Australia is a country of many cultures where many people enjoy a high standard of living.
The Art Gallery of Western Australia in Perth City is a good way to learn a little more about Australian culture through some exhibits.
In this sense, it allows every visitor to appreciate both the works of talented artists and the early Aborigines.
Being the third biggest and most populated city in Western Australia, the city of Perth also puts great importance on their rich cultural history.
In Perth, the Kings Park War Memorial is a vivid testament that slopes gently towards the Swan River.
This is a historic area and a site for contemplation in a very quiet atmosphere. There are also photos to be taken as some scenes are irresistible.
The memorial is located at the entrance of the park before the botanical garden and a definite must-see when in the city of Perth, Australia.
Best time to visit Perth, Australia ?
The summer season in Perth is typically humid but tolerable, with the likelihood of an ocean breeze straight from the Indian Ocean.
The rainfall season comes unexpected during the mid-year months, storms are very common especially between the northern and eastern part of Perth City but don’t stress or worry about it because it usually occur in a very short time.
The summer season has long and hot sunny days with the sun rising out as early as 5:00 am and dusk settling in at around 8:00 pm.
January is the perfect time to hit the shorelines for a wide variety of activities to try like; water skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, swimming or simply basking in the sun on its cosmopolitan beaches. Ideally, summer is the best time to explore this enchanting city.
Winter is for the most part cool, and also the stormy season for Western Australia, with times of overwhelming showers, storms and strong winds.
While Perth does not get a profound chill it could be running on a high degree and extremely cold particularly during the evening.
The spring and autumn seasons are for the most part mellow, despite the fact that March and April as of late have been hot.
For the individuals who dislike the extreme humidity, the months of April and September-October are likely the best times to visit. The climate is still warm enough for cruising and water sports activities are also offered in fall, but with less exceptional hot rays of the sun that is more experienced in summer.
Generally, you are prone to encounter more rain in the mid year and less during the winter months. It should not deter you from exploring the various points of interest and outdoor activities every attraction in Perth offers.
Best things to do in Perth
These are my favorite things to do and beautiful places to visit on your next holiday to Perth, Australia.
Kings Park & Botanic Garden
A scenic park with nice views of the river and city center. It is a well maintained park with a botanical garden. At the entrance from the center there is a beautiful view over the Swan River and the city.
From here, you can also find an information center where tours start and where guide maps are given on how you can get around the park and other important attractions of the city.
On the other side of the park there is a size children’s playground. In the middle of the park stands the tower and war memorial for the fallen brave heroes of Australia.
This part of the city looks enchanted and really worth to be visited. Manicured park, clean, tidy, lots of places to take pictures with, this horticultural place is indeed remarkable.
A hiking trail will take you to discover the different types of plants and flowers on a raised steel suspension bridge called the Lotterywest Federation Walkway (a bridge made of iron and glass that makes you walk among the treetops and see breathtaking views of the different parts of the city), and follow a path that was built to honor the strength of women.
The view of the city skyline along the river makes it even more beautiful. A visit to Perth is meaningless if you don’t spend time to contemplate on this landmark attraction.
My favorite stuff to do in Perth
Kings Park War Memorial
A monument dedicated to the wars fought by Australians. It is located in a very impressive, interesting landscape.
From there you will have the most idyllic view of the Swan River and the entire bay area. The memorial park is integrated with the adjacent botanical garden that has thousands of different plants and paths where you can relax in countryside like setting.
It is one of the largest public parks in Perth. The memorial looks more stunning during sunset and very moving with the names of the fallen heroes inscribed on its walls. You can get there from the city center on foot, by bus, taxi, bicycle or private car.
The view of the river and Perth is exceptional and the memorial to the victims of Bali (terrorist attack, 2002) is very touching.
The War Memorial in Kings Park is in a fenced area of the park where you can find the imposing obelisk with the fountain of remembrance overlooking the Swan River, thus creating an even more solemn atmosphere.
At the center of the square there is a large bath (the Pool of Reflection) where the eternal flame burns at the center (Flame of Remembrance) in memory of the Australian war heroes.
At night, it looks dramatic and conjures so much emotion about patriotism and world peace. It is certainly not to be missed during your stay in Perth.
Fun things to do in Perth
Swan River
In Swan River, everything is wonderful; the panoramic view of the city, nature with lakes, trees and many kinds of birds; and the park right next to it is ideal for sports and outdoor activities like; cycling, running, skating, walking, and enjoy BBQ with the family on weekends in peace.
One of the best things to do here is to take the boat trip to the Fremantle Area.
Like all trips on the rivers you have the chance to see the city in a relaxed way that will make you appreciate the little details up close and even more.
Along the navigation you will pass by the lovely mansions, villas, and the lovely marinas along Perth’s harbor.
Looking at the Perth skyline from Kings Park you can see the majesty of the Swan River which, with its sweeping curves gives the impression of a lake where beautiful sailing yachts are docked.
All around the district you can see bike paths and luxurious villas and a lot of green. At sunset, silhouettes of skyscrapers are reflected in the waters of the river, creating a surreal atmosphere.
It looks great and exciting and seems to surround Perth from all sides. The boat tour along Swan River is indeed enjoyable and highly recommended for everyone, especially for families with children.
Popular Perth tourist attractions
Fraser Avenue Lookout
After visiting the Kings Memorial to the fallen and the botanical garden, it is imperative to visit the Fraser Avenue Lookout that allows you to enjoy an enviable location in the City Center of Perth with its beautiful skyscrapers and the flowing Swan River.
This is the best viewpoint of the city. Magnificent views of the business district of Perth. At sunset, you can get great snapshots and make wonderful memories. Large gardens, tranquility, and magnificent sunsets, go there, it’s all worth it!
What else to do in Perth ?
Aviation Heritage Museum
The Aviation Heritage Museum in Perth is conveniently located off the Freeway no. 2 and the Leach Highway # 7.
The small but fine museum is perfect for airplane enthusiasts who want to indulge their passion, even on rainy days because they can freely explore all of the exhibits inside its closed hangar location.
The museum offers specially restored and older military aircraft held by the Australian Air Force, as well as some civilian aircraft, such as the Bede BD 5, the smallest jet in the world.
This plane was even used in one James Bond film (Octopussy). The space is very narrow but you can tour and learn a lot about the history of aviation in Perth even in a short period of time.
Is Perth worth visiting?
The answer is Yes. Perth is worth visiting. This is because it is such a magical place
full of beauty and adventures.
Make sure you visit the following stunning place:
St. Mary’s Cathedral
The St. Mary’s Cathedral is not only beautiful with its architecture. The interior is nice and most of the people that you come across here are smiling and friendly.
Everything here was fully restored from its original design and the latest addition of the modern walls added exceptional brightness to the cathedral’s magnificent interior.
Photographers do not forget your cameras, because the altar, frescoes, the choir section, and the Stations of the Cross are exceptional.
The church is surrounded by a rose garden and a lawn that invites quiet. This cathedral is very close to the famous “Pensione Hotel” in Perth.
A visit to this C
atholic Cathedral is a must, even for those who do not belong in this religion. It was built in several stages and the last was completed just two years ago – and the contrast between the stone walls and expansion in ultramodern glass is breathtaking.
In the basement, there is a crypt and a “museum” with pictures, symbols, and tools of their entire history. The bells have the ability to play the seven notes – and so, during the day are playing some tunes.
For lovers of culture, it is important to attend the 11:00 am Holy Mass celebrated every Sunday; the Cathedral Choir singing in Latin to the sound of the organ is equally exciting. This church is not hard to find because it is located right next to the Royal Perth Hospital.
What else to see in Perth ?
Scarborough Beach
The Scarborough Beach is a beautiful shoreline of white sand and blue water. It is a bit far from the city center, but it is not difficult to go there by bus.
If by car, parking has ample space and free. On the beach there is a large tent with concrete steps, from where you can enjoy the breeze from the sea and watch the sunset.
The sand strip is wide and long, so the beach is not crowded and busy even if there are so many crowds that flock to this area.
Most of the beaches in Perth are pristine and has a flawless structure for bathers as they have bathrooms equipped with lockers, showers, benches to sit on, changing rooms, etc.
Next to the parking lot there are several clothing stores, surf equipment shops, mixed beverages (Australian smoothies and the best wines), pharmacies, supermarkets and restaurants.
Like most of the beaches in Australia it is devoid of sun umbrellas and various things that we usually find in most beaches.
There are no extreme water sports to explore here but the ocean and the beautiful sand is fabulous enough to satisfy anyone, both in winter and summer. The beach is really beautiful and ideal for those who like surfing.
The bad thing is that with the strong and constant wind, sometimes the rain comes without warning, but otherwise the place is wonderful and has lots of 24/7 restaurants that you can dine anytime you feel hungry.
The beach has great infrastructure and comes complete with market, spa, shops, and bars.
Popular places to visit in Perth
St. George’s Cathedral
The St. George’s Cathedral is a fine example of Gothic style architecture and a well preserved ancient cathedral in Perth.
Inside this sacred place, everything is spotlessly clean and very neat. The three naves are divided by arches in brickwork that are reddish in color with gray marble columns that create a nice contrast.
There is a huge body on the end of the church and beautiful stained glass windows. The elegant looking marble altar was imported from Italy.
This interesting cathedral in the center of Perth is located between Hay street and the busy marina. It is advisable to walk from the pier to this church to get around and see it from all sides and then go left on the Hay street towards the direction of the Royal Botanic Gardens.
The façade of the cathedral is a favorite site for taking photos because the building looks classic, made of red brick and very unique, and one of the interesting sites to see in Perth City.
Things to do in Perth with kids
City Beach
The City Beach is a magnificent beach in the city center that is so clean and well taken care of. The sea is not very deep and depending on the tide, the waves allow you to surf. The sand is fine and the ocean is a marvel.
The beach is ideal and great for a break without straying too far from the city. In 2006, this beach has won the award for the most beautiful beach in the entire west coast of Australia.
The beach has white sand and turquoise sea, but the part that most guests liked best is that there is a large area with low water and levels up to the dock which allows anyone to sit quietly in peace.
There is a bar right on the beach where you can have a drink and stay a little away from the sun. However, even the green areas behind the beach are very well maintained.
Things to do around Perth
Hyde Park, Perth
Despite being relatively close to the city center, the Hyde Park, Perth is a perfect stop for a picnic or a bit of jogging, cycling, walking, or reading a book.
All around the nature envelops you and it seems to be in a forest that seems far from the city.
It is also frequented by tourists and a common recreational area for the inhabitants of the city that is very close to streets for shopping.
You can buy something to eat nearby and then come back and have a picnic here. It is very relaxing and even kids can enjoy spending time on the recreational areas in this park.
The Flora and Fauna here is unique and the park looks like an oasis in the middle of a busy city.
In spring it offers beautiful colors and is the best place to relax after going around the other landmark attractions around Perth.
Must see places in Perth
The Perth Mint
The Perth Mint is an attraction to see if you are staying in the city for a long time, in fact, it is a must-see even if a visit is a short one.
The explanation of how to work the gold ingots is very informative and striking. The reconstruction and presentation of the miner’s work is the best.
Gold mining is an important piece of history in Perth, Australia and this museum successfully educates anyone who is interested in knowing how the process goes from minting to coin production.
An exhibit about the evolution of coins and the earliest minted ones are also equally interesting to visit.
Free things to do in Perth
Penguin Island
The Penguin Island is populated by a colony of penguins and it is really beautiful and impressive to see them up close and interact with them.
In the winter months it is closed.
You can try the “glass bottomed “boat ride where you can see the sharks, giant turtles, stingrays, pelicans, sea lions, and dolphins if you’re lucky.
You can even photograph them from a short distance. The island has a lawn with picnic tables and benches, be sure to bring some food and drinking water.
You can also climb the mountain and you’ll get a spectacular view of the entire island and the city of Perth.