Founded in 1829 on the banks of the Swan River, Perth's fortunes received a substantial boost in the 1890's when gold was discovered at Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie to the east.
Today Perth is a scenic and sophisticated city, renowned for its abundant sunshine, relaxed lifestyle and easy-going manner.
Perth's modern skyline blends with magnificent colonial architecture, housing excellent retail outlets particularly around Hay and Murray streets and the malls running between them. King Street, a historic and lovingly restored commercial precinct, is known for its fashion houses, cafes, art galleries and specialist bookstores.
