10 reasons why Perth is truly awesome

With its laidback vibe, brilliant sunsets, great weather and amazing foodie and music scene, Perth offers an excellent alternative to the more popular cities of Australia’s east coast. With thousands of miles of coastline to the north and south, Perth is the ideal base from which to explore the natural wonders of Western Australia, while the city itself is currently undergoing an intensive rejuvenation with new opportunities to enjoy the Perth lifestyle every month. Perhaps that is why for the last ten years it has been ranked by the Economist as one of the top 10 most liveable cities in the world?

Whether you enjoy a backyard barbie with friends, picnicking on the beach, stuffing yourself silly on food truck fare, attending the wide array of cultural festivals, tasting the latest vintage in the Swan Valley, or exploring the thrift stores of Fremantle and Guildford, Perth offers a fantastic mix of vibrant city life.

With so much to see and do, Perth is a pretty cool place to live. We’ve put some of the top 10 reasons why into this handy list:

1. The western gateway to Oz

Living in Perth means you’re really close to Asia. In fact it’s quicker to fly to Bali than it is to Sydney! Thankfully, “the world’s most isolated city” is a misguided label for Perth which offers excellent air links to Australia, Asia and beyond at affordable prices, so it’s an excellent hub to rack up some frequent flyer miles and explore the region. 

2. #foodenvy

Did we mention the food? With more restaurants per capita than any other city in Australia, Perth has transformed into a food mecca. The range of culinary delights in Perth reflect the cultural diversity of the Perth population who hail from more than 200 countries across the world.

Perth has something for all tastes and budgets, check out the Cheap Eats list here for inspiration!

3. Beautiful beaches

With 19 stunning beaches in Perth alone, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Indian Ocean in the city with the most sunlight hours in Australia. Don’t miss Cottesloe beach, Perth’s most popular beach pictured below, which is transformed into a free outdoor art gallery every March. From snorkelling to surfing, fishing to chilling with friends, Perth’s beaches are a little slice of heaven with fresh air, clean white sandy beaches, beautiful clear water and stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean.

4. Bling thing

You might not know it, but Perth has the highest population per capita of self-made millionaires. It’s a great place to live if you’re an entrepreneur and/or into bling. The Argyle mine is the world’s largest producer of diamonds while the Kalgoorlie mine is the Australia’s largest producer of gold. The Perth Mint is also the oldest operating mint in the world – that’s a lot of dollah!

5. Park life

Perth is home to King’s Park, one of the largest inner city parks in the world. Rich in Aboriginal and European history, King’s Park houses the State War memorial, plus flora that is native to Western Australia as well as panoramic views of treetops, the Swan River and the Darling Range. There’s also picturesque Queen’s Garden, officially opened in 1899, the park is home to water lily-filled lakes, ornamental lakes and bridges, immaculate gardens and a replica Peter Pan statue from Kensington Gardens in London. From manicured gardens to wildlife parks where you can get up close and person with our furry locals, to marine parks for the aquatic minded, Perth has something to offer for everyone.

6. La musique

Western Australia’s music scene has a reputation of being one of Australia’s strongest and has produced rock legends ACDC, psych-rock band Tame Impala and roots band John Butler Trio to name a few. There are a range of live music venues where you can catch local bands, as well a national and international acts, from the underground Jazz Cellar where you enter through a phonebooth to the trendy yet grimey small bar venue The Bird, Perth Arena which has won awards for its unique architecture and design to Jack Rabbit Slims a venue inspired by Pulp Fiction.

7. Wine time

Swan Valley, 30mins east of Perth, is Western Australia’s oldest wine region and Perth’s premium food and wine destination.  With over 40 different award-winning wineries and breweries, places to indulge in cheese and chocolate, two national parks (Walyunga National Park and Avon Valley National Park), the historic Swan Valley Heritage Trail and various fine dining restaurants in fabulous settings, the Swan Valley ticks a whole load of boxes – whether you are into wine or not.

8. Locked up

History fans and keen culture vultures alike will be pleased to hear that Perth is also home to Western Australia’s only World Heritage listed building. Fremantle Prison, located 30mins south of Perth’s CBD and closed in 1991, is the largest intact convict prison in Australia. The jail was constructed as a prison for convicts between 1851 and 1859. The prison runs free tours daily, night-time torch tours, including a 20meter underground tunnel paddle tour,  and there is also a recently opened a hostel providing short-term accommodation for those in search of a decidedly different and spooky experience.

9. Enjoy the company of the happiest animal on earth

Only found in Western Australia, jump on a ferry and head west to Rottnest Island to meet the furry and friendly marsupials known as quokkas. Inhabited by Aboriginals as far back as 50,000 years ago, today car-free Rotto is a favourite with cyclists and hikers and also for those seeking a quick city escape with 63 snorkelling beaches and the famous Wadjemup walk trail.  

10. A great study destination

Education in Perth is internationally recognised for excellence. Our five universities are world-class and provide qualifications which will take you wherever you want to go. While our range of schools and colleges provide internationally recognised certifications and flexible pathways into tertiary studies. Perhaps that is why more than 56,000 students from around the world choose Perth for their study destination?

An overseas education is more than just study. It should include practical skills, encourage time management, recreation and curiosity, and most importantly it should provide choice. Perth provides a diverse range of programs across a number of institutions, from technical courses to business qualifications and English language certificates, and allows you to take the direction you want at the pace that is right for you. Vacation time and the relative ease of casual employment for students allow you to enjoy our state, get to know its people and experience why it is a top 10 liveable city.

No matter your interests, skills or level of learning, there is a study choice for your future in Perth.

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This article was sponsored by StudyPerth, which works with governments, educational institutions and stakeholders to raise the profile of Perth as an international study destination. StudyPerth provides existing and prospective students with everything they need to know about living and studying in Perth, from cost of living and working opportunities to visa and accommodation information. Its members include Western Australia’s five world-class universities, plus numerous vocational education providers, primary and secondary schools, and English language colleges – both from the public and private sectors. Ninety-two percent of the more than 56,000 international student enrolments in Western Australia each year are hosted by one of StudyPerth’s member institutions.