What to see in Perth, from Heirisson Island, the island of kangaroos, to Rottnest Island where you can admire the famous kangaroo mouse, native of the island.
Perth it was my home for ten unforgettable months. Despite his capital status, this city is not at all hectic, in short, you never perceive the daily stress typical of life in the metropolis.
Indeed, perhaps the aspect of Perth that struck me more than any other, and that I miss the most, is precisely this relaxed mood, even at 8 on any Monday morning. Not to mention the climate, ideal almost all year round. Especially in these days, when leaving the house without a scarf and hat is not even mentioned, I would really like to spend a nice afternoon on the banks of the Swan River.
There is little to do: Perth, for one reason or another, really is a jewel, a gem to tell the Australian. If you are in the city, here is a list of low-cost activities that you absolutely must not miss.
Kings Park
A ride to Kings Park is truly a the must-. The park, which ends in botanical gardens among dozens of plants of all kinds, it is the perfect place to take a pleasant walk, relax and why not lie down for a couple of hours in the sun for a picnic with a view. In fact, the gardens sit atop a mound not far from the city center skyscrapers and offer fantastic views of the Swan River and skyline, especially after dark.
Markets in Freo
Fremantle is perhaps one of the most popular areas in the city. Built in a European style, the streets of Freo teem with Australians in flip flops and tourists with cameras who stroll among the numerous bars of the "Cappuccino strip”And restaurants on the harbor. One of the typical attractions, and one of my favorite places, is the market which is set up every weekend. You can find really cute things, from handmade soaps, to lights to hang in the room, to wooden boomerangs. Not to mention the scents that come from the food court, which offers a variety of delicious foods that truly satisfy every palate.
Heirisson Island
Raise your hand if you, when talking about Australia, don't immediately think about Kangaroos. I put mine in my pocket, because as a true European tourist, already on the plane I couldn't wait to be able to cuddle a kangaroo. But I soon found out that kangaroos don't get pampered. They approach fearful if you have something to eat, and perhaps, just maybe, accept some discreet caresses if they are in a good mood. If you too, as I imagine, are dying to see one, go to Heirisson Island, just a twenty minute walk from the center, and you can admire them without paying AUD50 in an animal park. I advise you to go in the late afternoon, to enjoy, in addition to the kangaroos, also a beautiful sunset over the skyscrapers.
A day at the beach
When I think of beaches of the capital, there is an English adjective that always comes to mind: jaw-dropping. It is a term that I find very apt, because the sea of ​​Perth really leaves you speechless. The beaches, despite being located in urban, residential and non-residential areas, are of indescribable beauty. On the sand you will find no infrastructure of any kind and, to complete this already heavenly picture, of course there are the blue of the Indian Ocean and the sun that warms the city almost every year.
Rottnest Island
To stay on the sea theme, I recommend that you take a day to go to Rottnest Island, an island located about 18 km off the coast of Perth. Unfortunately, the ferry, which sails several times a day from the port of Fremantle or Hillarys, is quite expensive (around AUD35 each way), as are the activities on the island. However, you can keep costs down by bringing your own food and drink from home, and looking for online discounts on sites like Groupon.
Once you get up Broken, as Australians call it, you can buy a ticket for a bus that goes around the island. The ticket, which is valid for the whole day, allows you to move from one beach to another quickly and without additional costs. If you prefer, there are also bicycles for hire. In addition to the beaches and the seabed, an attraction of the island are the famous quokkas, protagonists of one of the fashions of 2015: taking a selfie with this adorable mouse-kangaroo native of the island.
Trips out of town
One of the most fascinating aspects of Australia are the natural landscapes and its unusual colors. If you have a car and a few days available, treat yourself to some relaxation outside the city. The vineyards of Margaret River e Kerry Forest, south of Perth, are perfect for lovers of good wine, while the beaches to the north, from Jurien Bay to Coral Bay, are ideal for those looking for adventures in the waves or with a mask and snorkel.
Northbridge and Perth CBD
Finally, for lovers of nightlife, I can not recommend an evening among the locals Northbridge and the skyscrapers of the center. Northbridge is a very “young” neighborhood, full of pubs with live music and discos open until the first light of dawn. Obviously, there is no shortage of street artists who with their guitar kidnap groups of passers-by who decide to end the evening singing and dancing outdoors. The Perth CBD area, on the other hand, is more sophisticated, with bars and nightclubs reminiscent of the "Milan well". Both places are within walking distance of each other, so you can easily move between the various places.
