« Click on a state in Australia to read more about the capital cities. WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Perth, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Perth is the capital of Western Australia and, with a population of approximately 1.5 million, is Australia’s fourth largest city. Western Australia is the nation’s largest state—about the size of Western Europe—but much of the state is desert, so the total state population is only about 2 million.

The weather in Perth is hot and dry in summer and mild and moist in winter. The maximum winter temperature rarely falls below 16 degrees Celsius. A reliable sea breeze called the Fremantle Doctor cools the city from the south west.

The city is a base for much of the Australian military and industry in the west. Western Australia is the leading supplier of bulk ores for the world aluminium and steel industries, as well as mining nickel, titanium, rare earths, gold and diamonds. Perth provides a headquarters for many of these mining companies.

Perth has a large middle class contingent and a relaxed suburban lifestyle. The city is isolated from the eastern states (it has been named the most remote major city on earth) and is, in fact, closer to Jakarta (Indonesia) than it is to Canberra. This is reflected in the population, who hail from all corners of the globe including New Zealand, Eastern and Western Europe, South East Asia and Africa (mainly from South Africa and Zimbabwe), as well as Perth’s many Aboriginal residents.

Perth’s main cultural contribution to Australia in recent times has been on the music scene. Named as the ‘new Seattle of music’, Perth is home to many of Australia’s best known music acts of the moment. The West Australian Symphony Orchestra provides music of a more orchestral slant and West Australian Opera is also well known and respected.

[top of page]