Things to do in Perth
Perth completely dominates the isolated state of Western Australia and thankfully, offers a sophisticated and lively cultural scene. There are all kinds of things to do in and around this water-bound city, from admiring the Aboriginal art galleries to hugging koala bears.
A recent explosion in trendy cafés and coffeehouses ensures a top-notch dining and hanging out experience, which is something the people of Perth have embraced with gusto. Meanwhile, many of the most remarkable natural attractions lie outside the city itself, making this one destination where you'll want to rent a car. Despite being closer to Bali than Eastern Australia, Perth continues to draw visitors from around the world, who are rarely disappointed by the return on their travelling investment.
Allan Green Conservatory
This splendid conservatory is a large glass pyramid situated in the city centre, which is full of colourful, exotic plants and flowers. A popular tourist attraction, the imposing glass structures rise out of the Esplanade lawns, creating an impressive sight right in the heart of Perth. This free attraction is open Monday to Saturday and is well worth a visit if you are in the downtown area. Phone: +61 8 9461 3333.
Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA)
The western coast of Australia has some of the best maritime conditions in the world, and this modern aquarium is the place to experience the diversity of local sea life. Throughout the myriad tank environments, you can view the best marine life that Western Australia has to offer including deadly stonefish, sea dragons, jellyfish and coral reefs. One of the highlights is a moving walkway through an underwater tunnel, where you can see sharks, turtles, rays and many exotic fish swimming right next to you.
The aquarium also has a number of touchpools, where visitors can get up close and personal with the sea life; and for a truly adventurous experience, you can even swim with the sharks under guided supervision. Phone: +61 8 9447 7500.
Art Gallery of Western Australia
No trip to Australia should be without some exploration of the ancient Aboriginal culture, which has lived continuously on this continent for the past 40,000 years. The Aboriginal art collection in this gallery is considered to be the finest in the country and should not be missed. Visitors can also see works by some of modern Australia's most important artists as well as a small number of international artworks. Free guided tours of selected exhibits are given every day except Mondays. Phone: +61 8 9492 6622.
Cohunu Koala Park
Who can resist hugging a koala bear? Although most states in the country do not allow koala-cuddling, Western Australia is one of the few places where you can indulge in this personal experience with one of the world's cutest animals. This expansive park, set in the natural bushland, is the only place in Western Australia which allows close contact with koalas, so it's well worth a visit. Additionally, you can feed kangaroos, wallabies and emus as they wander around the natural enclosures. Nearly all the animals of this region of Australia are on display here in environmentally-friendly habitats. Phone: +61 8 9390 6090.
