Perth Central CBD Central Business District
Perth is Western Australia’s capital city and centre to the major gateway into the state. Fronting the widest stretch of the meandering Swan River, city centre cbd and river make a stunning contrast, especially when the skies and river are a perfect Perth blue.
The Swan hosts a range of water sports, including sailing, water skiing, sailboarding, jet boating, fishing, parasailing, cruising. And there are more than fifty kilometres of riverside pathways for walking and cycling.
Perth’s lifestyle is easygoing with a number of inner parks adding to the relaxed, nature-based feel unique to this city cbd area. And getting around is simple – there’s a free public transport service within the city centre cbd.
Kings Park and endless beaches
For a bird’s eye view, take a helicopter flight, or head to Kings Park for a spectacular view across Perth’s cityscape and river.
Kings Park is Perth’s pride and joy, presenting a mix of untouched bushland, botanic gardens, walkways and grassy lawns. Take a walk on the Federation Walkway, relax with a picnic and take advantage of free barbecue facilities. Enjoy an impressive wildflower display in spring or the outdoor cinema in summer.
Within minutes of the city centre cbd are Perth’s beaches. There are nineteen to choose from – some, such as Scarborough Beach are great for surfing, and others, like Cottesloe with its beachside cafes, are ideal for families.
Al fresco dining and great shopping
Shopping in Perth is fun and affordable. You’ll find department and chain stores as well as chic designer outlets, all with a blend of design influences – Aboriginal, Asian, African, European.
Dining out in Perth is all about fresh local produce, fine wines and a superb setting – the warm climate encourages people out onto the street and down to the water’s edge.
Restaurants and nightlife cater for all tastes and budgets, in the city centre cbd and the suburbs. Northbridge has been joined by a number of other café pulse points including Leederville, Subiaco, Mount Lawley, Sorrento and Cottesloe.
On Sunday afternoons, head to a local pub for the traditional “Sunday Session” – it’s a great way to experience the Perth lifestyle.
Another local tradition is Aussie Rules football – head to Subiaco Oval to see one of the local Australian Football League teams, the West Coast Eagles or the Fremantle Dockers.
The Bells - Perth's New Tourist Landmark.
This towering glass spire, located where Perth meets the Swan River, has now become a touchstone for Australian and international tourists.
It is the Swan Bells Tower, one of the largest musical instruments on earth, housing the twelve bells of Saint Martin in the Fields church, the parish church of Buckingham Palace.
Recorded as being in existence from before the 14th century, they have rung out to celebrate England's victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588, the homecoming of Captain James Cook after his voyage of discovery in 1771 and the World War II victory at El Alamein. The bells have also rung in the New Year at Trafalgar Square for more than 275 years, and have celebrated the coronation of every British monarch since King George II in 1727. Children sing of the bells in the popular "Oranges and Lemons" nursery rhyme, "You owe me five farthings say the bells of St Martin's".
The Bell Tower offers tourists fascinating displays on the history of the bells and bell ringing, as well as stunning views of Perth cbd skyline and the Swan River.
Perth Zoo
Just minutes from the city cbd, the award-winning Perth Zoo is home to around 1500 native and exotic animals, as well as world famous breeding programs for critically endangered species. You can see some of the planet's most amazing animals at Perth Zoo in exhibits that closely replicate their natural environments. A botanical paradise, the Zoo’s shaded walkways and grassy picnic areas provide a relaxing way to enjoy the animals and daily activities.
Australian Walkabout - Experience Australia's unique wildlife and flora in one amazing Walkabout experience, only minutes from the city centre cbd. The smell of eucalypts and the sounds of the kookaburra's call surround you as you walk through the Australian Bushwalk zone encountering kangaroos, emus, koalas and dingoes. The Bushwalk presents the wildlife of Australia amongst stunning replicas of Western Australia's best known natural landforms. Tread the tranquil boardwalks in the Wetlands Exhibit and observe native birds, frogs, tortoises and fish in a protected wetland environment. And don’t forget to visit the crocodiles. Delight at the world's smallest penguins swimming in their marine habitat at the Penguin Plunge. Get unnervingly close to some of our more eerie wildlife in the Reptile Encounter.
The Reptile Encounter – This indoor exhibit features a range of lizards, snakes, frogs and tortoises in purpose-built exhibits, landscaped to match each animal's natural habitat. Check out Asia's largest snake – the reticulated python - and Australia's largest lizard - the perentie. See the Reptile Nursery with its ever changing display of juvenile reptiles. Meet the keeper and come face to face with a python and turn phobia into fascination.
African Savannah - As you wander along the dry riverbed, the rugged African Savannah opens out before you. The striking red soil, tall grasses, thorny trees, baboons, giraffe, zebra, lion, white rhinoceros, cheetah, meerkat and hyaena are just some of the sights, sounds and smells of Africa that you can experience.
The Asian Rainforest - Monkeys call, asian elephants trumpet, orang-utans watch and tigers wait.
Marvel at the airborne antics of the silvery gibbons in their treetop habitat in the Asian Rainforest zone which is also home to otters, red pandas and fishing cat.
Other highlights at Perth Zoo include walk-in aviaries, Nocturnal House, daily presentations and guided walks – all designed to make your day at the Zoo a memorable and educational experience
harbour town
Visitors to Perth cannot afford to miss Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre, the state's only dedicated outlet shopping centre.
Located in Wellington Street, just minutes from the city centre cbd, Harbour Town features more than 100 top name outlet stores selling designer merchandise direct to the public at prices up to 60 percent below normal retail prices, every day!
Harbour Town is an ideal choice for leisure or free day activities and 'partner programmes' on conference, convention and business travel itineraries.
Harbour Town offers a unique environment and experience. More than just shops, Harbour Town offers a safe and exciting shopping adventure where you can discover a treasure-trove of high quality brands at low prices.
Vibrant malls and open plazas are lined with stores selling some of the world’s best know fashion labels, home-wares, sporting goods, accessories and gifts all at heavily discounted outlet prices.
Out of town visitors to Harbour Town are greeted in a modern tourism lounge where you can relax in comfort, with friendly staff on hand to assist with information and service. Here you can ask for the Tourism Club Card, which provides even further discounts on the already reduced prices. There is a parcel storage area available and Muslim prayer room.
Where to shop
Whether you're looking for designer fashion, souvenirs, Aboriginal Art, antiques or local fresh produce, you can find a wide variety of shopping options in and around Perth and Fremantle.
City Centre CBD shopping
Perth's central shopping area is a designated tourist precinct which means, most city centre cbd stores are open seven days a week.
There are two major department stores in the precinct, Myer, bounded by Forrest Chase and the Murray Street Mall, and David Jones, between the Murray and Hay Street Malls. Each specialises in brand cosmetics and fashions.
For gemstone and souvenir shopping with a quaint old English flavour, London Court is a favourite. The Murray and Hay Street Malls, Forrest Chase and Perth's many arcades are also lined with souvenir, fine jewellery and fashion shops. At the west end of the city in historic King Street, Louis Vuitton meets Aboriginal art in a stylish amalgam of art galleries, cafes and boutiques set in a charmingly restored streetscape.
For those seeking designer goods at discount prices, head to Harbour Town on Wellington Street for a great assortment of goods from fashion, to homewares, shoes and sporting gear.
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