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Across the Indian Ocean, or the vast Australian desert, is Perth:
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A modern city of nearly 2 million people.
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The capital of Western Australia follows the Swan River
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from the port of Fremantle to its source in the Darling Range.
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Perth's remoteness gives the city a unique feel
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and many say this is Australia's friendliest metropolis.
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The sunny, clean city is also among the most livable cities in the world.
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The surrounding nature and wealth of mineral resources
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attracts people from all corners of the globe.
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Some say the best thing about Perth is its coastline
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with pristine beaches and clear water.
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Others head straight for the delicious food and wine in the Swan Valley.
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In between is the compact city center,
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with beautiful parks and fun attractions.
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Perth's cityscape shows a mix of styles,
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from towering Art Deco to the cozy Tudor-inspired London Court.
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Modern glass offices and limestone facades reflect the sky and the earth,
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as well as the future and the past.
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For a birds-eye view of it all,
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make your way to the top of the iconic Swan Bell Tower.
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Nearby Kings Park is where the first explorers found a natural spring
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and is still a place for discovery.
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You could spend all day in this inner-city haven,
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which is larger than New York's Central Park.
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Walk through the Botanic Gardens and pause at monuments and remarkable trees.
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Browse the downtown Art Gallery of Western Australia
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to witness the development of the state through art:
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From the early days of farming and wool trade
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to the establishment of the Swan River Colony in 1829.
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Soon after settlement,
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the state's first botanists started to grow grapes on the water's edge
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and Western Australia is now a world-famous wine region.
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Take a day trip out to the Swan Valley
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if you have a nose for quality produce.
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The area is full of boutique wineries,
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so take your time to find your preferred Chardonnay or Pinot Noir!
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Many of the early farmers caught gold fever in the late 19th century.
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Tour the Royal Mint to see the largest gold coin ever made
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and admire some of the greatest gold nuggets from the region.
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Crikey, imagine finding THAT!
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Perth's present-day treasure is Cottlesloe Beach and the best thing is:
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it is right on the city's doorstep.
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Rent a board and join the locals on the perfects waves.
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Visit the Western Australia Museum
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to learn about the state's archeological treasures
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and amazing marine environment.
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See the real thing in the aquarium in Hillary's Boat Harbour.
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Just outside,
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the Sorrento Quay boardwalk is a great place for a sunset dinner.
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From the harbour, or the Barracks downtown,
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take the ferry to Rottnest Island.
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"Rotto" has long been the favorite weekend getaway
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for Perth's city dwellers.
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Snorkel in the warm Indian Ocean and walk along the stunning coastline.
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Keep your camera ready for surprising wildlife encounters!
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Western Australia has plenty of riches to share
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and as the state capital,
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Perth has turned dust into gold.
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If you love surf, sand and sun and a little solitude,
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Perth is waiting to be discovered.