1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Australia / New Zealand Travel

Perth
Discover Perth in the Australian West

By Larry Rivera, About.com

Perth: Catamarans on the Swan River

Catamarans on the Swan River with the city of Perth in the background

© Australian Tourist Commission 1997

Perth is the world’s most isolated capital. Situated on the southwestern edge of the Australian continent, Perth, capital of Western Australia, sits between the blue of the Indian Ocean and the desert sands of the Nullarbor.

Perth's nearest state capital neighbor is Adelaide in South Australia which is 2750 kilometres or at least two days away by car.

But No worries, mate, as we Aussies say.

Perth is in Australia's sunniest state

However far it may be from the rest of the country, and the rest of the world, Perth has a reputation of being in the sunniest Australian state, the surf is at its backdoor, and many are envious of its nice-and-easy lifestyle.

The story is: Perth life is so laid back there's always time for a bit of surfing even before or after work on weekdays (and lots of surfing on weekends) and there's always a barbecue or two going on.

Nearly 4000 kilometres by road from Sydney (taking the shortest route), Perth can be reached from the east coast through a leisurely train ride on the famed Indian Pacific. Of course, you can always take a plane.

Next page: A Day's Walking Tour

Larry Rivera
Guide since 1997

Larry Rivera
Australia / NZ Travel Guide

Explore Australia / New Zealand Travel
About.com Special Features

Find travel inspiration and get the best tips and reviews for your next getaway. More >

The best times to visit East and Southern Africa. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Australia / New Zealand Travel
  4. Discover Australia
  5. Alphabetical Index
  6. Parking to Purnululu
  7. Perth - Discover Perth in the Australian West

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.