 The
City of Perth is the capital city of Western Australia, and the nation’s largest
state. With the Indian Ocean to the west and the ancient Darling Ranges to the
east, most of WA’s 1.8 million people live in the greater metropolitan area of
Perth, of which the City of Perth forms the nucleus.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.
The City of Perth is divided into five distinct precincts, each with its own
distinctive character and in easy reach of the city centre. The precincts
include:
-
 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 additional attractions, tours and other 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
Perth Metropolitan accommodation. In addition to our listed online travel
guide information, contact the local tourism visitor centre for your destination
for more attractions, tours, local maps and other information. |
