Perth

Perth is the capital of Western Australia, spreading along the Swan River and the Indian Ocean shoreline. The business district sits between residential suburbs, green spaces and several beaches that stretch north toward Joondalup and south toward Rockingham.

Captain James Stirling established the Swan River Colony in 1829 as a British settlement on the western edge of Australia. The discovery of gold in the 1890s triggered a population boom that transformed the small outpost into a growing town with permanent buildings and infrastructure.

Locals gather along the river foreshores for weekend barbecues and picnics, bringing children and dogs to the grassy spaces under eucalyptus trees. Cafés and outdoor dining areas fill quickly at lunchtime, as people prefer eating outside whenever the weather allows.

A free bus system connects the city center with major attractions and shopping streets within the central zone. Beaches are accessible by public transport or car, and most parks offer free parking and shaded areas for resting.

The city sits more than 2000 kilometers from the nearest large urban center, making it one of the most isolated capitals in the world. Locals often describe life here as slower and less hurried than in eastern Australian cities, a difference that shows in opening hours and daily routines.

Location: Western Australia

Inception: 1829

Elevation above the sea: 2 m

Part of: Western Australia

Website: https://perth.wa.gov.au

GPS coordinates: -31.95590,115.86058

Latest update: December 14, 2025 21:23