Perth packs a holiday punch

Australia is the sixth largest country by total area and one of the wealthiest in the world today. It is not a surprise why tourism is on a steady rise what with its diverse flora and fauna, the sheer expanse of countryside, the extensive coastlines and the high quality of life. Highly popular tourist destinations include the cities of Sydney and Melbourne, the Gold Coast in Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef.

These are great places to visit and may be considered Australian tourism icons. However, if you would like a place closer to home and still have a great adventure, come visit Perth and the rest of Western Australia.

So why give Perth a chance? Here are five very good reasons.

Reason #1: The Weather

Dubbed as Australia’s sunniest city, Perth is blessed with the most sunshine among all the other capital cities in the country. It is therefore a perfect place to visit, even during the Australian winter.

Reason #2: There’s Something for Everyone

Perth offers an eclectic yet fascinating blend of city culture and spectacular nature, from its growing bar scene and open arts festivals to its pristine beaches and vast parklands.

Not to miss is the 400-hectare Kings Park and Botanic Garden, the first park in Australia that was designated for public use way back in 1892. The combination of natural growth and landscaped gardens make it ideal for either the free guided-tour or a DIY walk. Pack a family picnic replete with a mat, game boards and a camera, and you’re all set. It is perched high on the crest of Mount Eliza, making it a good spot to take in sweeping views of Perth's skyline and the Swan River.

The Swan River foreshore is another local favourite. It is home to Barrack Square, where restaurants, cafes and the Swan Bells (a glass and copper structure that offers excellent river views from the observation deck) are found. Outdoor activities like walking, cycling or just basking in the sun are some of the things your family can do here. Be mesmerized by the spread of seagulls – but just be careful to not expose your food near them, as the birds are bold thieves.

Reason #3: Free Public Transportation

Moving around the city is free via the CAT buses that run on three routes. What else need be said?

Reason #4: Beautiful Beaches

Enough of the city? Check out the charming Cottesloe beach, fondly called or referred to as “Cott” which can be reached by the Transperth buses or the Fremantle train line. It is one of the city’s most popular spots for swimming, surfing, snorkelling, as well as sunset drinking and dining. Best of all, entrance is free.

Reason #5: Gateway to Adventure

If you have more than a few days, there are a number of day trips that your family can enjoy. Get some lessons in history while having fun by heading out to the city of Fremantle, Perth’s neighbouring city. Freo, as it is fondly called, is a just a 30-minute train ride away from Perth.

Probably one of the best preserved examples of century-old port streetscapes that successfully combine markets, bars and street cafés into one, Fremantle is where you will find the World Heritage listed Fremantle Prison. The prison is open to the public via guided tours and WA’s oldest public building, the Roundhouse.  There is also a free CAT transport operating in Fremantle so getting around is convenient. Before you head home, be sure to drop by the Fishing Boat Harbour and have some fish and chips.

Another day can be spent at the Swan Valley, and you can hand-feed red kangaroos at the Caversham Wildlife Park. This walk-through attraction is also home to other animals like ostriches, a wombat and koalas. Kids and kids-at-heart will have a great time in this family-owned park. After, drive out to one of the many Swan Valley boutique wineries and breweries on your way back, as it is WA's oldest and most visited wine growing region. Just be sure to keep your designated driver sober.

You can also do some island hopping by visiting Rottnest and Penguin Islands, two of the most popular island destinations for visitors in Perth. Both are easy to get to, with ferry services running several times throughout the day. Rottnest is mainly an island getaway and is popular for local family holidays. Meanwhile, Penguin Island is a nature reserve and home to Western Australia's largest colony of little penguins, among others species – and it’s less commercial. Also, unlike Rottnest where you can spend the night or even a week since accommodations are available, Penguin Island is only for day trips.

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