Geographically, Perth (Boorloo in the Nyungar language) may be one of the most isolated cities in the world, but don’t expect some sleepy backwater. It’s laid-back, yes, but within this relaxed setting is a thriving city full of fun things to do and fascinating attractions to explore nearby.
When you’re in Perth, it’s the rest of the world that seems far-flung, and locals know just how good they’ve got it. Located in Western Australia, this destination is the country’s sunniest capital, home to some of the nation’s best city beaches. In the city itself, you’ll also find some outstanding cultural attractions – world-class galleries and museums featuring both Indigenous and contemporary arts.
Perth also has a lot on its doorstep. Within 30 minutes, you’ll be among quokkas on Rottnest Island or sipping wines near the Swan River. Add in day trips to the Pinnacles, wildflower hotspots, and happening beach towns and it becomes clear: this is a region of Australia not to miss.
Plan your trip with this list of the top things to do in and around Perth.
The cute and furry cherub-faced marsupial quokka attracts most first-time visitors to Rottnest Island. The quokka’s popularity soared after Chris Hemsworth and Margot Robbie snapped selfies with them, resulting in an astronomical increase in the island’s visitors. These days, however, quokka selfies are very much discouraged. You can spot these little guys a few hops away from the visitor info center, which offers free “Meet the Quokkas” tours – one of the best things to do near Perth.
Though many assume these macropods (from the same family as kangaroos and wallabies) are only found on Rottnest, they also live on mainland West Australia’s southwest end. However, they’re nocturnal, so you’d be very lucky to see them there. Due to years of interacting with humans, quokkas on Rottnest Island are active during the day, mainly as a result of visitors feeding them.
Local tip: Don’t go in expecting a pristine wilderness encounter. Here, the quokkas have become very urbanized and after food.
One of Perth's prettiest inner-city parks, Kings Park invites visitors on a walking tour of its many attractions. Start in the east and stroll alongside Fraser Avenue, with its lemon-scented gums and immaculate terrace lawns. Then, head to Kaarta Gar-up lookout for some of Perth’s best city skyline views. Next, visit Aspects of Kings Park Gallery Shop, a great place to pick up works by Western Australian designers, botany books and native flora seeds. Outside is the ornamental floral clock made from a colorful collection of native flowers, and the State War Memorial featuring a poignant Flame of Remembrance and superb vistas.
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If Miami and Palm Beach had a love child, it would be Fort Lauderdale. Quickly shedding its image as just a spring break destination, the city is redefining itself as a place that lacks the formality of its neighbor to the north (Palm Beach), but has all the trappings of the vibrant metropolis to the south (Miami). And while Fort Lauderdale is quickly catching up on the five-star luxury-resort front, the real-estate (and therefore hotel) prices have not yet approached the levels of Palm Beach's on Worth Avenue. Fort Lauderdale lacks pomp and doesn’t take itself too seriously: It’s a place that still feels accessible thanks to an abundance of public beaches, a lack of gated communities, and a culinary scene that won’t break the bank.
Multiple earthquakes are rattling Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece, prompting authorities to dispatch rescuers with tents, a sniffer dog and drones, and to shut schools on four islands.
Multiple earthquakes are rattling Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece, prompting authorities to dispatch rescuers with tents, a sniffer dog and drones, and to shut schools on four islands.
Schools were closed and emergency crews deployed on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini on Monday after a spike in seismic activity raised concerns about a potentially powerful earthquake.