Things to do in Perth
Perth is a beautiful city which prides itself on its broad cultural diversity and it welcomes visitors to its city with open arms. It has modern facilities and an advanced transport system.
The city centre looks out over the broad stretches of the Swan River estuary (the river took its name from the famous black swans which can be found in its waters). The Swan hosts a range of water sports, including sailing, water skiing, sail boarding, jet boating, fishing, parasailing and cruising. There are more than 50 kilometres of riverside pathways for walking and cycling.
Culture
Despite the fact that it is the most remote city in the world, Perth boasts the oldest international annual multi arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere. The Perth International Arts Festival launched in 1953, six years after the first Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The yearly event attracts around 300,000 people who flock to WA to see international andcontemporary drama, theatre, music, film, visual arts, street arts, literature, comedy and free community events over a three-week period.
Northbridge
This is the cultural and entertainment heartland of Perth. The buzzing, cosmopolitan suburb is the perfect place to sample the vast array of foods on offer and watch the endless streams of colourful people who flock to the area, all times of day and night. For years the area has attracted wave after wave of migrants, including Chinese, Greeks, Italians and more recently the Vietnamese. All of these have added to the diverse range of cuisine available at all ends of the budget. It really is the place to be, whether you fancy a chilled Sunday brunch with your family, or a lively Friday night drinks session with your friends - Northbridge offers something for anyone who wants to have a good time.
Attractions
Kings Park and Gardens
Set high on Mount Eliza, offering breathtaking views of the river and city, Kings Park comprises over 400 hectares of stunning parkland and greenery for people to enjoy all year round. In the summer, locals take advantage of the barbequing facilities and spend lazy days relaxing with the family. Others enjoy the recreational space available and run, cycle, roller blade or simply take a walk through the vast gardens. During certain times of the year special events are held including music festivals and the Australian Wildflower Festival. It is also becoming an increasingly popular venue for weddings.
Beaches
In the capital of Perth alone there are 19 pristine beaches, ensuring that even on a hot summer day (of which there are many) they never appear too busy or crowded. Come rain or shine, the surfers are in the water waiting for the perfect wave, and the seafront restaurants and cafés are brimming with locals enjoying brunch or a glass of wine after work. Not surprisingly, Perth is known as the Sunset Coast as, like the beaches, the sunsets are sensational and no two are ever the same. Perth's 35-kilometre coastline, stretching from Fremantle in the south to the northern suburbs, is easily accessible by the city's suburban bus and train network.
