As the “World’s Most Remote City,” Perth is pure Perth. Among its unique landscapes, flora, fauna and culture there is something for everyone here to enjoy. During my weeklong stay in Perth, I discovered how special this city is. So, read on to discover what to see and do in this stunning part of the world. Perth Australia top 10 attractions explore the perfect balance of nature and culture.
Perth is the capital and largest city in Western Australia, with a population of over 2 million residents. As the “Most Remote City in the World,” its nearest city is Adelaide, over 2,100 km away. Firstly, the Aboriginals inhabited here for more than 38,000 years. This region’s aboriginals make up the Noongar people. Later, the British colonists arrived and founded it in 1829. Therefore, Perth recognizes the first Monday of June as their public holiday. However, I highlight the sensitivity to this, as the Noongar people were displaced and forced to move from their homeland to outlying areas.
I set up day trips at the Western Australia Visitor Centre in downtown Perth at 55 Williams Street.
Perth’s unique geography lies upon the Swan Coastal Plain. This is between the Indian Ocean and Darling Scarp. The Swan River (shaped like a swan) winds through Perth’s Central Business District and to the port of Fremantle. Additionally, the Perth region of Western Australia is world renowned for it spectacular diversity of flora, with 9,000 plant species. Furthermore, most of them are endemic to this region.
Perth Australia Top 10 Attractions
Kings Park and Botanic Gardens
This stunning park is one of the biggest city parks in the world. Perched on the banks of the Swan and Canning Rivers, its epic views include the modern Perth skyline. Overall, Kings Park & Botanic Garden is a blend of bushland trails on Mount Eliza and gardens. Two-thirds is conserved as native bushland. Additionally, Kings Park is world renowned for its scientific research and horticulture. The botanic garden exhibits over 3,000 species of the state’s unique flora.
Bike or Walk Along the Swan River
This 10 km loop along the Swan River is an authentic way to experience the essence of Perth. It’s wonderful for either walking or biking. Furthermore, the trail takes you past Elizabeth Quay, Barrack Street Jetty, Riverside Drive and the South Perth Foreshore.
Visit the Swan Bells and Tower
At Perth’s Barrack Square is the Bell Tower, also one of the largest musical instruments on earth. Furthermore, it houses the historically famous bells of Saint Martin-in-the-Fields Church from the parish Church of London’s Buckingham Palace. These bells date back to the 14th century.
The towering glass spire of The Bell Tower is located where Perth meets the Swan River in vibrant Barrack Square. This glass campanile displays the bells and the ancient art of bell ringing. Additionally, on the sixth floor is an observation deck for views of the Swan River.
Swan River & Valley
Taking a Swan River Cruise is a wonderful way to get perspective on the Perth and its relationship with the river. Additionally, there are cruises that take visitors to the Swan Valley, just north of Perth. In the Swan Valley, there are numerous wineries, vineyards, historic monuments and bushwalking trails. Also, most ferries and cruises depart from Barrack Square Jetty.
Northbridge Neighborhood – Perth Australia Top Attractions
Colorful Northbridge is the hip and popular area, with its Perth Cultural Centre. It offers an array of modern art galleries. Also, on William Street, boutiques, cafes and dancing clubs light up the town. Overall, this neighborhood is great to catch in the evening for its lively nightlife.
Beaches
There are numerous stunning beaches along the Indian Ocean near Perth. For example, 5 of the most popular are the Cottesloe, Scarborough, City, Port and Trigg Beaches. However, an interesting phenomenon happens in the summer with a sea breeze. Known as the “Fremantle Doctor,” the winds pick up from late morning to midday. This is caused by the temperature difference between land and sea. Therefore, many people plan their timing at the beach, so as to not get sand-blasted.
Wildflowers in the Spring
If you are here in the spring, don’t miss out on exploring the vibrant wildflowers. The Perth region of Western Australia is world renowned for its spectacular diversity of flora, with 9,000 plant species. I enjoyed a guided bushwalking and wildflower tour with locals to fully experience this wonder.
Related: Spectacular Perth Day Trips – Wildflowers, Bushwalking & Pinnacles Desert
The Pinnacles Desert
Through the Western Australia Visitor Centre in Perth, I set up this tour. Just 200 km northwest of Perth is this intriguing place. Thousands of the weathered limestone pillars cluster in Western Australia’s Nambung National Park. Overall, the pinnacles vary in size and shape among a yellow sand base. For example, some pinnacles reach as high as 3.5 m. Others are only a meter in height, resembling tombstones. It’s fascinating and eerie to see this surreal, lunar landscape.
Freemantle Markets and Prison
Just a 30-minute train ride from Perth is Fremantle. This historic port-of-call was the first place settled in the Swan River Colony. The Freemantle Markets, built in 1897, houses over 150 shops for craftspeople and merchants in the historic hall. Also, in the yard are fresh produce and food retailers. Additionally, the historic Freemantle Prison is a popular place for tours. It delves into the history and how it was built by its own convicts. Furthermore, it includes many interesting stories about escapes and the life of a convict. Also, this prison was used up until the 1990’s.
Humpback Whale Watching
Every year from August to December, the humpback whales make their annual migration along the Western Australian Coastline, on their way to Antarctica. Off of Hillary’s Boat Harbour are whale watching tours. My tour cruised from Perth along the Swan River to Freemantle. Then from there, we set off on a Whale Watching Expedition. I enjoyed seeing numerous humpbacks showing us their flukes and spouts. Overall, this was a wonderful excursion, as the river cruise added even more site-seeing. Then, I took the train back to Perth.
Overall, Perth Australia Top Attractions
If you make it all the way to the “World’s Most Remote City,” then give it proper time so you can fully grasp all it offers. Overall, Perth is the harmonious blend of nature and culture for a wonderful getaway.
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