Most of the two million people who live in Western Australia
reside in the sophisticated and scenic state capital. Perth grew on
the banks of the Swan River, named after the Scottish city of the
same name, and was proclaimed by Queen Victoria as a city in 1856.
The discovery of gold in Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie, to the east of
the city, in the 1890s led to a dramatic rise in its population and
an economic boom. Another boom followed in the 1960s with the
mining profits of iron ore and nickel.
Today the city is characterised by numerous waterways, green
parks and a compact central business district. There is plenty to
occupy visitors in Perth, from touring the city by tram or bus,
enjoying watersports on the Swan River or just sipping a glass of
the famous local wine in a riverside or beachside restaurant. Perth
has more restaurants per capita than any other Australian city. Not
far from the city is Western Australia's oldest wine-growing
region, Swan Valley, which welcomes tourists to visit the many
award-winning family-owned wineries, which offer alfresco and
restaurant meals and cellar tastings.
Perth is also the site of the world's oldest operating mint, and
boasts several museums and art galleries, historic buildings, a
casino and a good variety of shopping opportunities. Last, but not
least, the city offers more than 50 miles (80km) of white sandy
beaches in close proximity. Among the most popular are Cottesloe
and Scarborough.
Getting around: Perth has a very efficient and convenient public
transport system called Transperth, which operates buses, trains
and ferries. Passengers can hop from one to the other on a single
ticket, and obtain information on all the services at booths set up
for this purpose at strategic points like Plaza Arcade, the railway
station and bus stations. Buses in the central area are free (CAT),
covering three routes, while suburban bus services and trains link
to the outer districts day and night, buses running till 11.30pm
and trains until 2am (later in summer). Ferries cross the Swan
River between the Barrack Street jetty and Mends Street jetty,
sailing between 6.45am and 7.15pm each day, and later on weekends.
Fares are based on zones and tickets can be bought from newsagents
and vending machines. Metered taxis can be hailed in the street in
Perth, found at taxi ranks or booked by telephone. All major car
hire companies are represented in Perth and driving in the city
poses no problems. Cycling is a popular way to get around, too, and
there are designated cycle routes.






