Capital Cities of Australia - Overview • Adelaide, South Australia The capital of South Australia, Adelaide, is on Gulf St Vincent which leads through Investigator Strait to the Southern Ocean . As with most major Australian cities, a river runs through the city, and in Adelaide this is the Torrens. The larger, longer Murray River empties into Lake Alexandrina and into the ocean southeast of Adelaide on the eastern side of the Fleurieu Peninsula . Adelaide city centre has streets laid out in a grid surrounded by parklands. Adelaide is named after Queen Adelaide, German-born consort of England's King William IV. More » continue reading below our video Tipping Etiquette Around the World Brisbane skyline © Tourism Queensland. Brisbane skyline © Tourism Queensland • Brisbane, Queensland Brisbane, capital of Queensland, is located on the southeastern side of the state, just north of the Gold Coast . The city has grown alongside the meandering Brisbane River with the city's eastern suburbs fronting Moreton Bay on the western side of the Pacific Ocean . In population, Brisbane ranks first in Queensland and third among Australia's cities after Sydney and Melbourne. Brisbane is named after the river which snakes through the city.

The river itself is named after Sir Thomas Brisbane, Governor of New South Wales from 1821 to 1825. More » Australian Parliament House © Australian Capital Tourism. Australian Parliament House © Australian Capital Tourism • Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory is Australia's national capital. Geographically, the Australian Capital Territory is within, but not a part of, the state of New South Wales, in much the same way that the District of Columbia, where the US capital of Washington is located, is part of neither the states of Maryland nor Virginia. As the seat of national government, the Australian Parliament and the nation's central federal offices are located in Canberra, as are the nation's national galleries, museums and library. Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin was created when the Molonglo River was dammed in the early 1960s. More » Aerial view of Darwin © Tourism NT. Aerial view of Darwin © Tourism NT • Darwin, Northern Territory It's Australia's northernmost capital city in the region commonly referred to as the Top End. It's a city that's suffered the brunt of war and natural catastrophes but has seemed to rise stronger than ever before.

As the Australian capital city closest to Southeast Asia, it is a melting pot of peoples and cultures, from Aboriginal and Islander Australians to the descendants of European settlers and Asian wayfarers and migrants. The city is named after evolutionist Charles Darwin who sailed on the HMS Beagle in the early 1800s, although Darwin was not on the Beagle when the ship sailed into Darwin Harbour in 1839. More » Port Arthur © Tourism Tasmania & Sarah Quine. Port Arthur © Tourism Tasmania & Sarah Quine • Hobart, Tasmania Hobart, Australia's southernmost state capital, is located on the southeastern side of island-state Tasmania. It has grown on the banks of the Derwent River and is the end point of the annual sea classic, the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race , which starts on Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day . The ruins of the Port Arthur convict penitentiary and the historic village of Richmond are but two popular Hobart daytrip destinations. The main island of Tasmania is no more than 62.5 square kilometres and most Tasmanian attractions can be reached in a day from Hobart or the northern city of Launceston. More » Melbourne skyline © Tourism Victoria.

Melbourne skyline © Tourism Victoria • Melbourne, Victoria Ah, Melbourne. It's one of my favorite cities, and always a pleasure to visit. Getting around Melbourne to view and experience its many city attractions is easy and pleasant with its free City Circle tram and the City Tourist Shuttle . Catch either of these two visitor-friendly vehicles and get off at places that interest you and then get back on and head to your next destination. And feel the throb of this city. It's alive in its streets, its trams, its sights, its arts and entertainment venues, its restaurants and bars, and its day-to-day activities. More » Perth skyline © Tourism Western Australia. Perth skyline © Tourism Western Australia • Perth, Western Australia Hemmed in by the Indian Ocean in the west and the treeless Nullarbor Plain in the east, Perth is easily the most isolated state capital in the world. By road it's some 2750 kilometres from the nearest Australian state capital, Adelaide in South Australia, and nearly 4000 kilometres from Sydney on the east coast. But this is a city of the future, with a burgeoning population, new housing developments, and riches from the state's mineral resources.

For the visitor, Perth is not just a destination but also an accessible gateway to the state's beaches, wine regions, habitats of marine life, World Heritage sites , and striking natural landscapes. More » Sydney Opera House and city skyline © Tourism New South Wales. Sydney Opera House and city skyline © Tourism New South Wales • Sydney, New South Wales Sydney, capital of New South Wales, is Australia's first city, having grown from the first European settlement in 1770 on Sydney Cove into the vibrant megametropolis that it is today. It is a city of many attractions and a popular first destination for visitors to Australia. It is the city of the iconic Sydney Opera House , yachts and ferries on Sydney Harbour, a string of white-sand beaches, galleries and museums in the heart of the city, restaurants and fine dining, and a variety of many other city attractions. More » Perth travel guide - Wikitravel History[ edit ] The Perth region has been home to the indigenous Nyoongar people for at least the past 40,000 years. British settlers established a free settler colony in 1829 as part of the Swan River Colony.

The settlement was given the name "Perth" after the city of Perth , Scotland , the hometown of Sir George Murray, the British Colonial Secretary at that time. From 1850, an influx of convicts boosted the size of the colony and their labour helped shape the early architecture of the city. The discovery of gold in the 1890s triggered a boom which, with subsequent mineral discoveries, has been key to the city's economy. As capital of the state Western Australia, Perth joined the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. Once a small, isolated city, the mining boom in Western Australia following the end of World War 2 has led to a high rate of migration to Perth, which allowed its population to overtake that of Adelaide in the 1980's. While the actual mining takes places in distant, more remote parts of the state, much of the mining-related services sector is based in Perth. Today, Perth remains Australia's fastest growing city, and in recent years has transformed from a relatively laid back city to a fairly vibrant one.

Due to the fact that Perth's population growth was relatively recent, it lacks the dense Victorian core of the eastern cities, but makes up for it with its own charm, particularly seen in the numerous parks and other green spaces within close proximity of the CBD. People[ edit ] Despite its isolation and relatively small population, Perth is a surprisingly culturally diverse city. Due to the high rate of migration to Perth, slightly less than half of Perth's residents were born outside Australia. Its proximity to Southeast Asia and Africa has led to an influx of migrants from countries such as Malaysia, South Africa and Thailand, and this is reflected in the diversity of cuisine available in Perth. If you wish to experience a cosmopolitan culture without the hustle and bustle of larger cities then Perth is worth visiting. Climate[ edit ] The City has a temperate Mediterranean type climate. Summers are hot and dry whilst winters are generally wet and mild. Summer temperatures average 30°C/86°F between November and April. Maximum temperatures during the height of summer can reach and sometimes exceed the 40°C/104°F mark. Very hot days tend to have very low humidity making conditions more bearable.

In the Perth metropolitan area the summertime temperature rises rapidly during the morning, sometimes relieved in the afternoon when the "Fremantle Doctor" blows inland from the ocean to cool the city centre by up to 10°C. The doctor often runs out of puff before reaching suburbs further inland, leaving the foothills and beyond to swelter till after sunset. Winter (Jun-Aug) temperatures are usually around 19°C. Minimum temperatures occasionally drop to near 0°C on clear nights. Though Perth goes through lengthy dry spells in Winter, when it does rain, it pours. Storms with strong winds occasionally hammer a Winter's night, but they generally cause no more destruction than a toppled tree or flattened fence. When to visit[ edit ] Spring (Sep-Nov) and Autumn (Mar-May) are ideal times in which to visit Perth. Spring (particularly October / November periods) is perhaps the very best to see the sights as after a decent winter's rainfall, the famous wildflowers around Kings Park and the Avon Valley bloom splendidly.

The metropolitan areas as well as the bushlands have many flowering species which often flower en-masse, so it is wise to purchase over-the-counter hayfever or antihistamines from a local chemist before making a trip to see them with minimal discomfort. Beach-goers from colder climes might find the summer months too harsh, usually reaching about 35°C and sometimes up to 45°C during the midday, so it is perhaps best to visit during March-April or October-November as well as taking a hat, sun-screen lotion and sunglasses. The local inhabitants tend to holiday during the height of summer or winter, either to escape the climate, or to celebrate it. In winter Perth inhabitants often travel north to Broome or Bali for the warmth, or oppositely staying in small chalets in the southern country during the winter to enjoy the cool wet climate and seasonal foods. Although Western Australia has many public holidays they are unlikely to cause much inconvenience to your travels. Shops are still open, public transport still runs and the sky is still blue.

The exception may be New Years' Day (Jan 1), Australia Day (26 Jan), Good Friday (18 Apr), Easter Monday (21 Apr), Labour Day (first Monday of March), Queen's Birthday (27 Sep) and Foundation Day (first Monday in June) and Christmas Day (25 Dec). Most larger shops and shopping centres, pubs and restaurants are closed on these days but smaller convenience stores and some fast food chains keep their doors open. That said however, more and more stores are beginning to open on public holidays. Sunday trading came into existence in late 2012 and most shops have quickly adapted to opening on Sundays. By plane[ edit ] All scheduled international and domestic flights arrive and depart from Perth Airport ( IATA : PER). Though both international and domestic services operate under the same Perth Airport banner, the terminals are located either side of the runway, or about 9km (15 minutes) by road. The airport is working towards full consolidation on the eastern side of the runway by 2020 however in the mean time passengers may need to transfer to the other precinct if connecting from international to domestic flights and vice versa.

The domestic terminals are both connected as part of the same building, and it is just a short walk between them. Airlines & destinations[ edit ] Major airlines operating from each terminal: T1 - International flights: Air Mauritius, Air New Zealand, AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, China Southern, Emirates, Garuda Indonesia, Jetstar, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Scoot, Singapore Airlines, South African Airlines, Thai Airways and Virgin Australia. T2 - Regional and Domestic flights: Alliance Airlines, Skywest Airlines, Tiger Airways Australia (from May 2013) T3 - Domestic flights: Virgin Australia, Maroomba Airlines, Network Aviation, Tiger Airways Australia (until May 2013) T4 - Qantas Group domestic flights: Qantas, Jetstar, QantasLink, Airnorth T1[ edit ] The city and major hotels can be easily accessed by taxi or commercial shuttle buses from all terminals. Courtesy phones are located inside the terminals (for the domestic terminal, the courtesy phone is surrounded by a large board advertising accommodation past the baggage conveyor belt as you leave the arrivals area).

For more than two people it is often cheaper and faster to take a taxi into the city (waiting time and drop off other passengers can make a shuttle bus service to the city very long). A taxi by meter to the city will cost approximately $40 from the international airport; the shuttle costs about $15 per person. It departs from T3 and T4. Starting 1 November 2015, Transperth runs a limited stops express bus service number 380 servicing T1 and T2 ( click here for the announcement ). The number piggybacks on the Airbus A380 airliner in an attempt to make it easy to remember. The frequency is once every 30-60 minutes between 4.25am to 11.25pm from the City (Elizabeth Quay bus stop) and 5.20am to 1.20am from the Airport (each starting 1 hour later on weekends). The service uses accessible buses with dedicated luggage racks. Tickets are at standard public transport prices ($4.50 adults, $1.80 concession, cheaper using a Smartrider).

T2[ edit ] Located next to the international terminal (T1) the newly opened T2 has a cafe and convenience store located adjacent to the forecourt and check-in hall. Past security there is a pub, cafe, Subway outlet and newsagent/convenience store. See T1 for public transport details. T3 & T4[ edit ] Transperth buses serve T3 and T4. Two bus routes, 37 and 40, service the airport. The 40 is much faster than the 37, but the routes are coordinated to maximise frequency (e.g. 37 at :00, 40 at :15, 37 at :30, 40 at :45), so don't leave a 37 to wait for the 40, except in peak periods. Finally, a warning that only some 37s go to the airport: many terminate earlier. Check the display on the front of the bus to ensure you are on a full length service. The service cost $4.20 per adult, and cheaper for children. The bus drivers take cash and give change.

Alternatively, use the shuttle bus, although this is much less frequent and more expensive it is more direct. There are a couple of coffee shops and food outlets both before and after security, as well as basic shopping, books and souvenirs. If you have some time to kill in transfers, there are some cafes open during business hours in the surrounding industrial park. Walk straight across the carpark, or turn right and walk past the long term car park to the Flight Path Cafe in the Civil Aviation Authority building. Terminal transfers[ edit ] A free transfer bus operates between T1/T2 and T3/T4 operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Between 0600 and 2400 buses depart every 20 minutes and the journey takes approximately 10 minutes. From 2400 to 0600 buses depart every 30 minutes. A taxi between the terminals will still cost at least $20. By boat[ edit ] Once the only way to way to get into Perth, a limited number of passenger ships now dock at Fremantle .

A number of round the world cruise ships including the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria call into the Fremantle Passenger Terminal [1] on their own schedule. Sailing into Perth from the Indian Ocean is expensive. By train[ edit ] The Indian Pacific [2] trans-continental railway runs from Perth to Sydney via Kalgoorlie , Adelaide and Broken Hill . It is generally not cheap, but this journey, which takes four days and three nights, is one of the world's great train journeys. The train traverses the longest stretch of straight track of any railway in the world (478km) as it journeys across The Nullarbor. The Indian Pacific leaves from and arrives at the East Perth terminal, which connects with Perth's suburban rail network as well as the regional bus depot. The city centre is just a 5 min train ride away from the terminal. If you are carrying baggage, it is probably best to jump into a taxi as many of the city's hotels and hostels are located up to a few kilometres away from either of the stations.

International visitors intent on train travel might want to consider purchasing a rail pass for unlimited travel on any of Great Southern Railways' services including the Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth), The Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs) and The Overland (Adelaide-Melbourne). The rail pass entitles you to just a sitting seat on any train for 6 months for $700 ($100 less for students/backpackers). Taking your car with you is also possible between the capital cities and Alice Springs , for an additional fee. Regular train services (one or two per day, depending upon whether you are travelling during the week or on Saturday/Sunday) are available to and from the regional cites of Kalgoorlie (departing from East Perth) and Bunbury (departing from the central station). The Get out section features more information regarding these regional services... By road[ edit ] There is currently no regular scheduled coach service across the Nullarbor Plain between Perth and Adelaide . People wishing to travel by road may wish to consider one of the adventure oriented tours that include camping and sightseeing.

The only one currently operating on a regular schedule is Nullabor Traveller [3] Adelaide to Perth and Perth to Adelaide Greyhound Australia [4] offers a daily coach service the length of the state from Darwin via Broome . At over 2 1/2 days this is not a trip to be taken lightly. Driving a car from Perth and Adelaide is also an option and the road and accommodation infrastructure makes it achievable without too much stress. However, be warned that it is still a 2,700 km drive and is considered a 'once in a lifetime' activity for locals. The main operator of regional bus services in south west Western Australia is the government run Transwa [5] . The Australind [6] train departs Perth Train Station at 9:30AM and 5:55PM daily for Bunbury in the south west with various coach connections, and The Prospector [7] departs from the Public Transport Centre (East Perth) at various time to the inland city of Kalgoorlie . Coaches also depart from the Public Transport centre to various locations around the state. Coach services are available from Transwa or South West Coach Lines (enquire at their office in Esplanade Busport).

Get around[ edit ] By public transport[ edit ] The Perth metropolitan area has a fairly reliable and inexpensive public transport system operated by Transperth [8] . Information about timetables, disruptions or service alterations can be found on their website, by calling 13 62 13 or at 'Transperth Infocentres' located in at the central train station and a couple of branches in the City . The frequency of public transport decreases remarkably on weekends, and on weekdays in the evenings after 7 or 8pm. Always plan your journey before you travel. Travelling to the tourist attractions within Perth, Fremantle, Cottesloe, Scarborough is easy by public transport, but outside of that a car is significantly better. Bus[ edit ] A reasonably reliable network of public bus services run around the suburbs between bus and train stations. Transperth also operates a free CAT bus service in Perth CBD, Northbridge, Fremantle and Joondalup. The large air-conditioned buses of different colours with the distinctive cat logo run about every 10 min on various routes around major facilities and attractions. They are a great way of getting from one place to another.

The buses are free leaving and entering the city within the Free Transit Zone- it runs from Newcastle Street down and from the end of Kings Park when going towards Subiaco. This does not require a Smartrider, just get on. Train[ edit ] Perth's suburban railway network is great for quickly getting to outlying suburban areas, and extends down south to Mandurah . All services stop at the central Perth station in the City on their way to or from the outlying terminating stations. The Mandurah line travels through the Esplanade station adjacent to the Busport and the south of the city. Train services run frequently during peak hours and every 15 min during weekday daylight hours and 30 min after 7PM and weekends. Services commence around 5:30AM cease at around midnight. During peak hours Perth Station can get quite busy, though it is always very safe Ferry[ edit ] Transperth operates a passenger ferry across the Swan river from Barrack Street jetty, where it connects with the Blue CAT bus, running to South Perth (on the promenade at the foot Mends Street). Fares are the same as the equivalent bus journey, and SmartRider cards are accepted.

Services run every 10 minutes in peak times, and every 30 minutes off-peak. From the Barrack Street jetty it is a short walk through the pleasant Supreme Court and Stirling gardens to the main shopping and business streets of the CBD, whilst the South Perth terminal is a short walk to the Perth Zoo .( Timetable/map ) Fares[ edit ] The Transperth system is divided into 9 concentric zones, as well as the Free Transit Zone (city centre and surrounds). The Free Transit Zone on the trains is only available to SmartRider (transport card) holders, passengers without a card have to buy a ticket. Tickets and passes are valid on all buses and trains within a zone. Tickets are valid for two hours and can be used on your return trip. Zone 2 extends as far as Fremantle and for most visitors a two zone ticket will suffice. Single trip, cash tickets can be purchased from bus drivers or coin-operated ticket machines located at train stations. The more convenient SmartRider cards automatically calculate your fare and deduct it from your card when you tag on and off upon boarding and alighting bus and train services.

SmartRiders can be bought or recharged at Transperth Information Centres, major train and bus stations and/or from most Newsagents. Bus drivers can also charge your SmartCard for you, however they will not provide change. SmartRider cards carry a 15% discount over cash fares. There are $12.10 DayRider passes available after 9am during the week and anytime on weekends. FamilyRider passes also cost $12.10 and allow two standard fare passengers plus up to five concession passengers unlimited travel- these are only available after 6pm Monday to Thursday, after 3pm on Fridays, and from 9am on weekends and school or public holidays. This is an excellent value for couples and couples with children, as a standard one-way fare alone runs from $2.80 for one zone, $4.20 for two zones, and $5.10 for three zones. With the advent of the new SmartRider system those passengers not holding SmartRider cards will need to present their paper ticket to the transit guard upon entering and leaving Perth Station and selected suburban stations. Taxi[ edit ] Taxi experiences in Perth can range from hassle-free to problematic.

Extended waits during peak periods (5AM-9AM Weekdays and Weekend Evenings) are common, but outside these times, taxis are plentiful. Booking a taxi is possible but only recommended if your journey is likely to be upwards of $25 or you are travelling to the airport. This is due to the convoluted way in which the dispatch services handle timed bookings. If your journey is likely to be short, it is better to simply call for a taxi once you are ready to leave, or hail a taxi if you are in a busy area. Two major taxi companies are Swan Taxis (13 13 30), who dispatch Swan, TriColor, 13CABS, Yellow and Coastal taxis, and Black and White Taxis (131 008). There are numerous smaller companies that operate mainly out of the Central Business District. Fares are regulated by the state government and all dispatch companies charge the same rate. Flagfall is $3.90 during weekdays, increasing to $5.70 on weeknights and weekends. The kilometre rate is $1.59/km charged in $0.10 increments.

Surcharges apply on designated holiday periods (New Years Eve and Christmas Day) and on weekend nights between midnight and 5AM. Tipping taxi drivers in Perth is not customary, but adding a small gratuity ($1 or $2) on top of the fare is common for exceptional service. Catching a taxi from an entertainment precinct late on a Friday or Saturday night sees clubbers waiting at taxi stands up to 2 hours for a ride home. Drivers are known to avoid picking up drunken patrons from outside of pubs, clubs or from the entrance to Perth central station. There have been a recent spate of sexual assaults on female passengers so it is advisable to travel in groups. There are specially designated 'secure ranks' operating at these times where patrons can queue in (relative) safety. Another option is the late night Transperth trains and buses run specially for revellers after their night out. Services at Perth Airport are reliable and taxis arrive continually 24hrs a day. A typical taxi ride from the Domestic Airport to the City is around $30 ($35 from the International). There is a $2 airport tax payable on top of the fare.

Taxi service Uber is gaining popularity in Perth and offers a cheaper (up to 50%) and generally more reliable taxi service than the major taxi companies, but are limited in their locations. Users can sign up online using a mobile app and book a taxi from within the Perth CBD area to various locations, including the airport (~$22). By bicycle or on foot[ edit ] Perth and Fremantle can be comfortably explored on foot or by bicycle as Perth has some of the best cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in Australia. The Perth bicycle network features an ever growing, metro-wide system of bicycle/pedestrian paths. The system features; Principal Shared Paths (high standard shared paths that run adjacent to each railway lines and along major motorways). Local Bicycle Routes (a series of on-road routes as well as some suburban off-road sections that run through parks - these paths provide a connection to such destinations such as schools, shopping centres and other recreational facilities. Generic minor works (projects include general improvements to the cycling environment in local areas, such as on-road bike lanes and sealed shoulders). End of trip facilities (including; U-Rails, Cora bike racks and bike lockers and change-rooms).

Cycle maps are available from most bike shops, and at Planners Map [9] . The Department for Planning and Infrastructure provides a range of guides, maps and brochures for bike riders. If you have a scenic route in mind, these brochures can take you to the coast, Kings Park, Armadale and the Hills or around the Swan River. A favourite amongst seasoned local cyclists is the ride along the North side of the Swan River between the City and Nedlands. Allow 60 min for a round trip along this route, as you might encounter a strong headwind. Bicycles are allowed on board Transperth trains but not during peak hour, unless they are the type of bicycle that can be folded up. Cycling at full pelt in the fully pedestrianised Hay and Murray St malls in the city centre is generally tolerated by the police. By car[ edit ] Renting a car is the ideal means of transportation for traveling to outlying attractions. Perth's major freeways and highways are free from any tolls, as is not the case in Sydney and Melbourne and from either of these major arterial roads, it is possible to be surrounded by beautiful countryside within minutes.

Rent-a-car providers such as Classic Car Hire Perth , Europcar , Redspot , Avis , Hertz are located at the airport and there are quite a few scattered around the city and the suburbs. For a special 4x4 and off the road traveling car rental in Perth WAExperts . Also if you want to make a limousine wine tours, classic car hire, hummer tour in Perth city Limo hire Perth High Roller Limo's So Cal Limos , Perth Hummer Limo ,etc would be your best choice. The general speed limit within built-up areas is 50 km/h unless otherwise stated. Note that traffic in Perth (as elsewhere in Australia) travels in the left-hand lane. It is advisable to travel on the left hand lane even in dual carriageways for tourist drivers. This might take a bit of getting used to if you drive on the right-hand side back home. Even for right-hand drivers some things are different here like the ability to overtake on the inside of a vehicle on a freeway. Note that Police are rarely seen out on the roads but manned mobile speed cameras operated by public servants are very prevalent. Driving even 5km/hr above the placarded speed can incur a fine .

Driving 40km/hr above the placarded speed means the car is impounded for 28 days even if it not your car (hire cars excepted). See[ edit ][ add listing ] There is plenty to see in the city centre within wandering distance or on a free CAT bus. Hidden among the sprawl of the surrounding and metropolitan area are a few worthwhile attractions usually less than an hour away by car, or a bit longer on public transport. Outside of the metropolitan area are some unspoilt national parks, unpopulated coastline and other interesting locations. Kangaroos[ edit ] There is a designated area in the zoo for kangaroos where they can wander on visitors' paths and the animals are used to people so you can see them very close. To see semi-wild kangaroos visit the Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park (a cemetery, but not European style) [10] - it's a walking distance from Whitfords Transperth Train/Metro Station - just cross the highway, the highway exit and look for the entrance on the left. As there is plenty of space for them you may see them not only eating but also hopping.

Spectator sports[ edit ] Australian Rules Football – Perth, like Melbourne, is mad for its footy. Every weekend between (roughly) March and August, Subiaco Oval fills to near-capacity with supporters from either local teams; the West Coast Eagles or Fremantle Dockers . When both local teams play each other it is known as the Western Derby (or derby) and tickets to these games are usually difficult to come by due to their popularity. A-League Soccer – If you prefer association football (generally known by Australians as "soccer"), Perth Glory Football Club compete in the A-League, Australia's top level of football. The season runs over summer from October to March, with the possibility of qualification to the finals series (playoffs) running into April. They have a sister club, Perth Glory W-League, that competes in the women's W-League. Both teams play at Perth Oval, also known as NIB Stadium due to a sponsorship deal. The stadium is a 10 min walk from Northbridge, or a 3 min walk from Claisebrook Train Station. Cricket – Home ground is the WACA. The WACA also hosts one of the summer Test matches against England in January.

Sheffield Shield – Australia's domestic first-class cricket competition, the Western Warriors represent WA. Do[ edit ][ add listing ] A beach on Rottnest Island, off the coast of Perth Swim. Perth boasts some of the country's best beaches, which are ideal for swimming during the warmer months. Sunscreen is essential and insect repellent may come in handy during the evening. As the beaches are on the open ocean it is strongly advised that you only 'swim between the flags' at patrolled beaches. Probably the easiest beach to get to by public transport is Scarborough beach, which can be accessed by catching the Joondalup line from platform 1 at either Perth Underground or Esplanade stations, getting off at Glendalough station and catching the 990 bus. Cottesloe Beach, one of Perth's most famous, and a favourite among locals and tourists alike, it even easier to access by public transport. Take the Fremantle line to Cottesloe Station, exit the platform at the Perth end, and head west down Forrest Street for about 10 min. Or you can take bus 102 from Williams street or Esplanade station and it has a stop right by the Cottesloe beach.

There is a shady grassed area as well as sand, and the beach is patrolled. edit Swim Naked. There is only one beach in Perth that permits nude bathing: Swanbourne. Males sunbathing topless at other beaches is the norm, however females will not usually get a police fine but will get stared at. The atmosphere at Swanbourne Clothing Optional Beach (about 500 m north of Swanbourne Beach) is friendly and relaxing. It is more of a sunbathing beach than a swimming beach, with a steep sandy descent into water which gets deep quickly. There are no lifeguards or red-and-yellow flags at this beach and so it is essential to keep a close eye on children near the water. The nude beach is frequented by a variety of sun-seekers of all ages; couples, families, groups. The easiest way to get there is by car, however there is a train station about 1km away. Alternatively, you can catch the bus 102, which is heading to Cottesloe. The bus will go through some residential area before reaching Cottesloe coast. As soon as you can see the ocean, get off the bus and Swanbourne beach is right cross the road.

Heading north down the beach, you can reach the nude beach. edit Cycle. Perth has excellent bike paths and fantastic weather almost all year round which makes it perfect for cycling. The paths that follow the Swan River are very scenic and mostly flat. You can take your own bike, hire a bicycle from one of the bike hire providers located near the Swan River or take a tour with Bluetongue Bike Tours [11] or Pedal OZ [12] . edit Parks. Perth has a number of fantastic parks, ranging from inner-city parks such as Kings Park [13] , Bold Park, and Lake Monger, to outer city parks such as John Forrest and Whiteman Park edit Catch a flick. At one of the many independent or European cinemas, including Paradiso in Northbridge and The Luna cinemas in either Leederville or Fremantle. These cinemas showcase a range of local, Bollywood, French and Italian productions as well as International film festivals and documentaries throughout the year. Also check out the open air cinemas in summer, located in Kings Park, Movies by Burswood, Luna Leederville, and Mundaring. edit Get out.

For a day in Fremantle ; great for a walk around without a specific goal in mind or for some light shopping or why not enjoy a meal or coffee and cake whilst soaking in the atmosphere? Don't miss Fremantle Markets. Fremantle Prison, the Maritime Museum, the Round House and the Statue of AC/DC's Bon Scott are popular attractions. edit Take a Day Trip. As with any travelling in a country with as low a density as Perth, you will become accustomed to spending a lot of time travelling between the sights. One of the best day trips in Perth is to visit the nature reserve off the coast of Fremantle, Rottnest Island. You can access Rottnest Island by a ferry, 30 min from Fremantle or a longer from Barrack Street Jetty in Perth. The trip can be expensive, but Rottnest Express has a “Telethon Tuesday” deal with half price tickets ($35 instead of $70) every week for most of the year. Rottnest is a car free island, but plenty of bikes available for hire from the island or directly from the ferry company.

There is a huge variety of wildlife to see (including the famous Quokka) and opportunities to see whales, dolphins and fur seals off the coast, but this will always depend on the season. Another (closer, cheaper but smaller) option is to visit Penguin Island, home of the "Little Penguins" or "Fairy Penguins", located 5 min off the coast of Rockingham, a 45 min drive south of Perth. edit Go Wine Tasting. Well renowned amongst locals and tourists alike, the Swan Valley in the hills boasts some of the country's best wineries and micro-breweries. Although the wine is perhaps not as highly regarded by seasoned wine buffs as that produced in regions such as Margaret River, the Swan Valley features the advantage of being close to the city. edit There are a lot of options if you have access to a car - from the city just head to the coast, then head north or south for some exploring. Adventure World, [14] . Perth's only theme park has roller coasters, water slides, go-karts, and rides for younger kids.

Located in Bibra Lake, it's around 20 minutes by car from the CBD with plenty of parking available so it's best to go by car. It can be reached from Fremantle within 20 minutes by taking the number 520 bus which departs every 30 - 60 minutes. The park is usually open from September through to June but check the website for open times and dates. edit Perth Zoo, [15] . The zoo in South Perth has over 1,000 animals and more than 150 different species, including elephants are particularly well-loved by the locals. You can get there on bus 34 from the Esplanade Bus Port or if you prefer to drive there are several paid parking lots close by. edit Live music[ edit ] Perth is well known for its indie music scene at established venues such as Amplifier Bar, Rosemount, Fly By Night, The Rocket Room and Mojos. The Big Day Out festival is held in early February every year. Visit YourGigs [16] for upcoming gigs or Perth Indie Bands [17] for a selection of good Perth bands. Raves and Festivals.

If dance music is your thing, many top DJ and electronic music artists will make the trip out to Perth between October and March. Visit [18] for upcoming dates. edit Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Kakulas Brothers shop on Williams Street Previously thought by some to be lacklustre, shopping options in Perth have improved dramatically in recent years, with major international luxury brands such as Burberry, Gucci and Louis Vuitton now having branches in Perth, along with many local Western Australian boutiques. As a general rule, the luxury brands are located around the junction King's Street and Hay Street in the city centre, while mid-range options are generally to be found at the pedestrian-only Hay Street and Murray Street malls. The largest concentration of boutique shops is in the City centre while adjacent Northbridge is the place for niche independent stores. Trendier suburbs such as Mount Lawley, Leederville and Subiaco have a number of offbeat designer fashion stores. Large shopping complexes located in the outer suburbs, such as in Morley, Carousel, Cannington, Midland, Joondalup, Booragoon (Garden City), Innaloo and Karrinyup have the usual department and chain stores.

Fremantle Markets offers an experience on its own with its over 150 independent stalls, but is only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Shopping hours in the Perth metropolitan area for medium size shops to large supermarket/department stores are: 8am-9pm Monday to Friday 8am-5pm Saturday 11am-5pm Sunday Small supermarkets such as IGA as well as other small shops can have more flexible shopping hours (some Petrol stations and small corner stores are open 24 hours). A 10% Goods and Services Tax is included in listed prices. Harbour Town (Yellow CAT from any stop) is where manufacturers have their factory outlets; some good deals are to be had there. After Christmas (and around July as well for many stores) is the best time to come to Perth for bargain shopping. Some Perth stores are open Boxing Day as well as the 27th December. Customers have been known to form a line across the street to even enter stores such as 'Guess' and Myer store entry and escalator movement is monitored by security guards to prevent floor crowding. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] One of Perth's drawbacks is that its people have not embraced late night dining.

Very few places will serve food after 10PM, even on Friday or Saturday nights. While most restaurants in Perth do cater for vegetarians (and more rarely vegans), the selection is often decidedly limited. If you are looking for a place that embraces vegetarian food, Fremantle is probably a better option. Restaurants[ edit ] There is an extensive array of restaurants in Northbridge. You will find a great selection of Southern European and Asian restaurants. Northbridge gets very busy on Friday and Saturday nights as Perth goes into party mode. Neighbouring Mount Lawley and Highgate also has some good options. Victoria Park has a stretch of restaurants along Albany Hwy which is a fairly steady location with the locals and has a few high quality restaurants, although is lower key and more casual. Fremantle is a good eating option. Famous for its cappuccino strip lined with cafes next door to one another popular with the yuppie crowd. On weekends, a local tradition is to visit the Fisherman's Wharf on warm, sunny weekend evenings for fish and chips. There are a couple of options to choose from close to the beach. Just follow your nose or the seagulls.

Further exploring in Fremantle, or "Freo" as it is locally known, can reveal lots of trendy, alternative restaurants that cater for the "careful" eaters. If you care about knowing what it is you are eating, (vegan, preservative free, fair trade, organic), try exploring the Freo markets area, or just ask around, they are often not in the "touristy areas". Little Creatures is a decent brewery. If you are looking for a decent fish and chip or seafood dinner, it is typically far more expensive by the coast (where the tourists are), excellent seafood at a better price can be sourced in the central and eastern suburbs. Subiaco is located just a couple of kilometres from the city center. It is a trendy but fun suburb which features some great food and entertainment, although it can be quite expensive. Claremont is a suburb on the Fremantle railway line where you will find some good restaurants as well (including authentic Italian), although, again, it can quite expensive and there is a limited range. The Swan Valley, especially along West Swan Road contains various wineries, food producers and restaurants with stunning views over the vineyards.

Particularly good are The Black Swan Cafe, Duckstein Brewery, Elmar's and The Mallard Duck Cafe. Kalamunda and other Eastern hills suburbs offer hidden gems of cafes, small shops and food producers in beautiful countryside with stunning city views. Traditionally Perth locals used to go for picnics and produce festivals in these areas back in the 19th and early 20th century, however as the practice waned with fashions leading towards the coast, it is an excellent place to visit away from the touristy areas for a relaxing or peaceful trip to the bush with fine views and decent food not too far from the city. People often do DIY food tours to local orchards, vineyards, cheesemakers, bakeries and other cottage industries, arts and cafes as its not really organised. Its usually best to visit during Spring or soon after the rains when the forest is at its best. Guildford has many antique stores (although like all Australian antique markets are visited by many hundreds of tourists as well as locals, so real bargains can be rare), but you can get decent cafe morning teas and lunches in some fine old architecture. This area has some of Perths oldest residential houses and grand building museums & cafes.

The old theatre now houses a large Asian textile and artworks store worth a visit and a quirky taxidermy museum a few doors down. Alfreds Kitchen is a tiny but legendary burger bar to the locals, who amass in large crowds that opens at night. Local specialties[ edit ] A large Western Rock Lobster (known locally by its former name of crayfish) industry. Most of the crayfish is exported to Asia and USA for vast sums of money. However, crayfish prices in Perth can be relatively cheap, especially during summer in a good season. A chance to give it a try without breaking the bank. Chilli Mussels are a popular local speciality, consisting of mussels cooked in tomato and chilli jus, available in various restaurants. Truffles are grown around Mundaring and Manjimup. The ubiquitous fast food chains serve the usual oily stuff. If you're interested in a gourmet road trip, nearby Margaret River (about a two hours drive away) is extremely popular for wine tasting, delicious chocolate and fresh, locally made food and produce. The Spring in the Valley Food & Wine Festival in the Swan Valley is increasingly popular, but at the cost of getting a place cheaply and it being overcrowded.

Its best to visit the Swan Valley outside of the festival to get the best value, or during the festival if you like the crowds. Most of these places have websites that you can confirm times and dates and are open throughout the year. Coffee[ edit ] Perth has an abundance of Gloria Jeans, Miss Mauds and Dome stores mainly in the city centre and suburban shopping areas. Clusters of independent European style cafes line the trendy streets of suburbs around the city centre. The most well known place for a decent espresso is the Cafe Strip in Fremantle closely followed by the districts of Subiaco, Leederville and South Perth. Although Perth culture has a high quality taste for coffee and demands very high standards in product, Perth has the most expensive coffee prices in the country with a normal sized coffee coming close to $4. Pubs and bars[ edit ] Perth has bars scattered throughout the city but most bars are in the CBD, Northbridge, Subiaco, Leederville, Victoria Park, Mount Lawley & Fremantle areas. Bars usually become busy after 5pm with the afterwork crowd, but most locals tend to go to bars on Friday & Saturday nights.

The CBD bars in particular get very busy on Friday nights with many of the popular bars forming long entry lines. Most bars open from around 11AM and close midnight, although most bars in Northbridge and around the city centre stay open until 1 or 2am, and many bars in other areas have special extended liquor trading hours to either 1, 2 or 3AM. There has been an increase in small bars and bistro dining in niche areas of the CBD, however these are typically expensive even though good quality, so shop around for a good value evening. Smoking is prohibited inside all pubs and bars. Clubs[ edit ] Club nights and both international and local gigs are held at a variety of venues across the city centre, Northbridge, Subiaco and Leederville, with some clubs scattered further out. Club nights are popular or Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays with few venues opening past midnight on other days and none on Sundays (due to licensing laws).

Check out local street press magazines such as Xpress for gig guides and further info for a comprehensive gig guide Almost all clubs in Western Australia have very strict ID policies and scanners, so in most venues it is impossible to enter without appropriate ID (either a passport or an Australian issued Proof of Age card or Driver's License). Alternatives[ edit ] Drive Through Liquor Stores. These are usually open until quite late. It is considered polite to park your car outside and walk through if you are intending to browse and take your time. Many Australians enjoy to drink in the comfort of their own home or backyard as much as they enjoy drinking in their favourite pub. edit Fremantle and Subiaco have many pubs and clubs. (see Fremantle listings) Sleep[ edit ][ add listing ] An unfortunate effect of the current mining boom is that the price of accommodation in Perth has skyrocketed in recent years, with average room rates currently higher than those in Sydney, Melbourne or even Rome. Figure on paying over $100 per night for even the most basic room, and over $200 for a 4-star hotel.

In general, room rates tend to be most expensive in mid-week, when many business travellers visit, while (relative) bargains can often be found on the weekends. Hotels and Motels[ edit ] Most of Perth's hotels are concentrated in the city centre , the neighbouring suburb of East Perth , as well as the seaside suburb of Fremantle . Though slightly further, the coastal town of Mandurah , which is easily accessible by Perth's suburban railway system, is a popular weekend getaway for Perth's residents, and has several hotels and beach resorts to cater to that crowd. Hostels and backpackers[ edit ] Perth is very popular with backpackers and there are a large number of backpackers' hostels located in the city, particularly in the Northbridge area. Be warned there are a few hostels in Perth that are in terrible condition make sure to see your room or check the ratings online. Long Term Stay[ edit ] If you plan to stay for a longer period than one month in Perth you might consider renting an apartment or share room. You can find these accommodations online, for example on Gumtree. Prices range from $120 to $240 per week.

Be warned for impostors though and be sure to always read the contract before actually paying the bond. Caravan parks[ edit ] Caravan parks are a cost effective and often good value family way to stay in Perth. Caravan parks are usually some distance from the city, but some have bus stops right out the front door. Caravan parks are generally clean and offer a variety of accommodation types. Stay safe[ edit ] The main dangers that an overseas visitor to Perth faces are sunburn and dehydration. Make sure you cover yourself with SPF 30+ sunscreen and a hat, and preferably a shirt and always keep a bottle of water with you (preferably a litre), especially in the warmer months. Also be wary of dehydration in the hot weather. An insect repellent such as 'Aeroguard' will be useful on summer evenings if you are outdoors. Otherwise, Perth is relatively safe, though its best not to walk alone at night. Some areas such as Northbridge are also known to be 'trouble spots' on weekend nights and tourist should be careful.

Perth citizens (as with most Australians) almost never carry firearms or other weaponry, therefore it is logical to avoid people and places whenever such things are observed and advise the local police service when safe to do so. Overall Perth is becoming safer, due to small alleyways and other niche problem zones being refurbished and unsuitable for loiterers. Police are generally friendly and approachable. To contact the emergency services, call 000. For general enquiries and for police assistance when the matter is not urgent, ring 131 444 (international: +61 8 9222 1111). Trains are generally safe, and Transit Officers patrol all train services after 19:00, and also do so routinely throughout the day. All railway stations are fitted with an emergency call facility, usually accompanied by the ticket vending machines (note that the emergency call facility will connect to the Railway Police, and not the Western Australia Police Service). All stations have cameras constantly monitored by the Railway Police. In each carriage of every train, there is a call button near the either of the doors which allows a passenger to communicate with the train driver in an emergency.

If it is not safe to use one of these buttons due to their position, any passenger may walk to the next carriage and use the call button there, or ring 9220 9999. From 2011 the Armadale Train line especially in the areas of Burswood and Carlisle has had some high profile assaults from gangs travelling on the train system. The gangs usually comprise of disaffected Indigenous youth and although weapons are not usually involved attacks have become more vicious in their nature. The bus network is generally safe, but after hours can be a little more dangerous than the train network. It is not patrolled by the Railway Police, and bus security patrols are limited. Reports of attacks by people throwing rocks at buses and general antisocial behaviour is not unheard of. The only particular station (& its associated routes) that should be avoided is Mirrabooka. If you have to travel by bus at night, towards the front of the bus. If an incident on the bus occurs, tell the driver. Incidents — including violent attacks — carry on for far too long as they are not reported. The driver should then radio for assistance and will be met by bus security.

Pedestrians are advised to exercise caution when crossing the road at zebra crossings, walking along the footpath at the entry/exit points of car parks and driveways, or when crossing the road at T-intersections. Although pedestrians have the legal right of way in all of these situations, many motorists fail to observe this rule. This is usually due to ignorance or inattention rather than vindictiveness, but in any case it is obviously not worth risking life and limb in order to assert your rights as a pedestrian. In the case of zebra crossings, motorists should slow down if they see you are about to cross. If they do not slow down, do not begin to cross. It is usually best to follow the lead of the locals and to move as a group. Driving in Perth can be straightforward as its highways tend to connect at various nodes making navigation easy. However, avoid travelling during business rush hour (between 7-9AM and 4-6PM), particularly in summer or hot days. Many of Perth's major roads were not designed for the volume of traffic currently experienced with recent high population growth.

Perth drivers are increasingly known for being inconsiderate to other drivers on the roads during these times, which also has caused increased delays due to accidents. The much wiser solution is to take public transport such as the train or bus system. If you are driving or a passenger in a taxi or a local residents car, it is recommended to relax and not allow it to affect you or your holiday. Most Perth citizens work long hours and wish to get home quickly away from the heat and traffic so therefore their behaviour is not personal and while is often aggressive, is seldom reckless. Travelling outside of these hours and on weekends is typically low hassles. It is likely these problems will increase over the next few years from 2012, as major roads are being upgraded and/or expanded to cope with increased volumes with new infrastructure projects, especially around the Perth Airport district. There are a few rules to take care of while during driving in Western Australia. When stopped at a train crossing, do not proceed until the flashing lights have stopped even if the boom gate has fully lifted as fines are issued. There is a lower tolerance towards speeding so even a small excess over the road limit may warrant in an infringement or fine.

It is not mandatory or always observed, however it is polite to keep a gap at an unmarked road crossing when stuck in traffic to allow access for turning vehicles. If you have noticed the lane next to you leave a gap in these places, it is polite do the same. It is always wise to take great care during merging traffic lanes, especially during rush hour (as per above paragraph). Buses do have right of way when entering traffic and occasionally often pull out with little warning. Australians are allowed to overtake on the inside lane, so drivers should be aware of this to avoid any potential alarm. If you are given right of way by another car, it is highly considered rude not to acknowledge this with a raised hand or brief wave. Be wary of using ATMs, fraudulent devices have been added to some across Perth, but the prevalence is no higher than in any major city. ATMs are available outside nearly every bank branch. Recently ATM bombings have been reported more frequently compared to other Australian cities. The most notable incident is the bombing of 4 ATMs at the Harbour Town Shopping complex in West Perth in January 2013.

There was no injury as it occurred when the centre was closed, but it did cause severe structural damage to the building. Be wary of using ATMs in secluded places at night or during the early hours of the morning. Consulates[ edit ] China, 45 Brown St, East Perth, ☎ +61 8 9222 0333 ( chinaconsul_per_au@mfa.gov.cn , fax: +61 8 9221 6144), [19] . edit Croatia, 9th Floor, 68 St. George's Tce, ☎ +61 8 9321 6044 ( croconpe@iinet.net.au , fax: +61 8 9321 6240), [20] . edit Greece, Level 9, 16 St.George's Tce, ☎ +61 8 9325 6608 ( grconsul@arach.net.au; grcon.per@mfa.gr , fax: +61 8 9325-2940), [21] .

edit Italy, Level 2/1292 Hay St, West Perth, ☎ +61 8 9322 4500 ( info.perth@esteri.it , fax: +61 8 9322 9911), [22] . edit Japan, U22/Level 2 111 Colin Street, West Perth, ☎ +61 8 9480 1800 (fax: +61 8 9480 1801), [23] . edit Malaysia, 252 Adelaide Tce, ☎ +61 8 9225 7055 ( mwperth@cgmperth.net , fax: +61 8 9225 7533), [24] .

edit Sri Lanka, Unit 3, Parliament Court, 18 Harwest Tce, West Perth, ☎ +61 8 9321 4800 ( frank@dfcrawley.com , fax: +61 8 9321 5900), [25] . edit United States, 16 St. Georges Tce, ☎ +61 8 9202 1224 (fax: +61 8 9231-9444), [26] . edit Get out[ edit ] Margaret River – has some of the world's best wines. Good food and pristine beaches make the South West region a favourite destination. It's about three hours south, making it an ideal weekend get away. Hyden – east of Perth is the closest town to Wave Rock. A granite rock formation that looks like a large breaking wave. Cervantes – north of Perth in the Wheatbelt , features thousands of limestone pillars rising out of the yellow the sand in the Pinnacles Desert. A nearby lake has stromatalites closely related to those found in rocks billions of years old.

Rockingham (Western Australia) and Penguin Island, a nature reserve where you can see dolphins, penguins and sea lions. Major Cities and Towns in Western Australia - Postcodes Australia Perth Situated in the south-east coast of Australia on the Indian Ocean lies Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. Founded as a colony on the Swan River in 1829 by Captain James Stirling, Perth is now a rapidly-growing city housing over 75% of all WA's population. Prior to European settlement, the area had been inhabited by the local Aboriginal Noongar people for over 40,000 years. Detailed Map of Australia - Nations Online Project Map Index ___ Detailed Map of Australia Australia is all in one, a country, a big island, and the smallest continent. With an area of 7,617,930 km² it is slightly smaller than continental USA (without Alaska ), it is the sixth largest country in the world with only about 23.8 million inhabitants (in 2015). Map is showing mainland Australia and neighboring countries with international borders, state boundaries, the national capital Canberra, state capitals, major cities and towns, main roads, railroads and international airports .

Australia's general geographical features. There are three distinctive physiographic regions, from east to west are the East Australian Highlands, the Interior Lowland Basins also known as Central Lowlands and the Western Plateau. Two thirds of continental Australia consists of the Western Plateau, 2.7 million km² of arid or semi-arid land, about the size of Argentina , covers large parts of Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. Much of the Great Western Plateau is almost uninhabited desert in diverse configurations, the spinifex dominated Great Sandy Desert, the rocky Tanami Desert, the gravel-covered Gibson Desert which has also red sand plains and some isolated salt-water lakes, and Australia's biggest desert, the Great Victoria Desert. East of the Gibson Desert lies Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park with Australia's most famous natural icon Uluru , also known as Ayers Rock. South of the Great Victoria Desert and north of the Great Australian Bight lies the Nullarbor Plain a semi-circular, flat and in large parts treeless arid region, nearly twice the size of Cuba .

In the northern part of Western Australia located is Kimberley, a region with steep-sided mountain ranges and a tropical monsoon climate, the region was named after the Kimberley diamond fields in South Africa . You are free to use this map for educational purposes, please refer to the Nations Online Project. Bookmark/share this page One World - Nations Online All Countries of the World East of the Western Plateau lie the Central Lowlands, the country's fertile basins with the Great Artesian Basin (GAB), one of the largest artesian groundwater basins in the world and the Murray-Darling Basin which is Australia's largest river systems. Lake Eyre in the Lake Eyre Basin is the terminal point of the great continental drainage system and the largest lake in Australia (on the rare occasions when it is filled). Even if Australia is the flattest continent, there are the Eastern Highlands, also known as the Great Dividing Range. The Eastern Highlands are a vast mountainous region featuring Australia's "Alps". The mountain range separates the narrow fertile eastern coastal plains from the rest of the continent, the Outback.

The Eastern Highlands are running along the entire length of the country's eastern seaboard (length: 3,500 km (2,175 mi)). All major cities Australia's are located in this part of the country. Highest point is Mount Kosciuszko, located in the south eastern corner of the country. With an elevation of 2,228 m (7,310 ft) it is Australia's highest mountain. The world's largest reef system the Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reef is composed of over 2,900 reefs and 900 islets and islands stretching for over 2,600 kilometers (1,600 mi) north-east of the continents eastern seaboard. The Great Barrier Reef covers an area of approximately 344,400 km² (133,000 sq mi).

Map of Australia Map shows the location of following Australian cities and towns: Adelaide, Albany, Alice Springs, Alyangula, Andamooka, Ararat, Armidale, Aurukun, AyrIngham, Bairnsdale, Balladonia, Ballarat, Ballina, Balranald, Bamaga, Barcaldine, Barkly Homestead, Barunga, Batchelor, Batemans Bay, Bathurst, Bega, Benalla, Bendigo, Biloela, Birdsville, Blackall, Blackwater, Bordertown, Borroloola, Boulia, Bourke, Bowen, Brewarrina, Brisbane, Broken Hill, Broome, Bunbury, Bundaberg, Burnie, Busselton, Cairns, Canberra, Carnarvon, Ceduna, Central Coast, Charleville, Charters Towers, Clare, Clermont, Cleve, Cloncurry, Cobar, Coffs Harbour, Collarenebri, Collie, Collinsville, Coober Pedy, Cooktown, Corfield, Corrigin, Cowra, Cunnamulla, Dalby, Dalwallinu, Daly River, Darwin, Denham, Denili

quin, Denmark, Derby, Devonport, Dirranbandi, Dongara, Doomadgee, Dubbo, Dysart, Echuca, Elliott, Emerald, Esperance, Exmouth, Fitzroy Crossing, Galiwinku, Gatton, Gayndah, Geelong, George Town, Georgetown, Geraldton, Gilgandra, Gladstone, Glen Innes, Gold Coast, Goondiwindi, Goulburn, Grafton, Greenvale, Griffith, Gunnedah, Gununa, Gympie, Halifax, Halls Creek, Hamilton, Hawker, Hay, Hermannsburg, Hervey Bay, Hobart, Horsham, Hughenden, Innamincka, Innisfail, Inverell, Ivanhoe, Jabiru, Jerramungup, Kadina, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Kalkarindji, Kalumburu, Kambalda, Karratha, Katanning, Katherine, Katoomba, Kellerberrin, Kempsey, Kingaroy, Kingscote, Kingston SE, Kojonup, Kowanyama, Kulgera, Kununurra, La Grange, Lajamanu, Lake Grace

, Lancelin, Launceston, Laverton, Leigh Creek, Leinster, Leonora, Lightning Ridge, Lismore, Lockhart River, Lombadina, Longreach, Mackay, Malbon, Mandurah, Maningrida, Manjimup, Mareeba, Margaret River, Marree, Maryborough, Meekatharra, Melbourne, Merredin, Middlemount, Mildura, Miles, Millicent, Moe, Monto, Moora, Moranbah, Morawa, Moree, Mount Gambier, Mount Barker, Mount Isa, Mount Magnet, Mudgee, Murray Bridge, Naracoorte, Narooma, Narrabri, Narrandera, Narrogin, Newcastle, Newman, Nguiu, Ngukurr, Nhulunbuy, Normanton, Norseman, Northam, Northampton, Nowra, Numbulwar, Nyngan, Oenpelli, Onslow, Oodnadatta, Orange, Ouyen, Pannawonica, Papunya, Paraburdoo, Parkes, Perth, Peterborough, Pine Creek, Pingelly, Port Augusta, Port Douglas, Port Hedland, Port Lincoln, Port Macquarie

, Port Pirie, Portland, Proserpine, Queanbeyan, Queenstown, Quilpie, Ravensthorpe, Renmark, Rockhampton, Rockingham, Roebourne, Rollingstone, Roma, Sale, Scone, Shepparton, Singleton, Smithton, Southern Cross, Springsure, St George, St Marys, Stamford, Streaky Bay, Sunshine Coast, Surat, Swan Hill, Sydney, Tambo, Tamworth, Tara, Tarcoola, Taree, Taroom, Telfer, Tennant Creek, Thargomindah, Tom Price, Toowoomba, Townsville, Traralgon, Tumby Bay, Tumut, Tweed Heads, Ulladulla, Ulverstone, Victor Harbor, Wagga Wagga, Walgett, Warburton, Warrnambool, Warwick, Weipa, West Wyalong, White Cliffs, Whyalla, Wilcannia, Wiluna, Windorah, Winton, Wollongong, Wongan Hills, Wonthaggi, Woomera, Woorabinda, Wudinna, Wyndham, Yamba, Yaraka, Yarr

alin, Yarrie, York, Young, Yuendumu, Yulara.

Administrative Regions, the States of and Territories of Australia The Commonwealth of Australia is a union of six states and various territories (abbreviation in parenthesis). States and territories of mainland Australia: New South Wales (NSW), capital: Sydney Northern Territory (NT), capital: Darwin Queensland (QLD), capital: Brisbane South Australia (SA), capital: Adelaide Tasmania (TAS), capital: Hobart Victoria (VIC), capital: Melbourne Western Australia (WA) capital: Perth The Australian Capital Territory, often abbreviated ACT, capital: Canberra , is the capital territory of the Commonwealth of Australia. (see also: Administrative Map of Australia ) Australia shares maritime borders with:

Question: What is the capital of Western Australia?
Answer: Perth