A VERY WARM WELCOME TO PERTH FROM HEALTHSTAFF RECRUITMENT
Western Australia is Australia’s largest state and one of much diversity. It has some of the best beaches in Australia, a 220 km long coral reef, many attractions both on the coast and inland and vibrant cosmopolitan city life as well as the remote outback lifestyle.
With historic, cosmopolitan cities, laid-back seaside villages and authentic Aussie mining towns, it’s easy to have a memorable experience in Western Australia. Heading out of town, take your pick from the gushing waterfalls and rugged landscape of the Kimberly, or go to Bungle Bungle Ranges. In the Gascoyne, uncover the treasures of beautiful coral reefs and the marine life of the Ningaloo Reef.
Perth and Fremantle have as much cutting-edge shopping, theatres, restaurants, historic buildings and beaches as the average creature of comfort could handle. The smaller towns have a unique Western Australia flavour to them, particularly the sleepy coastal towns in the Pilbara or further north to the authentic Aussie mining towns.
Attractions in Western Australia
Perth
Perth is a very modern city, situated on the lovely Swan River. It is has a compact layout and many wonderful shops and eateries throughout the city itself. About 20 km away is the Port of Fremantle, on the Swan River. Fremantle is a smaller place, more laid back, with wonderful nightlife, restaurants, and shops and with great markets on every weekend. These markets include the Fremantle Market, Subiaco Pavilion, Wanneroo Markets, Stock Road Markets and the Depot Market. There is public transport including trains and buses throughout Perth and Fremantle and you can purchase 2 hour, daily, weekly or monthly tickets – it is the cheapest way to get around.
Broome and The Kimberley
Rugged, serene and beautiful, this region possesses some of the most superb countryside and seascapes that you’re ever likely to see. White sands along the coast give way to sunburnt stone formations, lush lagoons and flowing waterfalls. Cable Beach, the Buccaneer Archipelago, the majestic Windjana Gorge and the Bungle Bungle Ranges are must-sees.
The town of Broome has a character all its own. Drop in on the Willie Creek Pearl Farm, walk the Broome Heritage trail and see the Pearl Luggers historic display in Chinatown.
The Kimberly region is raw, rugged nature at its best. Arguably one of the world’s finest adventure destinations, the activities and attractions on offer are seemingly endless.
The Mid West and the Gascoyne
This area is a breathtaking mix of stunning ocean and arid inland regions. Marvel at the pristine tropical beauty of Coral Bay, see brilliant living coral at Ningaloo Reef, go game fishing off the coast of Exmouth and drop in on the friendly dolphins at Monkey Mia. Visit the magnificent gorges of Murchison River at Kalbarri, in Geraldton, and be sure to sample the most succulent lobster and seafood you’ll ever taste. Head inland to the lunar landscape of the Pinnacles.
The Pilbara
Waterholes, waterfalls, gorges and ranges are dotted throughout this majestic landscape. Travel through the many gorges of Karijini National Park, hear the rumble of Fortescue Falls and experience the charm of the township of Port Hedland, Karratha is the ideal place from which to explore the Dampier Archipelago. This is a great destination for divers, snorkellers, and those who like swimming, the waters are crystal clear and the weather is perfect all year round.
The South West and the Goldfields
Situated in the south of the state, the landscape around this region is greener and more fertile than its northern counterparts. Hence the magnificent wine regions around Margaret River, Pemberton and Mt Barker. See dolphins swimming in the Indian Ocean at Bunbury and explore the lush kauri forest in Pemberton.
Along the coast is the town of Esperance, famous for magnificent beaches and even better surfing.
Further inland lays the pioneer gold settlement of Kalgoorlie – Boulder. The town and its surrounds display a rich history and tourists can experience life as an early miner at The Australian miner and Prospectors Hall of Fame.
Climate
Perth’s climate is a Mediterranean style climate. It is hot and dry in the summer, cools down during the winter months but does not get too cold. Winter nights can get down to below 7 degrees Celsius. Average daytime temperatures in degrees Celsius for each season are:
- Summer (Dec – Feb) From 29 – 32
- Autumn (Mar – May) From 22 – 30
- Winter (Jun – Aug) From 18 – 19
- Spring (Sep – Nov) From 20 – 26
Activities
Come out and Play
Staying in a city where you don’t know anyone can be a bit hard. Fortunately a group of friendly newcomers organise social activities on a regular basis. If you would like to meet like-minded 20-30 something to build up your social network, all you have to do is sign up with the mailing list (amber.notfromhere@gmail.com). A list of things they’ve planned to organise you’ll find below:
- Diving Refresher (some of our members are dive masters)
- BBQ Afternoon
- Car Rally (treasure hunt with cars)
- Big Restaurant Dinner for really good INDIAN in FREO
- Abseiling
- Indoor Rock-climbing at The Hangout
- Catamarans on the river & BBQ
- Blues and Roots Festival
- Outdoor Cinema & picnic
- Curry & Beers Night
- Kite Surfing
- Posh dining out (big $$ and super yummy food)
- Learn to Surf (this is a 6 week
- White Water Rafting
The following information gives you Perth and Fremantle in a nutshell, but we suggest for further more detailed information you visit the local tourist bureau or purchase a copy of the Australia Lonely Planet Guide.
Beaches
There are bays on the Swan River, situated at Peppermint Grove, Como and Crawley. Or for the more adventurous there are patrolled surf beaches at Cottesloe, Scarborough, Leighton, Floreat and Trigg.
Perth Zoo
In South Perth is a lovely zoo and it is open from 9am – 5pm daily. Cost is $14 for an adult.
www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au
Underwater World (AQWA)
This is located at Hillary’s boat harbour and is open daily from 9am to 5pm and costs $25 for an adult, $14.00 for a child. There are many attractions including seal shows, a touch pool and a huge underwater aquarium including hundreds of fish, stingrays and sharks.
Museum
The West Australian Museum is located on Francis Street. It is worth a visit and entry is free.
Rottnest Island
Is 19 km off the coast of Fremantle. It is a small sandy island, with no cars. You can hire a bicycle or take your own on the ferry. There is so much to do on Rottnest, snorkelling, dining, cycling around the island, and fishing, sunbathing on the beautiful beaches, riding in the glass-bottomed boat or swimming in crystal clear warm waters. It is a must for a visitor to Perth or Fremantle.
Weekend trips from Perth
There are also many fantastic places to visit on weekends or day trips, including the south coast – Dunsborough and Margaret River- and the many national parks in the southern region including Cape Naturaliste, Walpole Nornalup, Stirling Range, Cape Le Grande National Park, which are all very beautiful.
Useful websites to visit:
www.countrywide.com.au
Western Australia Visitor Centre,
Phone:1300 361 351
Web: http://www.wavisitorcentre.com http://www.westernaustralia.com/
Events
The state is home to many festivals including the Perth Cup on 1st January, Burswood Wine and Food Festival Perth in January, Australia Day Fireworks on the Swan River on 26th January, Broome Cup Day in July, Shinju Matsuri Festival of the Pearl Broome in late August or early September, Royal Perth Show from late September to early August and the Festival Fremantle in November.
Getting Around
Perth has an international airport. The large domestic airlines service Australia’s major centres and a multitude of smaller companies operate up and down the Western Australia coast.