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Take a trip to Perth, Australia

As the world's most remote capital city, the Western Australian city of Perth occupies an enviable position on the south-west coast of Australia. Adelaide, the nearest city with a population over a million, is 1,300 miles away, while Singapore is nearer than Sydney. The vast distance from other Australian cities has ensured that Perth has developed its own personality, combining the relaxed charms of the beach with the cosmopolitan lifestyle of big-city living.

The city
Founded in 1929 on the River Swan, Perth is Australia's fourth largest city. With its elegant of Federation architecture, modern skyscrapers and miles of sandy beaches, Perth offers something for all visitors. The cosmopolitan shopping and business district provide top notch restaurants in an exciting atmosphere, while those looking for a relaxing day can head to one of the city's many beaches and green spaces.

Getting around
It's possible to explore the city centre and area around Perth by taking a river cruise on the River Swan. A ferry service also operates on the river, connecting the Perth Esplanade with the South Perth foreshore.

In the central area of Perth, a fleet of small buses known as CATs (Central Area Transit System) provide free transport around the city, while regular buses enable transport to the wider metropolitan areas.

The city is also currently working on moving its train line underground, which will allow for faster travel.

Beach life and nature
With average temperatures between 15 degrees and 33 degrees Celsius throughout the year, it's not surprising that Perth has developed a reputation as a beach city. Scarborough and Brighton beaches, located less than 20 minutes from Perth's Central Business District, as well Cotteslow beach, are among Perth's most popular sandy locations.

Strolling along the River Swan or dropping by one of the city's green spaces such as Kings Park and Botanical Gardens also offers visitors the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Animal lovers should check out a Perth Zoo which is home to hundreds of native and foreign species, while the city also offers visitors an excellent base for exploring Western Australia's natural and cultural experiences.

Festivals and cultural activities
Cultural lovers will find a wealth of enlightening activities in Perth.

The annual Perth International Arts festival, which is due to take place between February 5th and March 1st, 2010, is the country's oldest and largest arts event. As well as theatre and film, the festival also hosts literature, dance and music events.

At the Perth Mint, visitors can discover Australia's oldest operational mint, while set amid the skyscrapers London Court offers the opportunity to explore a traditional Perth street.

Getting a bargain
Perth city and Fremantle shopping precincts are full of top-end designers, one-off pieces and bargains. Visitors will soon be able to avail of newly-announced longer trading hours, ensuring there is enough time to get some of Perth's top purchases, which include sheepskin products and jewellery items made from gold nuggets, Argyle diamonds, Australian opals and Broome pearls.

Sporting events
Like the rest of Australia, sport is big in Perth. The BMW-Perth Cup, Western Australia's answer to the Melbourne Cup, is held annually in January and draws thousands of visitors. Although the horse-racing event is not as famous as its rival, it is regarded as Australia's toughest test for thoroughbred horses. Visitors can enjoy a flutter on the horses or spent the day in the party zone called Tentland, with a cocktail in hand.

Other sporting events include the Hopman Cup, a seven day tennis tournament, taking place in January and the Johnnie Walker Classic, due to be held in February 2010.ADNFCR-2328-ID-19754334-ADNFCR
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