Perth, The Bright “City of Lights”
Looking at the Earth from the confines of an orbiting spacecraft (the Friendship 7), American astronaut John Glenn witnessed an amazing sight. A particular area on the planet was all aglow with lights, a visible acknowledgement of his accomplishment of being the first American to orbit the Earth.
This area was the city of Perth in Western Australia. People switched on all the lights in the city, from streetlights and the head lights of their cars, when Glenn and the Friendship 7 passed by overhead. From then on, Perth was known as the “City of Lights.”
Impressive beaches, relaxed lifestyle of outdoors activities and fun, the marriage between wildlife and urban facilities, the stylish cuisine, diversity and value for money hotels in Perth are some of the reasons why the cit remains as one of the top tourist destinations in Asia.
Perth in the Map
Perth is the capital of Western Australia and the fourth most populous city in the whole country. It grows as a hybrid metropolitan area and extensive outback wildlife region, where anything can be found from commercial establishments, business districts and suburbs to remote natural wonders that remain untouched.
Due to its location on the extreme western end of the Australian mainland, Perth is also considered as one of the most isolated cities in the world. The city is actually geographically closer to Dili, East Timor (1,731 miles) and Jakarta, Indonesia (1,865 miles) than Sydney (2,045 miles) and the capital city of Canberra (1,930 miles).
History & People
British immigrants first settled into the city in 1829, naming it after the city of Perth in Scotland. Before their arrival, the native Nyoongar people were the first inhabitants of the area.
After experiencing a mining boom at the end of World War II, the city experienced an economic upturn that attracted thousands of immigrants and made the city to what it is today.
Despite its location, Perth is known for its diversity and multi-cultural environment. People of different races from all over the world have made the city their home. The Italians are among the biggest settlers in the area and their influence is particularly evident in places like the Cappuccino Strip in Fremantle, where Italian food joints, cafes and shops are concentrated. Italian festivals like the San Nicola Festival are also celebrated in Perth.
When to hit the beach
Winter in Perth is cool and mild (though temperatures can sometimes drop below zero degrees Celsius), while summers are particularly dry and hot (up to a maximum of thirty degrees Celsius).
The Mediterranean-type climate is one of the reasons why people flock to city’s beaches during December until the later part of February.
Travel to Perth
The tourism industry is one of the city’s highlights. Despite its status as a metropolitan and urban city, Perth has an abundance of natural attractions like beaches and bushland.
Swimmers can enjoy the numerous beaches that the city has to offer, especially those along the coast of Fremantle. For those who want to swim in the nude, Swanbourne is the place to be. This nude beach (the only one in Perth) is located near Cottesloe.
Other attractions include Kings Park, the Fremantle Markets and the Fisherman’s Wharf. Visitors can get around the city by train, bus, taxi, bicycle or by foot. When the weather becomes warm enough to enjoy outdoors activities (usually from September to March), water tours and expeditions into the wild are strongly recommended to appreciate first-hand the natural wonders this region has to offer.
Enjoy your trip to Perth!
photo credit: autumn_leaf via photopin cc
photo credit: autumn_leaf via photopin cc
