Travel Guides: All Countries / Oceania - Australia / Australia / Western Australia / Perth
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| | | | You won't want to come home
Perth and the surrounding area is the most wonderful holiday destination.
The best of beach and city is within easy reach. Perth city, although not large, is blessed with much to entertain and impress the visitor - looking for sophistication and simple pleasures.
Freemantle, the coast and Rottnest Island must not be missed. Go and you won't want to come home!
Travel guide: Perth
A really enjoyable holiday
What a brilliant place to go. Cheaper than going to the Channel Islands.
The food was out of this world. The many attractions were great, and everywhere was so clean. Got a decent pint in all of the pubs, although that was a bit pricey, but at least it had taste and was not like the flat muck that you get in UK pubs.
The service everywhere was of the highest order, only one place let us down on that.
The weather was better than anything that you could find in the Med. A hire car is a must otherwise you don't get to see a lot of the country. They are quite cheap even from the big multinational companies. Petrol is about half the cost of the UK.
My advice to anyone is to forget the UK and Med and just go to Australia and have a really enjoyable holiday experience.
Travel guide: Perth
Full of western promise
From the Daily Mail
It's 6am. I'm in Perth, Western Australia, and I'm furious. I've been woken in my respectable family hotel by wild laughter outside. Not, in fact, a dawn reveller but a laughing kookaburra shrieking in King's Park above the hotel, a vast tract of bush in the city. Perth is an isolated city, fronted by the Indian Ocean, its backyard is thousands of miles of empty outback and desert. Closer to some Asian cities than it is to Sydney, you wouldn't just drop in without a very good reason. But we had reason enough.
We're talking about a city rich in colonial architecture that in the Eighties sprouted a glittering skyline of steel and glass towers, founded on fortunes from mining gold, silver, diamonds and opals. Half an hour away you can bush walk around sacred Aboriginal sites, or go tasting in the vineyards of the Swan Valley. It's the sunniest city in Oz, the friendliest and most laid back. Northbridge, Leederville and Fremantle vibrate with clubs and funky restaurants.
It was 100°F when we went in March, but you don't feel it because a cooling sea breeze called The Fremantle Doctor blows in around noon. Forget helmets, the police here wear wide brimmed sun hats. Sipping cappucino at a pavement cafe in the shopping mecca of Hay Street Mall with my friend Sam Julius, a Polish musician who has lived there for 30 years, the street was bursting with action. Clowns, buskers and mime artists surrounded us.
It was only when a punk with five spikes of magenta hair glued to his shaven head sat at the next table to us that I batted an eyelid. His friend was covered in spider tattoos. Italian and Greek voices sang out through the warm air, reminding me that Perth's 1.2 million people come from a myriad of places. 'I call Perth the free and easy city,' said Sam. 'The buses are free and the living is easy. The only time people go indoors is to fetch a beer. "Formal dress" means putting on your shirt.'
Travel guide: Perth
Slow down and don't do too much
Australia is enormous - don't try to pack in too much. It's a temptation when you've gone all that way, but you'll end up not enjoying anything because you'll be too tired.
Don't expect to "do" cities like Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and certainly not Sydney in anything less than three days.
It's also great to get a perspective on things by not flying everywhere, but slowing down and taking a train journey.
We took a 32-hour trip from Brisbane to Cairns and it was brilliant to just chill out and enjoy the scenery - sleeping on the train was very relaxing - and I liked being woken up by the chirpy steward with my morning cuppa.
Travel guide: Perth
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| | | | All the fun of Fremantle
Perth's setting is a large part of its charm. The very blue Swan River swells to lagoon size in the city centre and yachting regattas are frequently held in the shadow of gleaming office towers. Locals boast the water is clean enough to drink and to catch fit-to-eat prawns in, though when we went to Jo Jos, a fancy fish restaurant at the end of a jetty over the Swan River, I thought the cauliflower-sized jellyfish in the water below were very scary indeed. The 'boat fresh' chargrilled red emperor fish was meltingly delicious, however.
To see the water better, and unstung, we took a Captain Cook boat tour to Fremantle, 12 miles down the Swan, where the river meets the Indian Ocean. 'Freo', as it is known to the locals, has been a backdrop to sailing history since convicts arrived to swell the labour force in 1850.
When it hosted the Americas' Cup in 1987, it was treated to a fabulous facelift. Now it's the best-preserved 19th-century seaport in the world, with over 150 listed buildings (including a prison that makes Alcatraz look homely and which you can book for a party).
It's still a working port. In January and February you can stand in Cliff Street when the great cruise ships sail through the inner harbour on their round-the-world voyages, and watch as their funnels move slowly above the rooftops. If you're a boat person, pick over the bones of history at the Maritime Museum, where the gruesome tale of the wreck of the Batavia and its murderous mutineers is graphically illustrated. Or drop in at the Historic Boats Museum at the B Shed on the Harbour.
Freo on a Saturday is where you go for fun, by ferry from Barrack Street Jetty, returning by train. Follow the crowd as it drifts down South Terrace, 'The Cappucino Strip', to the hundred-year-old markets overflowing with colourful bric-a-brac, fashion and New Age paraphernalia.
We loved the deep-verandahed old micro-brewery pubs like the Sail and Anchor, where you hear orders for beers like Redback, Dogbolter and Brass Monkey Stout. Chili, chocolate and banana beer are now all the rage. We lunched off Thai delicacies at a food court across from the market. It cost just AUS $6 for two of us.
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| | | | Beach life at its best
Perth also has fabulous beaches, but to do them justice you need a rental car. It's easy to pick one up for $30 a day. Fuel is half the price it is at home and you'll love the air-conditioning. We began our stay just out of town at Scarborough Beach. By 7.30am on Saturday, the pristine beach was swarming with surfers and swimmers. Then we would move down to friendly Sullivan's Hotel on the waterfront in town.
For really spectacular sunsets, we'd drive out to get the full 'Wow Factor' at the popular City Beach. Alternatively, there is swanky Cottesloe, where you just have to go to an institution called The Cott (The Cottesloe Beach Hotel on Marine Parade) for a beer, and to get the best fish and chips in Western Australia at Meads Fish Supply in Napoleon Street.
It may be geographically out on a limb, but gastronomically Perth is right up there: every kind of Asian and Pacific Rim cuisine, and a strong current of Mediterranean with a twist.
At my favourite restaurant, CBD, they bring you a decanter of cool water with a great stem of fresh mint in it while you look at the menu. A Caesar salad had little frills of grilled Parma ham and anchovies puffed up in tempura butter. The Mediterranean plate was crispy focaccia shells holding sun dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, charcuterie and olives. The local chardonnay, cool and deep yellow, cost AUS$7 a bottle.
If you're looking for a romantic hideaway (but not on a weekend when everyone is doing the same), head south for three hours to the famous wine country of Margaret River and lose yourself on isolated surf-pounded white sand shores, in vast forests (oddly full of art galleries run by surfies who need an income), rolling vineyards and boutique restaurants. You won't be disappointed.
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| | Destination Guide : Perth |
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| | | Antipodean sophistication |  | Why go on holiday to Perth?
Perth, capital of Western Australia, is a clean, sunny, sophisticated city on the banks of the Swan River, characterised by its green parks, waterways with riverside dining, museums and galleries, and beautiful beaches.
How much does it cost?
If you shop around you may find return flights for as little as £400, although high-season fares are more likely to be nearer the £700 mark. Motels in Perth from £20. Four-day packages of accommodation and car hire from £250 - useful if planning a tour.
When should I go?
Perth has more sunshine hours than any other Australian capital city. Seasons are reversed Down Under with their summer happening during UK winter months.
Perth summer temperatures reach a maximum of 29C (84F) and minimum 17C (63F); winter temperatures reach highs of 18C (64F) and lows of 8C (46F). In summer, water temperatures are around 20C (68F).
Perth has numerous festivals including an annual artsfest around February/March, the annual summer Festival of Perth, the Perth Royal Show in September/October and the Artrage Festival in October.
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| | | Take to the hills | | What should I do when I'm there?
Explore the city by tram or bus, get out and about on the Swan River, relax in King's Park in the centre of the city - nearly 1,000 acres of parkland, particularly scenic during the spring wildflower season.
Visit the numerous museums and art galleries or the world's oldest operating mint - or spend a mint in some of Perth's fine shops. Chill out on Crawley, Peppermint Grove or Como beaches.
Try out one of Perth's excellent golf courses or go fishing or sailing on the Swan.
Where can I get away from the city?
Take to the Perth Hills, just east of the city and a good day-trip destination. The scenic backdrop is ideal for walking and picnicking beside waterfalls or within cool forests.
Browse the work of the many local artists who live in the hills and, if you're missing home, enjoy a Devonshire cream tea! Or take a boat trip up the Swan River and visit the vineyards.
When can I get some culture?
Check out the Western Australian Museum, which includes Perth's original prison, built in 1856 and used until 1888. The Art Gallery of WA has a fine collection of European, Australian and Asia-Pacific art.
In the suburb of Subiaco, the Museum of Childhood has a nostalgic collection.
On Mill Point Road, visit the restored 1835 old flour mill.
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| | | Shoppers' paradise | | Where's good for nightlife?
Late-night ravers will find plenty of places to dance the night away, club-wise. Perth has a lively entertainment scene with an excellent ballet company, world-class symphony orchestra and fine jazz groups.
Mainstream and fringe drama flourishes in this cultural city. The annual summer Festival of Perth attracts artists and performers from around the world. The climate also affords plenty of opportunities for open-air concerts and theatre.
What's the food like?
Rock lobsters, local prawns and sardines are hot favourites in good restaurants. Marron - a highly prized freshwater crustacean - is also popular. Goats' cheese from the nearby hills along with homemade breads are great for picnics.
Emu steaks are cholesterol-free if you fancy it and crocodile and kangaroo also feature on local menus. Riverside restaurants abound along the Swan, or take an evening dinner cruise. Perth also has a thriving pavement coffee house culture.
Just west of the city, Subiaco is a trendy inner-city suburb with a good array of smart eateries nestling among designer shops and galleries.
What should I buy?
Duty-free shops and competitive prices make Perth a shopping favourite. From designer boutiques, to rare pink diamonds from the Kimberley mines, to local arts and crafts - it's all here.
Boxed, dried wildflowers are a popular souvenir, as is Aboriginal art. At the weekend, check out the art and craft market on the forecourt of the city art gallery. Shop for antiques and classy mementoes in Hay Street and Rokeby Road in Subiaco.
What is there for children to do?
Perth Zoo has one of Australia's best collections of native and exotic animals. Cuddle a koala at the Cohunu Koala Park in Kelmscott, 24km from the city. Explore hands-on science exhibits at Scitech Discovery Centre in West Perth.
Young cyclists can rent a bike and follow user-friendly cycle paths in King's Park. Underwater World, north of the city is an underwater tunnel aquarium displaying 2,500 examples of marine life and some interactive displays.
Tourist office
Australian Tourist Commission, Gemini House, 10-18 Putney Hill, London SW15 6AA
Brochure line: 0906 8633235 (60p per minute).
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| | Fact File : Perth |
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| | | Perth | | Did you know?
Perth was founded in 1829 as the Swan River Settlement.
Language
English
Visas
UK citizens staying less than three months need an electronic travel authority (ETA) from any IATA-registered travel agent. It's invisibly scanned into your passport and checked when you enter the country.
Getting there
Perth, despite its isolation, has many flights from other cities and direct from the UK, and is very well connected to other parts of the country by rail and bus.
Flying time from London
22 hours
Getting around
There are plenty of buses and trams - the Perth Tram Explorer passes the city's major attractions. Bus travel is free within a central zone of Perth. Cycling is a great way to explore the city and there are lots of cycle routes. Ferries connect the centre of the city with South Perth (and the zoo) and trains serve the suburbs.
Currency
Australian dollar
Costs
Pint of beer £1, roll of film £1.50, moderate restaurant meal £10, litre of petrol 30p, short taxi ride £4. All prices will vary.
Weather
Western Australia is warm and temperate and Perth is Australia's sunniest major city. Summer (December to February) can be hot (up to 29C/84F) but cooling sea breezes usually blow in during the afternoon. Around Perth there's little or no rainfall during summer.
Time difference
Eight hours ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 61
Voltage
220-240 volts, AC50Hz. The three-pin power outlet is different from the UK so you'll need an adaptor.
Opening hours
Shops generally 9am-5.30pm Mon-Sat, larger stores often on Sundays from 10am-4pm. Banks usually open 9.30am-4pm and post offices 9am-5pm Mon-Fri.
Health - Before you go
No jabs needed. The UK has reciprocal health arrangements with Australia via Medicare. It doesn't cover all costs (such as ambulance travel) so make sure you have sufficient travel insurance.
Health - When you are there
Beware heat exhaustion and sunburn - cover up, pile on the sun lotion and drink plenty of fluids.
Warnings
We'll repeat that Aussie sunsmart mantra: slip, slop, slap. Slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat.
Emergency
Dial 000. British Embassy - British High Commission, Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600, Tel. 02 6270 6666.
Customs
Enjoy the sunset sipping a glass of Aussie wine along the riverfront.
Pets
Australia is now included in the PETS travel scheme under long-haul regulations. However, this is a long and complicated procedure requiring vaccinations, medical check-ups and route planning; it is not as simple as walking on and off a plane with your pet. Therefore the scheme is more suited to those returning from a long stay abroad, rather than the two-week holidaymaker. It takes several months to set up the relevant documentation; see your vet for further details.
Tipping
Tipping is relatively new to Australia; give 10% to waiters and round up cab fares.
Tourist office
Western Australian Tourist Commission, 16 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA, Tel. 08 9220 1700.
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