Perth: City of many colors

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sun, 09/24/2006 9:16 AM  |  Life

Jessalynn Sukamto, Grade 10, Gandhi Memorial Int'l School

In the Southern Hemisphere, delineated by the Indian, Southern and Pacific Oceans, is the smallest continent on this Earth, the Commonwealth of Australia.

Claimed by the British in 1770, Australia is, both in terms of continuous human history and geology, one of the most venerable continents in the world, having been inhabited by the human population for a span of more than 42,000 years.

Australia's initial populace had comprised of the Aborigines, followed by some Torres Strait Islanders, but today, an assortment of various races can be found residing in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria -- the six states found within the land mass.

'Wildflower' capital

Western Australia, the state well known to its residents as the ""Wildflower State"", is the largest of the six states, boasting the Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos manglesii) as its floral emblem. Its capital city, Perth, is the fourth largest city in Australia with a recorded number of 1.47 million residents as of June 2005 and an area of 5,386 square kilometers.

Perth is essentially a coastal city contiguous to the Indian Ocean, located in the southern side of Western Australia.

Situated on the Swan River, which is so called after the profuse number of black swans upon the water, Perth is a conurbation that experiences four seasons: summer (December-February), autumn (March-May), winter (June-August) and spring (September-November).

Summers in Perth are often parched, and therefore visiting beaches during this phase is not recommended, at least not for long hours. Temperatures often reach their zenith somewhere in February.

Autumn poses more favorable weather, as it imparts a cooler, windier weather when compared to summer, although climates can still be said to be slightly warm. However, temperatures start falling toward the end of May to make way for the coming winter.

For those who are habituated to tropical climates, strong winds in mid-June may already cause chills, though for civilians who are already conversant with the weather, winter does not arrive before the month of July. In July, temperatures often hit freezing depths, their nadir being 0 degrees Centigrade.

It is common for hailstorms to occur during winter, especially in July, and one could expect hailstorms at least once or twice every winter season. During this season, most would prefer to stay at home, except for buying groceries or going to school. Parks are often desolated, as robust winds often pierce through clothing and sting the skin.

Spring can be referred to as the most pleasant season of the year, for not only is the weather cool and auspicious, the air also tends to smell of blooming flowers, as roads and houses are often filled with flowering plants and verdure.

To some, Perth is a very relaxing place to stay in, with its quiet environment that reverberate with amity. The roads are never packed, and you are seldom to find yourself wedged in a traffic jam.

It is the perfect vacation spot for the elderly and/or nonchalant, as it encompasses many parks where long pristine walks can be taken along with morning/evening jogs, in addition to golf courses to enjoy some undemanding sports. Parks are literally found almost everywhere you go in Perth; however, Kings Park is one which you should not miss.

Leisurely outings

Situated along Fraser Avenue on Mt. Eliza, Kings Park comprises 400 hectares of parkland and gardens housing 250 species of plants and about 100 species of indigenous animals in its Western Australian Botanic Garden. Here, families get a chance to experience once-in-a-lifetime picnics and barbecues overlooking the serene Swan River, endowed by a breathtaking sunset along with panoramic views of the entire city. On certain days, the skies become painted by pyrotechnics.

Several historical memorials can also be found within these grounds, placed to venerate patriotic heroes, important personalities such as King Edward VII and King George V, and Anzacs, as well as soldiers of other wars. Tourists from all around the world often come during spring to witness the colorful things Kings Park has to offer.

Other places worth visiting would be AQWA, the Aquarium of Western Australia, where an array of rare marine creatures lie in wait for you to see, and the Perth Mint, established in 1899, where you can see how coins and medallions are manufactured and witness a gold pouring demonstration.

A unique venue is Tumbulgum Farm, located 40 minutes south of Perth, where you can observe Aboriginal Culture Shows, hand-feed kangaroos, sheep, goats and emus, and watch the Australian traditions of horseback mustering and sheep shearing. Visitors can also milk cows, enjoy a hay ride, watch an audio-visual presentation of Aboriginal dancing and didgeridoo, and much more.

A visit to Lake Monger may also do you some good, as the area is distinguished as the number-one spot for watching black swans, geese, ducks, pelicans and other birds.

An outing to Perth Zoo down in Labouchere Road in South Perth would also be an exhilarating encounter, especially for children. The zoo confers close-up observation of Australian wildlife, fauna from the African savanna, and Asian rainforest flora and fauna.

Picnics can also be enjoyed on the wide lawns provided or one could simply eat in the cafe.

Heritage and vintage

However, if you're looking for antiques, you can try visiting The Swan Bells at the Barrack Square, a gift granted by the Parish of St. Martin in the Field of London to commemorate the Australian Bicentennial. Home to 18 sonorous bells, The Swan Bell Tower, calculated at a height of 82.5 meters, is considered the largest ringing contraption in the world with its green glass spire, bordered by copper vanes.

Inside, the tower provides an in-depth review of the history of the bells and you can also catch a glimpse of the spectacular view of Perth and the Swan River. The Old Mill in South Perth, hidden away between the freeway and the Swan River, is one of the city's oldest historical landmarks built in 1835, and once you've entered the ingress, you'll feel as if you've been transported into another epoch when Perth was scarcely materializing as a protectorate.

Another place where you can step back in time is the WA Museum, which displays anthologies of various kinds, namely those that reflect the mores of Australian Aborigines.

You'll find giant meteorites, dinosaur fossils, the Old Gaol -- Perth's oldest colonial gaol (jail) of Georgian design -- and many other relics of a bygone era.

For those who fancy cars and motorcycles, a trip down to the Fremantle Motor Museum, positioned on the harbor of Swan River, would unveil one of the world's premium private collections of cars and motorcycles and several other eye-catching shows.

If you are not one for culture, history, sight-seeing, bird-watching or the countryside, Perth is also packed with many places to visit where active and adventurous individuals are sure to experience the thrill of their lives.

Island adventures

Located towards the north of Perth, The Stables Yanchep is one of the many gripping experiences you'll ever undergo. Here, you will be able to take horse rides without the worry of being maimed as they provide horses that are well-trained and are suitable for both mavens and novices.

However, if you're looking for something more unique and stimulating, a further 54.4-kilometer drive from Yanchep, a total of 2.5 hours' drive from Perth, would direct you to Lancelin.

Those who enjoy surfing or snowboarding will indubitably embrace the brainchild of ""sand-surfing"", an activity congruent with the desert-like environment in Lancelin. There, you'll find sand dunes of differing heights from which you can slide down with specialized boards.

If you prefer the marine rather than the terrestrial, you should visit the Rockingham Dolphins, where you will get a chance to interact with neighboring wild dolphins in their natural milieu. You can snorkel in the tranquil, pellucid waters of Rockingham and swim with amiable, gregarious bottlenose dolphins -- or you can stay on your boat and observe them from the viewing platform and listen to the captivating array of sounds made by the dolphins through an underwater microphone.

Penguin Island, positioned within the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, is only 45 minutes way from Perth and is one of the top vacation spots of all time. The island showcases stunning littoral panorama and diverse wildlife, being home to the largest penguin colony on the west coast and to over 30 species of birds.

Penguin Island may have gotten its name due to the vast amount of little fairy penguins found there. This gathering of fairy penguins is said to be the largest throughout the whole of Western Australia, and they come to the island in search for food and for propagating. You may also find rescued and/or rehabilitated penguins within the Island Discovery Centre inside a viewing enclosure.

From Penguin Island, you can also pay a visit to one of its neighboring islands, Seal Island: a domicile to an assemblage of a rare, endangered species known as the Australian sea lions. If you're lucky, you might see a cluster of visiting dolphins frisking in the equable waters of the Indian Ocean.

Rottnest Island is also one of the many celebrated destination spots for both locals and vacationers. Located just 18 kilometers from maritime Fremantle, Rottnest Island is filled with captivating sceneries and includes some of the world's most outstanding beaches and bays of all time. Unblemished by the hand of modern civilization, the island is renowned for its spectacular underwater vista, seen by many while snorkeling, swimming and/or scuba diving.

The waves on some beaches are colossal and are perfect for surfers. Off the island, one could immerse oneself in whale-watching or dolphin-watching.

Beaches, beaches, beaches

If you're not up for ferry rides to distant islands, you can always visit the many sun-drenched beaches of Perth. There are purportedly seven illustrious beaches in the city of Perth: North Cottesloe Beach, City Beach, Floreat Beach, Trigg Island Beach, Sorrento Beach, Scarborough Beach and Cottesloe Beach. These seven beaches are the unsurpassed hot-spots spread throughout the coastal area of the city, and most are usually safe for swimming.

Trigg Island Beach is a popular surfer's destination in Perth as it imparts magnificent waves. However, this beach is dangerous for inexperienced swimmers and children, as a perilous area known among locals as the ""Bluehole"" exists.

This area consists of a perpetual rip along the southern edge of a cluster of jagged rocks, therefore posing a potential risk for swimmers to be swept away and smashed onto the rocks.

Of all the seven beaches, Scarborough Beach is the most eminent, due to its beach-side cafes and the bravura Rendezvous Observation City resort. Scarborough Beach is also a very good surfing site, with sunbathing and paddling as some of its primary attractions. Nevertheless, what all these beaches have in common is that they are also all fishing locations.

Fishing is a fantastic activity to enjoy in Perth, especially during the tepid months of November to March, when the Swan River becomes estuarine, prompting numerous local marine species to enter its waters to feed.

The beaches are also excellent places to go angling, but chances are, the only thing you'll catch is fish and not much else; the Swan River normally offers a much wider range of marine creatures.

Fishing is a great way to spend quality time with your family and Blackwall Beach is an easily accessible beach that is safe for youngsters. At most angling sites, you will get the privilege to choose whether you'd like to fish by boat or from the shore.

The river species you are most likely to catch are breams, cobblers, flatheads, flounders, herrings, skipjacks, and tailors. Crabs and prawns can also be caught, though they are more abundant during the summer. None of these creatures require licenses to catch. A popular crabbing location is at the Peel Inlet in Mandurah, which is 50 minutes away from Perth and is a place frequently visited during the summers.

Seeing as how Perth is bursting with many localities to visit and the many sensations you can experience, it is no wonder that many who have gone to Perth have given the city a name of its own.

Astronaut John Glenn called Perth the ""City of Lights"" after his momentous flyover in 1962, while Dennis Connor, an America's Cup skipper, referred to it as ""Isolation City"".

Notwithstanding the appellations given by other people, I, for one, refer to Perth simply as ""My Hometown"", for it is the place where I spent all of my childhood and a place where I felt safe, secure and cherished.

Therefore, I would say that Perth is definitely a city of many colors: a different perception for each individual, a different experience for each family, but the same city nonetheless, painted by the kaleidoscope of color that makes Perth a truly unique city of its own.

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