Perth: Into the blue

Stop for a drink or snack at the iconic Indiana Teahouse (pictured) which sits almost on the white sands of Cottesloe Beach. Photo / Thinkstock

After the hustle and bustle of Australia's big guns Sydney and Melbourne, Perth feels like a breath of fresh, clean air, writes Kerri Jackson.

Perth is green and blue. That was a surprise. Given the city is essentially surrounded by desert on three sides, I'd expected something more akin to other stereotypical Australian dustbowl towns.

But that is to forget the gorgeous, thirst-quenching meanderings of the vast Swan River, so wide in parts that Perth feels like a harbour city.

In fact it's not dissimilar in size and pace to Auckland and after the hustle and bustle of Australia's big guns Sydney and Melbourne, Perth feels like a breath of fresh, clean air. But on this visit, time is short, so how to make the most of Perth with just 24 hours before the flight out?

The first place to head to get a sense of the city's lush prettiness is King's Park and Botanic Garden. Sprawled over more than 400ha on a hill just 1.5km from the city centre, King's Park affords breathtaking views of this very picturesque city. It's packed with native trees and swarming with more than 80 species of native birds.

The park is also full of maps and signposts to help you get around, and there's a lot to occupy your time. Follow one of the walkways through the park, take a guided walk, enjoy the shops and cafes or climb the 101-step DNA tower, from which, on a clear day you can see all the way to the coast. Once you've had your fill of the park, you could venture through one of Perth's shopping sectors such as the central Hay St and Murray St malls.

Or make your way to Perth Railway Station in the central city, and take the 30-minute train ride to Fremantle.

Before you arrive in the small historic sea-side town though, hop off the train at Cottesloe Beach which is an easy 10-minute walk from the railway station. The detour is worth it for the white sands and warm waters of the Indian Ocean. If you're able - and bookings are essential - stop for a drink or snack at the iconic, Indiana Teahouse which sits almost on the sand.

The beautiful arch-windowed stucco building, is also a great vantage point from which to view possibly some of the most consistently grand sunsets in the world.

Further down the train line, the pretty colonial town of Fremantle awaits.

Fremantle is possibly best known to New Zealanders as the site of the infamous and historic 1987 America's Cup battle, but has a lot to offer even non-sailors. Located at the mouth of the Swan, the town, just 20km from Perth, is the perfect spot to while away hot summer days.

It's home to some beautifully restored and maintained historic buildings including the Fremantle Prison, the railway station the Round House settler precinct, and several museums. If shopping is more your thing, Fremantle also features a large number of great boutiques from local designers and the town's seaside streets are lined with restaurants.

If you want to enter the spirit of the place though, fish and chips on the harbour jetty with a beer seems like a pretty good idea.

If you time it right, you can race back to the train for the spectacular Indian Ocean sunset and the end of a great day in WA.

FACT FILE

Getting around: Perth has a great public transport system. Inside the city limits there are several free CAT buses that loop around key landmarks and railway stations. If venturing further out, the easiest way is by train.

Eating out: Your best bet for bars and restaurants is to head out of the CBD into one of the suburbs such as Mt Lawley, Leederville or Victoria Park. Or there's the Burswood Casino complex that offers a range of dining options to go with the great views of the river and city. Some suggestions: Lincoln's Cafe, Highgate; Soto, Mt Lawley; Must Wine Bar, Mt Lawley; The Red Teapot, Northbridge; Greek Taverna, Northbridge; Aubergine, South Fremantle; Shanghai Sheds, Fremantle; Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle.

Staying longer? If you have more than 24 hours at your disposal there are many other great sightseeing and activity options in and around Perth.

* Take a day trip out to Rottnest Island - a great summer beach spot - with ferries leaving from both Perth and Fremantle.

* Take a 20-minute drive north-east of the city into the Swan Valley, one of the oldest wine regions in Western Australia, particularly famous for its quality muscats and ports.

Getting There
Fly there with Air New Zealand Book now

Find out more at Australia.com