PERTH
Most of the two million people who live in Western
Australia reside in the sophisticated and scenic state
capital. Perth grew on the banks of the Swan River,
named after the Scottish city of the same name, and was
proclaimed by Queen Victoria as a city in 1856. The
discovery of gold in Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie, to the
east of the city, in the 1890s led to a dramatic rise in
its population and an economic boom. Another boom
followed in the 1960s with the mining profits of iron
ore and nickel.
Today the city is characterised by numerous waterways,
green parks and a compact central business district.
There is plenty to occupy visitors in Perth, from
touring the city by tram or bus, enjoying watersports on
the Swan River or just sipping a glass of the famous
local wine in a riverside or beachside restaurant. Perth
has more restaurants per capita than any other
Australian city. Not far from the city is Western
Australia’s oldest wine-growing region, Swan Valley,
which welcomes tourists to visit the many award-winning
family-owned wineries, which offer alfresco and
restaurant meals and cellar tastings.
Perth is also the site of the world’s oldest operating
mint, and boasts several museums and art galleries,
historic buildings, a casino and a good variety of
shopping opportunities. Last, but not least, the city
offers more than 50 miles (80km) of white sandy beaches
in close proximity. Among the most popular are Cottesloe
and Scarborough. |