PERTH

Cosmopolitan Perth, capital of Western Australia. It is situated in the south-west of the State, about 18km from the mouth of the Swan River, the centre for arts, culture, sports, shopping and entertainment. Close to sandy beaches and wine-growing regions of the Swan Valley, Margaret River and the port of Fremantle.

Rich in 19th century maritime history and art, with many heritage buildings. Astronaut John Glenn called Perth the "City of Lights" in 1962. America's Cup skipper Dennis Connor called it the "most isolated city in the world".

With a temperate, Mediterranean climate out-door eating is popular even in the cooler months.

Dirk Hartog, the Dutch navigator, landed at Shark Bay, near Carnarvon in October 1616.

The first British settlement was in 1828 at the Swan River. On May 2, 1829 Captain Charles Fremantle raised the British flag at the head of the Swan River. Captain James Stirling founded the first settlement at Perth on August 12, 1829.

CLIMATE

TRADING
Banks are open:

  Mon-Thurs 9.30am-4pm
   Fri 9.30am-5pm.

POST OFFICE

The GPO is in Forrest Place and its hours of business are:

Mon-Fri  8am-5.30pm
  Sat    9am-12.30pm
  Sun   12pm-4pm

SHOPPING HOURS

Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm.
Extended shopping Thursday and Friday nights.
Trading on Saturday and Sunday.

GETTING THERE

AIR: Perth's International Airport is 16km (25 minute drive)east of the city centre, with the domestic terminal a few kilometres closer.
Flight times should be checked with the airline. For more detailed information visit the Virgin Airlines or Qantas website.

SEA: The Port of Fremantle, 19km from Perth.

RAIL: The "Indian Pacific" arrives twice a week (four day, three night journey). For Sydney/Adelaide/Perth visit the "Indian Pacific" website.

ROAD: The Great Northern Highway along the western coast. Eyre Highway along the south coast to South Australia (a four day drive from Perth to Sydney).

COACH: For coach travel details visit the Greyhound Pioneer website.

DISTANCES