Perth is the capital of Western Australia. But how much do you actually know about it? Everyone (well, nearly everyone) knows where it is, and probably how to get there. Like most places, though, it has a long history, and along the way has accumulated a lengthy list of titles, rumors, and facts. I have delved through those rumors, separated the innuendo, and put together my list of 10 amazing facts about Perth!
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Table of Contents
- #1 Perth is home to the largest inland park in the world
- #2 Perth has its very own Marsupial
- #3 It is closer to Bali than Canberra
- #4 Perth has more sunshine than any other Australian Capital
- #5 It is known as The City of Lights
- #6 Western Australia is the size of Western Europe
- #7 Perth is one of the most isolated cities in the world
- #8 You could once walk to Rottnest Island
- #9 Perth is home to a Royal set of 14th Century Bells
- #10 Perth is FULL of millionaires
#1 Perth is home to the largest inland park in the world
That’s right! Kings Park, which sits proudly beside the Swan River within stones throw of the CBD, is actually the largest inland park IN THE WORLD. It is larger than Central Park in New York, and Hyde Park in London. Now, that’s one of the facts about Perth that most people don’t know!
In size, it covers over 400 hectares, and is home to the War Memorial, Tennis Club, a reservoir, and more plants and flowers than you could poke a stick at!
#2 Perth has its very own Marsupial
Rottnest Island, which lies just off the coast of Perth and Fremantle, is home to the cutest and friendliest little animal called the Quokka. To make it even better, it is the only place in the world that they can be found.
A Quokka is only small, about the size of an average house cat, in fact. But, it has become extremely popular with visitors who love to get a photo with the creature that has been dubbed the “happiest animal on Earth” due to its natural smile!
#3 It is closer to Bali than Canberra
Ever wonder why there are SO many people from Perth in Bali? Simple. It is because Bali is actually closer to Perth than Canberra, the capital of its own country!
To get from Perth to Bali, it is just over 3 hrs in a plane. To get to Canberra or Sydney, you are looking at cramming into that economy class seat for well over 4 hours.
Bali here we come!
#4 Perth has more sunshine than any other Australian Capital
It’s true!
It’s one of the common facts about Perth that it averages over 8 hours sunshine per day all year round. There is no wonder that the locals live at the beach. In fact, the outdoor lifestyle is iconic to Perth, and with the amazing parks, gardens, beaches and weather, it’s no surprise!
#5 It is known as The City of Lights
When astronaut John Glenn passed over Western Australia on his first orbit of the Earth in 1962, he remarked how the city’s street lights lit up the surrounding darkness. It was so visible, that Perth was immediately dubbed “The City of Lights”.
#6 Western Australia is the size of Western Europe
Now, this is not technically a Perth fact, but is interesting so I thought I would include it!
Many visitors to Australia don’t realize exactly how big it is, even when they are there. Consider this though. The STATE of Western Australia is roughly the same size as the entire Western Europe! Most of it is desert and sand, but still, it makes sense why Perth is SO far from the rest of Australia.
#7 Perth is one of the most isolated cities in the world
It is often reported that Perth is the most isolated capital city in the world. Technically, this isn’t true. That title actually goes to Honolulu.
It IS rather impressive, though, that Perth comes in as a close second, and that it isn’t actually sitting on an island in the middle of the Pacific. You can actually drive to the nearest other capital. Even if it DOES take a few days….
#8 You could once walk to Rottnest Island
It may have been 5000 years ago, but apparently you could once walk to Rottnest Island. These days, you have to catch the ferry.
It makes sense though. I know many, (not me), that have done the annual Rottnest Island swim. This involves hundreds of people that for some reason like to challenge themselves by swimming from Fremantle to Rottnest. From their eyewitness accounts, for most of the swim you can actually see the bottom! Now that’s shallow….
#9 Perth is home to a Royal set of 14th Century Bells
The iconic Bell Tower on the Swan River in Perth is actually home to an authentic set of 14th century bells. There are 18 bells in total inside the tower, 14 of which once belonged in the St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, the parish church of Buckingham Palace in Trafalgar Square, London.
These were donated to Western Australia for the 1988 Bicentennial Celebrations. They now chime away all day and can be heard throughout the city.
#10 Perth is FULL of millionaires
Due to the local mining industry, and in recent times the mining boom, Perth is actually home to more self made millionaires per capita than any other city in the world. It’s no wonder that it costs so much to buy a beer!
So there you have my 10 amazing facts about Perth. There are probably more, but also probably not as interesting as most of these…
Are you interested in more FACTS articles? Check out my Facts about Bali HERE, Italy HERE, or Facts about Jakarta, Indonesia HERE.
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