Friday, November 27, 2009

Beautiful Perth Makes for a Perfect Vacation

By Allan Brooks

The first sign of life around Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, are said to be some 40,000 years back, when local tribes first roamed its river banks. These days, Perth remains an attractive option, for its vibrant city center and proximity to the best that nature has to offer.

Captain Stirling, later Perth's first governor, founded the city on the Swan River near the Indian Ocean in'29 while aboard a British sea vessel. Perth's population today is about 1,650,000.

One of the best ways to enjoy Perth is aboard a ship, and the many cruises down Swan River allow visitors that opportunity. You can even hear live music or have dinner while you float along.

After getting a look at this city's architecture and river banks, head downtown and take advantage of Perth's shopping. Check out the souvenir stores for great mementos of your trip, or browse through the Aboriginal arts and crafts. Perth's bustling metropolis will deliver on high fashion and designer stores, but you will also find the materials to go exploring throughout Western Australia. Stock up on beach items like swimwear and surfboards, or get ready to go camping by buying your tent and thermoses here.

For a majestic view of the city and its surroundings, head up to Mt. Eliza where Kings Park allows visitors to see the area from high above it all. Get a feel for the bushland of Australia and see its exotic plant life in the Botanic Gardens. For the full effect, bring along a picnic basket and see an outdoor show or film.

Just a quick trip outside Perth's center is the terrific Perth Zoo. Everything from Australia's wild can be found here, from the famous kangaroos and dingoes to the fascinating wallaby.

For a look at historic Perth, visit the Old Mill which dates back to'35. The setting of the Old Mill has a distinctly colonial feel, offering a glimpse of Perth before its commercial supremacy. Learn about threats to the local population by Aborigine attacks and find out how this landmark survived its near demolition in the middle of the 20th century.

For a taste of Tudor England, albeit in Australia, visit the pedestrian streets of London Court. In the cozy confines of this tiny thoroughfare, have a coffee in the outdoor cafes and transport yourself to another time. Snap a photo of the great clock at St. George Terrace.

For a relaxing weekend on the beach, visit Perth's Sunset Coast. From Mindarie Keys at the northwest to Cottlesloe just below, west of downtown Perth, you'll find the perfect alternative to the city's urban flow. In the summer months, the beaches of Swanbourne and Scarborough tempt city dwellers with their pristine climate and excellent accommodations.

While staying overnight in Perth, you will find all of the accommodations you could hope for, from breathtaking five-star suites to mid-range options and even choices for the budget traveler.

The same goes for Perth's award-winning cuisine. The most discriminating palette will find satisfaction in Western Australia's best lineup of restaurants. Go exploring and ask the locals where to dine; you'll soon find that there are more excellent choices than there are nights left on your vacation.

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