It was Scottish Captain James Stirling who founded the City of Perth, as part of the Swan River Colony in 1829. Stirling thought the natural environment around Perth was ‘as beautiful as anything of this kind I had ever witnessed’ and advocated that a colony be established there. The British Government agreed to found the colony as the first free settlement in Australia, and the first settlers arrived in Western Australia in June 1829. 

The colony took its name from the black swans in the river. On 12 August, 1829, the felling of a tree marked the official foundation of the City of Perth, which Stirling named ‘Perth Town’ in honour of Perthshire in Scotland.

Laying claims to being the ‘sunniest state capital in Australia’, Perth appears to be isolated from the rest of the country, however, tourist continue to make Perth it's destination, flying in or enjoying the long distance treks from the neighbouring states and territories.

With a vibrant lifestyle that revolves around the Swan and Canning Rivers, Perth continues to evolve into one of Australia’s most popular and distinctive cities.
 

• Central Business District
  together with St Georges Terrace is the main business area. The region includes arcades, shopping centres and malls such as Forrest Chase, Carillon City, Murray and Hay Street Malls. The northern part of the city is divided from the Northbridge region by the railway track. A number of Perth's cultural institutions can be found in the CBD.
   
• Riverside
  The area straddles the river offering recreational activities and walking path ways which is a great way to take in the stunning views. The Point Fraser public recreation reserve at and Heirisson Island, with its resident Western Grey kangaroo colony are popular attractions in the district. Both are located at the eastern gateway to the City of Perth. One of the features of Heirisson Island is the Sculpture Park.
   
• West Perth
  West Perth starts from King Street through to Thomas Street, encompassing West End and Kings Park. This area has designer shops, cafes and the very popular Kings park and Botanic Garden.
   
• East Perth
   
• Northbridge

The city centre is situated on a sweep of the Swan River, which borders the city to the south and east, the river also links Perth to its port of Fremantle. The western end of Perth rises to the wonderful Kings Park, which overlooks the city, then extends to the cosmopolitan Subiaco. Further west, suburbs extend as far as Scarborough and Cottesloe with many beaches along the Indian Ocean.

The railway line bounds the city centre on the northern side, with Northbridge immediately north of the line. Perth’s international and domestic airports are about 8 km east of the city, and 10 km apart. Buses and trains arrive at the Westrail Centre in East Perth.

Pictured is the Swan Bells Tower, housing the original bells from the St Martins in the Field Parish Church, Trafalgar Square, London one of England's most loved churches. The bells can still be rung and is a popular tourist attraction amongst the parks and gardens within Perth city centre.

For up-to-date information visit the local tourism centre. The i-City Volunteer Hosts staff the City of Perth information Kiosk in the Murray Street Mall near Forrest Place, providing help to visitors in discovering the City of Perth.

Check out our listing of tours, attractions and our great range of Perth accommodation: