Like the outdoors? Cities? Tall, athletic blondes who enjoy BBQ and sports?
Then look no further than Perth. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate and cool offshore breezes – both from the Indian Ocean and Swan River – it’s considered by many as Australia’s outdoor capital. You can walk along the beach, cycle its waterfront, scuba, surf or sail… in Perth, the choice is up to you.
Below are four activities which will keep you busy for several days…
Beaches
Like many great cities around the world (Rio, Sydney, San Francisco) Perth has easy access to the beach. There are three popular beaches:
Cottesloe
Perth’s most upscale stretch of beach. Cottesloe includes a number of shops, a tea house and several hotels and cafes. Swimming and surfing (though not “Endless Summer” caliber) are popular here.
Scarborough
The surf here is rougher – not to mention a helluva lot more fun – than Cottesloe; swimmers, may not want any part of it.
Trigg
Surfers are practically guaranteed quality swells, though rip tides can get rough. You can check current surf conditions here.
Credit: fuzzytnth3
Cycling
Put simply: the cycling in Perth is excellent. A six mile (9.5km) loop takes you around Perth Water, a large inlet of Swan River. If you’re looking for a longer ride, follow the bike trail along the river, which takes you through Kings Park and ultimately to the beaches. The government-run Bikewest program offers excellent info on bike routes in and around the city.
Sailing
Sailing is a popular past time in Perth. In 2011, the city hosted the International Sailing Federation’s World Championship, where over 1,200 sailors arrived to compete.
You can sail the same waters during an afternoon or evening cruise.
Credit: Simon Pattern
Scuba Diving
Rottnest Island contains numerous dive sites, including wrecks, cave diving, large reef fish (Great White sharks have killed people here) and coral.
Oh, yes… the sharks. Unfortunately, a number of deaths were reported in 2011. Authorities were given received carte blanche to hunt and kill the offending shark, but haven’t yet done so. The truth is, shark attacks do happen – especially in Africa, Australia and the western US – but they don’t happen often. You are far more likely to be struck by lighting, stung to death by bees or torn apart by wild dogs. Seriously.
Credit: k.ivoutin
Surfing
There are several good surf spots. Basically everywhere mentioned in this article: Rottnest Island, Trigg and Scarborough. Classes are available at city beaches if you’d like to learn.
When To Go
The best time to visit Perth is from March to May and October to December.
Climate
From March to May and October to December, the average high temperatures range from 71 to 86°F (22 to 30°C), low temperatures range from 48 to 59°F (9 to 15°C), and precipitation ranges from 0.25 to 3.5 inches (6 to 91mm) each month.
Getting There & Around
Perth is located in Western Australia along the coast.
The best way to get to Perth is to fly into Perth International Airport located 12.5miles (20km) from the city center.
Average Costs
- Mid-range accommodations: $125-175
- Meals: $20-30
- Bottle of beer: $6
Do’s
- Visit Kings Park for an excellent panoramic view of Perth.
- Try to watch the Western Warriors play a game of cricket.
- Listen to the Swan Bells near Barrack Square.
Don’ts
- Forget to wear sunscreen.
- Miss the Fremantle Market for some great souvenirs and food.
Fun Facts
- Perth is the fourth largest city in Australia.
- Perth is one of the sunniest cities in the world receiving an average 8 hours per day, 365 days a year.
- Kings Park is the largest inner city park in the world, even larger than Central Park in New York.
Feature Image Credit: JoshBerglund19
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