Perth – Australia’s Remote Gem

Perth sits on the far west coast of Australia, however, surprisingly, it is closer to Jakarta, Indonesia than it is to Sydney or Melbourne. It is one of the most isolated major cities in the world, and you feel that remoteness the moment you fly across the country. From Sydney, the views below change dramatically as you make your way closer to Perth, from coastal greenery, to the barren red deserts of the outback, and finally to the sparkling blue Indian Ocean as you descend into Perth.

We stayed in West Perth, which is a great base, much quieter than the CBD but still close to everything. From here, you can easily explore some of the city’s highlights and I have made a list of the ones we were able to see below.

Kings Park & Botanical Garden – One of the world’s largest inner-city parks, Kings Park offers stunning views over the Swan River and Perth skyline. Its beautiful gardens, walking trails, and wildflower displays make it a must-see for nature lovers.

Stirling Gardens – Perth’s oldest public garden, Stirling Gardens is a peaceful green escape filled with native plants, sculptures, and shady trees right in the heart of the city.

Elizabeth Quay – A lively waterfront precinct perfect for a stroll, Elizabeth Quay combines modern architecture, public art, and dining spots along the Swan River.

The Bell Tower – This striking landmark houses historic bells from London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields and offers panoramic views from its observation deck.

The Perth Mint – Step back in time at The Perth Mint, where you can watch gold being poured and learn about Western Australia’s glittering gold rush history. We didn’t actually go inside but we really wanted to see the building.

Langley Park – Known for hosting Perth’s motorsport and air events, Langley Park is a wide riverside expanse ideal for festivals, sports, or a scenic walk. We were extremely lucky to stumble across the Celebration of Motorsport event showcasing hundreds of classic cars – I will show more of these in a future Thursday Doors post!

Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub – A lively Irish pub with plenty of charm, Durty Nelly’s is the perfect place to enjoy a pint, hearty fare, and friendly atmosphere. This place offered fantastic Guinness and a lovely bangers and mash!

London Court – A tucked-away laneway in Perth filled with chic cafés and boutique shops, London Court captures the city’s cool, creative vibe, inspired by London’s Tudor times and creates a link between Hay Street Mall and St George’s Terrace in Perth’s city centre. This is definitely worth a visit.

Street Art – Perth’s laneways and walls are alive with colour thanks to a thriving street art scene, showcasing bold murals and local talent at every turn.

Remote, diverse, and full of surprises, Perth is a city worth the long journey and we totally fell in love with it!