Having grown up in isolation from Melbourne and Sydney, Perth has neither the pretensions, nor the pace of eastern Australian cities. Instead, this cosmopolitan, Western Australian capital has forged its own identity.

Sure, it’s got the long days of summer sunshine, plentiful parklands and relaxed nature of its brethren across The Outback, but its tag as a boring backwater has long fallen off.

Instead, here is a city of high class living; a world of fine wines and farm to fork food. It serves up a sophisticated slice shopping serenity where pedestrianised streets and glimmering malls sit side by side with covered markets and indigenous art centres.

Here are some reason why you must visit Perth:

Kings Park

Kings Park covers more than 400 hectares and is the largest inner city park in the southern hemisphere. It has a stunning location overlooking the Swan River and the nearby Perth city skyline.

Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe is a beach-side suburb about a 15 minute drive from the Perth CBD and is one of the best places to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. Its crystal clear waters make it a popular place for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.

Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is located 18 kilometres off the coast of Western Australia near Fremantle and Perth. Rottnest, or “Rotto” as the locals say, is a premier island getaway with over 60 picturesque beaches and bays.

Fremantle

Fremantle, or “Freo” as the locals call it, is located just 30 minutes from Perth’s CBD. It’s a character filled town dotted with cafes, bars, seafood restaurants, vibrant markets, and is known as the ‘world’s best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape’ with world famous heritage buildings and a fascinating convict and maratime history.

Fremantle is also called the city for sailing and played host to the America’s Cup in 1987.

Swan River Cruise

Make the trip from Perth down to Fremantle via a relaxing cruise on nthe Swan River. You’ll enjoy specatcular views of the city skyline, the many sailing boats, and marvel at some of the most expensive real estate in the country.