Nestled in the continent’s south west direction, Perth sits comfortably midst the Indian Ocean and Darling Range, a low coastal embankment. It attained the shimmering title of the ‘City of Lights’ because this city’s inhabitants lightened up their street lights and house lights, when the American Astronaut John Glenn glided above in the sky, while he was rotating round the Earth in 1962. Similar vistas were visible again in 1998, when Glenn ascended closer towards success, when yet another time he soared in the sky in Space Shuttle.
Truly, Perth is one of the most magnificent spots on Planet Earth, deservingly so, as it has been granted the fifth position in The Economist’s 2009 track of the World’s Most Livable Cities. Perth offers varied entertainment activities of recreational value. One can chill-out by cruising over the pleasant River Swan, while tracing parks and huge skyscrapers on the way till 40 vineyards in the Swan Valley. Rottnest Island is another major tourist attraction offering chances of sneaking a peek into the rich past, bike riding in the hidden beaches and paddling kayak to the secluded bays. Fun-seekers and nonchalant visitors can grab fun in reveling carnival festivities in the ancient port city of Fremantle.
Other eye-candies of Perth include the scenic landscape gardens and legendary heritage of massive kings’ park. The magnificently sprawling beaches such as Cottlesloe and Scarborough afford tremendous amount of excitement and fun in its pristine and uncrowded environment. Exhilarating opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, swimming and surfing are galore in both these spectacular beaches. Visitors can relax or simply soak the warmth in soothing Sunset Coast.
Explore the Swan River by sailing swiftly past the parks and skyscrapers until the bays and beaches of Rottnest Island. Fremantle is yet another vibrant port that comes across after passing through the wealthy houses. For grabbing loads of fun and scenic sights, catch a faster ferry ride towards the Perth Zoo. Or vary your direction to upside as you can have a pleasant day in the spectacular vineyards of the scenic Swan Valley. Savor your delectable dinner meal with a fusion of Perth’s shimmering horizon. Or, soothe your eyes with peaceful and exotic sights of Mediterranean styled buildings of the University of Western Australia. Enjoy water adventures such as canoeing, kayaking, kite boarding, jet skiing or simply gaze the multi-colored boats sitting besides the shore.

Discover the Bushland Nature Trail that is filled with profuse natural beauty such as tall eucalyptus, crystal clear lakes, beautifully designed gardens and relaxing picnic spots. Hit the Lotterywest Federation Walkway or get atop the towering 15 meter DNA Tower as it bestows broad stunning vistas of the city, Swan River and Darling Ranges. Follow a local aboriginal guide and learn stories of the Rainbow serpent, bush survival skills and taste bush tucker. The expansive Botanic Garden is home to spectacular and diverse flora including western Australian wildflowers. Running up to an extensive area of 400 hectares of verdant land, the Botanic Gardens is accessible on foot from Pert’s business district.
Meander in the UNESCO listed heritage sites that are swarmed with busking musicians and magicians. The narrow alleyways are fine spot for spotting art works. Shop at the High Street and browse some popular labels and indigenous crafts. The weekend markets are packed with bustling crowds, get there and grab some favorable deals. The ‘Cappuccino Strip’ is famous for its refreshing taste of coffee, so make sure you sip one. Tour in any native micro-breweries or chug a pint in oldest pubs. Explore the Fremantle Prison, state’s first jail, on a torch tour. Or head to the legendary 17th century ancient Shipwreck Museum in Cliff Street for seeing the Dutch Batavia Shipwreck.
Embark on a bike ride to the concealed bays. Or simply swim in the pleasant beach waters. Get under water by snorkeling or diving and explore the bright coral reefs or legendary shipwrecks. Go surfing at Salmon Bay, Strickland Bay and Stark Bay. Try to spot quokkas, the little marsupials which serve as an inspiration behind the island’s name. Head to the legendary lighthouse or underground tunnels for viewing the bulky guns and grabbing bird’s eye views of Oliver Hill. Boasting abundant flora and fauns, soothing Mediterranean climate and laid-back ambiance, Rottnest Island makes a pleasant retreat. So, make sure you go there and grab the most.
Grab the fabulous opportunity of swimming or snorkeling on Cottesloe Beach. Past this, refuel yourself in the funky open air cafes and pubs. Calm your senses in the City Beach’s white sands and slow pace. Join the heavily bustling weekend markets of Scarborough. Head to the Marmion Marine Park that is placed on Trigg Beach, for beholding views of stunning marine life such as sea lions, humpback whales and bottle-nosed dolphins.

Tue, Dec 8, 2009
Cities