Perth is famous for bright skies, beach days, and that “outdoorsy” lifestyle that makes sightseeing feel easy, for all travellers. This fun guide, covers the most thought after, things when travelling to Perth and explains what to expect, plus includes a handful of unique, fun facts.

Perth is one of the world’s most isolated big cities

Perth is one of the most isolated major cities on earth, with its closest city being Adelaide about 2,104 km away.

Perth is closer to Bali than it is to Sydney

Perth to Denpasar (Bali) is roughly 2,581 km, while Perth to Sydney is roughly 3,297 km (straight-line flight distance).

Perth is Australia’s sunniest capital city

If you’re planning around Perth weather, this stat is one that you will like. Perth is commonly cited as Australia’s sunniest capital, averaging about 8.8 hours of sunshine per day long-term.

What is the Fremantle Doctor?

If you hear locals talk about the “Doctor,” they’re not being dramatic, this is a real Perth thing. The Fremantle Doctor is the nickname for Perth’s cooling afternoon sea breeze, most common in the warmer months of the year.

Kings Park is massive (and it’s basically Perth’s best free attraction)

Kings Park in Perth is about 400 hectares, and it’s widely known as one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, across the western world. It has huge areas of protected bushland right next to Perths CBD.

When did the Perth Mint open?

The Perth Mint opened in 1899 and has been refining gold ever since and remains one of the city’s most iconic heritage attractions.

Who did the Swan River get its name

The Swan River’s name traces back to Dutch exploration in 1697, and it was named for the black swans found there.

Rottnest Island literally means “Rat’s Nest”

Rottnest’s name comes from Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh, who mistook quokkas for giant rats—so he called it “Rat’s Nest” in Dutch.

There are (about) 10,000 quokkas on Rottnest

Quokkas aren’t just a cute photo op, Rottnest Island is home to around 10,000 of them, making it one of the best places on Earth to see them in the wild.