Things to do in Perth - Topic 8
Despite being the most remote City in Australia Perth has lots of things to do. Because of its wonderful beaches and fabulous weather a lot of people pursue outdoor activities but along with the swimming, snorkelling, fishing and sport there are plenty of things to keep you entertained.
Things with the kids
Tumbulgum Farm
Tumbulgum Farm is sent in 80 hectares of farming country. It is approximately 40 minutes drive from Perth on the South West Highway near Munjijong. Here you can enjoy a farm show incorporating demonstrations from sheep mustering to cracking of an Australian stock whip. There is an Aboriginal Culture show featuring the didgeridoo and clapping sticks. Hand feeding of animals is allowed and there are emus, sheep, calves, geese and kangaroos just to name a few. The kids will love it. There are BBQ areas and picnic spots or you can enjoy damper and billy tea in the true Aussie style. For those of you who prefer it there is a restaurant where you can lunch in style.
For those of you who like fishy things try...
AQWA
Situated North of the City at Hillaries Boat Harbour it is a short drive up the Northern Freeway to AQWA Here you can interact with some of the sea life found around Australian shores, there is a great touch pool for the kids to get "touchy feely" with fish, crustaceans, starfish and even a shark! (baby one of course) You can visit the seal pools and walk through the local "sea life hospital". AQWA is home to Australian and New Zealand fur seals. Have fun in the large walk through aquarium where you will see plenty of sharks and if Dad or Mum wants a close encounter you may be able to get them on the regular "swim with sharks" demonstration. Here there are lots of interesting exhibits and a café if you get a bit hungry. Outside there are lovely parks to have a picnic or why not go to Hillaries marina to eat.
Perth Zoo
Situated close to the CBD in south Perth it is easy access to the zoo.
A truly fascinating zoo Perth Zoo reproduces various habitats in which to display over 1800 native and exotic species. Wander your way through the Australian Bushwalk or the Asian Rainforest and there you will find the animals living in an environment close to their natural habitat.
It is not hard to see why it was voted best major tourist attraction and is well worth a visit. In some of the areas you can get up close to many animals. There are animal feeds on throughout the day and the keeper talks are full of information.
In parkland setting there are plenty of picnic spots and cafes if you want a rest from the cooking.
If you want to make a full day of it they have regular twilight concerts in the park during the summer months, so spend the day looking at the animals and early evening enjoying a picnic and watching cover bands doing their stuff!
Visit a Wildlife Park
There are several wildlife parks around Perth two of which are Caversham Wildlife Park which is situated in West Swan and Marapana Wildlife Park between Rockingham and Mandurah. Peel Zoo is at Ravenswood near Pinjarra.
These parks have a display of native animals including, wombats, kangaroos and koalas along with other species. They also display some exotic species which have become part of the Australian landscape such as camels originally introduced by the early pioneers.
Admission price includes food to hand feed animals you may encounter in the paddocks.
BBQ and picnic areas are provided along with a café for snacks and drinks.
Things for the teens...
Indoor go Karting
Situated in O´Connor off Stock Road about 5 minutes drive from Fremantle and 15 minutes from Perth.
Here you can burn rubber to your hearts content, karts available for hire to anyone over the age of 8. There are two tracks and 10 minute hire is available for practice runs!
There is a large spectator area and amusement games along with kiosk for drinks.
Freemantle Prison
Situated in the heart of Fremantle is the heritage listed Fremantle Prison, built between 1850 and 1860 by convict labour the prison was in use until 1991 and opened to the public in 1992. The prison has won tourism awards here in WA.
For the brave hearts among you there are Candlelit night tours of the prison where you go in search of ghouls and ghosties.
For the faint hearted like me there are tours daily around the prison conducted by ex guards who give an interesting insight into what prison life was like. Hear about the most famous escapee Moondyne Joe and take a look at the gallows.
There is information available for those wanting to know if great- great granddad was incarcerated there and a shop and café for Mum.
Ice Skating
Cockburn and Mirabooka are home to two ice rinks, one South and one North of Perth both are easy to get to from anywhere you may live or be staying.
There are regular fun evenings with music and entertainment or if you are more serious about the sport they have Ice Hockey clubs and tutoring for the Olympic wannabees.
Morning and afternoon sessions available plus, open to the public some evenings.
Snacks and skate hire available on site.
Sport Clubs
There are too many sporting facilities to mention you can play anything you like from beach volleyball, tennis, golf to more extreme sport. Clubs seem to be in all areas and are worth checking out for making new friends. Most areas provide skate parks and BMX tracks and there is an area South of Perth in Rockingham/Kwinana where you can ride trail bikes.
During the year there are various courses held in Secret Harbour you can learn to surf, in Rockingham there are windsurfing lessons available and things going on along the Swan River too.
Pubs and Clubs
Sorry guys but you definitely cant get in pubs or clubs here unless you are over 18 they are very strict on this and you have to show valid ID whenever you enter licensed premises.
For those of you old enough to go to the pub there are plenty of happening places in Fremantle and Northbridge in Perth city. Pubs and clubs are open in most large places.
Adventure World
South of the City at Bibra Lake Adventure World is a large water theme park, just the place to be on a hot summers day, plenty of water based slides, rides and a small wildlife park there is something for everyone.
Spend the day getting wet and wild with plenty of food stalls, picnic and BBQ areas. There are special Hot Tub evenings for the older teens and band nights for all to enjoy.
Filmbites film making
Based in Perth you can learn in a pressure free environment. You can do all of this with http://www.filmbites.com.au from starter courses to something a bit harder why not go along for a session.
Things for Mums and Dads...
An evening in Perth
In the centre of Perth in the basement of the Criterion Hotel is the English style pub with its cozy atmosphere. There is a large collection of memorabilia in a modern setting, so go unwind before dinner. Beautiful food is available at the Criterion Brassiere. This is just one of many pubs and restaurants in Perth where you can take your choice in fine dining.
Perth Mint
In Perth? Why not visit the Mint. A collection of gold nuggets, coins, gifts and jewellery is available for purchase at the mint. Here you can witness a gold pouring demonstration, mint your own medallion and see coins being made. Handle a gold bar worth around $200,000 and see how the early settlers found gold. There is a museum and exhibits and information on nuggets found in Australia. All in the original building where the mint began in 1899.
The West Australian Turf Club
Situated in Belmont you can enjoy first class dining whilst watching the horse racing.
Boat Trips
Various trips available from locations around Perth, including Barrack Street jetty Perth, Fremantle, Rockingham, Mandurah and Hillarys.
These include fishing trips, whale watching, dolphin adventure tours and trips to Rotnest Island. Rockingham does a tour from Safety Bay around Seal Island and to Penguin Island where you can snorkel and see the fairy penguins.
Boat trips from Perth take you up the Swan Valley to the wineries where you can eat and drink to your hearts content. Full day trip with lunch in region of $100.00.
Visit the Swan Valley
Just 25 minutes from Perth City accessible by road or the river you will find the wineries of the Swan Valley. There are numerous other attractions to compliment the wineries including restaurants, gift shops and crafts.
There are numerous wineries open daily to the public where you can taste wines from the Swan Valley, Margaret River and Greath Southern vineyards. Many also have top class restaurants with dishes such as Swan Valley Marron, local fish and Harvey beef.
Many wineries have gift shops and beautiful gardens. Whilst youre in the area why not pay a visit to....
Swan Valley Chocolate Factory and Café
The Margaret River Chocolate Company opened its factory in Perth's Swan Valley in 2000. Here you can see how chocolate is made using the viewing windows in the factory and there is information on the history of chocolate. This is the second factory in WA the first being in its home town of Margaret River.
They source "raw chocolate" called couveture and mixtures from the worlds finest cacao houses to make their product with its own distinctive flavour, a creamy and distinctive style. So go on indulge yourself.
Burswood International Resort
The Burswood International Resort Casino is nestled on the banks of the scenic Swan River in Perth. Surrounded by 100 hectares of parkland and gardens it is home to a luxury hotel, nine restaurants and six bars. The Casino is open 24 hours a day and there are many shows on in the Burswood Theatre and Dome.
There is a public golf course with 18 challenging holes and parkland tracks. If you stay at the resort there are many activities available.
Recent shows have included Elvis to the Max, Chicago, Cliff Richard, Joan Armatrading, New Rocky Horror Show, The Nutcracker to name but a few. Over 200 shows are on each year.
Check out the web site
Golf
There are at least 49 golf courses in and around Perth so if it is your game you would have plenty of choice from easy courses to the most difficult. Some of the courses have been designed by top class players and although I don't play myself I know plenty who do, seems to be a good way to socialize and can be enjoyed most of the year.
These are only a few of the things to do in and around Perth but I hope they give you an idea of how much you will see when you finally get here. Meanwhile try these links.
Western Australia has a multitude of places to visit ... like no other places in the world Perth offers visitors and new migrants experiences like no other.
Eve
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