Park your camper van in Perth while you enjoy the sights of this city where modernity meets its frontier past. King’s Park is a perfect place to get a panoramic view of all that Perth has to offer.
Western Australia spreads out to cover about one-third of the Australia. The massive land mass covers more than 1 million square miles of spectacular coastal and desert terrain. Welcome to Australia’s Outback!
Hugging the coastline, where it was founded by the British as the Swan River Colony in 1829, is Perth. This capital city is called “the most isolated city on Earth.” That being said, if you want to combine culture and wilderness, Perth, and the area surrounding it, is perfect. This is particularly true if you decide to opt for hiring a campervan in Perth and take advantage of the full freedom it offers. It will provide you with the mobility you want while guaranteeing you have a place to stay wherever you choose to stop.
Visiting Perth
Park your camper van in Perth while you enjoy the sights of this city where modernity meets its frontier past. King’s Park is a perfect place to get a panoramic view of all that Perth has to offer. Note the stark contrast between the sky rise office buildings of the 1980s and older structures from the 1850s. Wander through the botanical gardens of this 488 km (988 acre) reserve before making your way down closer to the Swan River which winds through the city before curving in on itself to create a small bay. Visit the Jetty to view, if not climb, the winged Tower containing the notable Swan Bells.
Perth boasts early buildings from the 1800s. In Stirling Gardens you can view the brick Old Court House (1837) with its Doric columns as well as the Government House (1860s) built using convict labour. Nearby, other buildings reflect the city’s wild past including the Cloisters (1858), his majesty’s Theatre and the Perth Mint (1899). For those not interested in architecture but want a glimpse of the city’s culture, visit the Cultural Centre. It contains the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Western Australian Museum and the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art.
Beyond the City: Day Trips
While Perth offers some wonderful sites to explore give yourself for some day trips in the area nearby. Catch a game of beach cricket on the beach at Cottesloe or learn about the history of The Pylon. Make the short trip to Fremantle to wander the beaches. Fremantle is home to a 12-sided Round House (1830), Western Australia’s first gaol. You can spend time visiting the Maritime Museum on Victoria Quay or the Shipwreck Galleries on cliff Street. Alternatively, you can join the throngs that choose to hop the ferry to Rottnest Island. Make sure you park your camper before you go. No vehicles are allowed on the island.
Wine, Dine and Enjoy the Sweetness of Life Near Perth
If this does not appeal to you, consider driving the Swan Valley Wine and Food Trail. This 32 km (20 mi) loop takes you through one of the region’s premier wine producing regions. Take part in a wine tasting or enjoy a light lunch. Whether it is fine dining or high tea, you will enjoy the flavour of this short trip. To add a little sweetness to the side-trip, make sure you stop at the Margaret River Chocolate Company. This company has shops in the Swan Valley as well as in Margaret River and Perth.
Whatever your preference, these day trips introduce you to Western Australian culture and nature. Yet, this is just an overture. It is a preamble to all that Western Australia has to offer you. Whether you next choose to follow the Coral Coast north or head off east for an inland adventure, Perth is an excellent starting point. And the only way to set your own itinerary and know that you have somewhere to stay every night with booking ahead is to do the journey in a campervan or a motorhome – the ultimate freedom vehicle.