Western Australia’s relaxed capital, Perth, combines riverfront parklands, Indian Ocean beaches and excellent wildlife opportunities, while providing an ideal gateway to the extraordinary landscapes and wilderness of Australia’s west.
Set beside the broad Swan River, just inland from the Indian Ocean, Perth is the capital of Western Australia and one of the world’s most geographically isolated major cities. Despite its modern skyline, nature is never far away, with extensive parklands, wetlands, bushland and a long sweep of sandy beaches creating numerous opportunities to experience the region’s wildlife.
One of Perth’s greatest attractions is its proximity to Rottnest Island, lying just offshore and home to the famously photogenic quokka. The island also supports Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals, while bottlenose dolphins are regularly encountered in the surrounding waters. Birdlife is varied too, with species including Australian pelicans, ospreys, pied cormorants, and a range of shorebirds and seabirds. Between September and November, migrating humpback whales can also be seen off the coast as they travel south towards their Antarctic feeding grounds.
Perth is also the natural gateway to Western Australia’s immense and wonderfully varied wilderness. From here, journeys lead south to the forests, coast and wildlife-rich waters of the south-west, including Albany and Bremer Bay; north towards Ningaloo Reef and its whale sharks, manta rays and marine life; and inland into the vast landscapes of the Outback. With excellent air connections and a compelling mix of city, coast and wildlife, Perth makes an ideal starting point for exploring one of Australia’s wildest states.
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