Neighborhoods in Brief

City Center The central business district (CBD) is home to offices, shops, and department stores. It has a modest collection of 19th-century heritage buildings, especially the convict-built Government House and Town Hall. A good introduction to Perth's charms is to take in the views from the pathway that skirts the river along Riverside Drive. Within walking distance is Kings Park & Botanic Garden.

Northbridge Most of Perth's nightclubs, and a good many of its cool restaurants, bars, and cafes, are in this 5-block precinct north of the railway line. It's within easy walking distance of the city center, or take the free Blue CAT buses. The rough boundaries are William, James, Aberdeen, and Parker streets. The Cultural Centre is here too, with the Western Australian Museum, Art Gallery of Western Australia, State Library, and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts.

Subiaco This well-heeled inner suburb is on the other side of Kings Park. Take a stroll through "Subi's" villagelike concoction of restaurants, cafes, markets, boutiques, antiques shops, pubs, and galleries. Most of the action is near the intersection of Hay Street and Rokeby (pronounced Rock-er-bee) Road, with the Subiaco Hotel and Art Deco Regal Theatre on opposing corners. Take the train to Subiaco station.

Fremantle Not only is "Freo" a working port, it's also Perth's second city heart, and a favorite weekend spot to eat, drink, shop, and sail. A 1980s restoration of Victorian warehouses and hotels turned Freo into a marvelous example of a 19th-century seaport, although a takeover of many buildings by Notre Dame University has taken away some of the old vibrancy. Fremantle is 19km (12 miles) downriver, at the mouth of the Swan.

Scarborough Beach This is one of Perth's prize beaches, 12km (7 1/2 miles) north of the city center. The district is a little tatty, with an oversupply of cheap takeout-food outlets, but if you like sun, sand, and surf, this is the place to be. You will find bars, restaurants, and surf-gear rental stores here. Allow 20 to 30 minutes to get here by car, 50 minutes by public transport.

Cottesloe Beach This is another great beach, quieter, safer, and less frenetic than Scarborough, with a protective rocky groyne (jetty) to one side. The surrounding area is very pleasant with grassy slopes, good hotels, and cafes, and the entire suburb is defined by towering Norfolk pines. Allow 20 minutes to get here by car, 30 minutes by bus or train.

Burswood/East Perth These two areas are on opposite sides of the Swan River just upstream of Perth city. Both are on land reclaimed from earlier industrial use, and show enlightened development with parkland, pathways, and artworks. Burswood has major entertainment complexes, a public golf course, and superb gardens. East Perth is mostly modern housing, parks, galleries, and restaurants, based around a river inlet with walkways.