Perth is located in one of the most isolated areas of the world. This geographic feature is
seemingly reflected in the lifestyle of its people. In fact, Perth is a quiet city and not particularly
busy, but at the same time it offers many employment opportunities. The quality of life is quite
high, the surrounding environment is represented by nature and it has the best beaches in the
country.
Geography
Perth is the capital of lonely Western Australia, the nearest town is Adelaide, which is located
2014km away. It has approximately a million and a half inhabitants and is considered to be the
most isolated inhabited city on the planet.
The city is located in the Swan river estuary and it includes more than 300 other locations under
its jurisdiction, some of the being Fremantle, Bayswater, Canning, Stiling, Gosnells, Nedlands,
Peppermint Grove, Claremont, Victoria Park and Armadale.
Climate
The area of Perth, very curiously, enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Winters are rainy and cool, and
summers are warm and rather dry. From time to time, during the summer, you need to take out
your umbrella to deal with the rather familiar summer storms. A sea breeze known as the
Fremantle Doctor helps to make summers days less humid and a little cooler.
The hottest month is February. Temperatures vary between 15 and 25 degrees Celcius during this
time of year. It can also reach peaks of 32 and 8 degrees depending on the year. Given its
particularly mild climate, Perth is the sunniest city in Australia.
History
Perth owes its name to the city of the same name in Scotland. The first historical register doesn't
date back to British prosperous times; instead it dates back to the Dutch Golden Age. Sea-captain
Willem de Valmingh and his crew recorded the first sighting of Perth on January 10, 1697.
In 1827 the city self-declared its status as a free colony thanks to James Stirling, who became its
protector. Two years later, the control of the city passed on to Charles Fremantle. That's how the
area became a penitentiary settlement with the institution of a prison that carried the name of
Fremantle himself
Perth began to growth into a city only in 1859, when Queen Victoria officially declared it an urban
settlement. That, combined with the 'gold fever' of the time, determined the beginning of the social
and economic development of the area. That's when migrants began to move into the city and
when the first railway lines were built.
What to do and what to see in Perth
There are lots of must-see's in the city. The area of Fremantle is one of the most peculiar and
picturesque in the entire Western continent. Getting lost in its streets and its bars will have you
breathing the most authentic essence of Perth.
You can visit the Fremantle prison, which is a good place to discover one of the city's historical
hubs. The Art Gallery of Wester Australia is also worth a visit while exploring Perth.
For nature lovers, a visit to the Rottnest Island, populated by marsupials, is recommended. The
botanical garden and Kings Park, which together make up more than four square kilometers,
form the largest urban park in the world. They're even bigger than Hyde Park and Central Park.
Finally, you can discover and admire the rich fauna of Western Australia by visiting the Perth Zoo.
Swan Valley is a destination for wine and gastronomy lovers. In fact, the wine production of the
entire western part of the country is concentrated in this area.
The most popular beach among surfers is the Cattesloe Beach. The waters are crystal clear, the
views are impressive and there are plenty of areas to enjoy a picnic.
Living in Perth
If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxed lifestyle, Perth is the city for you.
It offers many job opportunities, and a cultural event calendar full of music and gastronomic
festivals, as well as performing arts.
If we add to all this the quality of the weather and the beauty of its beaches... there is no reason
not to consider moving to Perth.
Useful Information
Many travelers tend not to consider Perth as a travel destination. This is mainly due to its isolated
position, quite far from the rest of the country. However, Perth deserves a visit because it embodies
the most authentic Australian spirit and lifestyle.
Fun facts
You can enjoy free outdoors fitness classes in the Town Hall Square.
If you happen to be in the area at the same time the Perth International Arts Festival is on, don't
miss it. It's the most important cultural festival in Australia, since 1953.
Ben Scott, lead singer of the AC/DC, spent a period of imprisonment in the Fremantle prison,
which closed its doors in 1991.
