Perth Travel Guide
Sun-soaked and effortlessly stylish, Perth is where sophistication meets adventure on Australia's stunning west coast. Home to nearly three million people, this cosmopolitan capital unfolds along the sparkling Swan River, its waters named by early Dutch explorers after the graceful black swans that still glide along its banks.
Once a remote outpost, Perth blossomed into a city of opportunity after gold was discovered in Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie in the 1890s, and again during the iron ore and nickel boom of the 1960s. Today, that same pioneering spirit fuels a city celebrated for its natural beauty, creativity and easygoing charm.
From the vibrant waterfront at Elizabeth Quay to the green expanse of Kings Park, one of the world's largest inner-city parks, Perth invites visitors to explore at their own pace. They can paddle or cruise along the Swan River, catch a tram through the lively CBD, or unwind with a glass of crisp local wine at a riverside café. Just 25 minutes away, the Swan Valley tempts with family-run wineries, artisan cheese makers, and long, lazy lunches under the gum trees.
History buffs can visit the Perth Mint, Australia's oldest operating mint. Art lovers will find a thriving cultural scene of galleries, museums, and live performances. And when the sun begins to set, locals and visitors alike make their way to the coast, 50 miles (80km) of pure white sand and turquoise surf, to toast the evening at Cottesloe or Scarborough Beach as the Indian Ocean turns gold.
Perth isn't just a destination. It's a mood: bright, welcoming, and endlessly rewarding.