Perth

When I think about Perth, the blue sky with flocks of parrots, the air filled with the smell of eucalyptus, and the rhythmic breath of the ocean come to my mind first.

The capital of Western Australia and the fourth largest metropolis of the country, Russian tourists rarely visit.

If you look at the map, it is lonely located on the west coast: to its closest major neighbor, Adelaide, more than 2.5 thousand kilometers. I am always interested in what the locals consider to be the highlight of their city. Most of my friends in Perth described it as a “life style” - a lifestyle. After spending some time here, I realized that this is indeed so. For good reason, he is one of the ten most comfortable cities in the world.

However, for a tourist this place is not quite simple. You need to prepare for the trip. I am familiar with people who, having arrived for a couple of days, walked around the center and left disappointed. Yes, the center is not very bright. This city will not amaze you with a mixture of architectural styles or cultural gloss, as is the case with Melbourne; there is no Sydney's seething energy in it.

Perth gradually captivates, with a series of magnificent beaches, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the purest wide river Swan (Swan), which is called so for nothing, black swans really swim on it.

A beautiful botanical garden located in a park that is larger than New York Central Park is a must; the old port of Fremantle, where you can get acquainted with the harsh history of the conquest of the continent. You can not miss my favorite attractions of Perth: islands inhabited by dwarf penguins, sea lions and friendly crooks (a crook is a miniature short-tailed kangaroo that lives exclusively in Western Australia).

And how many birds are here! Here and there the ubiquitous parrots scurry about, the laughter of kookaburra comes from the branches of the trees.

Only a little leaving the center, you can fully enjoy the unspoiled nature, unique fauna and flora, visit one of the best wine-growing regions of the country - Swan Valley. Perth will also delight you with open and friendly people who are not yet satiated with mass tourism. People sincerely proud of their land. This is a great place to experience the spirit of Australia and love it.

How to get there

Get to Perth, usually by plane. Of course, there is an option to fly to another major city in Australia and go to Perth by car or by train. But this is rather exotic due to the large distances and high cost of train tickets.

Airplane

There are no direct flights from Russia. If you are based in Moscow, popular carriers along this route:

  1. Emirates (docking in Dubai);
  2. Singapore Airlines (docking in Singapore);
  3. Qatar Airlines (docking in Doha);
  4. Etihad Airways (docking in Abu Dhabi);
  5. Cathay Pacific (docking in Hong Kong);
  6. Thai Airlines (docking in Bangkok).

These airlines are distinguished by good service, a trip involves 1 transit stop (on average, a trip will take 19-28 hours), but the price can bite (ticket prices, by the way, can be compared here).

Emirates flies from St. Petersburg with 1 stop; other airlines offer a connection in Moscow.

You need to monitor sales and book a flight in advance. The cost, as a rule, varies between 45 - 75 thousand rubles.

China Southern Airline has competitive prices, but the flight is long, as it involves 2 connections (28-40 hours). This airline also has the option of flying from Moscow with one stop to Guangzhou, but it is only available on certain dates.

Please note that airlines often offer a stopover option at an attractive price. For example, I was satisfied with the stopover in Singapore, the trip was not tiring and interesting.

You can also fly to Perth with discounters from Asia (Tiger, Air Asia, Jetstar). In this case, you need to buy a ticket separately, to some Asian city and from there to Australia. Pluses of this option: the ability to see another place along the way and save money at the same time; cons - you have to sacrifice comfort, as a rule, the included baggage allowance is less or absent, and meals are not provided.

How to get from the airport

Perth Airport consists of four terminals: T1, T2, T3, T4. All international flights arrive at T1 terminal. If you fly by domestic flight to find out your terminal, carefully read the information on the ticket, or contact the airline.

There are several ways to get to the city:

  1. The most convenient and expensive is a taxi. The fare will vary from 33 to 60 USD (from 45 to 80 AUD) depending on the area. Travel time to the center is approximately 20 minutes, if there are no traffic jams. It is easy to catch a taxi at the exit from the terminal, in the parking lot indicated by the taxi icon.
  2. If you have the Uber app installed, you can save by sharing your trip with other people. At Perth Airport, Uber special landing areas are reserved for this. You can reserve a place through the application. This should be done only after receiving baggage and passing customs, when it is already clear the exact time of boarding the car. By the way, customs clearance is unpredictable, once I got stuck there for an hour. The famous Australian quarantine!
  3. Another option is a shuttle bus that connects the airport with 5 points of the city: East Perth train station; Western Australia Museum; Wellington Street near YHA Backpackers Hostel; The Ambassador Hotel, The Kings Perth Hotel. Cost - 11.3 USD (15 AUD). Advance booking is not necessary. The ticket is purchased from the driver. The disadvantage of this option is that the shuttle departs only from the T3 terminal. If you are arriving on an international flight to the T1 terminal, first you need to get to T3 by a free shuttle bus between the terminals. It takes about 15 minutes.
  4. The cheapest option is public transport. From T1 and T2 to the city center can be reached by bus 380. From T3 and T4 at number 40. Price - 3.5 USD (4.6 AUD).

At the moment, the construction of a railway to the airport is underway, so that soon it will be even more convenient to get to the center.

I recommend checking the fare before the trip, as it can change. The data is current as of January 2017.

By train

If you arrived at the airport of Sydney or Adelaide, love the romance of rail travel, you have a lot of free time, and, most importantly, money, there is an option to go on a luxurious trip by train THE INDIAN PACIFIC, following the route Sydney - Perth via Adelaide. You will cover 4352 km, the trip will take 65 hours, prices range from 1257 USD (1669 AUD) in the low season (for purchases for 6 months) to 3388 USD (4499 AUD). On the way, excursions included in the cost of the trip will be organized at the stopping places. Tickets can be booked on the Great Southern Rail official website.

By the way, Sydney from Moscow and St. Petersburg can also be reached by the airlines listed above. In addition, Air China (via Beijing), China Eastern Airlines (via Shanghai) and Korean Air (via Seoul) fly from Moscow with one transit stop to Sydney.

By bus

Long distances do not allow us to consider the bus as a popular way of arriving in the city.

By car

From other cities in Australia, you can also get to Perth by car.

I love this option. However, I must note that the trip requires stamina, confidence in the vehicle and good driving skills. After all, you will have to cross the pristine wastelands, and on the way there will often be no mobile connection.

For example, from Sydney to Perth about 4000 km. If you make stops only for the night, you can get in 4 - 5 days. But, of course, such a rush does not make sense: there are so many interesting things along the way. The most difficult part of the road is Nullarbor Plain. When you cross this huge, rocky, plate-like desert, you always need to have a supply of fuel and water. The distance between gas stations can reach 100-200 km.

By ferry

Due to the remote location, it makes no sense to talk about the ferry (unless, of course, you plan to cruise through the Indian Ocean on a luxury liner, or sail from Asia by boat with illegal immigrants).

hint: Perth - time is now21: October 13Difference in hours: Moscow - 5Kazan - 5Samara - 4Ekaterinburg - 3Novosibirsk - 1Vladivostok & plus; 2

When is the season. When is the best time to go?

Perth is called Australia's sunniest metropolis. Mostly it rains in late Australian autumn (May), in winter (June, July, August), and also in early spring (September), but they are not long. Although somehow at the end of April the rain drizzled for almost 10 days. And yet this is more the exception than the rule.

Most of the time there is sunny weather, even in winter during the day it can be up to 19-20 degrees of heat. Such weather is comfortable for walking, however, if this is your first visit, I would not recommend the winter period, since you will not be able to fully enjoy the charms of beach life.

Dry and hot summers (on average about 30, but sometimes 40 degrees) can also scare away people who are not used to such warm weather.

It is important to remember that regardless of the season it is always necessary to use a product to protect the skin from the sun, as well as a hat.

Perth in the summer

Summer (December to February) is the hottest time. I must say that the humidity in Perth is low, against this background the heat is slightly easier to tolerate than, for example, in more humid Melbourne and Sydney. After lunch, as a rule, the wind flies up, the locals call him Fremantle doctor, which brings some relief. The hot season is a time of fires in the bush. Sometimes fire can even reach distant suburbs, the government carefully monitors the situation, and this phenomenon is not dangerous for tourists.

Perth in the fall

Autumn (from March to mid-April) is a wonderful time for the beach. Water reaches its maximum temperature, and air temperature becomes more comfortable. By the end of April, chilly evenings are increasingly happening. It may also begin to rain, but they are usually not lingering. In autumn, the famous Sculpture by the Sea festival takes place on Cottesloe Beach.

Perth in spring

Spring is a great time to admire the flowering of the local flora. The Wildflower season is popular far beyond Western Australia and attracts many visitors. Even a special guide is published, which offers routes to visit the most impressive flowering places. If you do not have time to travel outside the city, flowers can be comfortably observed in Kings Park. As for beach life, the sun is already warming up in full, but the water is still pretty cool after winter (an average of 19 degrees), although it is available for swimming.

Perth in winter

Of course, the winter, which lasts from June to August, is rather mild, many sunny days, but there are also heavy rains with thunderstorms. You can walk along the beach, but swimming is an amateur pleasure. At night, the temperature sometimes drops to zero. In the afternoon, as a rule, keeps within 8-19 degrees. Since heating in houses is not accepted, the room can be quite chilly. A good time to travel from Perth to the north of the state.

Perth - monthly weather

hint: Perth - weather for the months of January January + 23.2 February ± 23.5 March ± 21.8 April ± 18.8 May ± 15.5 June ± 13.7 July ± 12.6 August ± 13.1 September ± 14.2 October ± 15.8 November ± 15.8 18.5 December & plus; 20.9

Areas. Where is better to live

The so-called “large” Perth, which includes satellite towns, occupies a vast territory on both sides of the Swan River. I will consider only those areas that, in my opinion, are convenient for a tourist who has arrived in Perth for a short time. These include:

  1. CBD (Central Business District) - The central business district. The advantage of this place is its proximity to the huge Kings Park, museums, sights of the city center, and places for shopping. Also, living in the center gives access to a convenient transportation. But the beaches will have to be reached by public transport (about 40-50 minutes). The average cost of a three-star hotel (double room) is 85 - 115 USD (110-150 AUD).
  2. Northbridge - The area where bars and nightclubs are concentrated. Close to the central business district, has all its advantages. There are also many inexpensive Chinese restaurants. The downside may be noisy crowds of young people in the evenings. The place is still quite vicious, although even in this area, carefully reading the reviews, it is quite possible to find a quiet hotel. Prices are not much different, but there are slightly more hostels here that can accommodate for 15-20 USD (18-25 AUD) per person.
  3. Fremantle - The port and historical place from which the development of the lands of Western Australia began. Strictly speaking, Fremantle is a satellite city of Perth. Here, historical sights are concentrated, a wonderful market of local food and souvenirs, many restaurants; Fremantle also provides convenient access to Rottnest Island. The train from the center of Perth by train will take about half an hour. The beaches can be reached by car in 10-15 minutes, by public transport - 20-30. There are fewer hotels here than in the center of Perth and prices are higher - 115-135 USD (150-180 AUD).
  4. Coast - The coast. An obvious advantage of this area is its proximity to excellent beaches. However, if you want cultural activity, you will have to get to the center by public transport, the journey will take about 40-50 minutes. The prices in hotels are rather big - 135 - 150 USD (180-200 AUD).

I usually book hotels on the Booking website. Compare prices from different sites here. Also a good option for immersion in local life is to rent an apartment through this service.

What are the prices for vacation

The abundant lands of Western Australia provided Perth with prosperity. Thanks to the boom in the mining industry, it is called the city of millionaires. Naturally, this affects prices. This is one of the most expensive cities in the country.

Accommodation

When planning a trip, it should be borne in mind that hotel prices are usually higher on weekdays. This is due to the fact that the majority of guests are business travelers.

Food

As for food, Perth has a huge selection of restaurants of any segment, so even a budget tourist will find it affordable. The fast food system is developed. For example, I really love fish & chips, this dish compares favorably with my English brother due to the excellent quality of fresh local fish. A great option to take take away and have a snack on the beach or in one of the many green areas. By the way, in most parks there are special places with barbecue equipment. If you prefer to eat food with comfort, many cafes offer a lunch menu, a complex lunch will cost between 9-11 USD (12-15 AUD). Dinner for two in a pub will cost about 45 USD (60 AUD), in a restaurant at least 75 USD (100 AUD).

Transport

Public transportation is not cheap, but there is a system of free CAT buses, which can significantly save on travel.

Beaches, places of leisure

All Perth beaches are free. Entrance to the Kings Park Botanical Gardens, the Western Australia Art Gallery, the Western Australia Museum, and the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art are also free. The motto of the city is that culture should be accessible regardless of the size of the wallet.

hint: Cost of food, accommodation, transport and other currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub Australian dollar, $ Prices in restaurants and cafes
Eating (lunch / dinner) in a reasonably priced restaurant878 rub
Lunch / dinner for two, 3 course, middle class restaurant3620 rub
McMill at McDonald's or similar combo lunch480 rub
More details

The main attractions. What to watch

Perth can offer the most varied vacation. I love its natural attractions, places where you can see the rich wildlife of Australia. Also of interest are the historical streets of Fremantle and art museums, there is an excellent zoo and aquarium. Most importantly, do not forget to protect yourself from the sun and drink plenty of water!

Top 5

  1. Kings park - A huge park with a botanical garden on the banks of the Swan River, from where breathtaking views of the city open. Must see any tourist.
  2. CBD - The central business district of Perth, the heart of the city. It is relatively small, easy to get around on foot. Here are: Swan Bell Tower - the bell tower of the original design, which stores 18 bells - a gift to Perth from London; the recently reconstructed Elizabeth Quay; Australia's oldest mint Perth Mint; London Court is a small street with Tudor-style houses, lost among skyscrapers. Also in the center of Perth are museums and beautiful parks.
  3. Frimantle - An old port city with Victorian architecture. Here you can see the oldest building in Western Australia - the Round House, go on an excursion to prison, buy souvenirs at the famous Fremantle markets, drink cappuccino on the street, which locals call the Cappuchino strip because of the many coffee houses, and taste fish & chips in the historic harbor.
  4. Rottnest Island - a paradise with white beaches and lovely quokks, I will tell you more about the island in the corresponding section.
  5. The coast of the ocean and the Swan River. The impression of Perth cannot be complete without visiting its pearl - the coast! The beaches of Western Australia amazed me with their cleanliness and spaciousness. When locals say that there are a lot of people on the beach, by our Russian standards, the beach is half empty. Sun beds are not accepted here, the beaches are as natural as possible. Changing rooms, toilets sometimes have to look. But this is the beauty, in freedom and unity with nature. You can swim in the Swan River, where you will be accompanied by graceful black swans. Swim in the river and dolphins. The water is very clean and great for people who prefer calm waves.

Beaches. Which are better

Almost the entire coastline of Perth is strewn with beaches. They are here for every taste. It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of which beach is better. It’s a good idea to drive a car and choose your favorite one. I highlight for myself:

  1. Cottesloe beach - the most famous and crowded beach of the city. The famous sculpture festival takes place here. The bar of the same name near the beach is also very popular.
  2. Leighton beach - white sand, clear water, convenient entry into the water, lack of people. In the north, Leighton goes to Mosman beach - “dog beach”. Most often I went to the beach with my pets, so this is my favorite vacation spot. If you, like me, love dogs, you are here. They are here for the most part very friendly and enjoy playing even with strangers. The beach is clean, in Australia it is customary to clean up after your favorites. You cannot go to the beach without special bags for “waste”!
  3. South of Leighton Beach is popular with local Port beach. It is convenient to get here by public transport, as there is a train station nearby.
  4. Beaches on Rottnest Island - Truly idyllic beaches with white sand and crystal water. There are a lot of them on the island, I could not choose the most beautiful. I think the beaches of Rottnest are the best in Perth. But there is one significant minus - the expensive price of a ferry.
  5. Trigg beach and Scarborough beach - Great surf beaches, with well-developed infrastructure.
  6. Swanbourne beach - a beautiful place, the northern part of the beach is popular with nudists, a separate zone is allocated for them, but its borders are somewhat blurred.
  7. South Fremantle Beach and Coogee Beach well suited for families with children, as there are rarely waves. Here is a map of all the beaches:

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

The architecture of the churches is not the strongest feature of the city. If you have little time, then it is quite possible to limit yourself to an external examination. The main places of interest to tourists are:

  1. St mary's cathedral - The main Catholic cathedral of Perth. It was built for a long time: it was laid at the end of the 19th century, and officially completed only in 2009. The result was a beautiful temple with a rather eclectic interior. Hours of the cathedral: 7.00-18.00 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday); 7.00 - 20.00 (Wednesday); 7.00 - 19.15 (Saturday), 7.00 - 18.15 (Sunday). On weekdays, Mass is held at 8.00 and 12.10; Saturday at 8.00 and 18.00; Sunday at 8.00, 9.30, 11.00 and 17.00
  2. St george's cathedral - The main Anglican temple of the city. Bright building made of red brick handmade. Inside is very comfortable. Sometimes there are interesting concerts and exhibitions. Opening hours: from 7.00 to 18.00 (until 17.30 in winter and until 17.00 on Saturdays). Services are held: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 7.30, 13.15, 16.00; Wednesday - 7.30, 10.30, 16.00; Friday - 7.30, 12.15, 16.00; Saturday - 7.45, 8.00; Sunday - 8.00, 10.00, 14.00, 17.00.
  3. Basilica of St Patrick, Fremantle -Gothic temple laid on St. Patrick's Day in the late 19th century. An interesting detail of the interior is the tapestry icon above the altar with colorful Celtic symbols. Masses are held: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 12.10; Wednesday, Friday - 19.00; Saturday - 12.10, 18.00; Sunday - 7.00, 8.30, 9.45, 11.00, 17.00.
  4. St john's anglican church - The light and airy parish church of Fremantle with beautiful stained glass windows. You can attend the church service at 12.30 from Monday to Friday, and at 9.30 on Sunday.

Museums Which are worth a visit

  1. Western Australian Museum - The main museum of local lore in Western Australia, the collection of which covers all aspects of life and culture of the region. It consists of several museums: the main building in Perth, the Maritime Museum and the Museum of Shipwrecks in Fremantle, as well as museums in Albany, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie. The main museum in the center of Perth is now closed for global reconstruction until 2020. Judging by the information posted on the official website, the project is grandiose and the museum promises to be one of the best in the country.
  2. Art Gallery of Western Australia. There is a permanent collection, including traditional and contemporary art, as well as the work of the indigenous people of the continent. The gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions. The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday from 10.00 to 17.00. Admission Fee - Donation.
  3. Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) - The museum will be interesting to lovers of modern art. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.00 to 17.00. The entrance is free.
  4. Perth Mint (Perth Mint) - The oldest in Australia from functioning to the present day. Most of the coins and bullion from precious metals (gold, silver and platinum) are produced here. Ticket price - 14.3 USD (19 AUD), this includes a tour. You will be able to see live how gold is poured, and also visit the exhibition of mint products. The pride of the collection is cast here in 2011, the world's largest gold coin. It depicts Queen Elizabeth II and the kangaroo. The weight of the coin is more than a ton. The face value is 1 million Australian dollars, but the real value is much higher, more than 53 million.
  5. Fremantle Prison - One of the largest and most authentic in the country, this is the only building in Western Australia, listed by UNESCO. The historical prison functioned for almost 140 years. If you want to plunge into a gloomy atmosphere, then you can take part in one of the many tours of the prison. List of tours and prices here.
  6. Round house (Round house, Fremantle) - The oldest of the existing buildings in Western Australia. Originally used as a prison, later there was a cell for preliminary detention of the police station, and even later the residence of the constable. The visit is accompanied by a guided tour by volunteers. As a bonus, you can take pictures in shackles for free. Admission Fee - Donation.

Parks

  1. Kings park. I have repeatedly mentioned this place, the park is so big that every time I come here, I discover something new. You are waiting for the unique flora of Western Australia, a giant baobab that is 750 years old, a walk over the tree tops over a glass bridge, wonderful views of the river and the city, a tower in the shape of a DNA molecule. Also in the park is one of the best restaurants in the city - Fraser's Restaurant. Guests are offered free park tours.
  2. Supreme court gardens - the park is small, but very beautiful and cozy, you are unlikely to miss it while walking in the center.
  3. Hyde park - A large park, a popular place for picnics and barbecue. By the way, there is an excellent bakery nearby.
  4. Queens gardens - A cozy place with a lake among the skyscrapers of the city center.
  5. Park areas along the Swan River. You can walk around the river in a variety of areas, but my favorite places are Swan Matilda Bay Reserve and Point walter reserve. Silence, many birds, dolphins, green lawns and the opportunity to plunge into the quiet waters of the river. At Point walter reserve, you must walk along a beautiful sand spit.

Tourist streets

  1. St. Georges Terrace - The main street of the CBD area. Here are the government house; St. George's Cathedral; Perth's tallest skyscraper Central Park; Barracks Arch, an arch left over from the barracks; Cloisters, the historic building of a 19th century religious school. Also by St. Georges Terrace jumping stone kangaroos, so beloved by the guests of the city.
  2. London court is a beautiful open-air passage connecting St. Georges Terrace and Hay street. At the entrance to St. George Terrace, tourists are greeted by a clock with the figure of St. George killing a dragon. From the side of Hay Street, the other watches will delight the battle of the knights every quarter of an hour. Of course, this is a remake, a high-quality imitation of the good old England, created in 1937. And although the street, frankly, looks like a Hollywood decoration for a medieval fairy tale, it's still nice to walk here.
  3. Hay Street and Murray Street - parallel streets in the center, their pedestrian zones (Hay Street Mall and Murray Street Mall) are famous for their shops and cafes.
  4. South terracegoing to Market Street in Fremantle. Beloved by the townspeople, “Cappuchino strip” fully lives up to its nickname and boasts excellent coffee. It must be drunk slowly, enjoying the atmosphere and looking at the many passers-by.

What to see in 1 day

If you have only one day in Perth, I can offer you two options for spending leisure time depending on the season and your preferences.

Option number 1.

  • Early in the morning, go to Kings Park, look at exotic plants in the botanical garden, take great photos of the city from the observation deck.

  • Return to the center at noon, walk along St. George Terrace, visit London Court, stop for lunch at one of the lively Hay Street Mall cafes. Having eaten, go to the Mint, on the way inspect St Mary's Cathedral. Then, looping through the city, return to St George's Cathedral. Taking a picture with a family of stone kangaroos and walking past the Government House, you will find yourself in the Supreme Court Gardens. The walk ends near the Bell Tower and Elizabeth Promenade.

  • At 14.15 from the pier at Barrack Street the ferry leaves for Fremantle. A river cruise will take 1 hour 15 minutes. Price starts from 22.5 USD (30 AUD). A budget and faster, but less picturesque option is the train. In Fremantle, slowly inspect the old center.

  • If you are lucky to be here from Friday to Sunday, be sure to visit the Fremantle Markets. I advise you to spend the evening in the harbor, enjoying delicious fish and chips with fresh local fish. You can check the schedule and see prices for river cruises here.

Option 2

  • If you have a beach mood, take a ferry to Rottnest Island early in the morning on Barrack Street Jetty.
  • Hire bicycles, explore the local beaches and make friends with quokks.
  • At 19.00, having fully enjoyed the sea and the sun, we return back to Perth. We walk in the center, admiring the lights of the city.
  • The successful conclusion of the day can be celebrated at the Northbridge Bar, after having had a hearty dinner at one of the many Asian restaurants in the area.

What to see in the surroundings

Swon Valley (13.2 km from Perth)

If you have a car, and you want to arrange a gourmet day, I advise you to go to the Swan Valley. A circular route of 32 kilometers lies among the picturesque vineyards. Pride of the Valley of Wine Verdello, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc. There are many wineries, restaurants, breweries, markets with fresh local delicacies and art galleries. Do not forget to walk around the historic town of Guildford, one of the first colonial settlements in the region. You can get to the valley by boat on the Swan River.

Cohunu Koala Park (42 km from Perth)

If you've always dreamed of stroking a koala, visit Cohunu Koala Park near Byford. For an entrance fee of 11.3 USD (15 AUD), you can go up to the animals, feed numerous kangaroos and wallabies from your hands, and even touch a koala. There are no bars. For a photo with a koala, however, you will have to pay separately. The park is open every day from 10 to 16.00. Ticket price for children: up to 3 years old free of charge, from 3 to 13 years 3.8 USD (5 AUD). Getting there from Perth without a car is problematic, but if you are not afraid of an hour and a half on the way, you can take a train to the town of Armadale, and from there take a taxi, or take buses 251,252,254.

Caversham Wildlife Park (18.3 km from Perth)

Another option to interact closely with local animals is Caversham Wildlife Park. The idea is the same as the above place. It is located a little closer to the center of Perth in the huge Whiteman park. By train you can get to the city of Bassendean, and then you need 955 or 956 buses. The price of an adult ticket is 21 USD (28.00AUD), for a child (from 3 to 14 years old) - 9.5 USD (12.50 AUD).

Serpentine Falls (60 km from Perth)

50 km from Perth in the picturesque Serpentine National Park you can swim in a beautiful lake with a waterfall (Serpentine Falls). Nearby there is a parking with a barbecue area and tables, where it is very convenient to organize a picnic. And the company will make you wild kangaroos, of which there are many. Be careful, they sometimes climb bags in search of goodies. Do not leave things unattended!

Pinnacles Desert (193 km from Perth)

If you are attracted by the unique Australian landscapes, your path lies in the Pinnacles Desert desert, located in the Nambung National Park. Leaving Perth early in the morning, stop at Yanchep National Park to watch the animals. After lunch in the city of Cervantes, head to Thetis Lake, where some of the oldest organisms on earth - stromatolites - are located there. According to scientists, they are more than 3000 years old. And finally, the main purpose of the trip is a desert with amazingly shaped limestone cliffs, the formation of which took millions of years. It is especially beautiful here at sunrise and sunset.

From Perth, you can make fascinating trips to other wonders of Western Australia (rock-wave, beach with the white sand in the country, picturesque gorges). But this journey is not for one day and the topic is for a separate article.

hint: Routes to neighboring citiesPert - Liderville 2 kmPert - South Perth 3 kmPert - Berswood 3 kmPert - Osborne Park 7 kmPert - Balkatta 9 km

Nearby islands

  1. Rottnest Island - a great place to relax. Cars are prohibited on the island. You can enjoy silence, swimming in the clear water, cycling and chatting with quokks. These little animals are friendly and not particularly afraid of people. Like many tourists, before the trip, I was worried if I could meet the Kwokk, looked for places of their deployment, read reviews of other tourists. Do not be afraid! Upon arrival, just go to the bakery, this is a cult place, here you can enjoy excellent pastries, and the crooks-beggars themselves will find you. Attention! It is impossible to feed kvokk (and especially baking). It is dangerous to their health. After a light snack and a photo shoot with animals, I recommend taking bicycles (do not forget about the helmet and left-hand traffic) and go around the island. Choose your favorite beach if you can. Do not forget that there are practically no sources of water outside the settlements, water and sun protection must always be with you. You can get to the island by ferry from Fremantle (25 minutes) and from the center of Perth (about 90 minutes). A round-trip ticket costs between 60-75 USD (80-100 AUD), but ferry companies periodically arrange sales, which can be saved. See ferry tickets here and here. Many citizens stay on the island for the weekend, there are rest houses, there are a couple of hotels. True, prices in the beach months are expensive - 150-225 USD (200-300 AUD).
  2. Penguin Island - It is located 5 minutes by ferry from the city of Rockingham (approximately 50 minutes from the center of Perth). Here lives a colony of the smallest penguins in the world. You can admire them in the research center. Feeding the penguins at 10.30, 12.30 and 14.30. A joint ticket (ferry + entrance to the research center) costs 19 USD (25 AUD) for adults, 14.3 USD (19 AUD) for children (3-12 years). On the island you can also see sea lions and pelicans, watch dolphins and whales (September-December). The ferry runs from mid-September to early June.
  3. Garden Island - a large island 5 km from the coast. Of particular interest to tourists is not, since there is a Stirling naval base. Civilians have access to the beaches, but you can only get there by private boat.
  4. Carnac Island - A small neighbor of the island of Garden. Here lives a colony of sea lions. You can also get to the island only by private boat.

All islands are marked on this map:

Food. What to try

Like any major Australian city, Perth boasts a variety of food. Here are all the main cuisines of the world. Culinary fusion is also very popular. Taking the best from different cultures, chefs offer original mixes of Asian and European cuisine.

Products in Perth are generally of excellent quality. The city is famous for its fish and seafood.

Crabs, lobsters, shrimps, squids, even huge crayfish - all this is fresh and tasty.

In Swan Valley, it’s a sin not to try wine, beer and cheese, and the sweet tooth will delight local chocolate and truffle sweets. By the way, real truffles are also grown in the region. Recently, Perth has also become famous for its mini-breweries, where you can taste the original varieties.

Restaurants in the city for every taste and budget. Some institutions do not have a license for alcohol, in which case it is allowed to bring with you. Tasty and satisfying can be eaten in pubs. Fast food in the form of pancakes, sandwiches, fish and chips is also good.

By the way, tips in Australia are not a matter of course, they will be welcomed, but by default, as, for example, in the USA, they are not expected.

If you like to cook yourself, along with supermarkets, there are many markets at your service. My favorite:

  • Fremantle Markets (Friday from 9.00 to 20.00, Saturday and Sunday from 9.00 to 18.00), corner of South Terrace & Henderson Street, Fremantle;
  • E Shed Markets (Friday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Peter Hughes Drive, Fremantle;
  • City Farm Organic Growers Market (every Saturday from 8 to 12.00), 1 City Farm Place, East Perth.

Recommended Places

  • Little Creatures Brewing, 40 Mews Rd, Fremantle - the legendary Fremantle beer, which has repeatedly received international awards;
  • Fish & Chips at Fremantle Harbor.The most famous institutions: Cicerello's and Kailis Fish Market Caffe;
  • Fast food in the Fremantle markets building; shrimp pancakes are especially good;
  • Numerous Asian cafes in Northbridge.

Budgetary

  • Taka, 150-152 Barrack St, Perth; 417/347 Murray St, Perth;
  • Annalakshmi on the Swan, Barrack Square, Jetty 4 Riverside Dr, Perth;
  • Toastface Grillah, Wellington St & Barrack St, Perth;
  • Nao Japanese Restaurant, 580 Hay St, Withn Equus Arcade, Perth;
  • Le Vietnam, 80/1 Barrack St, Perth.

Mid level

  • Halo, Pier 1 Barrack St Jetty, Perth;
  • Kazoomies, E Shed Markets, Victoria Quay, Fremantle;
  • Galileo Restaurant, 199 Onslow Rd, Shenton Park, Perth;
  • Petition, Old Treasury Building, Corner St Georges Tce & Barrack St, Perth;
  • Sauma, 200 William St, Northbridge.

Expensive

  • Restaurant Amusé, 64 Bronte St, East Perth;
  • Friends Restaurant, 20 Terrace Rd, Perth;
  • Rambla on Swan, 39/85 S Perth Esplanade, South Perth;
  • Fraser's Restaurant, Fraser Ave, West Perth;
  • C Restaurant, Level33 / 44 Saint Georges Terrace, Perth;
  • Wildflower, 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth.

Holidays

Perth celebrates all of Australia's national holidays. The difference from other regions of the country is that two events occur on different dates: Queen's Birthday is celebrated at the end of September, and Labor Day is celebrated on March 6. There is a local holiday, Western Australia Day - Western Australia Day. It is celebrated on the first Monday of June. For example, in 2017, it falls on June 5th.

Significant events in the life of the city are also the annual Perth International Arts Festival (held from February to March) and the Fremantle Festival (from late October to November).

As part of these festivals, a large number of cultural events, exhibitions, concerts and street parades are held. The Perth Royal Show, which has been held in the suburbs of Claremont during the spring school holidays for more than 100 years, is also interesting for tourists. You are waiting for fairs, horse races, exhibitions and competitions of pets, and many other entertainment related to agriculture.

Security. What to watch out for

Perth is a safe city, even by the standards of Australia. It is calmer here than in other cities of the country. Cases of theft and robbery, of course, do happen. But an ordinary tourist can feel safe while observing elementary standards of behavior.

The main enemies here are sunburn and dehydration. The sun of Australia is very insidious. It may seem to you that it’s not hot at all, but the next day: hello, burn.

As for the legendary dangerous animals of Australia. You will meet snakes in the city center except in the zoo, but in the beach area, on the islands and in numerous national parks they are. However, you don’t need to be afraid, you just need to look under your feet and again take basic care.

Among the dangerous spiders, I would single out the red-backed spider (Latrodectus hasselti), it is easy to recognize by its bright red stripe.

Locals regularly clean their homes to destroy its nests. In the city center, it is unlikely to meet these creeping. A spider bite is very toxic, but there is an effective antidote. And finally, the finalists are on the list of Australian dangers, judging by the number of questions I received about them, sharks and poisonous jellyfish. There are no deadly jellyfish in Perth, they are found much further to the north. Sharks, of course, are available. But if you study the statistics that are diligently kept here, it turns out that although there is a chance of an attack, it is extremely small. Sharks most often attack people engaged in spearfishing on a reef. Surfers sometimes suffer. Ordinary beach bathers should not spoil their vacation with vain fears. For your peace of mind along the coast of Perth regularly fly helicopters, watching the migration of sharks.

Things to do

  1. To conquer the wave. If surfing seems a little extreme to you, you can start with bodyboarding. Bodyboarding is possible even for a child. You just lay with your whole body on a small board and catch a wave. Have fun!
  2. Watch the sunsets on the beach. No wonder the coast of Perth bears the romantic name “Sunset Coast”
  3. Make a kwokka selfie. Check the hashtag #Quokkaselfie and see if the Kwoks really know how to smile!
  4. Have a picnic under a tree in Kings Park. The attention of parrots is provided to you.
  5. Explore the products of local craftsmen in the markets of Fremantle.
  6. Get a lesson on DJing, a unique Aboriginal wind instrument, at Didgeridoo Breathe, 6 Market St, Fremantle.
  7. Watch a movie at the outdoor movie theater at Northbridge Piazza.
  8. Go to Australian football. Cheer for West Coast Eagles or Fremantle Dockers, or both in turn.
  9. Admire the wild flowers in September and October. Watch but do not touch! Penalty up to 2000 AUD.
  10. Swim with dolphins in the wild. To enjoy their company, you can book a tour at Rockingham Wild Encounters. The pleasure is not cheap (prices from 155 USD / 205 AUD), but the company guarantees that if you do not meet dolphins for the first time, you will be transported free of charge on other days until this happy event happens.

Shopping and shops

  • Things of famous fashion houses and jewelry should be sought on King Street in the center of Perth. Hay Street Mall and Murray Street Mall are dotted with stores of both global and local brands. Many boutiques are also located in the Claremont quarter.
  • Souvenirs and handmade jewelry are worth a look at Fremantle Markets (Fremantle Markets and E Shed Markets). Another nice place for souvenir hunting is the London Court doll houses.
  • If you are interested in large shopping centers, check out Westfield Carousel, Garden City Booragoon and Galleria Shopping Center. Not far from CBD, there is a Watertown outlet in eastern Perth.
  • Art objects are sold in numerous galleries. Popular: Aspects of Kings Park; Aboriginal Art Gallery; Fremantle Arts Center.

Most stores (including shopping centers) are open only until 17.00-17.30. On certain days, working hours may be extended. For example, on Thursdays until 9 p.m. Westfield Carousel and Garden City Booragoon are open. Outlet Watertown is ready to receive visitors until late at night on Friday.

Bars Where to go

In the nineties, the Lonely Planet guide gave Perth the offensive nickname Dullsville (Skukagrad), but now it's in the past. Perth proved to everyone that he knows how to have fun. The city has a large number of bars from classic English establishments to trendy conceptual mini-bars.

  • Universal Bar, 221 William St, Northbridge, Perth;
  • Mechanics Institute, 222 William St, Northbridge, Perth;
  • Brass Monkey Hotel Bar, William St & James Street, Northbridge;
  • The Bird, 181 William St, Northbridge, Perth;
  • Helvetica Bar, 101 St Georges Terrace, Perth;
  • Choo Choo's, Brookfield Place, 125 St Georges Terrace, Perth;
  • Varnish on King, 75 King St, Perth.

Bars are usually open until 12.00 - 1.00. A mug of beer will cost 6-7.5 USD (8-10 AUD).

Clubs and nightlife

Perth's nightlife hub is the Northbridge area. Here the maximum concentration of bars and nightclubs.

It is always worth having an identifier with you, since the check-in at the entrance to the cereal establishments is strict. Even if you are well over twenty, it is possible that they will want to make sure of this. Prices vary, for a drink, lay from 7.5 to 15 USD (10 - 20 AUD).

  • Ambar 104 Murray St, Perth;
  • Air Nightclub, 139 James St, Northbridge, Perth;
  • Mint Nightclub, James St & Lake St, Northbridge, Perth;
  • Metropolis, 58 South Terrace, Fremantle;
  • Amplifier, 383 Murray St, Perth.

Extreme sports

The sport of Australians in the blood. In Perth, you can try almost any active entertainment. Most popular:

  1. Surfing. The capital of Western Australia is a great place to try this national sport. At your service Trigg Beach, Cottesloe Beach, Scarborough Beach. If you are not a beginner, you can go to Margaret River, this region is known for its huge waves, experienced surfers come here from all over the continent to catch a wave of dreams. One surfing lesson will cost on average 22.5 - 45 USD (30 - 60 AUD).
  2. Kitesurfing is even more popular in Perth. Excellent conditions for this are provided by Leighton Beach, Scarborough Beach, Pinnaroo Point, Pelican Point (Swan River).
  3. Do you know what sandboarding is? It resembles snowboarding, but sand instead of snow. In Perth, you can also try such an exotic sport. The giant sand dunes near Lancelin north of Perth are quite impressive.
  4. Very popular in Perth and diving. A lesson including equipment, not cheap - 105-115 USD (140-150 AUD). Not ready to splurge like that? Try snorkeling - a great place for beginners Mettams Pool, it's great to do this on the island of Rottnest, as well as on the beaches near the city of Lancelin.
  5. If you prefer the sky to the deep sea, take a look at skydiving. 190-415 USD (250-550 AUD) and you soar over the coast like a bird.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

As in any city in Australia, in Perth you can buy souvenir T-shirts, mugs, magnets, key rings and other Chinese products for a couple - three dollars. But I recommend nevertheless, having spent a little more, to please yourself and loved ones with original gifts. Good shopping ideas:

  • Products of the indigenous people of the country, which can be found in many local galleries;
  • Wine, cheese, chocolate from Swan Valley;
  • Ornaments of local craftsmen, abundantly presented in the markets of Fremantle;
  • Real boomerangs that can be thrown and caught;
  • Australian cosmetics;
  • Souvenir coins from Perth Mint;
  • Kids will love the plush quocca. It is unlikely that such a toy can be found anywhere else.

How to get around the city

All Perth's public transport is included in a single system, the same ticket is suitable for buses, trains and ferries (with the exception of ferries to the islands and walking routes along the Swan River).

There are 9 zones in total, the cost of the trip depends on the number of zones that you cross. One ticket can travel with transfers on a combination of vehicles. This can be done within a specified period of time, which will also depend on the number of zones: From 1 to 4 zones - 2 hours, 5 or more zones - 3 hours. There is also a “2 Sections” ticket for short distances (no more than 3.2 km) - this is a one-time ticket that does not allow transfers.

For example, the whole center of Perth is included in zone 1, for trips along it you need a ticket for one zone or a ticket 2 Sections. Fremantle is Zone 2, for trips around Fremantle you also need a ticket for one zone or 2 Sections. But if you need to go from Perth to Fremantle, you cross two zones, therefore, a ticket for two zones is required.

Topical types of tickets for tourists:

  • The usual one-time ticket. It will indicate the time of its action. You will be able to make any number of transfers within the set time (except for the 2 Section ticket).
  • Refillable SmartRider Card. Cost - 7.5 USD (10 AUD), this money is automatically credited to your account. The advantage of using a card is that each trip is 15% cheaper than using a regular ticket. At the beginning and at the end of each trip, you need to attach a card to the reader.

The actual cost of tickets can be checked here.

If you are tired of these complicated calculations, I have great news. It is possible to travel around the city completely free on CAT buses!

Cat Bus Services runs on 4 routes in downtown Perth.

CAT Schedule

The same system is in Fremantle. The Cat bus runs along 2 routes: blue and red, every 10-15 minutes. From 7.30 to 18.30 - from Monday to Thursday; from 7.30 to 20.00 - on Friday; from 10.00 to 18.30 - on weekends.

Taxi. What features exist

Taxis in Perth can be ordered by phone, over the Internet, stop on the street, or wait at a special stop. Popular firms include Swan Taxis and Black and White Cabs. The fare varies, but on average it is 3.1 - 3.8 USD (4.2-5 AUD) per landing and further 1.3 - 2 USD (1.7-2.7 AUD) per kilometer. In most cases, both cash and credit cards are accepted for payment (an additional percentage is often charged for using the card).

Uber allows you to save on travel, many people prefer his taxi.

Vehicle rental

If you want to go outdoors, see national parks, visit beaches, a car, of course, is desirable. When planning your trip, also note that some remote locations are only available for SUVs.
There are many car rental options in Perth: world leaders (Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Thrifty) and local companies (Bayswater Car Rentals, Cottesloe Car Hire, Myaree Car Hire, Burswood Car Rental, NorthSide Car Rental) are represented. Car rental on average will cost 20 - 45 USD (25 -60 AUD) per day. Gasoline costs 0.9 - 1.05 USD (1.2 -1.4 AUD). Prices can be checked here.
When planning the cost of a car, also lay the cost of parking. It is quite difficult to park for free in the city. Depending on the parking space, you will have to spend 1.3-3.3 USD (1.8 - 4.4 AUD) per hour.

Tips for motorists

The main advice: you must carefully monitor the road, so as not to enter into too close contact with the Australian fauna. In rural areas it is not recommended to ride at dusk and at night due to the greater number of animals, especially active at this time of day. For example, a collision with a kangaroo can be a serious accident. From my experience, these cute animals do not have much fear of cars and like to jump onto the track completely unexpectedly. This is one of the main hazards on the country's roads.

If you are traveling outside the city, make sure that the car is in good condition. Distances are great, and roads are deserted. Mobile may not work. Always have water in the machine.

Be very careful with the so-called "road trains" - huge tractors with many trailers. The length of such a caravan can reach 50 meters. If you decide to go on overtaking, you need to be sure of enough space for maneuver.

Naturally, do not forget that the movement in Australia is left-hand!

Perth - Holidays with children

  1. Aquarium in Western Australia is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the underwater life without the skills of a diver. The aquarium is divided into 6 zones: Great South Coast, Shipwreck Coast, Perth Coast, Far North, Danger Zone and Marmion Marine Park. The exhibition is worthy, the pride of the collection is one of the largest “living in captivity”, coral reefs, Adult ticket - 22.5 USD (30 AUD), child ticket (4-15 years old) - 13.5 USD (18 AUD), younger children age for free.
  2. Perth Zoo is located across the river from the business center. It is conveniently accessible by ferry from the pier on Barrack Street. You can also take buses 30 and 31 from Wellington Street and Elizabeth Quay Bus Station. The entrance ticket costs 22 USD (29 AUD) for an adult and 10.5 USD (14 AUD) for a child from 4 years old (young children are free). The idea of ​​a barrier-free environment is maximally realized at the zoo; no mechanical obstacles prevent you from observing the unique representatives of the fauna of Australia. The zoo's collection is rich, there are animals from all over the planet.
  3. Adventure World - Perth Amusement Park. There are all the common attractions of this type of parks, including a roller coaster, water rides, cable car. The main feature of the park is the attraction Kraken. This is the longest water slide in the world (150 m), which you will overcome on a four-seater inflatable raft. In the high season (from 01.12 to 31.01) the ticket price for an adult is 45 USD (59.50 AUD), for a child 37.5 USD (49.50 AUD); in the low season (from September 22 to November 20, and from 1.02 to April 25) - 44 USD (58 AUD) and 36 USD (48 AUD), respectively. The park does not work every day, it’s better to look at the schedule on the official website. You can get from the center of Perth by train to Cockburn Station, and from there take bus 520. The same bus goes from Fremantle center.

Have a nice trip!

Ski vacation

Watch the video: Bon Iver - Perth (March 2024).

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