The most isolated capital city on earth, and boasting an impressive skyline, Perth has been designed with people in mind. Its attractive malls and elevated walkways make it pleasant to navigate on foot. Having grown up in isolation from Melbourne and Sydney, the city has neither the pretensions nor the hustle and bustle of these eastern Australian cities.

What it does have is a tangible sense of history. Many of Perth's earliest buildings are still standing and its quiet pace of life recalls peaceful former times. But with four universities, a modern, well-designed city centre and a culturally diverse population, Perth manages to project a cosmopolitan atmosphere while at the same time being disarmingly friendly and laid-back.

The Swan River area was occupied by Australian Aborigines for at least 50,000 years prior to the British settlers, who proclaimed the new colony in June 1829, led by Captain James Stirling. With convict labour, the colony prevailed over harsh conditions and Perth was declared a city in 1871. Thousands of immigrants flooded into the area during the Gold Rush of the 1850s, to the rich gold fields of Kalgoorlie. Post-World War II immigration swelled Perth's population. Amongst its 1.4 million people are migrants from the UK, New Zealanders, Italians, Malaysians, Indians and South Africans.

Perth is bustling with activity and offers a full choice of souvenir shops, theatre performances and water activities on the Swan River, such as jet-skiing, surfcatting and river cruises.

The port city of Fremantle, lying just to the south of Perth, is a popular spot, particularly at weekends, when you can find markets, cafes and plenty of outdor entertainment.