Perth is the capital of Western Australia, the largest but least densely populated state in Australia. The distance to Adelaide, the nearest big city, is about the same as from London to Moscow. As such, its multi-cultural population has developed its own eclectic personality that offers a winning mix of activities and excursions.

The Perth International Arts Festival is the city's premier event, presenting acclaimed international dance, theatre, film, and music groups. Northbridge pulses with energy, home to stylish shops, avant-garde restaurants and galleries stuffed with compelling art. Perth Mint is Australia's oldest, refining millions of tonnes of gold into marketable, 11 kg (25 pd) bars. Kings Park's botanic garden contains 2,000 different species of native plants, and locals enjoy picnics on its lawns, overlooking the Swan River. Nearby beaches are of resort calibre, and Rottnest Island is known by locals as a relaxing getaway-for-a-day. Cricket matches are hard-won at the West Australian Cricket Association grounds, where avid fans also take in the wildly popular Australian Rules Football, commonly referred to as "footy".