Perth, Western Australia's Jewel

By Allan Brooks

The city of Perth, Western Australia's capital, has had inhabitants for over 40,000 years and continues to enchant visitors to this day. Combining a bustling city center with nearby quaint villages and a gorgeous coastline, Perth offers a number of attractions for the tastes of any visitor.

Captain Stirling, later Perth's first governor, founded the city on the Swan River near the Indian Ocean in'29 while aboard a British sea vessel. Perth's population today is about 1,650,000.

A great way to see Perth is aboard a ship, cruising down the Swan River in style. At night, you can even have dinner or enjoy a show while you drift along.

When the city and river sights leave you wanting more, head downtown and get into Perth's excellent shopping. Anything from souvenirs to Aborigine arts and crafts are for sale, as well as brand name designer clothing and shoes. If you want to prep for a weekend expedition, Perth offers explorers the means to gear up for a surf safari or a trip to the mountains, with camping and surf equipment at hand.

Nearby in Kings Park there are many places to get a bird's-eye view of Perth high up on Mount Eliza. See the bushland of Australia and the many native species of birds and plant life. You can also tour the Botanic Gardens or bring along a picnic basket for an ideal afternoon. In the summer, look for open-air concerts or the outdoor cinema.

Just a quick trip outside Perth's center is the terrific Perth Zoo. Everything from Australia's wild can be found here, from the famous kangaroos and dingoes to the fascinating wallaby.

If you want to see the colonial origins of Perth, stop by the Old Mill, built in the'30s. In the surrounding grounds you can imagine a far away time, before Perth was a capital of commerce. Touring the mill, you can see how warring Aborigines fought for their rights to the area and the events which led up to the near-extinction of the Mill in the mid-20th century.

Back in the city, a trip to London Court offers a more stately setting, where Tudor-era building and giant clocks give that feeling of old London. Along the tiny pedestrian streets, visitors can while away a peaceful afternoon in one of the sidewalk cafes.

One of Perth's great features is its proximity to natural wonders. The Sunset Coast is home to the area's best beaches, from the Mindarie Keys to Cottlesloe on the western edge of the city. Swanbourne and Scarborough are two more exotic destinations where the worries of the city life will soon disappear.

While in Perth, you'll find a number of five-star hotels which will suit the most discriminating traveler. There are also a number of mid-range hotel options.

The fine dining is unparalleled in Western Australia and you will have your choice of award-winning restaurants on a nightly basis. - 31515

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