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Must See Attractions

Rottnest Island: a small, unspoilt island offshore from Perth, a popular place to relax and unwind. The island's coastline is picturesquely indented with many bays and inlets, which are a haven for boating and fishing and ideal and safe for bathing and snorkelling. A popular natural attraction are the island's cute, furry and friendly quokkas - small wallabies - which are unique to Rottnest. Colonial buildings have been adapted to provide shops and accommodation for visitors. Travel around the island is by bus, bicycles (they can be hired) or on foot - private cars are banned! A day trip is adequate to see the island; stay longer to take full advantage of the relaxed atmosphere.
Contact: Rottnest Island Authority (08) 9432 9340. Website. How to get there: by ferry from Perth, East Fremantle or Hillarys Boat Harbour (ferry websites); by small aircraft from Perth Airport.

Kings Park & Botanical Gardens: a sizeable reserve of natural bushland close to the heart of Perth. Being situated on My Eliza overlooking the Swan River and the Perth city foreshore, King Park offers both picture-postcard view over Perth Water to the city as well as the opportunity to experience the natural flora of the Perth region without leaving the city. Walking trails link the many gardens, lookouts, children's playgrounds and open spaces dotted throughout the park. Western Australia's wildflowers are in full bloom and on show in the Botanical Gardens each Spring (Sept-Nov). Lotterywest Federation Walkway extending 620 metres through the Botanic Gardens along a combination of on-ground pathways and a spectacular elevated 52 metre glass and steel arched bridge that is suspended among the canopy of tall eucalypt trees. The park's restaurant, situated opposite the war memorial, is a popular spot for locals taking visitors to Perth out for a meal when showing off their city. Free entry to Park.
Contact: Botanical Gardens & Park Authority (08) 9480 3600. Website.
Location: Fraser Avenue, West Perth. How to get there: bus from St Georges Terrace or walk up Malcolm Street via St Georges Terrace.

Perth Mint: mankind's fascination for the most precious of metals - gold - has played a major role in making the Perth Mint one of the city's most visited places. The Mint's guided tour incorporates watching a gold pour, discovering what one's weight is worth in gold, and viewing part of the world's greatest collection of investment gold bars and Australia’s largest natural nugget collection. The The original grand Victorian-era style gold receiving room of the heritage-listed building houses the Perth Mint Shop, which sells gold, silver and platinum coins, jewellery, precious stones and souvenirs, most of which cannot be purchased elsewhere.
Contact: (08) 9421 7222. Website. Location: 310 Hay Street, East Perth, a short walk from the city centre.

Yanchep National Park: a natural bushland reserve close to Perth, Yanchep features over 600 limestone caves and a koala sanctuary. Situated just beyond Perth's northern outskirts, Yanchep National Park gives a snapshot view of the tuart and banksia woodlands of the Perth costal plain. It abounds with native animals, water birds and plants in their natural surroundings. Western Grey kangaroos are commonly seen on the walk trails or grazing on the picnic lawns and golf course. Boat tours are conducted on Loch McNess; daily guided tours of Crystal Cave; Aboriginal cultural demonstrations on weekends. Park entry fee applies.
Contact: (08) (08) 9561 1004. Website. How to get there: by 51 km north of Perth via Wanneroo Rd. Coach tours visit the park daily.

Fremantle: the working port of the city of Perth, Fremantle is a vibrant meeting place for its culturally diverse population. Fremantle has in recent years been given a new lease of life, its sandstone warehouses and Victorian era pubs having been restored and put to new uses. Its excellent cafe strip, galleries and museums draw visitors to the city from all over Perth,
Contact: Fremantle Visitor Centre (08) 9431 7878. Website. How to get there: by train from Perth; by car from Perth (12 km) via Canning Hwy or Stirling Hwy.

General Interest Attractions

Penguin Island: Perth's most visited eco-tourism destination, and focal point of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Birdwatching, Fairy penguin viewing, exploring the island's limestone cliffs and sea caves are just some of the activities to be enjoyed onshore. Offshore, there's sea kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, boogie boarding, fishing, wind surfing and kite boarding, with tours to view the sea lion colony at Shoalwater Bay or spot dolphins, cormorants, pelicans and sea eagles for those who prefer not to get their feet wet. Tour operator Rockingham Wild Encounters runs a ferry service to the island, tours to the Marine Parks breeding grounds and swims with wild dolphins.
Contact: (08) 9591 1333. Website. Location: south-west of Rockingham near Warnbro Sound. How to get there: by car to jetty at Mersey point, Cnr Arcadia Dve. and Safety Bay Rd; train to Rockingham station on the Manduarah line, bus No. 551 or 552 to Safety Bay.

Winery and river tours: A leisurely cruise to the wineries of the Upper Swan valley is a great way to view suburban Perth and visit the early homes and farmlands of Perth and some the oldest vineyards in the country. Ferries leave from the jetties on Perth Water at the foot of Barrack Street, Perth CBD for day and half day cruises. Tours fees apply. Tour operator websites.

London Court: built in 1937 as a combination of residential and commercial premises for a wealthy gold miner and financier, Perth's London Court is today an Elizabethan-style shopping arcade with a distinct tourist flavour. It is said to be the only walk in the world outside Britain that has captured a setting and atmosphere so similar to that of Tudor England. The decorative entrances on St Georges Tce. and Hay St Mall incorporate clock towers - both clocks are replicas of the Great Clock of Rouen, France. On the hour, miniatures of four knights march into battle above St Georges Tce., and St George overcomes the dragon at the Hay Street Mall entrance as the clocks chime.
Website. Location: Hay St and St Georges Tce., Perth central business district, between Barrack and William Sts.

Mundaring Weir: Mundaring Weir was built across the Helena River in the the Darling Ranges near Perth at the end of the 19th century as part of a daring engineering scheme to catch water in the Darling Ranges and pump it to the Kalgoorlie goldfields 530 km away. The No. 1 pumping station, at the foot of the dam wall, houses the CY O'Connor Museum, which tells the stories of the dam's construction and the engineer who made it a reality. A visit to the weir and museum make for a pleasant half or full-day drive through the Darling Ranges via the semi-rural townships of Mundaring and Kalamunda. Facilities include toilets; picnic tables; dam wall walk.
Location: south of Mundaring on Mundaring Weir Rd; between Kalamunda and Helena Valley on the Bibbulmun Walking Track.

John Forrest National Park: Western Australia's most visited national park is situated in the foothills of the Darling Ranges to the east of Perth. The park has been a popular place for day outings and picnics by the people of Perth for over a century. Most people who grew up in Perth have childhood recollections of swimming in the numerous waterholes along Jane Brook, of cooling off under the waters tumbling over National Park and Hovea Falls, or running with delight to catch a glimpse of a steam train from the Eastern States upon hearing its whistle blow as neared the park's station. The steam trains have long gone (the line closed in February 1966) and the tunnel through which they travelled on their way down the hillside towards Perth is now part of a walking track. The tranquillity of the natural wandoo/jarrah/marri forests and woodlands, the granite outcrops and the walking tracks through the wildflowers that carpet the bush in spring is a major drawcard. Entry fee applies. Facilities include kiosk, picnic facilities, toilets.
Contact: (08) 9295 2244. Website. Location: 24 km east of Perth near Swan View. How to get there: by road via Gt Eastern Highway, turn onto Park Rd at Glen Forrest.

Hillarys Boat Harbour: a modern ocean marina catering to fishermen, boaters, beach goers, tourists, local residents and Rottnest Island ferry passengers. The only suburban boat harbour on the Indian Ocean to the north of Perth, Hillarys Boat Harbour is a very popular day-and-night destination in Perth's northern beachside suburbs, as much because of its diverse range of eateries, bars and nightclubs and attractions, as it being the sole coastal point outside of Fremantle from which to catch a ferry to Rottnest. As well as being a centre for boat owners and fishermen, the marina is home to the Naturaliste Marine Discovery Centre, Aquarium of Western Australia and numerous fishing charter, whale watching tour operators and diving schools. No entry fee to Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Contact: Website. Location: intersection of Hepburn Ave., Whitfords Ave. and West Coast Dve., Hillarys, 22 km north of Perth. How to Get There: by car via Mitchell Freeway (Hepburn Ave. exit); train to Warwick on the Joondalup line, then bus No.423 to Hillarys Boat Harbour (weekdays) or train to Greenwood on the Joondalup line, then bus No.456 to Hillarys Boat Harbour.

Swan Bells: the bells are housed in a carillon situated on the shores of the Swan River beside the Barrack Street jetties. Said to be WA's most visited tourist attraction, the Bell Tower includes twelve bells of Britain's St Martin-in-the-Fields which are recorded as being in existence from before the 14th century and recast in the 16th century by Queen Elizabeth I. The bells were again recast between 1725 and 1770 and are today one of the few surviving sets of royal bells and the only ones known to have left England. The odd-looking tower, which has the appearance of a giant sprouting plant, is open for inspection, including during bell-ringing demonstrations. It has a viewing platform offering views of the city and river. The A$5.5 million building was erected to commemorate the new millennium, but it received much criticism from locals who opposed it, calling it a wasteful expenditure. It remains WA's only 'icon' millennium project that was completed on time, and on budget.
Contact: (08) 9218 8183. Website. Location: Barrack Street Jetty, Perth.

Burswood Entertainment Resort: Perth's only entertainment, resort, casino complex. Burswood has attracted more overseas tourists to Perth - particularly high rolling gamblers from south-east Asia - than any other attraction in the city. Located beside the Swan River not far from the CBD, it is an international standard complex complete with two resort-standard hotels, restaurants and shops, casino, golf course and day spa, Convention Centre and live entertainment venues.
Contact: (08) 9362 7777. Website.
Location: Burswood Peninsula, Gt Eastern Hwy, Perth: How to get there: by car, enter car park from Gt Eastern Highway; by bus, free shuttle buses operate from the Domestic and International airport terminals; by train, alight at Burswood station on the Armadale line, a free shuttle bus operates between the station and the complex.

Pt. Peron: the last sizeable piece of coastal sand dunes in the Perth region to survive in its natural state. Surrounded by the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, this peninsula marks the southern end of Cockburn Sound. For generations of Western Australian school children, Point Peron holds special memories as the location for school camps. It is a safe location for swimming, snorkelling and exploring its small bays and rocky outcrops and for spotting the odd dolphin swimming past. Numerous World War II gun placements, that are connected by a series of tunnels, dot the sand dunes are worthy of exploration. A causeway to the naval support facility on Garden Island extends from the point's northern shore. Though by no means a tourist attraction, Pt. Peron is worth a visit if you are in the area and want to spend some time alone with nature.
Location: Pt. Peron Rd, Shoalwater. How to get there: via Parkin St., Rockingham.

Lake Leschenaultia: a popular day-trip destination and picnic spot among the locals. The lake is the focal point of a small bushland recreational area with a cafe, canoe hire, swimming, barbecue and picnic facilities, grassed areas and walking paths. This man made lake was constructed in 1897 to provide water for steam trains on the Kalgoorlie-Nullarbor railway line. The lake is stocked with trout and anglers are invited to try their luck between December and April each year. Wildflowers are in full bloom in September and October. Lake Leschenaultia is not the sort of place visitors to Perth would make a B-line for as a stand-alone destination, but it is ideal as a stopping place for a barbecue, picnic or a swim on a hot day for travellers on their way to or from the historic towns of Toodyay, York and Northam. Entry fees apply.
Contact: Website
Location: 46 km east of Perth. How to get there: by road Gt Eastern Hwy via Greenmount to Swayers Valley, left into Lion St, right into Elliot Rd, left into Rosedale Rd, Chidlow. Entrance off Rosedale Rd.

Serpentine Dam & Falls - a series of dams and a pretty waterfall down stream, situated to the south of Perth. Serpentine Dam was built in the boom years of the 1960s as a major water supply for the City of Perth which, at the time, was undergoing rapid expansion. The area surrounding the dam has been carefully landscaped to create a large and popular barbecue and picnic area. Several walking trails through the surrounding bushland lead to scenic lookouts. Serpentine Falls has a large natural swimming pool at its base. Kittys Gorge walking trail starts at the falls; it offers extensive valley views and passes through a small picturesque stand of virgin jarrah forest. Park entry fees applies.
Information sheet Location: near Jarrahdale, south of Perth. How to get there: by car, drive past Armadale on the South-West Hwy, take the turn-off to Jarrahdale, proceed along Kingsbury Dve. to the Dam. To visit Serpentine Falls, proceed along Kingsbury Dve. to South-West Hwy. Proceed along Serpentine Falls Rd.

Special Interest Attractions

Walyunga National Park: an attractive bushland reserve renowned for its vistas over the Swan River coastal plain. A 1,790 hectare tract of bushland in the Darling Scarp on Perth's north-eastern perimeter, the park is particularly popular among bushwalkers; the River, Kangaroo, Echidna, Kingfisher and Aboriginal Heritage Trails are of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty. Swimming is permitted at Walyunga pool though the water quality is questionable. White water canoeing on the Avon River is popular after rain, when the Park's string of placid pools turn into a raging torrent. It then becomes one of Australia's best white water canoeing courses and is part of the annual Avon Descent race each August. Wildlife seen in the park can include Kangaroos, Emus, Echidna, Black Duck and Teal.
Website and downloadable park guide. Location:
37 kilometres north east of Perth. How to get there: by car, via Great Northern Hwy; follow signs to park. Transperth buses run to the highway turn off only some 2 km from the park entrance.

WA Art Gallery: WA's leading gallery that houses and displays the state's art collection. Founded in Perth in 1895 with the purchase of the nucleus of an art collection by the Perth Museum, the Art Gallery is currently housed in a modern building with nine galleries on two levels that is an integral part of the Perth Cultural Centre. The Gallery's collection focuses on art by Australian artists, particularly those from WA, and includes works from Western Desert, Kimberley and South West artists and communities. Frederick McCubbin's famous "Down On His Luck" and Henry Moore's Reclining Figure sculpture illustrate the diversity of the art on display.
Contact: (08) 9492 6622. Website. Location: Perth Cultural Centre, Beaufort St, Perth. How to get there: Walk north along Barrack St; cross the Barrack St railway bridge; or walk north from Perth Railway Station to Perth Cultural Centre, James St.

SciTech Discovery Centre & Planetarium: Hands-on scientific displays designed to appeal to younger audiences. The Centre is a Government-initiated not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to increase the interest and participation of Western Australians in science and modern technology. Its displays include over 160 hands-on discovery items. Entry fee applies.
Contact: (08) 9215 0700 Website. Location: 1st Floor Railway Parade, Cnr Sutherland Street, West Perth. How to get there: by train to City West station. The Centre is opposite the station.

Elizabethan Village: a recreation of of Shakespeare's Birthplace and Anne Hathaway's Cottage. Extensive English-style gardens surround this meticulously accurate recreation of two iconic British buildings. The gardens around Anne Hathaway's cottage are open to the public, however the two buildings provide bed and breakfast accommodation. The complex also includes an olde English-style pub, restaurant and cafe. The complex is a popular venue for weddings. Adding the nearby History House Municipal Museum and Pioneer World to your itinerary makes for an interesting history-themed day out in the Armadale area.
Contact: (08) 9399 4531. Location: 25 Canns Rd, Bedfordale. How to get there: by car, take Carradine Road off the Albany Highway and follow the signs.

Minnawarra Historic Precinct: a geographically linked series of folk history museums in the Armadale area on Perth's southern outskirts. A series of developments in the 1970s that have became a unique history-based attraction. The Minnawarra Park complex comprises of an old school, the very first church in Armadale, and the History House Municipal Museum. The displays material pertaining to the economic, social and cultural history of Western Australia and the city of Armadale in particular. Nearby Elizabethan Village is a recreation of two English Elizabethan era homes (see separate entry); Pioneer World is a recreation of an Australian pioneer village. Free entry.
Contact: (08) 9497 3543. Location: Orchard Ave. & Armadale Rd, Armadale, 27 km from Perth. How to get there: by car, via Albany Hwy, left into Hull St at Armadale, right into Orchard Ave.; by rail: train to Armadale, walk along Jull St to Orchard Ave.

Perth Observatory: Australia's oldest continuously operating professional observatory and Western Australia's premier astronomical institution. The Observatory has a range of tours available, both day and night. Day tours are usually held on Sunday and include informational talks by an astronomer and a visit to the Observatory`s museum.
Contact: (08) 9272 4472. Website. Location: 337 Walnut Rd, Bickley, 25 km east of Perth. How to get there: by car, Gt Eastern Hwy and Kalamunda Rd to Kalamunda, then via Canning Rd and Lawnbrook Rd to Walnut Rd.

Beaches

Ocean beaches: Mullalo; Hillarys; Sorrento; Waterman; North Beach; Trigg; Scarborough; Brighton; City Beach; Swanbourne; Cottesloe; Leighton; North Fremantle; Port Beach; South Fremantle; Coogee; Kwinana; Rockingham; Safety Bay; Warnbro

There are more than a dozen suburban ocean beaches to choose from, but Cottesloe, City Beach and Scarborough Beach are local favourites; Swanbourne Beach is popular with naturists. In summer it is best to visit the beaches in the morning before the breezes. The beaches to the north of Fremantle are surf beaches; those to the south generally have calmer water, being they are relatively sheltered by the offshore islands, and are particularly suited to families with young children.
Scarborough is one of Perth's best surf beaches. Scarborough has a wide array of visitor accommodation as well as shops, cafes and a vibrant nightlife. It is a popular spot for wind and kite surfing. Beaches within walking distance include Trigg Beach (surfing, fishing) 1.4km north with its island and rock pools, and Brighton Beach to the south where topless beach babes go to work on their suntans.
Cottesloe has terraced lawns and a magnificent Indiana Tea House set right on the beach. Here, towering Norfolk pines line a boulevard buzzing with cafes and pubs. It's a great place for early-morning breakfast beside the Indian Ocean, or if you have more time, a refreshing sunset beer at the pub.
The clean sands of Sorrento Beach are within walking distance the Hillarys Boat Harbour where you can spend the afternoon shopping, sightseeing or relaxing in a cafe.
Rockingham's foreshore stretches approximately 4 to 5 kilometres with calm and safe beaches. Here you will find well manicured, shady, grassy lawns with free electric BBQs and great children's playgrounds and a good selection of cafes.
Woodman Point has an intriguing history and features in Nyoongar creation stories. Attractions within the park include the John Graham Recreation Reserve and numerous historic sites from the period when Woodman Point was used as a Quarantine Station and ammunition store.

Swan River beaches: Como; Waylan Bay; Lucky Bay; Pt. Walter; Mosman Bay; Peppermint Grove; Nedlands; Matilda Bay)

Perth has a very busy river life, and features riverside cafes, some wonderful picnic spots and waterside walks, as well as the homes of the rich & famous. Whilst not totally pollution free, the Swan River's beaches are generally quite safe with clean sand, and many have shaded play areas for children and picnic and barbecue facilities.
The Swan River also provides some scenic and rewarding fishing, from battling black bream to giant estuarine mulloway.
Point Walter has plenty of trees providing shade from the sun as well as safe swimming and excellent fishing. Public barbecue facilities are available as well as a cafe and kiosk. Next door to Point Walter is the Blackwall Reach Reserve, a picturesque area of natural bush ideal for cyclists and walkers. Nearby is a sandbar that snakes out into the river and provides a great walk.
Matilda Bay Reserve offers both shelter and views across the Swan River, making it a very popular site for picnics. Its many grassed areas, BBQ facilities, boat ramps, children's play areas and safe river beach make it an ideal place to relax in the outdoors.
Peppermint Grove Foreshore Reserve is a very picturesque grassed area. It is frequented by dolphins, black swans and pelicans, with a backdrop of yachts and boats. An ideal picnic location, it offers good swimming and boat hire facilities.

Festivals And Events

January: Australia Day Skyworks. Celebrated on January 26 in the Swan River, this is usually the most popular events of Perth's annual calendar. Skyworks bring more than 350,000 people each year to King's Park and the Swan River in the bank to watch the laser show and fireworks display at night. Fireworks will be launched from a number of places, including the city's skyscrapers, Narrows Bridge, and from the Swan River and Swan Bell Tower.

February: Perth International Arts Festival. This is the biggest and oldest in Australia a multi-arts festival. Series of events is known with different names, including the 'Festival of Festivals' and the' Edinburgh of the South ', and consists of nine related festivals all operating under the umbrella PIAF. The most famous include Fremantle International Jazz Festival, Mandurah International Opera Festival, Perth International Writers Festival and the Johnnie Walker River, which is a local festival of contemporary music.

March: A Taste of the Valley Festival throughout the Swan Valley, the best products in the valley. Art, food, music and wine is the centre of attention for more than six weeks. Characteristics of the valley, including the quality of wine, olives, cheese, fresh products, chocolate and jam, plus art exhibitions, music, performances and other types of entertainment.

April: Claisebrook Carnival. Held in a park along the river, this carnival is planned to coincide with the annual school holidays. This is a fun day for families, children can learn how kites and all people can enjoy music played by a local band. On the day of the highlights is undoubtedly the dragon boat races and fireworks at the end of the night.

April: Festival of the Maples. Appeared in the Perth city centre beauty, and close the streets to celebrate the coming Spring Festival of the Maples on Saturday last April. Many vendors from local Maple Syrup, Maple candy, and other Maple treats fill the streets with their booths. Buffalo burgers, beaver tails, and other festival treats can have from one end of town to the other. Local traders usually have five feet to complete the sale of the entire festival activities.

April: Empty Bowls Project. Together with the Festival of the Maples, check potter Jackie Seaton's "Empty Bowl" project in front of the Riverguild Fine Crafts 51 Gore Street East. This project will help raise money for the food trade in the River Perth Food Bank and the Youth Centre (Yak). Jackie Seaton work with chefs from local restaurants. Choose a bowl made by Jackie and can be filled with hot soup. For a donation (suggested $ 20), you can eat soup and vegetables to take home. Whenever you use the vegetables in the future will be expected to reflect briefly on the reality of hunger in our society.

April: Annual Perth Museum Spring Art Show and Sale. Celebrating Spring in the Perth Museum Annual Spring Art Show and Sale April 1 to April 30. This is a new exhibition displaying works of talented local artists in various media. On display will be the colour of water, oil, pen and ink and sculpture. There is something for everyone's taste and budget. A percentage of each sale go toward maintaining the Perth Museum's collection. Elegant Matheson House of Perth won the Museum is located in downtown heritage Perth.

May: Moon Rise Rock Festival. Although the festival was held just a short distance north of Perth in the Derby Race Course, the bustle around Western Australia gathered to listen to more than 20 bands. This is one of the long-running rock festival around. This is held in the moonlight, under the boab tree, for two nights of high quality music and the cover is marked with a fireworks spectacular.

June: Fremantle Heritage Festival. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about the history of the area while visiting some of Fremantle's most famous buildings. You can also take part in seminars and workshops, and enjoy the art exhibitions, film screenings many children and activities.

July: Stewart Park Festival. Three-day free music can be enjoyed in peace Stewart Park on the back of city hall. Usually 20 or more actions to provide entertainment for every taste. A food fair with crafts and children's entertainment is a must visit event. Festival which was held this year July 20, 21 and 22. Do not forget to plan to stay after the festival hours after the session at the Downtown Bar and Pub.

August: Balingup Carnival and Medieval Fayre. This festival allows you to move back in time, because you see the city transform Balingup century to the village for one day. Roaming is the way the king and queen, Knights, jesters and fair maidens galore. Wandering minstrels and street theatre performances are also in hand for your entertainment. Children enjoy the Punch and Judy shows and jousting Knights. During the mid-afternoon, a colourful group of performers and musicians parade through the city.

August: Garlic Festival. Fairgrounds in Perth is the site for a local vendor garlic and garlic products to display their wares. You should try garlic ice cream! Roasted garlic spread on low to make a hamburger gourmet treats. Showing handicrafts and other products to make this another must see event in Perth.

September: Perth Royal Show. This event was held at the Claremont Show basis, and for an agricultural, horticultural, industrial, technology, and mineral resources of Western Australia. The whole family will enjoy demonstrations, exhibition work, competitions and shows the side that has everything from animals to wine.

October: Artrage Festival. This innovative arts festival celebrated alternative scenery of Perth, which displays various collections from local and regional artists for three weeks in October. Experimental and innovative art is the focus. The centre of a performance in music, comedy and theatre. Visual arts, multi-media and the word is used all the presentations offered. In the Perth Cultural Centre is a place for many theatrical performances.
Perth Autumn Studio Tour. Local craftspeople open their studios and invite guests to enjoy the autumn colours as they travel from one studio to another.

November: Fremantle Festival. Held at the end of November each year, the event consists of a variety of comedy festivals, music and dance to visual art exhibitions and crafts. Entertainers are often regional and festival-goers themselves. Sporting event is also a popular component, such as the Fremantle Festival Parade lottery.

December: RAC Channel Seven Christmas Pageant. Thousands of spectators fill the streets of Perth in December to see the parade and procession. Children and adults alike enjoy the spectacle of colour, including floats, costume groups, performance artists and Clowns. No doubt, kids' favourite is Santa Clause, but many local television personalities and sports stars also feature prominently.

Markets

Fremantle Markets: One of Perth's oldest suburban markets and certainly its most well patronised, it has over 150 stalls offering everything from ocean-fresh seafood, fruit and vegies, cheeses, freshly baked bread, coffees, gourmet foods, herbs, spices, health food, painted T-shirts, cane-ware, pottery, fantastic clothing, finely crafted jewellery and much much more. Unique Western Australian Gifts including sheepskin and leather goods, jarrah and cane products, dried wildflowers, opals, local shells and pottery are all available. The building which houses the markets was originally built as a market hall in 1897 and the current building has been restored to its original Victorian grandeur.
Location: Cnr South Terrace and Henderson Street, Fremantle
Opening times: Fridays 9am - 9pm; Saturdays 9am - 5pm; Sundays 10am - 5pm; Monday public holidays 10am - 5pm
Contact: Ph. (08) 9335 2515. Website

Perth's Eat Streets
  • James, Lake & William Streets, Northbridge - wide choice, mainly Italian and Asian
  • South Terrace, Fremantle - cafes and restaurants
  • Fishing Boat Harbour, Fremantle - fresh seafood, fish and chips
  • King Street, City - cafe dining
  • Barrack Street Jetty - riverside dining with views of the Swan River
  • Oxford Street, Leederville - wide range with emphasis on Greek and Italian
  • Northern beach suburbs - seafood restaurants
  • Coode Street and Mends Street, South Perth - cafe-style eateries, many with views of the river
  • Rokeby Road & Hay Street, Subiaco - cafes and restaurants
  • Rockingham - mixed cafes
Zoos, Wildlife Sanctuaries

Perth Zoo: Western Australia's largest zoo, situated on the banks of the Swan River on the opposite shore of Perth Water to the CBD.
A compact zoo, featuring five major areas - Australian Bushwalk; Australian Wetlands; Reptile Encounter; World of Birds; Asian Rainforest; African Savannah. Facilities include interactive audiovisual interpretive signage; aural keeper talks; picnic area; historic carousel ride; zebra rides. Entry fee applies.
Contact: (08) 9474 3551. Website. Location: Labouchere Rd, South Perth. Contact: How to get there: 5 minutes from the CBD via the Mitchell Freeway and Narrows Bridge; by ferry from Barrack Street jetty; by bus from St Georges Terrace, Perth.

Cohunu Koala Park: a native animal park set in natural bushland, in the southern Perth suburb of Kelmscott. The park has proved popular with overseas visitors as it displays a wide array of native and introduced fauna, including wombats, parrots, dingoes, kangaroos, emus, deer and koalas, as well as a bird aviary in which hand feeding of 20 species of native birds is encouraged. Visitors are fee to walk among and hand feed the wallabies and kangaroos. Daily koala holding photographic sessions are popular. Entry fee applies.
Contact: (08) 9390 6090. Website. Location: 287a Mills Rd East, Kelmscott. Contact: (08) 9390 6090. How to get there: By road, via Albany Hwy or Tonkin Hwy; by bus train on Armadale line to Gosnells, then by bus No. 219.

Yanchep National Park: a natural bushland reserve close to Perth, Yanchep features over 600 limestone caves and a koala sanctuary. See full entry under Must See Attractions (this page).

Aquarium of Western Australia: an aquarium focusing on the unique marine environments and marine life of Australia's west coast. This Aquarium is home to the world’s largest collection of Western Australian marine life, drawn from the Great Australian Bight to the tropical Kimberley Coast in the state's north, and everywhere in between along the state's 12,000 km long coastline. It is Australia’s largest aquarium and features the country's largest underwater tunnel. Entry fees apply. 30-45 minute snorkel dives with sharks and exploring the Aquarium's reef are available (addition cost, bookings essential). From September to December, Ocean Safaris offering swimming with with sea lions, humpback whales and dolphins are conducted (addition cost, bookings essential).
Contact: 9447 7500. Website
Location: Hillarys Boat Harbour, 91 Southside Dve., Hillarys, 22 km north of Perth. How to Get There: by car via Mitchell Freeway (Hepburn Ave. exit); train to Warwick on the Joondalup line, then bus No.423 to Hillarys Boat Harbour (weekdays) or train to Greenwood on the Joondalup line, then bus No.456 to Hillarys Boat Harbour.

Naturaliste Marine Discovery Centre: hands-on interactive and static displays focusing on the aquatic environments of the Western Australian coast. A museum devoted to the study of Western Australia's marine and freshwater life. Particularly suited to children, the centre is operated by the Dept. of Fisheries with the aim of educating the public in taking care of the state's many unique and fragile marine environments. Entry fees apply.
Contact: (08) 9203 0339. Website
Location: Hillarys Boat Harbour, Northside Dve., Hillarys, 22 km north of Perth. How to Get There: by car via Mitchell Freeway (Hepburn Ave. exit); train to Warwick on the Joondalup line, then bus No.423 to Hillarys Boat Harbour (weekdays) or train to Greenwood on the Joondalup line, then bus No.456 to Hillarys Boat Harbour.

Museums

WA Maritime Museum: traces the maritime history of the west coast of Australia, in particular its discovery and exploration by 17th century Dutch sailors. The musuem is primarily a showcase for the relics and treasures recovered from numerous shipwrecks along the Western Australian coastline. Pride of place is a reconstruction of a stone arch intended for a castle in Batavia (Jakarta, Indonesia), part of the cargo of the Dutch cargo ship Batavia, and the a reconstruction of the actual keel of the ship that founded on reefs in the Abrolhos Islands in 1629. The museum's display also includes the de-commissioned submarine, HMAS Ovens, and the racing yacht Australia II, which won the America's Cup for Australia from the United States in 1983. Entry fee applies.
Location: New Maritime Museum - Victoria Quay, Fremantle; Shipwreck Galleries - Cnr Marine Tce. and Cliff St., Fremantle. Contact: (08) 9431 8444. Website. How to get there: train to Fremantle. New Maritime Museum is south-east of the railway station along Phillimore St. Shipwreck Galleries are in Cliff St off Phillimore St.

Whiteman Park: a leisure park, created around a popular swimming hole known as Mussel Pool to house the collections of a prominent and popular local identity, Lewis Whiteman (1903-1994). Whiteman built up a wide collection of objects, antique and curious, local and exotic, during his lifetime. A portion of the collection, relevant to transport heritage, is now on display at the park. It includes agricultural machinery, tractors, bicycles, a narrow gauge railway, over 120 motor vehicles, Perth electric trams and a fleet of 26 Perth diesel and trolley buses.
The park is home to the Bus Preservation Society of WA, The Tractor Museum of Western Australia, The Western Australian Motor Museum, The Perth Electric Tramway Society Museum (which operates a 30 minute, 4 km tram ride in the Park) and the Bennett Brook Railway, a narrow gauge steam train that runs 6km around the Park. Australia has many transport museums but none rival Whiteman Park for size and scope. Also within the Park is Mussel Pool swimming area, WA Model Aircraft Sport Centre, Western Australian Birds of Prey Centre, bushwalking trails, picnic shelters, a shopping village, a children's playground and Caversham Wildlife Park. Entry fees apply.
Contact: (08) 9209 6000. Website. Location: 22 km north east of Perth near West Swan. How to get there: by road via Reid Hwy or Gnangara Rd, entrances on Beechboro Rd and Lord St.

Museum of Childhood: displays on the history of growing up in Australia. With over 10,000 articles on display, this museum seeks to share the experiences of children from different times and eras who have grown up in Australia. Displays and exhibitions include the history of bush schools, toys and games, infant care and child raising practices. Displays and exhibitions include the history of bush schools, toys and games, infant care and child raising practices. The museum's collection is one of the largest of its kind in the world, and features a vast array of memorabilia, children's clothing, toys, wooden toy horses, golliwogs and dolls' houses. Entry fee applies.
Contact: (08) 9442 1373. Website. Location: Edith Cowan University, Bay Rd, Claremont. How to get there: by train to Claremont station on the Fremantle line, walk to Museum via Bay View Tce., right into Victoria Ave.

Western Australian Cricket Association Museum: sports museum focusing on the exploits of Western Australian cricketers. A must for cricket fans, contains extensive cricket memorabilia as well as information on other sports played at the WACA since 1885. Individual and group tours of the WACA Ground and Museum are available several days per week.
Contact: Website: Location: WACA Ground, East Perth. How to get there:

Western Australian Museum: Government sponsored museum, located within and an essential part of the Perth Cultural Centre. It is a traditional-style museum which focuses on natural history. The Jubilee Building hosts a dinosaur gallery and features fossils, skeletons, an egg of the extinct elephant bird and many other interesting dinosaur exhibits. Within the complex is Perth's original Gaol, which now houses displays on the history of the Perth region and a cafe under a 140 year old grape vine. Free admission.
Contact: (08) 9427 2700. Location: Francis St, Perth. How to get there: walk from Perth Central station north to the Cultural Centre or along Barrack and Beaufort Sts. to Francis St..

Fire Safety Education Centre and Museum - a museum showcasing fire fighting equipment past and present, it is dedicated to those who risk their lives fighting fires. The displays include interactive exhibits, videos, and over 6,000 fire fighting artefacts including some of Perth's earliest fire engines. The Museum is housed in Western Australia's oldest and Perth's first fire station. Free admission.
Contact: 9323 9468. Location: Irwin St, cnr Murray St, Perth.

Berndt Museum of Anthropology - showcasing anthropological artifacts and photographs, the Museum is home to an enormous collection of Australian Aboriginal art and cultural artefacts, and also comprehensive collections of historic items from Asia, Melanesia and South-East Asia. Free admission.
Contact: (08) 6488 2854. Website. Location: Social Sciences Building, University of Western Australia, Hackett Drive, Crawley. How to get there: by car, via Mounts Bay Rd or Stirling Hwy, use Hackett Drive Entrance No. 1.

Aviation Heritage Museum: the museum of the Royal Australian Air Force Association. The collection comprises 32 aeroplanes and 34 engines on display as well as an extensive range of other material including flying costumes, uniforms, instruments, radio equipment, models, trophies, awards and medals and photographs. Entry fee applies.
Contact: Website. Location: Leach Hwy, Bull Creek. How to get there: by car, cnr Leach Hwy and Bull Creek Dve.

Western Australian Medical Museum: an historical museum displaying items of memorabilia from the State's past in the health-care field. A comprehensive collection of photographs, displays and memorabilia relating to health care and disease treatment in Western Australia.
Contact: (08) 9340 1506. Website. Location: King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Barker Rd, Subiaco. How to get there: train to Subiaco or Daglish station, walk to Hospital and Museum on Railway Rd.

Kalamunda History Village: a museum depicting life in the hills district to the east of Perth. Centred around the original Upper Darling Range railway station yard, complete with a static, resident steam locomotive, this folk museum is housed in early railway buildings dating back to 1895. Display feature local industry, timber getting and the marrow gauge zig zag railway that once wound its way down neighbouring Gooseberry Hill.
Contact: (08) 9293-1371. Location: 56 Railway Rd, Kalamunda. How to get there: by road, via Gt Eastern Hwy and Kalamunda Rd; by bus, from Perth to Kalamunda.

Fremantle Prison: this penal institution was built as a convict barracks in the 19th century and remained in continual use until 1991. The Prison was a place of hangings, floggings, dramatic convict escapes and prisoner riots. Inmates included imperial convicts, colonial prisoners, enemy aliens, prisoners of war and maximum-security detainees. After its closure in 1991, the WA state government embarked on a long-term conservation plan to ensure the Prison’s preservation. One of the largest surviving convict prisons in the world today, it is currently part of a joint nomination of Australian Convict Sites for World Heritage status.
Location: off Parry Street (walk up Fairburn Ramp to the Prison’s Gatehouse)
Opening hours: open 9.00am to 5.00pm 7 days a week, excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Contact: Website

Parks & Gardens

Kings Park & Botanical Gardens: a sizeable reserve of natural bushland close to the heart of Perth. Being situated on My Eliza overlooking the Swan River and the Perth city foreshore, King Park offers both picture-postcard views over Perth Water to the city as well as the opportunity to experience the natural flora of the Perth region without leaving the city. Walking trails link the many gardens, lookouts, children's playgrounds and open spaces dotted throughout the park. Western Australia's wildflowers are in full bloom and on show in the Botanical Gardens each Spring (Sept-Nov). Don't miss the Lotterywest Federation Walkway extending 620 metres through the Botanic Gardens along a combination of on-ground pathways and a spectacular elevated 52 metre glass and steel arched bridge that is suspended among the canopy of tall eucalypt trees. The park's restaurant, situated opposite the war memorial, is a popular spot for locals taking visitors to Perth out for a meal when showing off their city. Free entry to Park.
Contact: Botanical Gardens & Park Authority (08) 9480 3600. Website.
Location: Fraser Avenue, West Perth. How to get there: bus from St Georges Terrace or walk up Malcolm Street via St Georges Terrace.

Supreme Court Gardens: shady gardens in the Perth Central Business District. Lying to the south of Stirling Gardens near the Swan River foreshore, Supreme Court Gardens surround the city's original Court House (built in 1836). Now restored, complete with wood shingled roof, it is today the home of the WA Law Society. An orchestral shell in the Gardens is a popular venue for outdoor concerts, including the well supported 'Carols by Candlelight' each Christmas.
Location: Cnr Riverside Dve. and Governors Ave., Perth CBD. Walk down Barrack St to Riverside Dve. Entry from Riverside Dve.

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