Some of the best and cleanest city beaches can be had in Perth, where there is great surf and fishing. In addition, outside town are vast nature areas where miles of bushwalking trails have been established, while nearby islands present opportunities for cruising and escaping the metropolis.
The nightlife in Perth is laid-back and lots of fun, with numerous bars and bring-your-own eateries in Northbridge, nightclubs and large live music venues downtown and trendy wine bars in the suburbs.
Perth has 19 beaches that stretch from Cottesloe (south) up to Quinns Rocks, taking in the fine shores of Scarborough and City beach. This stretch of coast is known as the Sunset Coast, for the obvious reason of its due-west facing. It offers good surf, swimming, water sports, and fishing.
With clear, warm waters and a bunch of islands not far offshore, sailing options are good in this part of Australia, and just south of Perth is the popular port town of Fremantle. Various cruise and fishing charters go from here and take in the islands of Carnac and Rottnest, and there are also daily passenger ferries. Carnac is a nature preserve while Rottnest great cycling and beaches.
The best time to go fishing in Perth is during the November-March summer months. Fishing boat charters take in the coast and the expansive Swan River and include all tackle and gear to snag a host of fish, such as barramundi.
Whiteman Park has the best bushwalking trails in Perth and also comes with cycling paths and picnic areas. You could also take in Kings Park in town, or head to the John Forest National Park or Darling Ranges.
Burswood Casino is just a few miles to the east of downtown Perth across the river and is a popular round-the-clock entertainment center. The large gaming hall is of course the main attraction and there are also several bars and eateries to enjoy in this fully-revamped attraction.
Those looking for a slice of culture should check out His Majesty's Theatre on King Street, downtown Perth. Dating from 1904, this Edwardian theater is the only remaining active one of its type in Australia and plays host to the West Australian Opera and West Australian Ballet. Popular visiting productions are also common.
Northbridge is the most happening area of town for nightlife. It has plenty of non-pretentious bars and pubs along Aberdeen and William streets, where happy hours and live bands are ubiquitous. Higher class nightspots can be had in downtown, while the suburbs of Subiaco and Mount Law are trendy with wine bars and jazz.
Find more information about Perth and hotels in the area:
Perth hotels | Australia hotels
