Closer to cities in Asia than most cities in Australia, Perth is a pleasant if pretty dull place, making Brisbane seem like Sydney in comparison. It is a very liveable city though (other than the ridiculous heat) with a surprisingly good public transport system (amazingly until recently most trains in Auckland were second hand ones bought from Perth in the 1980s) and a few things to see.
King’s Park
One of my favourite city parks, it feels like a slice of the outback put on the hill overlooking the CBD. Great spot for running around and getting a bit, but not seriously, lost in the bush.
Swan Bells
One of the more random sights I’ve come across on my travels. It’s a funky modern bell tower housing 18 bells, 12 of which from St Martin-in-the-Fields church in Trafalgar Square in London. Nicely done though.
Art Gallery of Western Australia
Good regional art gallery, particularly strong, as you’d expect, on Aboriginal artwork.
Swan River
Expansive slice of water intersecting the city, ideal for running by, if something of an early morning or evening activity given the heat and strength of the sun (if not quite as death ray like as it is in New Zealand).
Fremantle
Easily accessible by a 35 minute train ride from Perth, Fremantle is home to some historic buildings, cool inhouse markets, a lot of fish and chip shops, and the Shipwreck Museum. One of the more interesting, if niche, museums I’ve found on my travels and well worth an hour of your time.
4 thoughts on “Further afield – Perth”