From Wikitravel

Perth is one of the most isolated state capitals in the world. Located in the south west area region of the vast state of Western Australia, with 1.5 million residents, it contains around 70% of that state's population.

Contents 1 Understand 1.1 History 1.2 Climate 2 Get in 2.1 By plane 2.2 By boat 2.3 By rail 2.4 By road 3 Get around 3.1 By public transportation 3.2 By bicycle or on foot 3.3 By car 4 See 5 Buy 6 Eat 7 Drink 8 Sleep 9 Get out

Understand

Perth is based around the Swan River on a flat coastal plain down from the Darling ranges. The many relatively uncrowded beaches along the Perth coastline also help define the lifestyle; Perth is laid-back, quiet and quite safe.

History

The site now known as Perth, was home to the indigenous Nyoongar tribe with evidence of their ancestors stretching back 40,000 years.

British settlers established a free settler colony in 1829 as part of the Swan River Colony. From 1850, an influx of convicts boosted the size of the colony and their labour helped shape the early architecture of the city. The discovery of gold in the 1890's triggered a boom which, with subsequent mineral discoveries, has been key to the city's economy. As capital of the state Western Australia, Perth joined the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.

Climate

Positioned on the south west of the continent, the city experiences a mediterranean climate with wet, mild winters (June to August; daily maximums around 15C) and hot, dry summers (December to January; daily maximums around 35C). The best times to visit are during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May).

Get in

By plane

Perth has a number of airports, including one international (IATA PER) and two general aviation. The recent introduction of some competition in the aviation marketplace means that cheap airfares are often available to other major cities.

There are three terminals at Perth airport:

• Terminal 1 - Perth International Airport: International flights including Qantas flights QF1-QF399 operate from this terminal.
• Terminal 2 - Qantas Perth Domestic Airport: Qantas domestic flights QF400 and above and QantasLink operate from this terminal.
• Terminal 3 - Skywest and Virgin Blue Domestic terminal.

Terminals 2 and 3 are adjacent to each other, but Terminal 1 is several kilometres away (NOT walking distance), and there is no direct link. The city and major hotels can be accessed by taxi or commercial shuttle bus from all terminals. Transperth buses serve the domestic terminals, but there is no public transport to the international terminal.

By boat

The nearby sea port of Fremantle is irregularly visited by a number of cruise lines.

By rail

The Indian Pacific trans-continental railway runs between Perth and Sydney. Not cheap but a 3 day journey to remember, especially if you're a train buff. The Indian Pacific arrives at the East Perth terminal, which is not the CBD station. A transfer to the suburban service or taxi is required to get into the city centre.

By road

A number of coach lines run across the Nullarbor Plain between Perth and Adelaide, including some adventure oriented tours that include camping and sightseeing.

Driving a car from Perth and Adelaide is also an option and the road and acccomodation infrastructure makes it achievable without too much stress. However, be warned that it is still a 2700 km drive.

Get around

By public transportation

• Bus: Perth has a comprehensive and relatively inexpensive bus network operated by Transperth. All buses operating within the CBD area, including the CAT (Central Area Transit) buses, are free of charge. CAT buses run circle routes every 10 to 15 minutes. Fremantle also operates a CAT service that runs every 10 minutes. Most buses are clean, modern and air-conditioned, although a number of older buses are still used.

• Train: A rail network, also opeated by Transperth, serves parts of the city. The four lines - Clarkson, Armadale, Midland and Fremantle run north, south, east and west from Perth Station. The new southern line to Mandurah will open in mid-2007.

• Ferry: There is a Transperth ferry accross the Swan River which departs Barrack St Jetty and arrives near Perth Zoo. At 50c a ride, this is a fun way to see a bit of Swan River on the cheap.

By bicycle or on foot

Perth and Fremantle can be comfortably explored on foot or by bicycle as Perth has very well developed cycling infrastructure. Areas further out from the city are easier to access with a car. The Perth Bicycle Network is a network of cycling and walking facilities throughout the metropolitan area. This comprises:

• Principal Shared Paths are high standard shared paths running adjacent to passenger railway lines and freeways
• Local Bicycle Routes are a series of on-road routes (with some off-road shared path sections) that connect potential destinations, such as schools, shopping centres and parks
• Generic minor works projects include general improvements to the cycling environment in a local area, such as on-road bike lanes and sealed shoulders
• End of trip facilities include bicycle-parking hardware such as U-Rails, Cora bike racks and bike lockers. They can also include associated facilities, such as showers and change rooms

Cycle maps are available from most bike shops. The Department for Planning and Infrastructure publishes free Travelsmart guides, showing routes for cycling, walking and public transport. Also published are brochures showing popular rides such as Ride around the Rivers, Ride along the Sunset Coast, Ride through the Hills, Ride from Armadale to Perth, Ride from the City to the Sea, Perth and Kings Park by Bike.

Bicycles are allowed on board Transperth trains, except in peak directions during peak hour.

By car

Renting a car is recommended for visiting the surrounding areas. Perth has lovely uncongested roads and is well served by an excellent freeway system. "Peak hour" is 8-9.30am and 4-5.30pm on weekdays, when the main arterial roads serving the CBD are slow-moving.

Cars may be rented at the airport and elsewhere from major rental companies, or at smaller, less conveniently located, cheaper companies such as Bayswater Car Rental (in several locations around Perth and Fremantle).

See

• Kings Park is a large beautiful park full of native flora located in the middle of the city. The best views of Perth can be found here. Visit the modest but beautiful war memorial.
• Margaret River is the home to some of the world's best wines. Good food and pristine beaches make the southwest region a favourite destination for tourists and locals alike.
• Fremantle, about 20km south-west of Perth is an old port city. Small enough to walk around comfortably with attractions that include the Maritime Museum. Popular with the locals as a place to go for a coffee and even more laid back than Perth. Renting a moped is a great way to see all of what Fremantle has to offer.
• Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth's northern suburbs is about thirty minutes from the centre of the city. Great food, drinks and beaches. A small water park, The Great Escape, will keep the kids entertained.
• Perth Mint is the nation's oldest operating mint and one of the oldest mints in the world still producing coins from its original premises. You can buy and sell gold, purchase jewellry and souvenirs, see the mint in operation, and watch molten gold being poured to create gold bars.
• Perth Zoo has been open since 1898 and has an excellent reputation with both tourists and locals. The cost of entry can be found on the website, and free guided walking tours are offered at 11am and 1.30pm each day.
• Rottnest Island, a popular holiday destination featuring a casual atmosphere, picturesque scenery and some of the world's finest beaches and bays, is located just 19 kilometres off the coast

Buy

You don't normally come to Perth for the shopping, apart from perhaps for Broome pearls, Perth Mint gold and Argyle diamonds.

King Street has some of the more expensive shops in Perth, although few; these include Louis Vuitton and Gucci. The main shopping precinct of Perth city is centred around the Hay Street and Murray Street malls. Meanwhile for the cheaper more budget shopping spree check out Harbour Town located just one stop from Perth Central train station on the Fremantle line and walk 1 min towards the building. Hay Street Mall also offers some interesting shopping options.

Subiaco Markets operates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and is located about 30 seconds walk from the Subiaco train station.

Eat

One of the drawbacks of Perth is the lack of late night dining. Very few places will serve food after 10pm at night, with the notable exception of some excellent out-of-the-way Asian eateries and the Moon Café in Northbridge.

There are a lot of restaurants in Northbridge just across the railway line north of the CBD. Mainly Southern European (Greek, Italian etc) and Asian (especially Indonesian and Vietnamese) restaurants. The seafood restaurants are also recommended. Northbridge gets very busy Friday and Saturday night.

Fremantle is a good option for getting out. It's easy to get to by train and has enough restaurants, bars and coffee shops to keep you well fed and watered. South Tce has a coffee strip that is popular from the morning and on through the day; about the only place around Perth that's alive from dawn to... dawn.

Subiaco is a couple of km from the city centre and easily reachable by train on the Fremantle line. Subiaco is a fun suburb with some great food and entertainment. Remember to pronounce it something like 'Soo-bee-ak-o' otherwise they'll know you're from out of town!

Claremont is a suburb on the same train line as Subiaco (or a close drive away) which has some good food too.

Mount Lawley and Highgate Centered around the Beaufort Street strip, this bohemian suburb includes some of Perth's edgier bars, restaurants, pubs, cafes and clothing shops. Mount Lawley and Highgate is the heart of Perth's gay and artistic communities. If you want to splurge, try the Must Wine Bar. Jacksons, arguably Perth's finest restaurant, is located on the southern end of the strip.

Other suburbs with good dining include:

• South Perth
• Northbridge
• Bassendeen
• Leederville
• City Beach
• Cottesloe
• Joondalup

Some specific options include:

• Yú Restaurant, Burswood International Resort Casino (Burswood, Casino side), for reservations call (08) 9362 7551, [1]. Fine dining and check out the $3 million renovation.
• CBD. "Cafe at the Hyatt", a buffet restaurant at the Hyatt Regency. This is a fairly upmarket buffet, in a very very nice location. One of the more expensive restaurants in the Perth region. $40 (plus drinks)
• Blue Duck Cafe (on the coast). Has lovely sea views.
• C Restaurant Lounge, St Martins Tower Level 33/ 44 ( top of the AAPT building, or St Martin's Tower ), (08) 9220 8333, [2]. Has amazing views of the entire city including Kings Park. The food is good but you definitely go there for the scenery.
• King Street Cafe, 44 King St, (08) 9321 4476.
• CBD Restaurant & Bar 815 Hay St (bottom of the Rydges Hotel), (08) 9263 1859.
• Westende Belgian Beer Cafe, 347 Murray St, (08) 9321 4094.
• Perugino Restaurant, 77 Outram St, (08) 9321 5420.
• Il Principe Gran Caffè, 49 Colin St, (08) 9324 3747.
• Subiaco Hotel, 465 Hay St (Subiaco), (08) 9381 3069, [3]. Worth a visit.
• Witch's Cauldron, 89 Rokeby Rd (Subiaco), (08) 9381 2508, [4]. An institution; great steaks and sizzling prawns.
• Chutney Mary's Indian Restaurant, 67 Rokeby Rd (Subiaco), (08) 9381 2099. Arguably the best Indian food in town.
• Bellissimo Restaurant, Bay View Terrace (Claremont), (08) 9385 35883. Worth a shot for some good Italian.
• Pronto Restaurant, 16 Bay View Terrace (Claremont, opposite Bellissimo), (08) 9284 6090.
• Taka, 150 Barrack St (Perth, on Barrack and Wellington St), (08) 9221 4771.
• Lava Stonegrill, 155 Walcott St (Mount Lawley), (08) 9328 6669.

There is a large Western Rock Lobster (known locally by its former name of crayfish) industry. Most of the crayfish is exported to the USA for vast sums of money. However, crayfish prices in Perth can be relatively cheap, especially during summer in a good season. Lots of restaurants serve crayfish, so give it a try without breaking the bank!

Drink

Those who have travelled outside of Perth may observe that nightlife is relatively limited.

Northbridge is very lively and is home to many of Perth's popular nightspots. Try the Brass Monkey on the corner of William and James St; a great comedy club on site and a good selection of beers and wines. Bar Open on William Street is a hot little club that can only be reached via alleyway. It's virtually hidden location means it's sleek clientele are clearly in the know, and it is perfect for those looking for a spot to chill and any cocktail you could dream up- it's sister club upstairs, Club 234, is equally as classy. Connections and Skandalous are Perth's two gay and lesbian clubs, however The Court is also a gay and lesbian bar with a special late license.

Non-drinkers who have an interest in Chinese bubble tea can grab a drink (and a spot of karaoke) at Utopia which is a trendy spot for the youngsters who come out to break the curfew. Easy Way is another up-and-coming popular bubble tea place a few doors down from Utopia.

Perth CBD is rife with bars, all buzzing after 5pm with those who have just finished a hard day at work. Belgian Beer Cafe Westende has an impressive selection of imported and local beers on tap, with specialised glassware to match.

Fremantle has the usual array of pubs and clubs. Of special note are the Fly by Night Musicians Club and Kulcha (folk).

Subiaco has an array of venues where you can have a drink and a dance, such as the Subi Hotel, Club Red Sea, Sapphire Bar and Llama Bar. "Subi" becomes really busy when events are held at Subiaco Oval.

Sleep

• Duxton Hotel Perth, 1 St George's Terrace. tel 1800 681 118 (within Australia) or 08 9261 8000 (international). fax 08 9261 8020. email res1@perth.duxton.com.au. [5] Twin rooms from $139, double roms (king sized bed) frm $159.
• Kings Perth Hotel, 517 Hay Street (cnr Pier St). tel 08 9325 6555. fax 08 9221 1539. email info@kingshotel.com.au. [6] Double rooms from $86 per night.
• Mercure Perth, 10 Irwin Street. tel 08 9326 7000. fax 08 9221 3344. email H1754@accor-hotels.com. Rooms from $115. [7]
• Rydges Perth, Cnr Hay & King Streets ph 1300 857 922 - Rydges Perth's central location is in downtown Perth adjacent to the West End entertainment and retail district. Rydges Hotels and Resorts is an Austrailian owned and operated company.

Get out

The locals often go for a walk along the river or on one of the many coastal beaches; try Cottesloe on the Fremantle railway line (bit of a walk, or take bus 102), or bus 400 to Scarborough. There are a lot of options if you have car, from the city just head to the coast, then head north or south.

A little known but pleasant outing is to take the ferry from Barrack Street Jetty to South Perth. The ride is inexpensive ($1.40 return)and only takes 10 minutes. Once there stroll around and soak in the village like atmosphere and depending on time of the day linger for a snack or meal. On the way back admire the beautiful view of the Perth CBD.

Another day outing favoured by the locals is Fremantle; great for a walk around without a specific goal in mind or where the plan is to finish with a coffee and cake.

Margaret River is also nearby, if you consider, as many 'Sandgropers', or residents on Western Australia do, a three hour drive to be 'close'.

Take a cruise to Rottnest Island, hire a bike, and cycle around the secluded beaches spotting quokkas. Cruises start from the Barrack St Jetty in the centre of Perth or from Fremantle.

Nambung National Park is a (long) day trip from Perth. In the heart of the Nambung National Park is the Pinnacles Desert, where thousands of limestone pillars rise out of the yellow sand. Beautiful and recommended. As a bonus for the scientifically inclined, a nearby lake has stromatalites closely related to those found in rocks billions(!) of years old. Tour companies run coach tours to the park, otherwise you'll need to hire a car.

The Darling Scarp , known locally as The Hills provides an opportunity for bush walks; especially recommended during the spring (September through November) when the wildflowers are in bloom. There's a chance you will see wild kangaroos but be warned that they often jump in front of cars, especially at dawn and dusk. A drive to the old towns of Toodyay and/or York makes for a nice day's outing, being about an hour's drive away.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!