With an average of eight hours of sun per day year-round, Perth is officially the sunniest capital city on Earth. So make the most of it and get outdoors.
One of the best ways to do that is to join the hundreds of locals who regularly ‘do the bridges’. What does that mean exactly? ‘The bridges’ is a 10.5 kilometre loop around the stunning Swan River, between the Narrows and Causeway Bridges, which you can walk, run or cycle along. With sprawling views of the river and city the whole way, it’s a beautiful way to soak up the sunshine.
City views from The Bell Tower Anyone from WA knows that Perth people tend to be an easy-going and cheery bunch, but it was made official a few years ago when Conde Nast Traveller Magazine ranked Perth as the second friendliest city in the world. And a guaranteed way to find these friendly locals is to head to a pub.
Lot 20 in Northbridge is an excellent drinking hole, with laid-back ambience and lovely staff. The Royal in East Perth is somewhat of an institution, with its stunning riverfront location and great beer selection. And the locals favourite, Picabar in the cultural centre is a atmospheric spot full of visitors and workers unwinding at the end of the week. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll get some of that famous West Aussie friendliness.
Buskers performing in Perth City Specifically, wildflowers. In fact, WA has the world’s largest collection of wildflowers, with more than 12,000 different types in our state alone. Most flowers are here year-round, with many in Kings Park. You can check out the incredible blooms on one of the many walking tracks and trails throughout Perth, or get a local expert to take you to the very best spots on foot, in a bus or on a segway.
If you’re very eager though, spend your WA Day getting organised for wildflower season. September to November is when Mother Nature really takes things up a notch, and WA celebrates it in a big way.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden They don’t call it the Swan River for nothing. Perth’s mighty Swan is stunning in its own right, but what makes it even more picturesque is the abundance of incredible black swans that call it home. One of the best ways to appreciate them is by taking a walk along Riverside Drive in the CBD - lined with trees and offering uninterrupted views of the river, it’s a top spot for some swan-spotting.
If birds aren’t quite your thing, WA also happens to be home to a sizeable dolphin population. Take a picnic basket down to Matilda Bay Reserve, find yourself a spot on the grassy riverbank, and you’ll be sure to see some of the bottle-nosed dolphins splashing around there – the best time to spot them is between September and May.
Of course you can't forget the kangaroos which call Heirisson Island home. In 1998 five female western grey kangaroos were introduced to the island, followed by a female with a male joey in 2000. The island is popular with tourists who want to experience WA’s native flora and fauna.
Swans from South Perth
