Places to Visit in Perth - the City of Light

Details: Written by: Henri; Category: Perth City & Surrounds; Published: 13 April 2012

I live in the UK and came up with a few recommendations after visiting Perth, Australia, down under as we call it here!

Right on the Western coast of Australia is Perth, a beautiful and vibrant city attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. And it's no surprise, since the city is blessed with sunshine most of the year and is famous for its unspoiled beaches, parklands and gardens. There's plenty of things to do and see in Perth from soaking up the sights to catching a game of Aussie Rules Football.

Heading down to the beach

There are some stunning beaches on the outskirts of Perth with white coral sands and deep blue waters. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced snorkeler it is worth heading down to The Basin which is located on Rottnest Island. This sheltered cove attracts schools of brightly coloured fish that are fascinating no matter what age you are. Rottnest Island, just off the coast of Perth has over 60 beaches leaving you spoilt for choice.

One of the most popular Perth beaches is Cottesloe which attracts families and beach bunnies alike. There are some excellent playground areas for young children and the beach is kept exceptionally clean. Bordering the beach much of the land is neat parkland with good barbecue areas for you to rustle up a hearty lunch after all that swimming and surfing. And if you don't fancy cooking there are some outstanding fish and chip takeaway outlets to visit throughout the day and into the early evening.

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Perth City - Views from The Bell Tower
Photo Credit: sxc.hu/Vaughan James

Days out in the city

The best way by far of exploring Perth are the free city CAT buses. Hop on and hop off without having to pay a cent, brilliant if you're on a budget. If you've got children then Perth Zoo is highly recommended. The zoo focuses heavily on the conservation of local species and there are free guided walks that go on throughout the day.

If you'd like to know a bit more about the history of Perth take a trip to the Western Australian Museum. It can be bit of a long day, but with free entry it's worth picking a few exhibitions that you are interested in and just visiting these. The displays on local Aboriginal culture are particularly good and will give you a real sense of how the city has grown and evolved.

Eating and drinking in Perth

The most popular time for drinking in the Perth bars and pubs is on a Sunday. Most pubs have a "Sunday Session" that starts early afternoon and finishes around 9pm. Drinks are often discounted and you will find beer gardens busy with both visitors and locals making the most of the weekend. The Cottesloe Beach hotel is a great place to start your Sunday Session and they often have a local band playing.

Whether you are dining out on a budget or splashing out, Perth is the place for quality fresh fish and seafood. Red Herring in Fremantle is located right on the Swan River with breathtaking views. But it's the views on your plate that are even better! Many of the dishes have an oriental twist that goes so well with seafood. If you're a little hung over from one too many amber nectars, go for the freshly shucked oysters with Bloody Mary. The grilled bronze whaler fillets with fat chips are an excellent treat too after a long day surfing.

For cheaper eats and a lively atmosphere visit Joe's Fish Shack at the Fishing Boat Harbour in Fremantle. The menu includes whole Australian crayfish, red snapper and locally caught barramundi. The restaurant is family-friendly with simple food cooked well.

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View from Barrack Street Jetty
Photo Credit: sxc.hu/Vaughan James

Perth is a beautiful and dynamic city. There’s always something going on to keep you busy. Or if you just want to relax, let the sea beckon you for a quiet day on a secluded beach. Whatever you do in Western Australia, be sure not to miss a trip to Perth to make it complete.

Henri blogs on Blue Trips and his visit to Perth made such an impression that he had to write about it. You’ll find more about travel destinations on his site, such as the best city breaks in Spain, a country with the weather not too different to Perth.

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