An integral part of Elizabeth Quay is the historic Barrack Streetย Jetty, its boardwalk lined with bars and restaurants. Departing from the jetty are numerous scenic river cruises, bound for popular destinations including Fremantle, Rottnest Island, and the wineries of Swan Valley. Still under construction, Elizabeth Quay will soon be home to a luxurious new Ritz-Carlton hotel.
The Perth Bell Tower
Perthโs beaches are another sun-drenched choice. An arc of pale gold sand backed by Norfolk pines, Cottesloe Beach is one of the most picturesque. Itโs also the most accessible from central Perth by public transport (the beach is just a ten minutes walk from Cottesloe railway station on the Transperth network). Popular with sunbathers and surf dudes, Cottesloe attracts an arty crowd in March each year when the beach and foreshore are transformed into a sandy sculpture park for the annual Sculpture Byย The Sea exhibition. The works of 73 artists from 18 countries were displayed here for the 14th edition in 2018. Cottesloe is also great for foodies. Located opposite the beach, Il Lido Italian Canteen is a recommended neighborhood eatery.
Beach boys, art lovers, and foodies arenโt the only creatures to flock here. Cottesloe can be noisy at dusk, thanks to the flocks of multi-coloured Rainbow Lorikeet parrots congregating in the trees as the sun goes down, but I think their squawking chorus adds to the majesty of the sunset.
Farther north along the coast by car, North Swanbourne Beach is gorgeous, clothing-optional, and popular with gay men wanting an all-over tan. Although itโs possible to surf and sailboard here, avid surfers should continue onto Trigg Beach, considered one of WAโs premiere surf spots.
Visitors can also enjoy a myriad of unique flora and fauna throughout Western Australia. For example, WA has over 12,000 species of wildflowers, with more than 60% found nowhere else in the world. Wildflower season runs June to November, when curious and colorful blooms carpet the landscape. Keen amateur botanists will certainly want to explore the numerous state forests and national parks across the whole of WA, including Whiteman Park, the Jarrahland Trail, Stirling Range National Park, and the dramatic Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, an aerial walkwayย that winds through a grove of gigantic 400-year-old trees within Walpole Wilderness National Park.
Cottesloe Beach
Urbanistas however need venture no farther than Kings Park in the heart of Perth. One of the biggest city parks in the world, it includes botanical gardens, grassed parkland, and expansive natural bushland for enjoying the wilderness ambience of a bushwalk without actually leaving the city.
Kings Park reaches peak wildflower intensity during September when floral must-sees include flowering eucalyptus trees, everlasting sunflowers, and the exotic black and lime-green blooms of the rare black kangaroo paw.
Man-made attractions within the park include the Lotterywest Federationย Walkway, a treetop boardwalk that features a spectacular glass and steel arched bridge for birdโs-eye views; the impressive viewpoint from the DNA Tower that was built in 1966 and gets its name because it resembles a DNA molecule; and the Aboriginal Art Gallery, a retail space showcasing the works of indigenous artists from the region. Contemporary and traditional Aboriginal art and artifacts are available for purchase, alongside affordable gifts and souvenirs. The park also contains several poignant memorials honouring the Western Australianโs who died in wars ranging from the Boer War to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as in the Bali terrorist bombings of 2002.
While exploring the city, you will also discover that Perth has a plentiful selection of trendy neighbourhoods. Located immediately north of Perth railway station, the inner-city suburb of Northbridgeย is the cityโs cultural hub and hipster quarter, and home to Perthโs LGBTQ scene, including Australiaโs oldest gay club.
