The capital of Western Australia and with a population of some 1.3 million people – most of the state population – Perth has been described as both the world’s most isolated city and one of the most beautiful in Australia.
Perth sits on the banks of the Swan River and to the south west has several hundred hectares of park and bush land known as Kings Park, said to be the city’s most visited attraction.
The but young and vibrant city has one of the world’s oldest mints in the Perth Mint, which still operates from its original 1899 base, and in the Swan Bells the world’s largest musical instrument. Perth also boasts 19 beaches and the Aquarium of Western Australia is worth a visit.
Northbridge is the hive of Perth’s restaurant and café culture, which draws upon the fresh produce of the area including seafood and caters for a wide spectrum of cuisines from Spanish and Italian to Cantonese, Australian and Asian.
The best nightlife in Perth and much of the surrounding area is also to be found in the Northbridge area of the city, with a mix of pubs and nightclubs catering for a variety of musical tastes.
Accommodation in the centre of Perth is relatively inexpensive with the likes of the Kings Park Motel, The New Esplanade Hotel and the Metro Hotel Perth, while other options include the Britannia International Youth Hostel and Hay Street Backpackers.