Perth, located in Australia's west, is the State capital of Western Australia and is Australia’s most isolated capital city. Perth's uncrowded and pristine beaches are a must-see, reflecting the lifestyle of Perth itself: laid-back, quiet and tranquil. Black swans, a symbol of Perth, can be seen making their way down the aptly named "Swan River" which meanders through the city, dividing the downtown area from its southern suburbs, from Kings Park, set on the river bank.

Perth is a vibrant and modern city sitting between the cerulean Indian Ocean and the ancient Darling Ranges. It claims to be the sunniest state capital in Australia, though more striking is its isolation from the rest of the country - Perth is over 4400km (2750mi) from Sydney by road.

It's true that the city centre's skyscrapers dominate a picturesque riverside location. But behind the towering edifices hide a handful of 19th-century buildings and facades, and some saving-grace patches of greenery. But these concerns fade in an instant when you glimpse the famous beaches.

Perth has a long and hot summer (December to March) where little rain falls and the temperature can stay up around 30°C (86°F), especially in January and February. Winds off the sea, known as the 'Fremantle Doctor' help cool the city. Winter brings coolish weather and rain, with an average temperature of 18°C (64°F).

Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA)
Tel: (08) 9447 7500 (info)
AQWA is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. As you wander down the 98m (321ft) tunnel aquarium, thousands of colourful fish, sharks and stingrays glide around you. For a closer look, head to the Discovery Pool, where you can actually touch the sharks and stingrays. The seal gallery alone is worth visiting, watching them train above the water and play below. Snorkellers and divers can pay for a shark experience inside the tank. From September to December, whale-watching trips are also available.
Web: www.aqwa.com.au

Art Gallery of Western Australia
Tel: (08) 9492 6600 (info)
The Perth Art Gallery is accessed from the footbridge directly behind the Perth train station. It has a fine permanent exhibition of European, Australian and Asia-Pacific art, including a rich display of Aboriginal art, and regular temporary exhibitions.
Web: www.artgallery.wa.gov.au

Fremantle Motor Museum
Tel: (08) 9336 5222 (info)
On Victoria Quay, this museum houses a private collection of wheels owned by one mining magnate. British racers, historic motorcycles, a Ferrari and the first Holden prototype are all licensed and still grace the track. Even Wally's chariot from the much-loved Australian movie Crocodile Dundee has made its way here.

Old Fremantle Prison
Tel: (08) 9336 9200 (info)
In 1842 boys and men were shipped from the Isle of Wight to build this hill-top prison which sits practically on top of Freo's Cappuccino Strip. It went on to become a maximum-security institution until 1991. Visitors can trace their convict heritage in the museum, or attend an info-packed tour of the main cell blocks.
Web: www.fremantleprison.com

Round House
Built in 1831, this 12-sided stone structure was Fremantle's first permanent building, serving as the prison and the site of the colony's first hanging. Later the building was used to hold Aboriginal prisoners before they were incarcerated on Rottnest Island. Before settlement, the site was a ceremonial meeting place for the Noongar people.

His Majesty's Theatre
Tel: (08) 9265 0900 (info) / (08) 9484 1133 (booking)
You can catch the latest hit plays at the historic His Majesty's Theatre. Built in 1904, this is one of the state's premier venues to watch the West Australian Opera Company sing for their supper. You can also while away the hours browsing through the on-site museum which houses a collection of theatre memorabilia, with some items dating back to the 1850s.
Web: www.hismajestystheatre.com.au

Little Creatures Brewery
Tel: (08) 9430 5555 (info)
Tis a cosy place indeed to settle down in to watch the sun set. Overlooking the boats in Fishing Boat Harbour is Creatures Loft, Little Creatures Brewery's expansion. The Loft schedules regular gigs – check out the website for the lineup – and supper food is served through the night to accompany your drinks and music.
Web: www.littlecreatures.com.au

Must Winebar
Tel: (08) 9328 8255 (info)
Considering there's French house floating through the sound system and the perfect glass of wine in your hand (there are 40 by the glass, 500 on the wine list), it's very difficult to leave this buzzing bar in the thick of Beaufort St. It's probably the best wine bar in Perth, and the food's excellent.
Web: www.must.com.au

Jackson's
Tel: (08) 9328 1177 (info)
If you love fine food and wine, don't deny yourself one of Perth's top dining experiences: Neal Jackson's tasting menu. This is a serious, long-established dining room that enjoys an excellent reputation. The menu spans dishes like crispy pork belly with caramelised apple and sage, or wagyu beef steak with celeriac and Roquefort mash.
Web: www.jacksonsrestaurant.com.au

Maya Indian Restaurant
Tel: (08) 9335 2796 (info)
Maya's white tablecloths and wooden chairs signal classic style without the pomp. Its well-executed Indian favourites have made it a popular local spot, right through the week, for years. Special menu Friday.
Web: www.mayarestaurant.com.au

A few overseas airlines arrive direct in Perth, but most visitors come to the west after passing through the eastern states. There are direct flights to Perth from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Adelaide, Uluru, Darwin and Alice Springs. You can also fly to regional WA centres such as Albany, Broome, Carnarvon, Esperance, Exmouth, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Geraldton, Monkey Mia and Port Hedland.

A privately run bus meets every flight into Perth airport and travels to the city, hotels and hostels. There is also a suburban bus (No. 37) which runs every half-hour or so and costs substantially less.

There are daily bus services from Adelaide via the Nullabor to Perth, or if you really love bus travel, you can make the 56-hour journey to Darwin. Buses also go to regional centres. The Indian-Pacific train line runs from Perth to Sydney via Adelaide, and is one of the world's great train journeys. There are also trains to York, Kalgoorlie and Bunbury.

Perth has a central public transport organisation called Transperth (www.transperth.wa.gov.au) which operates buses, trains and ferries. A free transit zone, including all Transperth buses and trains, as well as special CAT buses, covers the central city area. Cycling is a great way to explore Perth, and there are many bicycle routes around the city and its environs. Ferries cross the river regularly between 06:50 and 19:15.

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