Why Perth Should Be on Every Traveler’s Australian Bucket List

It is so easy to get the idea to make the typical east coast journey to Sydney, Melbourne and the Great Barrier Reef when planning your trip to Australia. That was the normal Australian vacation for many years.

But the traveller revolution is underway. The adventurous and discerning are finding that they are missing out on some of the best and most pure and diverse experiences on the land that the continent has to offer, if they never cross the Atlantic West. The capital of Western Australia isn't only a geographic point, it's a lively, sunny city that should be high on your list of places to visit.

This is just why this coastal gem is the next place you must go!

The Perfect Urban-Nature Balance

The Perth layout is one of the rare combinations of fine urban culture and wild, untamed nature that can be found anywhere. No need to pick between a cosmopolitan city getaway and a coastal getaway, you have both.

The city's center is Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Incorporating more than 400 hectares, it is one of the largest inner city parks on earth, even larger than Central Park in New York. Follow the tree-top arched bridge, with its view of the Swan River and the sparkling towering skyscrapers in the central business district, all dotted with rare native wildflowers and very old boab trees.

World-Class Beaches Without the Crowds

Bondi Beach's coastline will seem like a private paradise if you have ever been at war over a sandcastle on Bondi Beach. The city is known for its 19 magnificent metropolitan beaches, which are vast lengths of fine white sand and crystal clear turquoise water.

Known for its iconic terracing lawns and beautiful 1930s building, the beach pavilion, Cottesloe Beach is renowned for its long, tall Norfolk pines. It's the perfect place to swim in the morning or chill out with a glass of local wine in the evening.

Scarborough Beach is a lively community for surfers and skaters, with a newly reimagined foreshore full of beachfront cafes, public pools, and night markets.

The sunset over the Indian Ocean is a spectacular display of gold, violet and pink hues every day of the year in Perth as it faces due west.

Meet the Happiest Animal on Earth

Rottnest Island ('Rotto' to the locals) is only a 19-kilometre ferry from the coast of Perth. It's a car-free island paradise, home to marine life, secluded bays and its most famous inhabitant, the Quokka.

They are friendly and curious little marsupials with no natural predators on the island -- giving them just a tendency to look like they're smiling right at your camera lens. In addition to the "quokka selfie," there are 63 different beaches and 20 bays suitable for snorkeling limestone reefs and shipwrecks at Rottnest.

Fremantle: Culture, History, and Craft Beer

The picturesque old port town of Fremantle or "Freo" is located 30 minutes south of the city center. It has the most intact nineteenth-century port street scene in the world, with reviled Victorian buildings constructed with convict labour.

Today, Freo is an eclectic cultural melting pot. The afternoon is perfect for strolling through the lively Fremantle Markets (since 1897), a visit to the haunted corridors of the Fremantle Prison, (Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1996), or a sitting down at the fishing boat harbor. Fremantle is also regarded as the birthplace of Australia's craft beer revolution, so a beer at the iconic Little Creatures brewery is a must-do ritual.

Swan Valley Wine Region

It's not necessary to venture hundreds of miles out of the way to experience world-class vineyards. A mere 25 minutes drive from the Perth CBD, the Swan Valley was Australia's second oldest wine region.

It is also known as a wine producing area, producing warm climate wines such as Chenin Blanc, Shiraz and fortified wines. The estates are family run and family owned which is why the tastings are very intimate. The trail is a 32 kilometer loop that links over 40 boutique wineries, artisanal chocolate factories, microbreweries and local distilleries, for the ultimate epicurean day trip.

Are you looking for an Extended Stay?

But for many travelers, a few days in Western Australia isn't enough. This amazing way of living can lead to a wish to become a long-term resident, student or working professional. However, if you're hooked on this place, and you're thinking of finding a visa, it is best to seek the guidance of an immigration agent in Perth who can help you through the legal process. Whether you're considering a working holiday extension, student visas, or skilled migration, experts such as APG Perth (Asia Pacific Group) can assist you in exploring these options to make your Australian dream vacation last longer than the working holiday visa.

The Verdict

Perth receives more sunshine (about 8 hours per day, throughout the year) than any other capital city in Australia. It is a luxury in so many ways and provides more room, great food, clean environment and relaxed living that's Australian.

Please do not overfly Western Australia en route to East. Start your trip in Perth and experience the side of Australia that most tourists don't visit.

Asia Pacific Group (APG) is a leading migration and education consultancy in Australia specializing in student visas, skilled migration, and international education pathways.