Perth Car Hire
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Perth is said to be Australia’s most isolated city. However what many people don’t know is that with appropriate car rental Perth, you can discover fascinating sites in this Western Australia capital.
The city purposefully rests on the foot of Swan River, surrounded by sandy beaches to complete the gorgeous look. And as if to prove the world wrong, Perth proudly flaunts its natural resources, with mining attracting workers from all over the globe. Ancient meets modern over here.
Start by exploring the vibrant riverside parks of Swan River. You can decide to go hiking along the many trails or even get some tips on fishing. Get into a cruise and taste the sumptuous meals at Swan Valley when hunger strikes. You can learn a few recipes to take back home with you.
For the love of the sun, Cattesloe, Port Beach, and City Beach make perfect locations for an outdoor picnic. Don’t forget to put your surfing skills to the test at Trigg Point and Scarborough. Make use of your sunscreen lotion and sunbath on the open beaches. Watch people make fun and allow yourself to loosen up.
Fascinated by Gold? Set your eyes on the most extensive Gold coin at Perth Mint. You also get to learn the history of Gold and uncover mysteries surrounding its formation. Talking of Gold, if you feel like splashing out some cash, head to Hillary Boat Harbour for an “out of this world” marine species view, shopping and dining at the elegant, expansive restaurants.
Guide to Perth
Perth is a medium sized city of 2 million people and growing at a steady rate. Like most western cities there is a diversified make up of people from everywhere starting with the indigenous peoples.
Brief History
They were the original Australians from 40000 years ago and since the British settlement in the 1800s there have been a steady stream of other ethnicities. Notably the criminals were transported to Perth during the 1850s and because of its location the voyage was at least a week short than hitting the colony of New South Wales. During this period there were also plenty of free settlers arriving from the UK. Since WW2 there has been continual immigration with the Greeks and Italians just after the war then the Ten pound poms in the 1950’s and 60’s, Vietnamese refugees in the 1970’s, then came the Pacific Islanders, Kiwis and Asians from all over, then most recently Indians and middle eastern peoples.
Picturesque Swan River
The CBD itself is set on the picturesque Swan River which is expansive enabling loads of water activities such as sailing and boating which is perfectly suited to the all year round Mediterranean type climate. Nearby to the city within a 15 minute drive there are most likely the worlds best beaches situated on the emerald blue waters of the Indian Ocean. So pristine and clean. A word of warning don’t swim during the shark feeding times. Yikes.
International minimg business
Perth has offices of major international mining businesses such as Rio Tinto, BHP, Woodside, Chevron and others. These offices provide the management and logistical support to the incredibly large oil and gas as well as iron ore mining operations located more than 1500kms north of Perth.
Things to do in Perth
While the city and suburbs goes a little way inland however predominantly stretches north and south along the coast to make for a terrific relaxed beach lifestyle complemented by the Mediterranean climate. Given the weather a beach visit is must with the closest beaches City Beach and Scarborough having beautiful fine sand and lovely clean water. So outdoors is the flavour of activities with some wonderful golf courses this is a great way to further enjoy the lifestyle. Sailing and cruising the Swan River also is relaxing and provides for an up close and personal vista of the city skyline, most attractive.
An interesting place to visit is Fremantle
This was original drop off point for convict ships coming from the UK in the 1850s so there is much history and a visit to the Fremantle Prison will top off the adventure, scary and creepy. From Fremantle there is an opportunity to take a 30 minute ferry ride to Rottnest Island which is 20kms away. The island was discovered by a Dutchman hence the name rottnest (rat’s nest) as there are small rat like animals, called Quokkas, that are native to the island. Once on the island hire a bicycle as it is the best way to get around and see the island as there are no cars. There is also some terrific snorkelling just off the shoreline where you can experience the coloured coral and sea life. There is good offering of accommodation so if you want to relax even more take a few days stay and while away the days in the sunshine.
Eating out in Perth
Like most sophisticated cities these days there are loads of different cuisines with much fusion and contemporary influences. The city itself has:
Steve’s Fine Wine and Food (old timers know it as Steve’s Pub) has a lively feel and is located on the banks of the Swan River only a short way from the city centre. It has a young and busy atmosphere where exceptional meals are on offer with dining on the lawns on the edge of the river.
C Restaurant is located in the heart of the city high above St Georges Terrace providing sensational 360 degree views from the revolving platform. This fine dining high end experience is complemented by a lavish degustation taking in all of the local produce and delivering a taste sensation when paired with the fabulous wines from the west. There is seafood and chardonnay, then venison and shiraz, and finally a light desert with a palate cleanser
Nobu delivers a mix of contemporary and traditional Japanese experiences with the best ingredients and impeccable service, again located close to the city centre.
Transport in Perth
Perth Airport (code: PER)
Perth airport is an international airport but it also has domestic terminals. The car hire counters are easily accessible and can be found they are in the arrival hall, or a short shuttle bus journey away. There is a shuttle bus that operates between the airport and the city centre which costs around $24.
Buses in Perth
All public transport in the area is operated by Transperth, which operates free and regular buses around CBD, Fremantle and Joondalup.
Driving Tips
Western Australia is a huge area so be aware that distances are long and we would recommend sharing the driving. Following on from this, please ensure that you have a full tank of petrol when you drive out to remote areas too, as once you get out petrol stations are less regular and you want to avoid being stranded.
As with the rest of Australia, don’t forget to drive on the left hand side of the road.
Expect an array of animals to accidentally end up on the road and therefore be especially cautious when driving in areas that may seem secluded, especially at dawn or dusk.