PICTURESQUE PERTH
Oz’s western gateway
Anchored by the winding Swan River flowing past tall buildings and out to the Indian Ocean, picture perfect Perth – the capital of Western Australia – is the gateway to the southern continent from the west. Basking under a near permanent canopy of blue skies, life here flows at a gentle pace. Perhaps that’s why Perth is regularly voted as one of the planet’s most liveable cities. While sandy beaches flank its outer suburbs, sprawling parks and gardens offer green solace to visitors.
TOP ATTRACTIONS The city has everything to enthral visitors; from the Art
Gallery of Western Australia, ringing the bells in the Bell Tower and touring the
Perth Mint, to enjoying a show at His
Majesty’s Theatre. Other treats include gazing at the city vista from Kings Park – one of the world’s largest inner city parks, romancing at riverfront Elizabeth Quay, cruising the Swan River, boutique shopping at London Court, dining at Northbridge and losing oneself at the newly established Yagan Square.
STATE BUILDINGS The State Buildings are located in the city centre – a project that revitalised three interconnecting heritage buildings to create a hub for extraordinary shopping, eating, chilling and staying in. In line with the theme, the premises include award-winning hotel COMO The Treasury; chic restaurants Petition Kitchen, Long Chim and Post; Rohan Jewellers; and Sue Lewis Chocolatier for the finest couverture.
COOL STREET ART Though there is no creation yet from famous street artist Banksy, Perth is rapidly becoming a modern-day cultural oasis with street art by talented local and international artists transforming bleak walls into lively galleries. Wolf Lane, which is lined with quirky bars and eateries, is one of the best venues to sample this art form.
FREEMANTLE PORT Easily accessible by bus, ferry and train, the nearby port suburb of Freemantle on the Indian Ocean is interesting because of its maritime history. Victorian buildings and a marketplace filled with boutiques, cafes and restaurants dot this area.
INDIA’S CUISINE A unique attraction of the city is Annalakshmi on the Swan. It’s a restaurant that serves a buffet of tasty vegetarian Indian food comprising rice with standard accompaniments. Diners pay whatever they like! PINNACLE POINTS Pinnacles Desert, which is only two hours away from the city centre, is a natural wonder. It’s one of the region’s most curious landscapes that comprise thousands of naturally grown limestone pinnacle shaped pillars that rise from sandy dunes up to five metres high.