Perth

Perth is fast becoming the place to be in Australia with its magnificent sandy beaches and Mediterranean climate. Vastly isolated from Australia's other major cities on the east coast, Perth is Western Australia's capital and largest city with a population of 2 million people. Perth boasts beautiful weather, stunning beaches and an easy-going character not unlike the locals of Brisbane all the way over on the east coast.

Perth has several of the world's most stunning beaches and marine reefs, some of the world's best wines at Margaret River, and breathtaking desert and outback perspectives. Perth is fast becoming a metropolis with an energetic cultural centre with a theatre, museum and art gallery, must try restaurants, cafes and bars and events that will fill up your calendar.

If you enjoy walks along clean sandy beaches, swimming the surf on a warm sunny day or shopping the markets under a cloudless blue sky, then Perth is for you.

Attractions:Kings Park and Botanic Gardens is one of the city's most popular attractions, located just outside the city centre. It is made up of 400 hectares of parkland and gardens, set high upon Mt Eliza with incredible views of the city and Swan River. The park is home to native bushland, open parkland areas, the State War Memorial and statues, making it a great destination for picnics, bush walking and cycling. Throughout the year the park also hosts a number of events including outdoor concerts, moonlight cinema and the Kings Park Wildflower festival each spring.

Perth Zoo is located just five minutes from the city centre and is home to many exhibits including Australian Bushwalk, Nocturnal House and African Savannah. You can see animals such as Kangaroos, Koalas, Wallabies and Dingoes as well as Reptiles, Wetland and Rainforest animals. The Zoo is open from 9am to 5pm each day and the grounds have barbeques so you can take along a picnic for lunch, or stop by the food trucks for lunch or a snack.

London Court, located in the heart of the CBD amongst the skyscrapers, was built in 1937 and has a very similar feel to the Tudor style buildings in England. The charming atmosphere of London Court shopping arcade will allow you to get lost in the little shops and cafes, and, if you look closely, you will notice the clock at Hay Street entrance has four knights above it. Pay close attention as you venture through this beautiful historical street or you might miss something!

Transport around City: Transperth offers busses, trains and ferries. Rental cars are a good option for getting around.

Recommended Restaurants: Izyan Malay Cuisine (Thornlie), C Restaurant in the Sky (Perth CBD), Wildflower (Perth CBD), Long Chim (Perth CBD), La Cholita (Northbridge).

Recommended Bars: Crown Perth (Burswood), Cottesloe Beach Hotel (Cottesloe), Patio bar (Fremantle), Lums Wine Bar (Subiaco), Terrarium Perth (Perth CBD).

Recommended Hotels: Duxton Hotel (Perth CBD), Hyatt Regency (Perth CBD), InterContinental (Burswood), Esplanade Hotel (Fremantle).

Culture: Perth has a rich mix of art, comedy, music and dance experiences on offer. To connect with Perth's original inhabitants of the land, the Noongar Aboriginal people, take a walking tour through the city and learn about their spiritual connection to the land.