AmyHuang
Visit Australia: Perth
Perth? I see raised eye brows. Those not from Perth have very skeptical view of Perth being a travel destination. What does it have that other cities don't offer?
You are not wrong. Perth is just another Australian city, but if you do find yourself in Perth (especially those from overseas, or those from inter-state on business or by accident) you'll find it's not such a bad place afterall.
Firstly, as travellers we need to know how to entertain ourselves. So suss out the fun bits and where locals hang out. Go beyond the city borders to find whereelse might interest you. Perth is such a place - with research, you won't be disappointed.
The city centre is nothing special. Sorry to start on such a negative note but it lacks character. Even the so called landmark - the small, tacky looking Swan Bell Tower is disappointing. Apparently so think the Perth-ians too. Swan River itself is also nothing spectacular... I do recommend making a hike to Kings Park for a good view of the city skyline - in fact - if you are there right now, the wild flower festival should still be happening. This is when the flowers in Kings Park are in full bloom, completing each other for the attention of keen botanists.
Northbridge, the district directly on the other side of the train station, is where you'll find good pubs, cafes, bars and night clubs, as well as the tiny little Chinatown for your Asian food fix. This is also a backpacker hangout if that's your scene.
Ok, so remember what I said about venturing beyond the borders to search for fun? Well, a quick get away from Perth is the town Fremantle. Just for comparison purposes, it's like Adelaide's Glenelg, and Sydney's Darling Harbour. (Ok, so not exactly, what what else could I have said?) - considered as a suburb of Perth, Fremantle likes to keep it's own individual identity with its rich historic links with the indigenous culture, where the Noongar people used to come and perform ceremonies and trade, as well as the booming during Gold-Rush. As a port it's also got its Maritime stories too - make sure you visit the Shipwreck Museum for some interesting finds.
Oh, markets. I love markets, and there is one every weekend (Friday to Sunday) here in Fremantle - held in a National Trust listed building, it's the place to seek for the usual and the unusual. Good place to hunt for souvenirs for overseas visitors too.
Just in case you still have more time in Perth after visiting Fremantle (why the hell did you plan so much time here anyway?) - hop over to Rottnest Island. It's where locals like to go for their family holidays too. This almost car-free island is half an hour ferry away from Perth, and you can rent a bike to roam its surroundings. Lie on its beaches, or go kayaking, diving or snorkling.
See, Perth is not so bad afterall.
For further information on Perth and surrounds, please click and visit Perth Tourism.
(Apologies, no photos of Fremantle and Rottnest. I don't know what I was thinking not taking some memory shots!)
You are not wrong. Perth is just another Australian city, but if you do find yourself in Perth (especially those from overseas, or those from inter-state on business or by accident) you'll find it's not such a bad place afterall.
Firstly, as travellers we need to know how to entertain ourselves. So suss out the fun bits and where locals hang out. Go beyond the city borders to find whereelse might interest you. Perth is such a place - with research, you won't be disappointed.
Swan Bell Tower
The city centre is nothing special. Sorry to start on such a negative note but it lacks character. Even the so called landmark - the small, tacky looking Swan Bell Tower is disappointing. Apparently so think the Perth-ians too. Swan River itself is also nothing spectacular... I do recommend making a hike to Kings Park for a good view of the city skyline - in fact - if you are there right now, the wild flower festival should still be happening. This is when the flowers in Kings Park are in full bloom, completing each other for the attention of keen botanists.
Perth skyline as seen from Kings Park (excuse my photoshopping skills here)
Northbridge, the district directly on the other side of the train station, is where you'll find good pubs, cafes, bars and night clubs, as well as the tiny little Chinatown for your Asian food fix. This is also a backpacker hangout if that's your scene.
Northbridge
Ok, so remember what I said about venturing beyond the borders to search for fun? Well, a quick get away from Perth is the town Fremantle. Just for comparison purposes, it's like Adelaide's Glenelg, and Sydney's Darling Harbour. (Ok, so not exactly, what what else could I have said?) - considered as a suburb of Perth, Fremantle likes to keep it's own individual identity with its rich historic links with the indigenous culture, where the Noongar people used to come and perform ceremonies and trade, as well as the booming during Gold-Rush. As a port it's also got its Maritime stories too - make sure you visit the Shipwreck Museum for some interesting finds.
Oh, markets. I love markets, and there is one every weekend (Friday to Sunday) here in Fremantle - held in a National Trust listed building, it's the place to seek for the usual and the unusual. Good place to hunt for souvenirs for overseas visitors too.
Just in case you still have more time in Perth after visiting Fremantle (why the hell did you plan so much time here anyway?) - hop over to Rottnest Island. It's where locals like to go for their family holidays too. This almost car-free island is half an hour ferry away from Perth, and you can rent a bike to roam its surroundings. Lie on its beaches, or go kayaking, diving or snorkling.
See, Perth is not so bad afterall.
For further information on Perth and surrounds, please click and visit Perth Tourism.
(Apologies, no photos of Fremantle and Rottnest. I don't know what I was thinking not taking some memory shots!)
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Although apparently they are becoming even more expensive than Sydney when it comes to housing... yikes!
Amy
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I was in Perth a few months ago and stayed in Fremantle. I thought it was lovely, the highlight would have to be the fruit market........and the STRAWBERRIES I bought. They were amazing! And SO cheap!
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