Destination Guide to Perth, Australia

The capital and largest city of Western Australia is also the remotest city on the planet. That is not to say that there is not much in the way of Perth hotels and attractions for anyone that makes the long journey across from the busier east coast, with the ‘City of Lights’ offering plenty in both the CBD and its surrounding suburbs.

Attractions

Perth hotels are surrounded by an excellent public transport system making it easy to see various attractions. Perth boasts plenty in the way of cultural attractions, many of which are in the aptly-named Perth Cultural Centre. These include the State Records Office, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

Arguably the jewel in Perth’s crown is King’s Park, which covers 400 hectares of virgin bush land and well-maintained Botanic Gardens. Close to many of Perth’s hotels, it is ideal for exploring on foot or by bicycle, relaxing with a book or enjoying a picnic, is also the place to head for that perfect shot of the Perth skyline. From Mount Eliza, and the DNA Tower, you can see most down to Perth hotels, gardens and the CBD.

A good zoo is always a popular choice with visitors, and Perth Zoo is a small but perfectly formed example which is home to over 1300 animals from around 230 different species. All the Australian native species can be seen in close vicinity to Perth hotels, as opposed to having to venture into the bush.

Sports lovers have plenty to keep them going in Perth, with a number of professional sports teams calling the city their home. Depending on the time of year it is possible to see cricket at the WACA Ground and Australian Rules football at Subiaco Oval, as well as horse racing at the Ascot and Belmont racetracks. Ask your Perth hotels concierge for more details.

The capital and largest city of Western Australia is also the remotest city on the planet. That is not to say that there is not much in the way of attractions for anyone that makes the long journey across from the busier east coast, with the ‘City of Lights’ offering plenty in both the CBD and its surrounding suburbs. Many of Perth’s top attractions are outdoors, taking full advantage of the city’s excellent weather and waterside location.

How to Get Around

Perth has an excellent public transport system that makes it quick and easy to get from your hotel to various attractions. A good way of doing this is through a guided tour by tram or sightseeing bus, or alternatively you can go about it your own way by CAT bus, passenger train, by hiring a bicycle or simply on foot.

Perth CBD Attractions

Perth boasts plenty in the way of cultural attractions, many of which are in the aptly-named Perth Cultural Centre. These include the State Records Office and the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, along with the Art Gallery of Western Australia: Which houses an eclectic mix of ongoing displays of Indigenous art from Western Australia) and temporary exhibitions such, as Egyptian art and Australian ceramics, the Western Australian Museum: The main museum of WA, which displays information on the region’s history and environment, and the Alexander Library: The State Reference Library of Western Australia.

Arguably the jewel in Perth’s crown is King’s Park, which covers 400 hectares of virgin bush land and well-maintained Botanic Gardens, and as well as being ideal for exploring on foot or by bicycle, relaxing with a book or enjoying a picnic, is also the place to head for that perfect shot of the Perth skyline, especially from Mount Eliza, a hill which overlooks the city. Equally good views can be enjoyed from DNA Tower in Forrest Drive, a 202-step spiral staircase that takes you high above the treetops.

A good zoo is always a popular choice with visitors, and Perth Zoo is a small but perfectly formed example which is home to over 1300 animals from around 230 different species. All the expected native species can be seen, as well as a number of endangered species.

Since its opening to the public in 2000 Perth Bell Tower has been a popular choice with tourists. The green glass spire (also known as the Swan Bells) is home to 18 bells – the largest set of change ringing bells in the world. Another historic landmark is the nearby Barracks Arch, which was originally built in 1866.

Perth Mint is also one of the city’s top attractions, and is one of the world’s oldest operational mints, having been established in 1899 to refine gold from Western Australia’s goldfields. A relatively small admission fee provides you with opportunity to tour the mint and learn about the processes involved.

Sports lovers have plenty to keep them going in Perth, with a number of professional sports teams calling the city their home. Depending on the time of year it is possible to see cricket at the WACA Ground and Australian Rules football at Subiaco Oval, as well as horse racing at the Ascot and Belmont racetracks.

St. Georges Terrace is the main street in the city centre, and runs parallel to the Swan River and through the heart of the CBD. Named for St. Georges Cathedral, the street is where you will find many of the city’s older buildings mixed in with modern skyscrapers, including the London Court shopping market and the Aboriginal Arts Gallery. The Swan River itself has plenty to offer, and will allow you explore the area though a relaxing cruises or a high speed jet boat ride.

The CBD has a number of malls for shoppers to enjoy, with the Murray and Hay Street malls particular popular. Upmarket shoppers should head to the West End and King’s Street, where a respectable selection of top fashion houses have a base.

When it comes to evening entertainment, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to be found in both the CBD and the suburbs, with the busiest area being the west end. The east of Perth has trendy wine bars and restaurants, as well as the Burswood Complex, which boasts dining and accommodation options, as well as the Burswood Casino.

Although Perth is quite isolated from the main hub of Australia’s cities, this doesn’t mean that it lacks excitement. In fact, quite the opposite – Perth has a packed calendar of events all year-round, offering visitors the best of the region’s music, dance, art, film, food and more. Whichever season you visit Perth, there is sure to be something happening in the city or surrounding area, with all different interests and tastes catered to. Here we introduce you to some of the best annual events which Perth has to offer.

Spring

The beginning of Spring is marked in Perth by the Royal Show. As with the rest of the series of Royal Shows which are held in cities across Australia, the event includes agricultural, horticultural, technological and industrial exhibits, shows and stalls. Despite this, even those not interested in farming will still have a great day out, as there are plenty of demonstrations, shows and stalls on offer which will appeal to everyone, including jumping pigs, stunt cars, equestrian shows and food and wine tasting.

One of Perth’s smaller performing arts festivals, but still one which is well worth checking out, is the Artrage Festival, held in October each year. The focus of the festival is on experimental or innovative work, from any field of the performing and visual arts, most notably music, theatre and comedy. The performers featured are usually locals, but you never know when you might stumble across “the next big thing”.

Summer

Christmas is celebrated in some way in most Australian cities, and Perth does so with the RAC Channel Seven Christmas Pageant. A parade takes place through the city streets on the chosen day in December (this varies each year) which includes lots of colourful floats and performances by circus performers and dancers. The main attraction in the procession is of course Santa himself, but there are also usually a few other famous faces featured too.

New Years Day sees the most famous Western Australia horse race of the year, with the BMW Perth Cup held at Ascot Racecourse as part of a full day of racing and other entertainment at the track.

Aussies everywhere proudly celebrate Australia Day on January 26th, and Perth is no exception with their fantastic Skyworks celebration. As the name suggests, Skyworks is a spectacular fireworks and pyrotechnics display which sees massive Roman candles on top of the city skyscrapers light up the skyline, all in sync with a fantastic soundtrack. Every year, more than 400,000 people line up along the bank’s of the river to watch, making Skyworks the city’s most popular event. As a build-up to the big finish there is also lots put on throughout the day in Kings Park and around the city.

South Australia may be home to the Fringe, but Perth also has some notable arts-oriented events throughout the year. The largest is the Perth International Arts festival, which is held in February, and actually incorporates lots of smaller festivals, covering different styles of music including jazz, opera and contemporary music, as well as other forms of the arts including writing and dance.

Autumn

March each year sees the beginning of the A Taste of the Valley Festival, which is held in the neighbouring Swan Valley, and showcases the best art, music, food and wine which the region has to offer over a six week programme. The area is famous as a centre of wine production, as well as lots of other tasty treats including cheese, jams, olives and chocolate. Temptation is strong, so be ready to go home with a full belly and an empty wallet.

During May, the nearby Derby Race course, just outside of Perth, plays host to the Moon Rise Rock Festival, hosting more than 20 bands over the course of two nights. This is again a great chance to see some of the best local talent on offer in the area, with some of the bands who have featured at the festival in the past having gone on to release singles.

Winter

The Stewart Park Festival in July each year is a three-day music event which hosts local and national acts, and occasionally a performer or two from further afield. As well as the great music, there are also plenty of other things going on over the long weekend, including a food fair, craft fair and music jam sessions in pubs across the city.

The City of Perth Winter Arts Season is an annual event which runs throughout the whole of June, July and August and offers an extensive programme of music, theatre, dance, film and visual arts. Hundreds of different companies and individual artists participate in the different shows and exhibitions which are put on throughout the season, including local talent as well as national and international performers and artists. There is something in the program for all tastes, covering everything from aboriginal music to opera, pottery to photography, Shakespeare to rock opera, ballet to contemporary dance.

Perth has a large number of eating options, many of which are situated in Highgate, Kings Park, East & West Perth and Northbridge, as well as the CBD. For the purpose of this article we have listed some of the top options by type of cuisine, though rest assured that there are many more, catering for almost every taste imaginable.

Modern Australian

Modern Australian is the term for traditional dishes that have been influenced by other types of cuisine, particularly Asian. This type of restaurant is becoming increasingly popular across Australia, with some of Perth’s finest purveyors of Modern Australian food being CBD Restaurant & Bar on Hay Street – which has a lively atmosphere and an extensive menu, and Balthazar Bar Restaurant on The Esplanade, which has friendly staff and a warm and inviting feel, as well as great food.

Native Australian

If you prefer just some plain old Australian tucker there are many old pubs around the city that will provide counter meals such steak and chips, chicken and chips, pie and chips etc, to be washed down with a VB or five. Bobby Dazzler’s Ale House offers something slightly more upmarket, and has beers and wines from every Australian state to boot. The Shed on Aberdeen Street in Northbridge is a viable alternative.

Indian

Indian is the top choice of many, and a good curry can be hard to beat, especially after a big night out around Perth’s many bars and pubs. Many of the Indian restaurants in Perth are takeaway outlets in the suburbs, but Annalakshimi on the Swan (Barrack Street), who specialize in Indian vegetarian, Taj Tandoor (Murray Street) and Mela Sweets and Eats (William Street) offer more than enough to keep CBD revellers happy.

Asian

The sharp increase in the numbers of Asian holidaymakers and immigrants to Australia over the last few years has seen an equally sharp rise in Asian eateries. Tiger Lil’s on Murray Street is an unusual combination of authentic Asian cuisine and a fair dinkum Aussie pub, but it seems to work well. Joe’s Oriental Diner on Adelaide Terrace is a much more traditional option. Those looking for a lighter bite should seek out a branch of Han’s Café – there are around a dozen to be found in the CBD and the suburbs.

Chinese

Chinese restaurants have always been popular in Perth, and are renowned for providing ample portions at bargain prices. Canton Restaurant (Hay Street), Hong Kong Garden (Piccadilly Square), Shang Hai Flavour Restaurant (William Street) and Shun Fung on the River (Barrack Square Jetty) are just four of the many Chinese options.

Thai

Chada Thai on Wellington Street is regarded as one of the city’s finest Thai restaurants, and won’t break the bank either. The simply-named Thailand Restaurant (James Street) is a good option for those visiting or staying in the Northbridge area.

Japanese

For top quality sushi, Elements Restaurant Lounge & Sushi Bar is the place to head, and offers all of the traditional favourites from its Esplanade location. Jaws Tempura Sushi (Hay Street), Koto (Mill Street) and The New Shima Japanese Restaurant (Murray Street) are just three of many other options.

European & Other

The term ‘European’ is a very general one, and can refer to Greek, Spanish, Italian or practically any other type of Euro cuisine. Il Palazzo (St. Georges Terrace) is a good Italian choice, whilst The Greek Taverna on James Street serves fast, fresh food from the Med. Those that fancy a spot of English food will not be disappointed either, thanks to the Moon & Sixpence on Murray Street.

Vegetarian

It would be unfair to compile an article on restaurants without mentioning Perth’s increasing number of Vegetarian options. Many of these also serve non-vegetarian dishes, so everyone can eat together. These include Fuche on Murray Street (which also serves excellent tapas), Ecucina in Central Park – which produces an eclectic mix of Italian, vegetarian, and modern Australian dishes, and Carnegies Bar & Restaurant – whose number one claim to fame is being the home of Perth’s largest collection of spirits from around the world. Vegetarian-only eateries include Govinda’s and Maoz Falafel, both of which are on William Street.

Quick Eats

McDonalds, Hungry Jacks and Subway are never far away for those who fancy something quick and easy, or alternatively there are a number of independent kebab houses, take away pizza and burger joints dotted around the CBD, mainly near the busiest bars.

Noodle Bars represent a quick and easy option if you want to avoid the chips, and a popular outlet can be found in the David Jones Food Hall. This is also the place to head for pastry lovers, and pies, pastries and cakes can all be found in abundance.

If none of the above entices you, head to a café. There are a number of large chains and small independent cafes on almost every street around the CBD, serving everything from all day breakfasts to soups, cakes and pastries.