PerthTraveller.info

Perth City Guide

admin — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:50:08 +0000

Offset by the vast tranquil waters of the Swan River, the beautiful city of Perth is a tourist’s delight. Modern and vibrant, it contrasts with its historic counterpart - the port city of Fremantle accessible within 20 minutes by car from Perth.

Penguin Island, is one of the State’s premier ecologically sustainable nature-based tourism destinations. The island has something special for visitors of all ages, whether from the local or metropolitan area, interstate or overseas. The waters surrounding the island form the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.

Fremantle today retains much of its old charm: its situation at the mouth of the Swan River, its picturesque old buildings, its cultural diversity and what its longtime residents still call the Fremantle feeling. This sets it apart from the capital, Perth. The feeling comes upon you when you cross the bridge over the Swan River from the northern suburbs, pass historic Cantonment Hill from the east or (ideally) drift down river from Perth in a pleasure boat.

Fremantle is a working port, host to a big fishing fleet as well as container ships and the occasional large cruise vessel. It maintains a vibrant commercial life and is a desirable tourist destination. It has, however, retained its cosmopolitan nature and preserved its identity, largely through the good sense and dedication of its modern-day civic managers.

Perth is blessed with some of the best beaches in the world. The fishing from these beaches is excellent and is available all the year round. Species likely to be encountered when beach fishing include skipjack trevally, tailor, herring, tarwhine, mullet, mulloway, flathead, small sharks, pike, whiting and salmon. Approximately an hour’s drive from Perth are the beaches of San Remo, Madora, and Singleton. These popular beaches provide excellent fishing for herring, tailor, whiting and mulloway. The mulloway ‘run’ occurs in early January when the nights are balmy and it is a popular time for family fishing trips.

Forrest Chase

admin — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:57:10 +0000

Off Murray Street Mall on Forrest Place is the Forrest Chase shopping complex, housing the Myer department store and boutiques on two levels. They have a good selection of crafts, markets, and Aboriginal souvenirs, with several galleries in High Street.

Artisans of the Sea

admin — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:53:36 +0000

Artisans of the Sea, corner of Marine Terrace and Collie Street, Fremantle, sells elegant South Sea pearls and gold jewelry. Western Australia is renowned for farming the world’s best South Sea pearls off Broome, for Argyle diamonds mined in the Kimberley, and for being one of the world’s biggest gold producers.

Japingka Gallery

admin — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:52:07 +0000

Japingka Gallery, 47 High St., Fremantle, is dedicated to encouraging and exhibiting Aboriginal art from around Australia. It has a large stock of certificated art covering a broad cross section of areas and styles. There’s an ongoing exhibition program, which usually involves having the artist present for discussion and explanation. The gallery is based over two floors in a historic building in central High Street.

Creative Native

admin — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:51:09 +0000

Creative Native, 32 King St., stocks Perth’s widest range of Aboriginal arts and crafts. Upstairs is a gallery selling original works by some renowned Aboriginal artists. There’s another branch at 65 High St., Fremantle.

Subiaco

admin — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:50:16 +0000

If you want to avoid the chains, spend half a day in Subiaco or “Subi,” where Hay Street and Rokeby Road are lined with smart boutiques, galleries, cafes, antiques shops, and markets. The Colonnade shopping center at 388 Hay St. showcases some groovy young Aussie fashion designers.

Miss Maud Swedish Restaurant

admin — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:49:22 +0000

“Good food and plenty of it” is the motto at Miss Maud’s homey establishment, and the crowds packing the place prove it works. Most diners skip the a la carte menu and go straight for the smorgasbord. At breakfast, that means 50 dishes, including pancakes cooked before your eyes. At lunch and dinner you can tuck into soup, 10 salads, a big range of seafood (including oysters at dinner), cold meats, roasts, hot vegetables, pasta, cheeses, European-style breads, half a dozen tortes, fruit, and ice cream — 65 dishes in all. Service is fast and polite.

Lamont’s East Perth

admin — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:48:34 +0000

Kate Lamont has a well-deserved reputation for the flavor-driven food she produces at her three restaurants, in Margaret River, Swan Valley, and here. The menu changes regularly depending on the availability of seasonal produce. Marron (a local crustacean) is a specialty, presented in various manners, especially a poached version with pea risotto. Desserts are tapas-style, encouraging shared tastings. Weekend breakfast features a triple layer pyramid of various ingredients; more of a brunch offering. The modern glass-fronted restaurant faces directly on to Claisebrook Inlet, with the Swan River 50m (164 ft.) away, and the Holmes à Court Gallery is right next door. There’s an extensive wine list, with the option to take away the Lamont family wines, at cellar door prices.

Jackson’s

admin — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:48:01 +0000

Understated contemporary design and ambience only help to emphasize the quality of the food here. Chef Neil Jackson has a loyal clientele, and a host of awards for his ability to bring out the best in local produce, with some quirky touches based partly on his English background. This place is a short distance out of town but worth the trip. The menu changes seasonally but with a reputation for duck dishes and soufflés, both sweet and savory. His degustation menu, called “the dego,” offers nine courses, with suggested matching wines. Friday and Saturday are booked out weeks ahead, and diners are warned “this food may contain traces of nuts, love, quality produce, and passion!”

Fraser’s

admin — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:47:23 +0000

What a sensational view! You look past spiky grass trees and towering lemon-scented gums to Perth’s panoply of skyscrapers and the Swan River. Even better, the victuals match the vista. Executive chef Chris Taylor changes the menu daily to focus on the very latest fresh produce, with seafood and fish especially prominent.

This place was awarded a national title for “Best informal dining in Australia” in 2006. “Fraser’s three taste” brings together beef, lobster, and salmon in a great starter, while crisp fried soft shell crabs married with turmeric and pumpkin curry comes as a starter or entree, and whitebait fritters are served with a tamarind sauce. To maximize the view, ask for a seat on the terrace.