Perth

In recent years Perth has been transformed from a sleepy backwater to a vibrant international city. The large numbers of Asian and Indian immigrants have swelled the population and added to the diversity and sense of culture. Perth is an unashamedly youthful city and whilst it lacks the glamour of Sydney or the sense of history of Adelaide it has its own unique charms.

So what to see?

Depending upon your budget here are some Lazyshark suggestions on how to spend your time and Australian dollars whilst you're there:

Money to burn?

Swan River - A great way to see Perth is from the river. We hired a small motor boat and careered around the many smaller waterways and coves.

Margaret River - Depending upon your budget there are many vineyards to visit and wines to sample.

Science Museum - One of my memories of the museum is attending a special exhibition they had in the run-up to the Sydney Olympics. They allowed you to pit yourself against Olympic greats (although naturally with an Australian slant!) in boxing, rowing and long jump. I'm sure they have just as good exhibitions on presently...

Restaurants - Many great culinary establishments in Perth. One way of making it more of an experience is to take a ferry from Central Perth to Matilda Bay where there is a strip of restaurants across the bay with great views of Perth's skyscrapers (and the food isn't half bad either!)

Rottnest Island - A short ferry ride from Hilary's Boat Harbour in north Perth, Freemantle in the south or Barrack Street jetty in the city centre, Rottnest Island is where the locals go to cycle. A picturesque island with many quaint bays the best way around is by bike. This differs somewhat to friends we have who live in Perth who view Rottnest as a party island, somewhere to go over for the day, have a barby and a few beers and play "quocca soccer".

On a shoestring?

Royal Botanic Gardens - On a hill overlooking the bay with fantastic views. Large and well maintained botanic gardens. Free entry.

The Perth Mint - A collection of the largest number of gold nuggets uncovered in Australia is one of its many charming and unusual exhibits.

The Pinnacles - Look into the many backpacker tours that take you south of Perth. You can often combine The Pinnacles, Rainforest Walk and Margaret River in order to stick within a tight budget.

Art Gallery of Western Australia - Free entry (apart from the Special exhibitions). Not all of it was top quality but lots of hidden gems for all you art enthusiasts out there.

Freemantle Market - On every Friday until Sunday. It is nice to get a tram down to this bohemian district of Perth, have a wander and soak up the atmosphere. In the evenings the district of "Freeo" comes alive with bars and nightspots.