Perth
Australia · Country profile
Perth is the radiant, isolated capital of Western Australia, the sun-filled city of the sublime Swan river that spreads its glistening towers, its riverside parks and its superb beaches across the coastal plain of the Indian Ocean, the most remote great city of the world, closer to the Singapore than to the cities of the eastern coast. The capital of the enormous western state since the founding settlement of the early nineteenth century, it has grown into a prosperous, leisure-loving metropolis of nearly two and a half million people, its skyscrapers of the golden mineral economy rising from the parks and the water of the centre, its districts of the Fremantle and the Subiaco and the Cottesloe carrying the lively beach and port life of the town. The swan river, the Kings Park and the beaches, the historic port and the islands and the wine valleys of the surrounding region anchor the essential visits. Sunny, sporty and supremely liveable, Perth is the golden capital of the island continent.
About Perth
Perth is a city in Australia. The city's documented population is around 2,215,000 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD) and English is spoken; the dialling code is +61. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Perth Airport.
The Park of the Kings and the River of the Swans
Perth is a riverside metropolis where the essential circuit moves between the central city with its parks and its towers, the historic port of the Fremantle and the beaches of the coast, with the river, the ferries and the cycling paths running between them. The great park of the kings, the swan river with its ferries and its paddleboats, and the museums and the galleries of the centre anchor the town days, while the port of the Fremantle with its historic town, its markets and its bars, and the beaches of the Cottesloe with their swimming and their sunsets, fill the classic excursions. The islands of the coast with their colonies of the quokkas, and the wine valleys of the region reachable within an hour, complete the sunburned, relaxed rhythm of the western capital.
The Port of the Fremantle and the History of the West
The climate of the city is the mild Mediterranean, with the hot, dry summers of the long sun-filled days, the mild, rainy winters and the brilliant spring of the wildflowers, while the famous Freo Doctor sea breeze of the summer afternoons tempers the heat of the coast. The dollar of the country is the currency and the English the language of the city. The river, the parks and the beach circuit make the core visits, and the islands and the valleys of the region lie within the easy reach of the car. Light summer clothing, strong sun protection and comfortable walking shoes complete the simple preparation for the sunbaked capital of the west.
The Islands of the Quokkas and the Valleys of the Wine
The great park of the kings, the enormous riverside parkland above the city with its lookouts over the swan river and its great trees of the Tuart and the eucalyptus, is the beloved green emblem of the capital, and the walkways of the river with the towering glass of the city behind give the classic view of the metropolis. The historic port and town of the Fremantle, at the river mouth, keeps its convict-era warehouses, its markets and its long series of the pubs and the cafes around the lively harbour of the west, and the town hall and the museums of the port anchor its maritime story. The islands of the coast, the celebrated colony of the quokkas of the Rottnest Island that the ferries reach from the harbour, and the wine and craft valleys of the Swan district, complete the essential sunburned circuit of the most isolated great city of the world.
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- Country
- Australia
- Population
- 2,215,000
- Coordinates
- -31.9403, 115.9669
- Capital
- Canberra
- Region
- Oceania
- Currency
- Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Languages
- English
- Calling code
- +61
- Country code
- AU
Entry requirements for Australia
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Australia for tourism.
Getting to Perth
Airports we list for Perth:
Other airports in the area:
Cities in Australia
Other cities we cover in Australia:
Frequently asked questions
Is Perth the capital of Australia?
No — the capital of Australia is Canberra.
What currency do I need in Perth?
The local currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Languages spoken in Australia include English.
What is the dialling code for Australia?
The international dialling code for Australia is +61.
Which airport should I fly into for Perth?
Perth Airport (PER) is the airport we list for Perth.
How far is Perth from the nearest airport?
Perth is about 2,115 km from Adelaide Airport.
Do I need a visa to visit Australia?
It depends on your passport. For the origins we track, the current tourism visa status is Morocco (visa required), United Kingdom (e-visa) and United States (e-visa). Check the entry requirements tool for your own nationality.
Flying out of Perth? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.