About Perth

Perth, capital of Western Australia, sits where the Swan River meets the southwest coast. Its suburbs lie along sandy beaches, and the huge, riverside Kings Park and Botanic Garden on Mt. Eliza offer sweeping views of the city. The Perth Cultural Centre houses the state ballet and opera companies, and occupies its own central precinct, including a theatre, art galleries and the Western Australian Museum. Tourism in Perth is an important part of the state's economy, with approximately 1.8 million domestic visitors and 0.7 million international visitors in the year ending March 2011. Tourist attractions are generally focused around the city centre, Fremantle, the coast, and the Swan River. In addition to the Perth Cultural Centre, there are a number of museums across the city. Retail shopping in the Perth CBD is focused around Murray Street and Hay Street. Summers are generally very hot and dry, lasting from December to late March, with February generally being the hottest month of the year. Winters are relatively mild and wet.