Encompassing the state capital of
Perth
and its surrounds and extending across the inland wheat lands to the start of the
goldfields region.
An area of several unusual rock formations, renowned wildflower
displays and home to many historical sites and townships. Approximately 85% of the state
population live in this region.
Perth is a particularly
attractive city, situated on the picturesque Swan River, blessed with a fine
Mediterranean climate,
nearby beaches and still possessing an unhurried lifestyle.
The south
west has established a strong reputation for producing fine wines,
especially in the Margaret River area which also has some of the best
surfing conditions in Australia.
This is a popular tour destination.
Being the only major city in the state, Perth has become the
location for the headquarters of most of the
mining companies that play such a big part in the Western Australian
economy.
Places
Of Interest In Perth & Surrounds
Perth -
situated on the picturesque Swan River and synonymous with the
black swan which is the state emblem. Perth still retains much of its country town atmosphere which makes a
refreshing change from the frenetic pace associated with most other cities.
Many of the
civic buildings were convict built and stand proudly amongst the skyscrapers that bear
testimony to the recent boom cycles of the state.
The region enjoys a
mediterranean type climate with a laid back, sidewalk cafe lifestyle. The
Swan
River, nearby beaches and ocean access have a lot to do with the many water based
leisure pastimes of the area.
Kings Park sits on high ground across the
river from the city centre and is a good vantage point with a bonus of being set in
landscaped Botanic Gardens which showcase unique local flora.
Northbridge has a
reputation as the city's restaurant district and is only a few minutes stroll from the
city centre. The Burswood Entertainment Complex is one of Australia's finest
casino and entertainment venues and has a great setting
overlooking the river and city.
Take in the
Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Perth Cultural Centre to learn a little more of
what this region is all about, especially the gallery of Aboriginal history. The
Scitech
Discovery Centre is Australia's most hands-on science discovery centre.
Arrange a tour to
some of the historic buildings, many of which are the restored convict-built originals.
Examples are the Cloisters and Central Government Buildings noted for their brickwork, the
Deanery, Government House, Palace Hotel, Perth Town Hall and the
Perth
Mint.
The
Old Flour Mill is an excellent restored
reminder of times past and Tranby House on the Swan River is a fine example of the early
colonial architecture. Woodbridge House, in the suburb of Guildford, is a restored
Victorian brick mansion overlooking the river. Swim at the local Perth beaches at
Scarborough and Cottesloe fronting the Indian Ocean. Take a day river
tour up the Swan
into the Swan Valley winegrowing area.
The
Perth Zoo offers an opportunity to view
the unique numbat and other wildlife and the excellent Underwater World is a chance to get
close to some of the local marine inhabitants. There are several cruise operators offering
Swan River cruises as well as a variety of adventure cruises.
Offshore is
Rottnest Island, a very
popular tour destination noted for its pristine beaches and coastal waters.
Originally a prison island, many of the original prison buildings still remain. Home of
the unique "quokka" which is a small wallaby. Glass bottom boats offer cruises
over the reefs and wrecks that dot the island. On land, bicycles are one of the preferred
modes of transport although there are bus tours and guided walks.
Fremantle -
once a separate town serving as the port for Perth but now largely swallowed up by the
urban sprawl as Perth expands southwards to the coast. Since the America's Cup yacht races
of 1987 Fremantle
has embraced the sidewalk cafe culture and retained much of the
cosmopolitan experiences of the time. Many of the historic sites and buildings were
restored or renovated in advance of the event.
The
Fremantle History Museum is housed in a convict-built building and has an
excellent selection of exhibits about the region. The Maritime Museum has interesting
exhibits from the shipwreck of the Batavia. The Fremantle Markets are a colourful
attraction and buskers are usually in attendance. The Fremantle Prison is an imposing
structure with reminders of the regional history.
Both Fremantle and Perth are bases for several
cruise operations offering whale watch cruises in season, usually October-November. Nearby
Rockingham is a popular resort. The offshore Penguin Island is home to a
colony of Fairy penguins with viewing by way of cruises departing from Shoalwater Bay.
North Coast -
north of Perth the countryside quickly turns into the dry semi-desert typical of much of
the state. The
Yanchep National Park
includes some excellent limestone
caves and an Aboriginal Heritage trail. Further north is
Cervantes,
better known for the nearby
Nambung National Park which is home to
Pinnacle Rocks.
These are limestone pillars ranging up to 5 metres high.
Wildflower Country -
take route 95 north from Perth to
New
Norcia and you are in the spring
wildflower region. The town hosts a still functioning Benedictine mission and the
architecture is classic Spanish. Tours and visits are available. Further north is the
farming centre of Moora, the nearby Berkshire Valley with its restored
flour mill and Watheroo on the Midlands Highway.
The wildflower region extends much further north
taking in the townships of Dalwallinu, Morawa and Mullewa although the latter two are
closer to Geraldton than to Perth.
South Coast -
a little over an hour south of Perth is
Mandurah, a popular beach and
holiday resort where dolphins are often seen in the estuary. A good fishing and prawning
area. Just down the road on the Murray River is the historic township of
Pinjarra where
steam engine buffs can ride the
Hotham Valley Railway which passes through the town.
Northam -
the major centre of the Avon Valley situated north east of Perth and an area that
attracted many early settlers. Many historic buildings are still in existence
in
Northam
and the
valley is a popular wildflower destination. The Avon River is a popular canoe site. The
town has several historic buildings such as the old railway station which is listed by the
National Trust. Nearby Buckland House is said to be the finest grand home in the state and
is open for inspection.
Nearby
Toodyay hosts several historic convict-built buildings including O'Connors Mill which
still operates. To the south the town of
York has preserved its English
inspired origins and is one of the region's highlights with the entire town being
classified by the National Trust. Many of the state festivals are held here and an
excellent vintage car museum is said to be Australia's finest.
Wheatlands -
generally stretching along the Great Eastern Highway to the east and south towards the
coastal fringes at Albany is the area commonly referred to as the Wheatlands (or
wheatbelt). Most of the region supports winter and spring wildflowers as is the case with
much of the south west area of the state. The major centre of the area is
Merredin
which houses its museum in a renovated period railway station. There are some interesting
rock formations nearby.
The township
of Hyden to the south is a couple of kilometres from the famous
Wave
Rock which stands 15 metres high. There are several lesser known rock formations
and caves in the area some of which are sites of Aboriginal rock art. Further to the south
is Narrogin, another of the major centres of the
wheatlands. It hosts a
railway heritage museum and the nearby Dryandra Forest which is the only remaining section
of eucalypt forest that once covered the region.
