Perth

Where is it?

Perth is the major city on the west coast of Australia although as you look at an atlas you would probably say that it's more south west. Perth is the one Australian city that fronts on to the Indian Ocean.

What is it like?

With a pleasing sunny climate, great beaches, an easy pace of life and a lively social and cultural atmosphere it is easy to forget you are so far removed from the rest of the country. Perth is a modern city, largely due to the efforts of a band of property carpetbaggers in the 1980's, with a population of almost 1.5 million. The city is a clean limbed, youthful sort of a place and some may find this attitude means there is a lack of 'attitude' that marks a great city out from the crowd. But what the hell, sun's shining, the beer's cold so lets not worry too much about such details.

What to see and do.

The main sights of Perth are within walking distance of the city centre. For a cultural hit make your way to the Perth Cultural Centre, here you will find the Western Australian Museum, which gives historical background on both European and Aboriginal settlement of the area plus an explanation of the (profitable) geology of the state and the natural history, don't miss the Mega mouth Shark.

A small geodes throw away is the Art Gallery of Western Australia, which runs along the usual lines of Aboriginal art, Colonial and contemporary Australian art and a smattering of European contributions. That said this is a fine example of a state art gallery.

For a close up look at the mineral wealth of the state, go to the Perth Mint. This imaginatively mixes hands on stuff (mint your own coins) with a glimpse at past gold rush days and a look at the gold, about a tonne, that is still processed through the mint every day.

Commune with nature by going up to the Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, this 400 hectare park is a wild green space just a short step from the heart of the city. The park also offers views across the city and down the Swan River.

At the right time of the year take one of the boat trips available to try and catch migrating Humpback Whales as the pass either to or from the Antarctic. If the Ocean is too much then cruises are available up the Swan River.

Although long since absorbed into the urban sprawl of Perth, the port town of Freemantle still has a distinct, separate feel to it. Freemantle is the port that has always served Perth. The port underwent a major facelift that turned it from rough, rundown port to glamorous yachting centre when the Americas Cup was held here in 1987. It is now a great place to visit, with a casually cosmopolitan atmosphere served by top class bars and restaurants.

Children and grown ups alike will enjoy time spent in the Perth Zoo, a modern place that believes in giving the animals room to move without the confines of bars if possible. The main exhibits are the local creatures. The Aquarium of Western Australia is also worth a visit, the highlight here is the 100-metre long glass tunnel tank where you can walk along with the sharks, rays and fish swimming around you on all sides.

Eating, sleeping and drinking.

Head for the Northbridge district and you won't go far wrong. There is lots of accommodation, all clean and well priced. The backpacker market is amply covered but there is lots of choice in other parts of the market. Book in advance if you are going high season.

Loads of restaurants, Asian and Italian predominate, the seafood is superb but all tastes are catered for.

The nightlife is riotous; there are pubs and cafes all over and nightclubs that are just heaving with people, (some of the bars even offer free beer as an enticement, you'd be mad not to go). Could it be that this raucous attitude is something to do with being easily the liveliest place for thousands of miles in any direction.