Most of the two million people who live in Western Australia reside in the sophisticated and scenic state capital. Named after the Scottish city of the same name, and was proclaimed by Queen Victoria as a city in 1856. Perth boomed in the 1890’s with the discovery of gold in Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie, to the east of the city, followed by another boom in the 1960’s with the mining profits of iron ore and nickel.

Today this beautiful city is characterised by numerous waterways, green parks and a compact central business district. There is plenty to occupy visitors in Perth, from touring the city by tram or bus, enjoying watersports on the Swan River or just sipping a glass of the famous local wine in a Riverside or beachside restaurant. Perth has more restaurants per capita than any other Australian city.

Perth is also the site of the world’s oldest operating mint and boasts several museums and art galleries, historic buildings, a casino and a good variety of shopping opportunities. Last, but not least, the city offers more than 50 miles (80km) of white sandy beaches in close proximity. Among the most popular are Cottesloe and Scarborough.

Beyond Perth, Western Australia offers the visitor some incredible natural scenery, watery activities, almost endless arid outback trails, and Australia’s oldest wine growing region.

This remote part of Australia is well worth exploring and there is no place better to come for expert advice from personal experience than Millington Travel.

Millington Travel’s top ten things to see and do in Perth and Western Australia

1. Fremantle. This harbour town is full of character and is a perfect day-trip from Perth.
2. Monkey Mia. Gently feed and touch the Wild Dolphins who visit the shore each day, under the watchful eye of local rangers.
3. Margaret River. Western Australia’s most popular holiday destination. thanks to its tranquil atmosphere, clean beaches and excellent restaurants, often attached to wineries.
4. Pinnacles Desert. Thousands of limestone pillars protrude from the yellow desert sand, A truly unique sight.
5. Kings Park & Botanical Gardens.  Set on Mt Eliza, the park offers breathtaking views over the city of Perth and Swan River.
6. The Indian Pacific. All aboard for one of the worlds greatest rail journeys, linking the two great Oceans with a vast continent to cross in 3 days.
7. The Goldfields to the east of Perth is a region steeped in history and legend. See and experience the gold rush.
8. Wildflower Region. After the seasonal rains, the mid-west coastal region bursts into life and the result is a blaze of colour.
9. Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk. 130m above the forest floor, the walk winds its way through the canopy of a massive karri and tingle forest.
10. Whale-Watching. From September to November, take a boat trip from Fremantle to catch amazing views of Southern Right Whales at play in the Indian Ocean.

When to go?

Western Australia is a huge region and the weather varies depending on whether you are inland or by the coast. It is a region you can enjoy year round and we think you’ll spend most of your time in the coastal regions where summers are very hot from December to February, winters are mild and comfortably warm from June to August, and the rest of the year is sunny and quite warm.