Perth is the capital and largest city in Western Australia. It is the fourth most populous city in Australia, with an estimated population of 1.97 million (on 30 June 2013) living in Greater Perth. The first areas settled were on the Swan River, with the city’s central business district and port (Fremantle) both located on its shores.
Perth was originally founded by Captain James Stirling in 1829 as the administrative centre of the Swan River Colony, and gained city status in 1856. The city is named for Perth, Scotland by influence of Sir George Murray, then British Secretary of State for War and the Colonies. The city’s population increased substantially as a result of the gold rushes in the late 19th century, largely as a result of emigration from the eastern colonies of Australia. An influx of immigrants after the war, predominantly from Britain, Greece, Italy and Yugoslavia, led to rapid population growth. This was followed by a surge in economic activity flowing from several mining booms in the late 20th and early 21st centuries that saw Perth become the regional headquarters for a number of large mining operations located around the state.
Perth became known worldwide as the “City of Light” when city residents lit their house lights and streetlights as American astronaut John Glenn passed overhead while orbiting the earth on Friendship 7 in 1962. The city repeated the act as Glenn passed overhead on the Space Shuttle in 1998. Perth came 9th in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s list of the world’s move liveable cities, and was classified by the Globalisation and World Cities Research Network in 2010 as a world city.
Magic Moments in and around Perth
Spectacular Kings Park and views across the Swan River
Wonderful views of South Perth and the Swan River from Kings Park memorial
Driving through the Pinnacles, via scenic Lancelin
The almost lunar landscape of the peculiar Pinnacles north of Perth
Lancelin on a perfect sunny day north of Perth, on the way to the Pinnacles
Ferry ride to famous Rottnest Island
One of the rugged and dramatic beaches on the southern tip of Rottnest Island
Arriving back in Perth for the festivities on WA Day
All the fun of the fair in Forrest Square
Admiring the beautiful heritage buildings in Fremantle
A row of well maintained heritage buildings in Fremantle south of Perth
Exploring the rich Swan Valley and Perth’s northern beaches
The busy main street with quirky shops and cafes in the main street of Guildford
Stately yachts moored in the Marina at Harriets Harbour
Admiring the beauty of the massive Swan River
Perth and surrounds on the Swan River, from Kings Park
Swan Riverfront from the Bell Tower, Perth
Reuniting with my cousin
So special to meet up with my cousin John and his wife Penny
You can visit Kings Park with me here
You can read more about the Pinnacles here
Travel to Rottnest Island with me here
See more pictures of WA Day here
Visit Fremantle and surrounds here
Read more about the Swan Valley here
See more pictures of the beautiful Swan River here
