Perth - Swan River fun in Perth

A glittering modern city geared towards outdoor pursuits, physical recreation and enjoyment of life, Perth has plenty to offer: museums, art galleries, a popular zoo, theatres, Kings Park and the dining and nightlife suburb of Northbridge.

You can also cruise the Swan River, a vital aspect of city life since 1829, when Perth was known as Swan River Settlement. River ferries depart from a jetty on Perth Water, a lagoon on the Swan formed by the bridged Narrows and enjoyed by windsurfers and sailors.

Some Swan cruises head to the Swan Estuary Marine Park, where three biologically important areas provide a home for birds and animals, including thousands of migratory wading birds. From here, it's a short cruise to Fremantle, 20 kilometres from Perth. Other cruises head upstream to the fertile Swan Valley wine region, just 30 minutes or so from downtown Perth. It's the oldest-established winegrowing area in Western Australia. Many wineries are family owned and run, offering alfresco meals as well as cellar-door tastings. Pinelli and Sandalford are two well-known local winemakers, and the underground cellar at Olive Farm is well worth a visit.

The Swan Valley also offers art studios and galleries, including Western Australia's largest private gallery. The historic riverside town of Guildford, 12 kilometres from Perth and classified by the National Trust, offers horseback rides beside the river, trains and trams in Whiteman Park and koalas at the wildlife park.