Visitors to Western Australia’s capital city, Perth often remark on the friendly, laidback environment that welcomes them.

The beach plays an important role in Perth’s culture and with 19 in the metropolitan area to choose from, it’s easy to find your own slice of white sand to soak up the sun. Try surfing at Scarborough Beach, or simply relax and watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean from Cottesloe Beach.

Kings Park and Botanic Gardens - one of the largest innercity parks in the world is a must for any visitor to Perth. At more than 400 hectares (988 acres) it is larger than New York’s Central Park. Showcasing some of the world’s most unique flora, here you will find towering trees, natural bushland, lakes, grand lookouts and sculpted botanical gardens. Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants or cafes, or pack a picnic and enjoy the breath-taking views over the city skyline and Swan River. The new Indigenous tour of the park provides a fascinating insight into life before European settlement.

The vibrant port city of Fremantle - boasts the best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape in the world, with its world-famous heritage buildings and a fascinating maritime and convict history. Soak up the laidback ambience, chill-out in a street café, enjoy fish and chips fresh off the boat at the Fishing Boat Harbour; or a cleansing pale-ale at an award winning microbrewery.

Perth is the only capital city in Australia where you can choose to either explore a world-class wine region, picnic in one of Australia’s oldest conservation areas or watch the sunset over the ocean, all within 30 minutes from the city. And with more hours of sunshine than any other capital city in Australia, which ever activity you choose, chances are that there will be a blue sky overhead. It’s no wonder Perth has been voted as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Rottnest Island - the quaint holiday island is just a short ferry ride from Perth, Fremantle or Hillary's Boat Harbour. It boasts some of the world’s finest beaches and bays, as well as unique animal and plant life. You can snorkel over shipwrecks, relax on the beach, or throw in a fishing line. Rottnest is home to the world famous quokka, a unique and friendly marsupial that is only found in Western Australia. Rottnest is a car free zone so pedal power is king! 

Perth, Western Australia, has plenty to tempt shoppers with over 900 specialty shops that can be enjoyed seven days a week. Fashion lovers should head to the King Street precinct housing leading fashion houses including Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. There are also unique opportunities to purchase jewellery items made from gold nuggets, Argyle diamonds, Australian opals and Broome pearls.

Home to the world’s greatest collection of investment gold bars and Australia’s largest natural nugget collection, the Perth Mint in Western Australia is the world’s oldest gold mint still operating from its original premises. A member of an elite group of world mints whose pure gold, silver and platinum legal tender coins are trusted without question, visitors to the Perth Mint can join a gold pour tour and see liquid gold transformed into a bar in the original melthouse and fine jewellery.

The Swan Bells - is one of the largest musical instruments on earth. You can even try ringing the bells, which can be heard across the city.

While you’re in Perth you can also get your fill of culture. The Art Gallery of Western Australia features a permanent collection of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Their Indigenous art collection is one of the best in the world.

A little further south of Perth, you can swim with dolphins in the ocean at Rockingham or take a cruise and watch them play in Mandurah’s waters.

A visit to Western Australia’s oldest wine region, the Swan Valley, is a must for food and wine lovers. Spend the day visiting the many restaurants, wineries and microbreweries to sample the quality local produce.

Need some nightlife? You’ll find Perth has a lively and original music and arts scene. Northbridge, Leederville, Subiaco, Mt Lawley and Fremantle are full of bars and restaurants, pubs and clubs.

For more information, visit http://www.experienceperth.com/en/Pages/Home.aspx

All images copyright Tourism Western Australia.