Perth is the capital of Western Australia and has more hours of sunshine than any other Australian capital city. The Mediterranean climate means that Perth enjoys mild winters, warm to hot summers, and blue skies for most of the year.
The city sits on the Swan River and beneath the botanical Kings Park. With all the sunny weather, people spend time outdoors swimming, sailing, waterskiing, fishing, cycling, walking and running – especially around the Swan River.
Details of the main areas within the Perth metropolitan area are given below.
Perth (central metropolitan)
For those wanting an inner city lifestyle, suburbs include:
Perth (city);
East Perth;
West Perth;
South Perth; and
Northbridge.
Apartment living is prominent in these suburbs. Perth’s central business district (CBD) is made up of offices, financial institutions, and several dining and retail attractions. Adjacent to the CBD sits Perth’s vibrant entertainment district Northbridge – home to cafés, restaurants, bars, nightlife, cultural events and festivals.
Neighbouring suburbs include:
Leederville;
Subiaco;
Mount Hawthorn; and
Mount Lawley.
Apartments and character homes can be found in these areas. Popular café strips, recreation facilities and parks are readily available.
Northern suburbs
Also referred to by locals as ‘north of the river’, the northern suburbs line the coast and expand inwards. House prices generally increase the closer you are to the coast.
The northern suburbs are generally well established; however, the larger suburbs of Joondalup and Ellenbrook are regularly releasing newer estates with vacant land.
Southern suburbs
Also known as ‘south of the river’, the southern suburbs are generally well established and include newer estates with vacant land.
Fremantle (20 km from Perth CBD) offers a mix of contemporary housing, heritage cottages and apartment living. Fremantle is home to Western Australia’s busiest working port and is also known for its music, arts and culture, festivals, retail stores, markets, cafés and restaurants.
Perth hills
For a semi-rural lifestyle, ‘the hills’ on the outskirts of Perth offer spectacular scenery, native bushland and generally larger properties.
The Swan Valley wine growing region is also becoming a popular area with
semi-rural property, residential housing and land releases available.