Perth - Our Capital City
Countless blue-sky days, a rich and varied cultural life, extensive and inexpensive outdoor and sport facilities and a secure social environment - just some of the reasons Perth, Western Australia has been voted the fifth best city in the world in which to live.
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About Perth
Perth is home to 1.41 million people and enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other capital city in Australia. Sophisticated yet uncomplicated, the lifestyle in Western Australia is a relaxed one. Some 30% of Perth's population was born overseas. Society is extraordinarily harmonious and all newcomers and visitors feel welcome.
To many overseas visitors, Perth is unique among the world's cities, despite its tall city buildings, extensive freeway system and state of the art electric trains. Perhaps it's the friendly people; perhaps it's the sprawling low-rise suburbs. Most homes are only one or two storeys, surrounding the capital; perhaps even the easy-living Mediterranean-style climate or perhaps it's the beach. Wherever you live in Perth you are never too far from the Indian Ocean.
Perth's bustling central business district is just seven kilometres from the sea. It is perched on the banks of the majestic Swan River and nestled beneath the city's 400 hectare botanical showcase, Kings Park. Fifteen minutes drive to the east are modern international and domestic airports while 15km to the southwest is Fremantle, the closest major Australian port to Singapore.
World standard cultural facilities and theatres are home to the state's nationally acclaimed symphony orchestra, ballet, modern dance, opera and theatre companies. Each February, the Festival of Perth provides a major showcase of international and local performance. Residents and visitors also have access to numerous public and private galleries and museums, with major touring exhibitions supplementing local collections.
For those with more contemporary tastes, Perth is on many major rock tour itineraries, while numerous clubs and hotels foster a vibrant local musical scene. There are also many cinemas.
Sporting facilities, such as magnificent golf courses, are plentiful and, compared with most Asian countries, club membership costs are low. Western Australian teams are prominent at the national level in a wide range of sports.
