 of Australias 207 mammal species, 439 reptile species, 1,600 fish
species and more than 12,000 species of wildflowers making it the largest collection of
wildflowers in the world.

LIFE IN THE OCEAN

Along 20,781 kilometres of coastline, including islands and archipelagos, youll
encounter wild dolphins, migrating whales and some of the most diverse marine environments on
Earth.
In fact, one of 18 global hotspots of coral reef diversity stretches hundreds of kilometres
from World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef (the worlds largest fringing reef) and Shark Bay, to
Rottnest Island near Perth.
Ningaloo and Shark Bay bring you breathtakingly close to turtles, dugongs, reef sharks,
manta rays and the largest fish in the ocean, the whale shark.
Check out the Top 10 Places to See Marine Life for more inspiration.
LIFE IN THE FOREST
WAs forests evolved in geographic isolation, which means much of its flora and fauna is
found nowhere else on Earth, including the jarrah, karri, marri, tingle and tuart trees and many of
the States 12,000 species of wildflowers.
The national parks of Perth, Dryandra and the South West offer windows to these unique
forest habitats, not to mention rare Australian wildlife and one of the worlds 34 biodiversity
hotspots.
See Forests and Parks for more information.
LIFE IN THE OUTBACK
In the central heart of WA lies Golden Outback the largest expanse of outback in the
country. Here, wide-open desert landscapes and plunging gorges provide natural habitats for a
vast array of wildflowers and wildlife, from red and western grey kangaroos to the States rare
national emblem, the numbat.
Dawn and dusk are when Australian animals are at their most active, but any time of day
is good for going crocodile spotting in the Kimberley with an experienced tour guide.
Visit the Outback Animals page to find out more.
OUTBACK AND ADVENTURE
TAKE AN AWE-INSPIRING ADVENTURE THROUGH THE LARGEST EXPANSE OF
OUTBACK IN THE COUNTRY.

The Western Australian outback is the largest expanse of outback in the country, with a
mind-blowing diversity of other-worldly landscapes and outback adventures. This vast and
ancient land has been two billion years in the making. Its here that Mother Nature has sculpted
some of the worlds most magnificent rock formations, from the Pinnacles to the Bungle Bungle
Range.
Switch off your mobiles, tablets and laptops and head north into the heart of the last true
wilderness area on Earth, the Kimberley, for a real outback adventure. Follow the legendary
Gibb River Road through some of Australias most iconic gorge and cattle country and enjoy
some country hospitality at the homesteads and outback stations along the way.
Venture east from Perth, to the gold rush hub of Kalgoorlie and discover the real Wild
West of Australia. Its a place of striking contrasts where grand colonial architecture and
mammoth modern mining operations give way to wide-open desert landscapes, dotted with
shimmering salt lakes and gold rush ghost towns.
That said, going outback in WA doesnt have to mean leaving the coast and glorious
waterways behind. In Kalbarri, Cape Range National Park near Exmouth, Cape Leveque north of
Broome, Francois Peron National Park in Shark Bay and Cape Le Grand near Esperance, rock
and deep red earth meet white sandy beaches and turquoise waters creating some of the worlds
most breathtaking coastal scenery.
While exploring the Western Australian outback, be sure to experience an authentic
outback adventure with one of the oldest surviving cultures on Earth on an Indigenous tour, and
keep your eyes peeled for a vast array of Australian animals, from crocodiles to the iconic
kangaroo.
WEATHER & CLIMATE
3000 BLUE-SKY HOURS, AND EVEN MORE WAYS TO ENJOY THEM.
As the second largest state in the world (half the size of Europe), Western Australias
sunny climate has shaped some of the worlds most biodiverse landscapes.
From the Mediterranean climate in the south, desert in the east and tropical conditions in
the north, WA can confidently claim to be the rarest of things a year-round holiday destination.
PERTH WEATHER

WAs capital city of Perth is bathed in sunshine for an average of nine hours a day, with a
total of 131 perfect blue-sky days every year. That officially makes it the sunniest capital city in
Australia, with one of the most enviable outdoor lifestyles in the world.
The average maximum summer temperature is 29C, and February is generally the
hottest month. Temperatures hover around 12C in winter (June to August).
SOUTH WEST AND MARGARET RIVER WEATHER
Margaret River owes its world-wide fame as a premium wine and surfing region to its
mild weather and abundant sunshine. Here, the unique Mediterranean climate has blessed the
South West region with more biodiversity per square kilometre than the whole of the UK.
Beach weather arrives in December, with summer temperatures between 25 and 35C,
and the cooler winter months (8 to 16C) are perfect for forest walks and a glass of red wine by a
log fire.
NORTH WEST AND BROOME WEATHER
A top spot for winter sunshine, Broome and the Kimberley enjoy long days of sunshine in
the dry season (April to September), with maximum daytime temperatures around 29C.
In contrast, the green season (October to March), brings tropical rainstorms, high
humidity, temperatures in the high 30s and fewer crowds. An awesome sight to behold, the
tropical storms tend to occur in the late afternoon and illuminate the night sky. While heavy rains
and floods can cause road closures, most tours operate year-round.
For more detailed information about WA and Perth weather, go to the Bureau of
Meteorology website.