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PerthMost of the two million people who live in Western Australia reside in the sophisticated and scenic state capital. Perth grew on the banks of the Swan River, named after the Scottish city of the same name, and was proclaimed by Queen Victoria as a city in 1856. The discovery of gold in Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie, to the east of the city, in the 1890s led to a dramatic rise in its population and an economic boom. Another boom followed in the 1960s with the mining profits of iron ore and nickel.
Today the city is characterized by numerous waterways, green parks and a compact
central business district. There is plenty to occupy visitors in Perth, from touring the city by tram or bus, enjoying watersports on the Swan River or just sipping a glass of the famous local wine in a riverside or beachside restaurant. Perth has more restaurants per capita than any other Australian city. Not far from the city is Western Australia's oldest wine-growing region, Swan Valley, which welcomes tourists to visit the many award-winning family-owned wineries, which offer alfresco and restaurant meals and cellar tastings.
Perth is also the site of the world's oldest operating mint, and boasts several museums and art galleries, historic buildings, a casino and a good variety of shopping opportunities. Last, but not least, the city offers more than 50 miles (80km) of white sandy beaches in close proximity. Among the most popular are Cottesloe and Scarborough.
Getting Around: Perth has a very efficient and convenient public transport system called Transperth, which operates buses, trains and ferries. Passengers can hop from one to the other on a single ticket, and obtain information on all the services at booths set up for this purpose at strategic points like Plaza Arcade, the railway station and bus stations. Buses in the central area are free (CAT), covering three routes, while suburban bus services and trains link to the outer districts day and night, buses running till 11.30pm and trains until 2am (later in summer). Ferries cross the Swan River between the Barrack Street jetty and Mends Street jetty, sailing between 6.45am and 7.15pm each day, and later on weekends. Fares are based on zones and tickets can be bought from newsagents and vending machines. Metered taxis can be hailed in the street in Perth, found at taxi ranks or booked by telephone. All major car hire companies are represented in Perth and driving in the city poses no problems. Cycling is a popular way to get around, too, and there are designated cycle routes.
KimberleyThe northern part of Western Australia is known as the Kimberley region, one of the world's last great wilderness areas that is three times the size of England, but home to only about 25,000 people. Its remote and rugged landscape characterized by ancient gorges is spectacular. In the Purnululu National Park visitors are drawn to marvel at thousands of huge beehive-shaped mounds striped in orange and black sandstone that rise from the earth and are known as 'the Bungle Bungle'. Another breathtaking site is the Geikie Gorge, bordered by sheer yellow, orange and grey rock walls, which have been shaped by the waters of the Fitzroy River. The main coastal town is Broome, famous for its pearling industry. Visitors can relax on the soft sands of Cable Beach, which extends for 15 miles (24km) and swim in clear turquoise waters. Further north along the coastline there are more attractive white sandy beaches at the Buccaneer Archipelago.
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