Perth and Surrounds

Most of Western Australia’s 1.8 million people live in the greater metropolitan area of Perth, the state's capital, of which the City of Perth forms the center. Perth City Centre is situated alongside the peaceful waters of the Swan River. St Georges’ Terrace is in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD), the commercial core of Perth. “The Terrace” is the home of big businesses, grand hotels, elegant cafes and some of Perth’s most historic buildings, neighbouring modern skyscrapers.

Originally Perth was located for the safe inland position during colonial times, while the river provided an excellent means for transporting supplies from the coastal port to the fledgling colony. Much of Perth was originally built using convict labour and can still be seen today in some of Perth's remaining historic buildings. These days however, the river and surrounding area provides a scenic outlook for the city of Perth as well as a place for recreational activities.

Ancient beginnings Australia's first inhabitants were Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. They are believed to have arrived in migratory waves from south east Asia between 40,000 and 150,000 years ago, making Australia one of the oldest continents in the world both geologically and in terms of continuous human history. Australia's indigenous people now make up only 1.5 percent of Australia's total population, with approximately two thirds living in cities and towns and the balance living in rural and remote areas and some of these people maintain a traditional way of life.

The area around the city has significant historical meaning to the Aborigines of the region, and according to Aboriginal folklore the Swan River was created by a large mythical snake known as the Waggyl, which slithered its way through the area creating the bends and gullies which shaped the river. In winter, the rains came and filled the empty channel with water, and the river we know today as "The Swan" came to be.

For attractions and sightseeing, visit Attractions Perth.