 Attractions
Badgingarra National Park: A 2 kilometre wild-flower walk identifies significant spring-flowering heath species, including the rare black kangaroo-paw.
Omni Theatre:If you have only been to ordinary cinemas before, you're in for an extraordinary experience. Imagine a movie screen ten times bigger than your average cinema screen. Then imagine it all around and above you, a dome the height of a two storey building. Add a unique 12,000 watt, 32 speaker surround sound system and you've got the Omni sensation.
Scitech Discovery Centre:Prepare to see science in a whole new light. Discover that science is an adventure, with surprise and excitement and most of all fun. It's hands on discovery for all ages. There are over 160 exhibits for touching, pushing, pulling and exploring. With every turn you'll get your hands on another secret of the universe. Special exhibits feature from time to time.
It's a Small World:Reputedly the finest collections of things small and entertaining in Australia, gathered lovingly from around the world. Specialising in push button animation, collectable toys, miniatures, dolls' houses, fire engines and miniature railways from the turn of the century to the present day. An intriguing world of fanciful fun for people of all ages.
Parliament House:A fascinating look inside the corridors of power. An education officer will take you on a guided tour of Parliament House and into the chambers of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, weaving in the history of the Westminster system.
Northbridge:Perth has a great range of nightime activities. The main night life area is Northbridge which comes alive at night. It is just a few minutes walk north of Perth city and beckons with numerous cafes, restaurants, night clubs and street entertainment.
Drovers Cave National Park: Accessible by 4 wheel drive but not developed for tourists. The focus of this park is the cave's limestone drip formations and mammal fossils. Contact the Nambung ranger to inspect locked cave.
Nambung National Park: See fascinating limestone columns exposed in Pinnacle Desert by movement of sands. Spring and summer wild-flower displays on the heath between beach and desert.
New Norcia: A Spanish-colonial-style mission in the Australian bush, founded in 1846 by Benedictine monks, who owned and administer the town. See the museum's collection of religious art and artifacts and 27 National Trust-classified buildings. The museum shop sells the monk's famous olive oil, and fresh bread is available from the monastery bakery.
Perth: State capital, younger than its east-coast counterparts and pulsating with vigorous growth fuelled by exploitation of the State's huge mineral reserves. Hire a bicycle and ride along the banks of the Swan River or enjoy sail boarding and sailing.
Rottnest Island: Named in 1696 by Dutch explorer William de Vlamingh who mistakenly believed quokkas, small wallabies that nest on the island, were a type of rat. Once an Aboriginal prison, the island is now a public reserve and wildlife sanctuary with bicycles and boats for hire. Snorkellers can see fish, coral and 12 shipwrecks in protected lagoons. Rottnest Island can be reached by ferry from Barrack Street jetty in Perth, Northport in North Fremantle and Hillarys Boat Harbour.
York: State's oldest inland town, an elegant blend of colonial and Victorian architecture, settled in 1832 to produce food for Perth. Hosts jazz festival on Queen's Birthday long weekend.
Western Australian Museum: Visitors can view the states unique animals, birds and marine life in the larger galleries or enjoy the intimacy of the colourful butterfly gallery. Look back into the ancient past in the Aborigine or dinosaur galleries. The museum has some of Perth's oldest buildings including the Old Gaol.
Mineral Museum of Western Australia: Besides rocks and minerals, the museum has special displays mounted to reflect current issues in mining, geology and related fields.
Perth Mint: Experience the Perth Mint's old Melting House and see demonstrations of pure gold bars being poured and moulded. From the spectacular viewing gallery you can also see where the Perth Mint's bullion and proof issue coins are produced today.
London Court:Opened in1937, and reminiscent of the Elizabethan architectire of England, this Tudor style arcade has great attraction for photographers and tourists. Shops displaying souvenirs and gifts, jewellery and clothing line the sides of the walkway. A clock at either end of the court displays St George and the dragon as the clock strikes the hour.
Fremantle: One of the world's best-preserved 19th century ports, featuring an outstanding maritime museum and some of Australia's largest collections of mid-Victorian and Edwardian architecture. The Round House is Western Australia's oldest building and was built as a goal in 1831.
Fremantle Markets: This National Trust-classified market, established in 1897, operates every weekend. The gold rush era architecture creates a unique atmosphere, enhanced by buskers and the friendly stall holders. There are handicrafts and fashions as well as fresh produce amongst many other items.
A great day for shopping with the whole family.
Fremantle Tram:Jrmp on a tram for a tour with a difference. Choose from Historical Trail, Four Harbour Tour, Tourist Quartet and the Fremantle Spectacular. Tickets for all tours are available on board.
Fremantle Prison:This vast, austere 19th century gaol, built by convict labour from limestone rock quarried on site, was used as a maximum security prison from 1855 till 1991. Protected under the state Heritage Act, this once grim baston is now open for the public to explore. A 1 1/2 hour guided tour includes cells, chapels, the exercise yard, kitchens and gallows. After your tour, visit the Convict Cafe, ice cream shop and souvenir shop onsite.
Western Australian Maritime Museum: A collection of shipwreck relics from the many boats that fallen prey to the Western Australian coastline since the Dutch sailors of the early 17th century.
Underwater World: Underwater World features a walk through tunnel which houses over 2000 marine life. There are displays of divers hand feeding sharks and stingrays. Underwater World also features a touch pool where you can touch selected marine life and a viewing area where you can watch dolphins at play.
Fremantle History Museum: Housed in the colony's first lunatic asylum, built by convicts in the 1860's, it includes exhibitions about the history of the building and its inmates. The museum also hosts travelling exhibitions from other parts of Australia.
Perth Zoo: Only minutes from the city, Perth Zoo is the most popular zoo per capita in Australia, Set amid spectacular gardensm walkways and picnic areas, it's a relaxing way to discover one of Australia's best collections of native and exotic animals. The zoo also conducts research and breeding programs for endangeres animals. Highlights include the African Savannah, Nocturnal House and Australian Wildlife park. The Zoo is accessible by the Transperth ferry.
His Majesty's Theatre: Completed in 1904, this resplendent architectural gem is Australia's only remaining Edwardian theatre and is part of the National Edstate, The "Maj" hosts world class live entertainment, including drama, opera, ballet and musicals. Friends of the theatre are situated in the foyer and give free tours throughout the theatre.
Burswood Park:The expansive open spaces of Burswood Park surrounding the Burswood Resort epitomise Perth's active outdoor lifestyle. Trails for waljers, cyclists and joggers wind along the banks of the Swan River and past several lakes. A heritage trail invites visitors to discover history on the move on an informative track punctuated by sculptures illustrating figures from Western Australian history.
Queens Gardens:Tucked away to the east of the city is a serene English style park, complete with a replica of the famous Peter Pan statue which graces London's Kensington Gardens, This leafy oasis features a tranquil water garden created from what were originally claypits.
Things To Do Outside Of Perth:
Avon Valley: The Avon Valley is very English looking and is very beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom. There are many historic buildings and canoeing is very popular on the Avon River.
Mandura: Mandura is situated 74 kilometres south of Perth on an estuary. The waterways of the Mandura Estuary are popular for their prawning, crabbing and good fishing areas. Dolphins are often seen in the estuary.
Wave Rock: Wave Rock is situated 350 kilometres south east of Perth. The Wave Rock is a 15 metre high solid rock wave and is coloured in different bands. Surrounding the area are other rock formations, some of which have Aboriginal rock paintings.
Margaret River: Margaret River is a favourite holiday destination for residents of Perth. The area also offers fantastic scenery of cliffs, beaches and the ocean. The area is renowned for its surf beaches and is home to one of Australia's best wine growing regions. Extensive tours of vineyards are available.
Augusta: A leisurely 4hr drive south of Perth brings you to Augusta, the town where the Southern and the Indian oceans meet. Spectacular ocean views abound along with contrasting tranquil estuary waters which make an ideal fishing spot. A short distance from Augusta are the Hidden Wilderness Caves, which feature a number of limestone caves. In the Moondyne cave a tour is available from a guide and a fossilised skeleton of a Tasmanian Tiger and a fossilised jaw of a giant wombat type animal are on display in the cave.
Albany: Albany was the first European settlement in Western Australia. The town was once a major whaling port and evidence of this time period still remains. The coastline around Albany is home to some of the most rugged scenery in Australia. The two peaks that overlook the town are Mount Clarence and Mount Melville and it is from here that there are spectacular views. From July to September southern right whales are seen near the bays and coves of King George Sound.
Busselton:was one of the earliest settlements in Western Australia and, consequently, has a long and interesting history. Located 229km outside of Perth it is a leading port and produces award winning premium table wines unique to this area.
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