Perth Population 1,083,400
Perth, the Capital City of Western Australia, is situated on the banks
of the Swan River in the south-west corner of Australia.
Climate
Perth is the sunniest of all Australian cities, averaging eight hours of
sunshine a day. It boasts a superb climate with an average summer day temperature
of 30C (86F), which is tempered by the arrival of an afternoon breeze called
The Fremantle Doctor, and an average night temperature of 17C (63F). The
average winter day temperature is a mild 18C (64F), and the night is 9C
(48F). February is the hottest month, and July the coldest. The annual
rainfall averages 974mm (38 ins). The wettest months are May-August, but
half the number of days during this period are sunny and clear. The driest
months are November-February, when it seldom rains.
Characteristics
The city of Perth nestles by a kilometre-wide expanse of the Swan River
which spreads out like a lake or harbour, edged by expensive suburbs and
white sand beaches. It was known as the city of millionaires before the
1987 Stock Market crash, and still is a place of energetic growth and vigorous
youth. It is a well planned city with an efficient freeway system, yet
within walking distance of the city centre is Kings Park, a native bushland
with gum trees and wildflowers, commanding magnificent views of the city
and the Swan River.
How to Get There By Air
Perth International Airport, in Baker Road, is serviced by many airlines
including Air New Zealand, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Malaysian Airlines
System, Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways International. For
information phone (08) 9478 8888, send an email to per@perthairport.net.au
or survey the website www.perth airport.com
Domestic flights from other capital cities are by Qantas. The journey from
the airport to the central business district takes approximately twenty
minutes, and an airport hotel bus service operates between both passenger
terminals and hotels and motels.
By Bus
Greyhound Pioneer operate services from/to other State Capitals.
By Rail
The Indian Pacific operates between Sydney and Perth.
By Road
Visitors can drive across the Nullarbor Plain from the eastern States,
or have their car transported across on the train.
Tourist Information
The Western Australian Tourism Commission operates the Perth Visitor Centre
located in Albert Facey House, cnr Forrest Place and Wellington Street,
1300 361 351. You can plan many aspects of your holiday using the website
at www.westernaustralia.net and request advice and further information
by email at travel@tourism.
wa.gov.au
The headquarters of the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia are
at 228 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, 9421 4444. See the website at www.rac.com.au.
The RAC of WA service facilities are available to members of the RAC in
other States.
There are many tours of Perth and surrounding attractions, operated by
companies like Kings Tours, 9321 2288, and Great Western Tours, 9490 2455.
The Visitor Centres have brochures and can organise bookings.
Accommodation
Perth has a range of excellent hotels, motels and other accommodation.
As with most cities, accommodation is usually cheaper in the suburbs, and
the Tourist Information Office has a complete list of accommodation available.
Here we have a selection of city hotels and motels with prices for a double
room per night, which should be used as a guide only. The caravan parks
we mention are, as is usual, in the suburbs. &The telephone area code
is 08.
Perth
Hyatt Regency Perth, 99 Adelaide Terrace, 9225 1234. 367 rooms (private
facilities), licensed restaurant, swimming pool, sauna, tennis $230.
Sheraton Perth, 207 Adelaide Terrace, 9224 7777. 388 rooms (private facilities),
licensed restaurant, swimming pool, sauna $145 - 260.
Kings Perth Hotel, 517 Hay Street, 9325 6555. 119 rooms, licensed restaurant,
swimming pool - $95.
Emerald Hotel, 24 Mount Street, 9481 0866. 102 units (private facilities),
licensed restaurant, sauna $95 - 105.
Metro Inn Perth, 61 Canning Hwy, South Perth, 9367 6122. 87 rooms (private
facilities), licensed restaurant, swimming pool $95 - $115.
Hotel Grand Chancellor, Perth, 707 Wellington Street, 9327 7000. 273 rooms
(private facilities), licensed restaurant, sauna $100.
Murray Lodge Motel, 718 Murray Street, West Perth, 9321 7441. 27 units,
licensed restaurant - $75.
Pacific Motel, 111 Harold Street (cnr Stirling Street), 9328 5599. 60 units,
swimming pool, bbq $80.
Park Inn International, 70 Pier St, 9325 2133, 96 rooms (private facilities),
unlicensed restaurant $85.
Miss Maud Swedish Hotel, 97 Murray Street, 9325 3900. 51 rooms (private
facilities), licensed restaurant - B&B $96.
CWA House Residential, 1174 Hay Street, West Perth, 9321 6081 (private
facilities), unlicensed restaurant, $75.
Fremantle
The Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, cnr Marine Terrace & Essex Street, 9432
4000. 259 rooms (private facilities), licensed restaurant, spa, sauna
$155 - 175.
Rosie O'Grady's, 23 William St., 9335 1645. 17 rooms (private facilities),
licensed restaurant $60 - 125
Fremantle Hotel, cnr High & Cliff Streets, 9430 4300. 35 rooms (some
with private facilities), licensed restaurant $80-90.
Tradewinds Hotel Fremantle, 59 Canning Hwy, 9339 8188. 83 rooms (private
facilities), licensed restaurant $148.
Caravan Parks
Perth Holiday Park, 91 Benara Road, Caversham, 9279 6700. (No pets allowed)141
sites, swimming pool, barbecue - powered sites $20-23 for two, cabins $70-85
for two.
Perth International Tourist Park, 186 Hale Rd, 9453 6677. (No pets allowed)
82 sites, barbecue - powered sites $22-27 for two, chalets $90-105 for
two, ensuite cabins $75-85 for two.
Coogee Beach Holiday Park, Coogee Beach Reserve 9418 1810. (No dogs allowed)
- 186 sites, powered sites $20 for two, no on-site vans.
Fremantle Village, cnr Cockburn & Rollinson Roads, 9430 4866. (No pets
allowed) - 142 sites, powered sites $22 for two, en-suite sites $27 for
two, chalets $85 for two.
Local Transport Bus
Buses are operated by Transperth: phone 13 6213, look up www. transperth.wa.gov.au,
or email transperth@transport.wa.gov.au. The city and its surrounds are
divided into 8 zones radiating out from Perth city. A standard fare within
Zone 1 costs $1.80 and the journey must be completed within 2 hours of
purchase. FastCards are available to save travellers money depending on
their needs. For comparison, the MultiRider covers ten journeys within
Zone 1 for $15.30, a DayRider allows unlimited travel for one day for $7.10,
and the MaxiRider offers discounts for a family or group return journey.
Free Transit Zone/City Clippers
Within a clearly defined inner City Zone you will be able to travel on
all buses free of charge, as part of the Central Area Transit System. The
city CATS are a modern, efficient bus service with electronic displays
at each stop and regular, satellite-updated announcements of when you can
expect the next bus to roll by.
The Red CAT hleaves every 5 minutes, Mon-Fri, 6.50am-6.20pm, and travels
along Wellington Street, Milligan Street, and Emerald Terrace. It runs
in both a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction, and includes Murray Street,
Emerald Terrace, and Outram Street and a shortened circuit on weekends
between 10am and 6.15pm (every 45 minutes).
The Blue CAT hleaves every 8 minutes, Mon-Fri, 6.50am-6.20pm, travelling
from a terminus in the Barrack St Jetty via William Street, The Esplanade,
and Aberdeen Street to Northbridge Street.
A Fremantle CAT is also in operation hevery 10 minutes Mon-Fri from 7am7pm.
Train
Suburban trains operate from Perth to the areas of Fremantle, Midland and
Armadale. Suburban trains leave from Perth Train Station, Wellington Street;
interstate trains leave from East Perth Train Station. Westrail Travel
Centre is located at East Perth Station. For all information relating to
buses, ferries and trains, including timetables and route maps, see the
Transperth website at the address: www. transperth.wa.gov.au
Taxi
Taxis operate all hours and the illuminated sign on the roof tells that
they are vacant. All cabs have meters which display the fare, and there
is an extra charge for baggage. There are taxi ranks through Perth Central
Business District, or they can be ordered by phone. The main taxi operator
is Swan Taxis, 13 1330.
Car
A rental car is a convenient way of sightseeing and is relatively inexpensive
for a group or family. Daily rate for a late model small car is approximately
$30-35 plus fuel. Here are some names and addresses:
Bayswater Car Rental, 160 Adelaide Terrace, 9325 1000; Geddes, 36A Geddes
Street, Victoria Park, 361 7388; Apex, 400 William Street, Northbridge,
9227 9091; Ace Rent A Car, 311 Hay Street, Perth, 9221 1333.
Eating Out
Perth has a reputation for its remarkable variety of BYO and licensed restaurants.
The eating places vary from coffee shops and bistros to luxury class restaurants.
Whatever your fancy, you have a tempting range of dishes from Europe, Asia,
India, Mexico and Lebanon, as well as delicious local seafood and vegetarian
dishes. There are also a number of restaurants that offer panoramic views
of the city and the Swan River. Fremantle has a large variety of restaurants
from side walk cafes on South Terrace to top class dining. Be sure to try
the fresh seafood for which Fremantle is famous. Here are some names and
addresses.
International
Picnicks Garden Restaurant, 78- 82 Outram St, West Perth, 9481 6619.
Criterion Brasserie, 560 Hay Street, 9325 5155.
El Mambo Citadel Restaurant, 283 William Street, 9227 5338.
Savannahs Restaurant, The Esplanade, Scarborough, 9340 5753.
Fraser's Restaurant Kings Park, Fraser Avenue, West Perth, 9481 7100.
Hilite 33 Restaurant, Lvl 33/ 44 St Georges Tce, 9220 8333.
Matilda Bay Restaurant, 3 Hackett Drive, Crawley, 9423 5000.
Gazebo Restaurant, 221 Adelaide Terrace, 9221 1200.
Italian
Mamma Maria's, Cnr Aberdeen & Lake Sts, Northbridge, 9227 9828.
Simon's Seafood Restaurant, 73 Francis St, Northbridge, 9227 9055.
Gavino Restaurant, 375 Hay St, Subiaco, 9381 1323.
Seafood
The Essex Restaurant, 20 Essex St, Fremantle, 9335 5725.
Fremantle Mussel Bar, Fishing Boat Harbour, 42 Mews Rd Fremantle, 9433
1800.
Jessica's Fine Seafood Restaurant & Bar, 99 Adelaide Tce, Perth, 9325
2511.
Joy Garden Seafood Restaurant, 65 Francis St, Northbridge, 9227 8638.
Japanese
Hayashi Japanese Restaurant, 107 Pier St, Perth, 9325 6009.
Japanese Restaurant Kawana, 568 Hay St, Perth, 9221 3339.
The New Shima Japanese Restaurant, 409 Murray St, Perth, 9321 1668.
Chinese
Grand Palace Chinese Restaurant, 3rd Floor, 14 The Esplanade, Perth, 9325
2344 .
South Sea Chinese Restaurant, 388 Fitzgerald St, North Perth, 9227 8822.
Diamond Chinese Restaurant, 123 Murray St, Perth, 9325 1443.
Indian
Royal India Restaurant, 1134 Hay Street, West Perth, 9324 1368.
McDonald's is well represented, with many in the city including 572-576
Hay Street, 9325 2451; and one in Fremantle, Mews Road, 9430 4308.
Entertainment
Twenty years ago visitors to WA might have been forgiven for concluding
that the state was somewhat lacking when it came to top-class entertainment.
However, that view changed dramatically with the construction of the Perth
Concert Hall and the Perth Entertainment Centre, the refurbishing of the
famous old His Majesty's Theatre, the growth of taverns, restaurants, cinemas
and discos, the revitalising of hotels, and the emergence of Northbridge
as a centre of Perth's night life. And, of course, there is the Burswood
Casino.
The Concert Hall is the home of the WA Symphony Orchestra, as well as being
a venue for concerts and performances by visiting artists. Perth Entertainment
Centre has a seating capacity for 8000 people, and is a venue for circuses,
rock bands, musical productions, ballroom dancing championships, classical
concerts and ice shows. His Majesty's Theatre is the residence of the
WA Opera Company, the WA Ballet Company and the WA Arts Orchestra. Drama
productions are also staged from time to time at several suburban venues
and tertiary institution theatres.
The Burswood Resort Casino, Great Eastern Highway, 9362 7777, is set in
100ha (247 acres) of rolling parklands which include an 18-hole golf course.
Burswood overlooks the Swan River and dominates the eastern approaches
to the city. Apart from the glamour of the casino complex, there's the
luxury of a 413 room 5-star hotel, a Las Vegas-style theatre showroom,
20,000 seat indoor stadium called the Superdome and a host of recreational
facilities. hThe action in the Casino continues non-stop 24 hours a day,
except Christmas, Good Friday and Anzac Day. Covering 6968 sq m (75,000
sq ft) on a single level, Burswood has 111 gaming tables, 540 video gaming
machines and a 240 seat Keno lounge.
The city is also served by many cinemas:
Hoyts, City Arcade, Hay Street Mall, 9325 2377.
Cinecentre 1, 2 and 3, Murray Street, east of Barrack Street, 9325 2844.
Piccadilly, Piccadilly Arcade, Hay Street Mall, 9322 3577.
Jaws Cinema, Hay Street, 9225 6144.
Ace Cinemas, Adelaide Terrace, 9425 5522.
Programmes and session times will be found in the daily newspapers. There
are also a number of suburban cinemas that show first-run movies, and several
drive-ins.
Shopping
Normal shopping hours in Perth are 8.30am-5.30pm, Mon-Fri, 8.30am-noon
Sat, with many shops staying open Thursday evening until 9pm. There are
many big shopping centres in the suburbs these days, but Perth city centre
has retained its attraction because of the variety of shops. It is the
fashion centre of the State, and has particular appeal for the young.
Department Stores
There are two main department stores in Perth -
Aherns is situated between Murray and Hay Streets, about 50m west of Barrack
Street.
Myers is between Wellington and Murray Streets, with one side adjoining
Forrest Place. Standing on the site where Boans Department Store once stood,
the new Myer building is architecturally impressive. Overhead walkways
are linked to several of Perth's arcades and to the modern Perth Train
Station, which in turn is linked to the city's cultural centre.
The Malls
Hay Street, between William and Barrack Streets, has always been regarded
as the very heart of Perth shopping. Before the 1970s, it was probably
the most congested section of roadway in WA. Narrow, with parking allowed
on both sides of the street, buses, service vehicles and general through-traffic
battled for position. That all changed when Hay Street between William
and Barrack Streets was made into a pedestrian mall. Murray Street, between
William and Barrack Streets, was also declared a mall. The Murray Street
Mall flows into Forrest Place and the Myer terraces, and is linked to the
Hay Street Mall by numerous arcades. The whole effect is to create a pleasant,
roomy, traffic-free shopping precinct.
The Arcades
The arcades, while still functioning as 'short cuts' and providing shelter
from the rain in winter and the heat in summer, are very attractive. They
are often multi-level, twist and turn along their length, interconnect
with other arcades and buildings, open out on to small plazas or covered-in
areas where shoppers can pause for a breather, go underground, and, in
one case, lead on to an overpass that takes shoppers across the busy street
below. Shopping arcades are still frequently associated with cinemas, but
many of Perth's newest office blocks and luxury hotels have incorporated
their own shopping arcades.
London Court
Leading off the Mall, not far from Barrack Street, and connecting the Mall
with St George's Terrace, is a piece of Olde England known as London Court.
Built in Tudor style, carved woodwork, wrought ironwork, hanging signs,
paved roadway and medieval towers at each end, help to create the atmosphere.
The clock facing the Hay Street Mall is an exact replica of the dial of
Westminster's Big Ben. Each quarter hour four knights on horseback joust
above the clock face. Above the clock face in St George's Terrace, St George's
and the Dragon appear each quarter hour. London Court is a photographer's
delight, and is also a drawcard for tourists because of the number of shops
catering especially for them.
If you are in the market for a truly Australian souvenir, or work of art,
pay a visit to Creative Native, 32 King Street, Perth, 9322 3398. This
gallery offers Aboriginal art, in particular work from the Nyoongah people.
Examples of the best artwork are on offer to the discerning collector,
ranging from the traditional, carved emu eggs, boomerangs, pottery, jewellery
and much more - on to the more contemporary. The gallery has an exclusive
artist, Tjyllyungoo, and his work is in great demand.
Points of Interest
The first recorded sighting by Europeans of Western Australia was in October
1616, when the Dutch navigator Dirk Hartog landed at Shark Bay, near Carnarvon.
Von Edels discovered land a little further south in 1618, while in 1619
Frederick Houtman sighted small rocky islands off the coast near Geraldton,
and named them Abrolhos - a term meaning 'lookout'. In 1828, the British
authorities decided to establish a settlement at the Swan River. On May
2, 1829, Captain Charles Fremantle, in command of the HMS Challenger, hoisted
the British flag at the head of the Swan River and took possession of the
territory. The following month, Captain Stirling in Parmelia, arrived with
settlers, and on August 12, 1829, founded Perth at a site near the present
town hall. Early difficulties in the Swan River colony included a shortage
of labour, financial problems and poor communications. Acting on recommendations,
the British Government sent convicts to WA from 1850 to 1868 to assist
with development. It was not until the discovery of gold during the late
1880s and 1890s that real progress began. Western Australia became a state
of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.
The Town Hall, on the corner of Hay & Barrack Streets, was built by
convict labour between 1867 and 1870, in the style of an English Jacobean
market hall. It seems that the convicts left their mark on the clock tower
of the building, for the windows are shaped like broad arrows. Nearby in
Barrack Street, a tablet set into the footpath commemorates the founding
of Perth in 1829.
The alignment of Murray Street and Victoria Square appears on the earliest
map of Perth, dated 1833. By the late nineteenth century, many government
buildings had been located in Murray Street east of Pier Street, while
buildings of the Roman Catholic Church were established in the Victoria
Square vicinity. A large number of these historic buildings remain today,
and though built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are classified
by the National Trust of WA:
The Government Printing Office was originally the site of a home for destitute
women, and was acquired for a printing office in 1870.
Government Stores Building was completed in 1911, and was originally occupied
by the Treasury Department. Its style was designed to harmonise with other
buildings of this period in Murray Street.
Salvation Army Fortress was officially opened in 1930.
The Health Department building was completed in 1912, and is believed to
be one of the last buildings in Perth to use Donnybrook sandstone for a
whole facade.
Young Australia League Building foundation stone was laid by William Morris
Hughes, the Prime Minister of Australia, in 1922.
Perth No 1 City Fire Station Building was completed in 1900, and became
the headquarters of the Perth City Fire Brigade after it moved from the
Town Hall on January 1, 1901.
Kirkman House, constructed in 1909, was used for many years as housing
for nurses of the Royal Perth Hospital. The Moreton Bay Fig Tree in front
of the house was planted about 1900 and has been placed on the National
Trust's Register of Significant Trees.
Royal Perth Hospital Administrative Building was built in 1894.
Colonial Hospital, behind the present Royal Perth Hospital staff canteen,
east of the hospital's administrative building, was constructed with convict
labour and was occupied in July 1855.
St Mary's Cathedral stands on the high ground set aside on the first town
plan of Perth as 'Church Square', known now as Victoria Square. The western
part of the Cathedral was built in 1963-5 with bricks made from local clay.
The Convent of Mercy, often referred to as the Mother House, was constructed
in 1873, and has been used by the Sisters of Mercy ever since.
Convent of Mercy Chapel dates from 1924. The apse contains excellent painted
figures copied from a medieval fresco.
Roman Catholic Presbytery, Church Offices and Grounds. The original Bishop's
Palace on this site was erected by the Benedictine Brothers in 1859.
Mercedes School House was constructed of limestone during the Gold Rush
period in 1895. It was originally used as a convent school house.
Pro-Cathedral of St John the Evangelist was built between 1844 and 1846
of brick with a shingle roof.
Government House, St George's Terrace, opposite Pier Street, is the official
residence of the Governor of Western Australia, and was built between 1859
and 1864. It is constructed in a romantic style with Gothic arches and
turrets reminiscent of the Tower of London.
Old Court House, in the middle of Supreme Court Gardens, was erected between
1836 and 1837. It is one of the earliest surviving buildings in the city.
During the 19th century it served as church, school, immigration depot,
supreme court house and store. It stood close to the original river foreshore.
Old Perth Boys' School, on the south side of St George's Terrace, between
Mill and William Streets, was completed in 1854. It was built of sandstone
which was ferried up the Swan River from Rocky Bay by convict labour.
The Cloisters, St George's Terrace, opposite Mill Street. Bishop Hale's
collegiate school for boys was opened here in 1858. The building has decorative
brickwork, and the exterior was renovated in 1871-72. The Port Macquarie
fig tree, on the east side of the Cloisters, is known to be over 100 years
old.
Parliament House is on St George's Terrace not far along from the Cloisters.
When Parliament is sitting there are hconducted tours of the House Mon-Fri
10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm. Subiaco buses 2, 3, 4 and 6 hdepart outside Newspaper
House alighting Harvest Terrace. For details, 13 6213.
Horseshoe Bridge, in William Street, between Wellington & Roe Streets,
was built in 1903, replacing a level crossing. Take note of the lamp pillars
decorated with swans.
The Police Courts, Beaufort Street, between Roe and James Streets, were
completed in 1905 by the Public Works Department under the direction of
their Chief Architect, J.H. Grainger, father of composer Percy Grainger.
The Art Gallery of Western Australia in the Perth Cultural Centre, James
Street Mall, displays traditional and contemporary paintings, prints, drawings,
sculpture and bark paintings. hOpen Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, public holidays 10am-5pm,
Anzac Day 1-5pm, 9492 6600.
Aboriginal Art & Craft Gallery is a gallery specialising in the art
of Western Australia's Indigineous people. hOpen 9-5.30pm daily, it is
located on Fraser Avenue, King's Park, 9481 7082.
Alexander Library, 40 James Street, 9427 3111, is a reference library and
also carries major interstate and overseas newspapers.
The Battye Library of Western Australian History forms part of the library.
hOpen Mon and Fri 9am-5.30pm, Tues-Thurs 9am-9.45pm, Sat Sun 2-5.30pm,
ph 9427 3111.
The Old Gaol, in the museum complex in Francis Street, is perhaps one of
the best examples of colonial architecture in the State. Built in 1856,
it served as Perth's original prison until 1888. Many public executions
took place in the grounds. Today it has been extensively restored, and
in rooms which once housed prisoners, there is an old fashioned dental
surgery and pharmacy and many mementoes of Perth's early days.
The Western Australian Museum (entrance in Francis Street) possesses a
Marine Gallery containing a 25m blue whale skeleton; an Aboriginal Gallery;
a superb collection of veteran and vintage cars; the skeleton of Albert
the Dinosaur; and the 11-tonne Mundrabilla meteorite.
The Railway Station, Wellington Street, now known as the Perth Train Station,
was built between 1893 and 1894, replacing an earlier station built when
the railway was opened in 1881. The front of the station has been renovated,
and the structure behind extensively remodelled, with walkways connecting
it to Myers and the Perth Cultural Centre.
Other museums in and around Perth are:
Army Museum, cnr Lord & Bulwer Streets, East Perth, 9335 2077
Aviation Museum, Bull Creek Drive, Bull Creek, 9311 4470 - hopen Thurs-Tues
11am-4pm.
World of Energy, 12 Parry Street, Fremantle, 9430 5655 - hopen Tues-Thurs
10.30am-4.30pm, Sat-Sun 1-4.30pm.
Fremantle Museum, in Finnerty Street, 9430 7966, is a branch of the WA
Museum. The limestone building, constructed in the 1860s as a lunatic asylum,
has been described as one of the finest examples of Colonial Gothic architecture
in Australia - hopen Mon-Thurs 10.30am 5pm, Fri-Sun 1-5pm.
Museum of Childhood, Edith Cowan University, Bay Road, Claremont 9442 1373
- hopen Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, Sun 2-5pm.
Rail Transport Museum, Railway Parade, Bassendean, 9279 7189 - hopen Sun
and public holidays 1-5pm, and Wed during school holidays 1-4pm.
Rockingham Museum, Rocking -ham Road, Rockingham 9592 3455
Telecommunications Museum, Wireless Hill, off Canning Highway, Melville,
9364 7067 - hopen Sat-Sun 2-5pm.
Suburban Attractions
Underwater World, in the Hillarys Boat Harbour, Sorrento, has a moving
walkway through a tunnel in a large aquarium, and you can come face to
face with sharks, rays, octopus and a variety of fish life. There is also
a theatre, cafe and bar facilities. hOpen daily, 9am-5pm, (08) 9447 5888.
The Swan Brewery, Canning Vale, offers free guided tours Mon-Wed at 10am,
with beer tasting included. There is a gift shop with a range of souvenirs
and clothing. Bookings are essential, 9350 0650.
The Maze, Sequola Park, Neaves Road, Bullsbrook, has not only a maze, but
also mini golf, animals and barbecue facilities. Open Wed-Sun and through
the school holidays, 9.30am-5pm, 9571 1375.
Beatty Park Leisure Centre, Vincent Street, North Perth, is open all year
with the water heated to 27C (81F) in the winter. hOpen daily 5.30am-8pm,
9273 6080.
Cottesloe Civic Centre, 109 Broome Street, Cottesloe, is a Spanish-style
mansion with probably the best gardens in Perth. The grounds are open all
hours, and the centre by arrangement, 9384 1566.
The Old Mill, at the southern end of the Narrows Bridge, was Perth's first
flour mill, built in 1835. It has been faithfully restored and contains
relics of pioneer days.
Parks and Gardens
Bold Park and Perry Lakes, at Floreat Park, a short drive from the city,
is a large expanse of bushland for enjoyable bushwalks and barbecues. Perry
Lakes adds to the scenic beauty. A marvellous view of suburban Perth and
the coastline is available from Reabold Hill.
Hyde Park has superb lawns and gardens. The huge trees are at their best
in autumn, and many species of wildfowl congregate on an island in the
ornamental lake. The Hyde Park festival is held annually, and thousands
of people come to see the arts and crafts, sample ethnic foods, and see
live performances.
Kings Park, overlooks the city and is only five minutes away. It is 404ha
(998 acres) of bushland, and the pride of Perth, with its scenic drives,
and displays of wildflowers. Attractions include playgrounds, a botanical
garden, lookouts, nature trails, bushwalks, a restaurant and barbecue areas.
Lake Monger is a favourite picnic spot with shady trees and green lawns.
Many varieties of birdlife are seen here, including black swans and wild
ducks.
Queens Gardens, cnr of Hay & Plain Streets, is a peaceful park with
splendid gardens incorporating small lakes and bridges. There is also a
statue of Peter Pan which is very popular with the children.
The River Foreshore, between the Causeway (Herrison Island) and the old
Swan Brewery building, is within easy reach of the city, and includes the
Swan River ferries' jetty and the parks and miniature lakes associated
with the beautification of the Narrows Interchange.
Supreme Court Gardens, cnr Barrack Street & St George's Terrace, include
the Stirling Gardens, and are a very popular lunch spot with city workers.
The Perth Music Shell is in these gardens, and many outdoor concerts are
held here during the summer.
Wireless Hill Park, off Canning Highway, Melville. The area was originally
set aside for the use of OTC. In 1969 it was vested in the City of Melville
as an A class reserve. Rich in native flora, it also has the Telecommunications
Museum.
Zoos and Wildlife Parks
Perth Zoo is 5 minutes south of Perth by car or bus, or take the scenic
ferry from Barrack Street Jetty. hOpen daily 9am-5pm, 9367 7988, admission
is $13 adults, $6.50 children and $35 families.
Caversham Wildlife Park, Arthur St, West Swan, 9274 2202, hopen daily 9am-5pm.
Cohunu Koala Park, Mills Road, Gosnells, 26km (16 miles) south of Perth,
9390 6090. hOpen daily 10am-5.30pm.
Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre, cnr Flynn & Selby Streets, Wembly 9387
6079 - hopen daily 9am-4.30pm.
Beaches
Perth's beaches are within easy reach of the city by Transperth buses (enquiries
221 1211), and the service that runs from Fremantle Bus/Train Interchange
along the coast to Warwick Bus Station.
Ocean Beaches
City Beach - bus no 84 from outside Raines Square in Wellington Street
terminates at the beach. Return by bus no. 81.
Cottesloe - bus no 72 or 103 from Stand 44 in St George's Terrace.
Leighton - bus no. 103 leaves from Stand 42, on the south side of St George's
Terrace, corner William Street.
NorthBeach, Waterman, Mulla-loo and Sorrento -bus no 81 leaves from the
Wellington Bus Station. Transfer to bus no 98 at Selby Street and 424 at
Stirling Interchange.
Scarborough - bus no 400 depart from the Wellington Street Bus Station.
River Beaches
Crawley Beach - bus no 24 leaves from St George's Terrace.
Como Beach - bus no 33 leaves from St George's Terrace.
Diving
The coast offers very good diving from Yanchep to Fremantle, with many
off shore wrecks to explore, and beautiful corals and shells to collect.
There is also a wide variety of reef fish, and table fish such as breaksea
cod, blue groper, kingfish, and dhufish. There are also plenty of rock
lobsters, but they may only be taken in season, and you should enquire
at the Tourist Information Office, or get in touch with Diving Ventures,
384 South Terrace, Fremantle, 9430 5130.
Festivals
The Festival of Perth is held in February/March, and has an extensive programme
of music, theatre, dance, film, visual arts and outdoor activities.
The Perth Cup, Perth's Premier horse race is held each New Year's Day.West
Week is held the first week in June to celebrate Foundation Day.
The Perth Royal Show is an 8 day agricultural affair with exhibitions,
animals, entertainment, and is held in September. hThe International Festival
is held in Northbridge each December.
Facilities
Cricket is a major sport in Perth, and headquarters is at the WACA Ground,
Hay Street East (near the Causeway).
Australian Rules is another sport with a strong following, and the local
league has eight teams. The West Coast Eagles represent WA in the Australian
competition.
Greyhound racing is held at Cannington Central every Saturday night.
Horseracing has two venues - Ascot and Belmont Park, both in the suburb
of Belmont.
Pacing also has two Raceways - Gloucester Park, Nelson Crescent, East Perth,
and Richmond Raceway at Fremantle. Gloucester Park has meetings on Friday
nights, and Richmond has about 15 meetings a year. Details are in the daily
newspapers.
The Showgrounds at Claremont are the place for speedway, with meetings
held on Friday nights in the spring and summer.
WA Water Ski Park, St Alban's Road, Baldivis, has four man-made lakes,
with three slalom courses and a jump. Lessons are available.
The city also has many golf clubs, cycling tracks, basketball, tennis and
squash facilities.
Outlying Attractions Fremantle
Fremantle is Western Australia's chief port, and is at the mouth of the
Swan River, 19km (12 miles) from Perth. It was founded in 1829 by Captain
Charles Howe Fremantle, in a ceremony claiming the entire west coast of
New Holland in the name of King George IV. Many of the original buildings
still standing were built with convict labour, and parts of the city retain
their 19th century atmosphere.
Fremantle can be reached from Perth by bus, train, ferry and taxi. One
of the best ways to get acquainted with Fremantle is to take a tram tour.
hThey leave on the hour, 10am-4pm, from the Town Hall, and travel to Victoria
Quay, 9339 8719, for more information.
The Town Hall in St John's Square, cnr Adelaide and William Streets, is
an elegant and gracious building officially opened in 1887 as part of Queen
Victoria's Jubilee Celebrations. The Tourist Information Office is located
here, 9431 7878.
The Western Australian Maritime Museum, Cliff Street, has displays dating
from the 1600s to the time of British Settlement. They are re-assembling
parts of the 1629 Dutch wreck Batavia. hOpen 10.30am-5pm daily, 9431 8444.
Fremantle Port Authority Building, 1 Cliff Street, 9430 4911, has tours
to the Observation Tower hat 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and
3.30pm daily.
The Round House, Arthur Head (west end of High Street) was originally a
gaol, and is the State's oldest surviving building, having been built in
1831. From the site there is an excellent view of Fremantle. hOpen daily
10am-5pm, 9430 7351.
Fremantle Railway Station in Phillimore Street, opposite Market Street,
opened in 1907.
There are many other museums, galleries and craft shops, and of course
many leftovers from the America's Cup Challenge. The Tourist Bureau has
all the details.
Rottnest Island
The name means Rats' Nest, and was given to the island by Dutch mariner,
William Vlamingh in 1696, as he thought the small rock wallaby (quokka)
inhabitants were rats. Rottnest Island is approximately 11km x 5km (7 miles
x 3 miles), and is 19km (12 miles) west of Fremantle, 45 minutes by ferry,
15 minutes by air.
Ferry services operate regular services. Rottnest Ferry Oceanic Cruises
depart from the end of Barrack Street, Perth, 9325 1191. Another service,
Rottnest Ferry Services, runs from the Hillary's Marina, north of Perth,
and sails to Sorrento, 9246 1039.
Contrary to most people's thinking, Rottnest is not a deserted island.
As well as a wide variety of accommodation, there is a restaurant, school,
bakery, laundrette, tennis courts, golf course, and many other signs of
habitation. Two places worth noting are, the Rottnest Museum, 9372 7353,
and the Rottnest Rail, 9372 9752. Both places reflect the history of the
island well, one housing convict and shipwreck relics from the past, the
other taking you on a trip to see the island as it is today. The most popular
pastime is swimming in the clear water with no worries about sharks or
rips. Then there is diving, surfing, boating, water skiing and fishing.
Rockingham
Situated in Cockburn Sound, one of the safest stretches of water in Australia,
Rockingham is 47km (29 miles) south of Perth. The two main islands in the
area are Garden and Penguin Islands. The Tourist Centre is at 43 Kent Street,
9592 3464, and is open daily. Garden Island was used as a temporary base
by Captain Stirling and the first settlers of the Swan River colony, and
it is now the site of the naval base, HMAS Stirling. Visitors are not allowed
access by the 4km causeway, but they may visit the island by boat between
sunrise and sunset, provided they stay outside the fenced naval area. Penguin
Island is a part-time home for a colony of dainty fairy penguins, one of
only two such colonies in Australia. A flat-bottomed ferry operates between
the island and the mainland, and the Tourist Centre has details. Other
places of interest are the Rockingham Museum, 9592 3455, the old Rockingham
Heritage Trail, 9592 3464, and the Rockingham-Jarrahdale Heritage Trail,
9592 3464.
Mandurah
Mandurah is 74km (46 miles) south of Perth, and can be reached along the
Coast Road, or from the South West Highway, either way taking about 50
minutes by car. The Tourist Bureau is at 5 Pinjarra Road, (09) 535 1155.
They have information on the accommodation available in this holiday town,
built around the calm protected waters of the Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary,
one of the largest inland waterways in Australia. The area also has 40km
(25 miles) of sandy Indian Ocean beaches, so boating, fishing, surfing
and windsurfing fans flock to the region. Attractions include: Ferry cruises;
Bavarian Castle and Adventure Playground; Marapana Deer Park; Hall's Cottage;
King Carnival Amusement Park, the greyhound and horseracing tracks; and
one of WA's best restaurants, Doddi's at 115 Mandurah Terrace, 9581 3735.
Wanneroo-Yanchep
The southern boundary of this area is 16km (10 miles) north of Perth, and
extends to the 63km (39 miles) peg on Wanneroo Road. The region has almost
50km (31 miles) of coastline, with some very good beaches, and a chain
of lakes in the centre. Make sure you don't miss The Gumnut Factory, 30
Prindiville Drive, Wangara, 9409 6699 (which also serves as the local information
centre), or Yanchep National Park, Yanchep, 9561 1004.
Swan Valley
The rich, alluvial soil of the valley has attracted many farmers, who have
turned their attention to grapes, and the area is noted for its range of
high quality wines. The smaller vineyards specialise in ports and dessert
wines, however many have been replanting with new varieties to produce
lighter table wines, which are winning awards, both locally and overseas.
The vignerons welcome visitors to their cellars to sample the wines, and
details should be obtained from the Tourist Office in Perth before setting
out. Midland is the hub of the Shire of Swan, and for over 100 years it
has been a busy railway centre, with all trains inland and to the Eastern
States passing through the town. Guildford, at the junction of the Swan
and Helena Rivers, has many historic buildings that are excellent examples
of early Australian town life. Some are small townhouses, which are not
open to the public, other public buildings are open for inspection. They
include: Guildford Court House; Rose & Crown Inn; Guildford Gaol; St
Matthew's Church; Wesley Chapel and Manse; All Saints Church; Convict Depot
Commissariat; Brockman's House; and Kinsella's Hotel.
Armadale
The town of Armadale is about 30km (19 miles) south-east of Perth on the
Albany Highway. Attractions include: Araluen Park; Canning Dam; Churchman's
Brook Dam; Wungong Dam; History House; Elizabethan Village, an authentic
period reconstruction with many fine antiques in the buildings; and Signal
Box Arts & Crafts (which houses the Bert Tyler Vintage Machinery Museum).
The Armadale Tourist Information Centre can be found in Jull Street, (08)
9497 3543.
Mundaring
On the Great Eastern Highway, 34km (21 miles) east of Perth, Mundaring
is the Gateway to the Foothills. The Mundaring Tourist Information Centre
is in the Old School, 7225 Great Eastern Highway, and they will advise
on the area's attractions, which include: Mundaring Weir Gallery Arts and
Crafts; the Hills Forest Discovery Centre; Mundaring Weir; the Bibbulmun
Track; and the C.Y. O'Connor Museum.
Kalamunda Located in the hills area, Kalamunda is 26km (16 miles)
east of Perth. Places to see are: Kalamunda History Village Museum,
Railway Road; Hills Art Gallery, Railway Road; Stirk Park and
Cottage, Kalamunda Road; and Lesmurdie Falls, Falls Road, Lesmurdie,
in the Lesmurdie National Park. Drop into the Visitor Information
Centre at 11 Headingly Road, or phone them beforehand on 9293
0299. They are hopen 10am-3pm Fri-Sun only.
