Perth, Australia

Perth. Head West and you will (eventually) reach Perth. The city is one of the most isolated in the world – but that hasn’t stopped it getting a reputation as a fantastic, and sometimes wild, place to live. As a visitor you can hang out in the same bars where the mining workers spend their cash during their weeks off back in civilisation.



You soak up the sun on the beach, gaze out over the Swan River or look back over the stunning skyline. It’s especially hot between December and March, but you should always enjoy what the locals call their natural air-conditioning – the cooling ‘Freemantle Doctor’ breeze that hits most afternoons.

The city’s home-grown music scene is one of the best in Australia. From grungy rock to purest folk there are live acts in bars and clubs every evening. And while in Perth why not take a closer look at another Australian obsession: gambling. Casinos stuffed with slot machines or ‘pokies’ are everywhere, but in Perth you’ll see most in the 24-hour Burswood Casino. There is tourist information everywhere in the city and on the net, but some returning visitors recently recommended www.perth.citysearch.com.au for a good over-view of what’s on and what’s hot.