Perth
The first recorded sighting by Europeans of Western Australia was in October
1616, when the Dutch navigator Dirk Hartog landed at Shark Bay, near Carnarvon.
Von Edels discovered land a little further south in 1618, while, in 1619,
Frederick Houtman sighted small rocky islands off the coast near Geraldton and
named them Abrolhos, meaning 'lookout'.
British authorities settled at the Swan River in 1828 and on May 2 1829, HMS
Challenger commander Captain Charles Fremantle raised the British flag at the
head of the Swan River and proudly took possession of the territory. Captain
James Stirling arrived during the following month on his ship "Parmelia" and
with settlers in tow, founded Perth at a site near the present town hall on
August 12, 1829.
The Swan River colony experienced initial difficulties including a shortage
of labour, financial problems and poor communication. To cope with such
problems, the British Government sent convicts to Western Australia from 1850 to
1868 to assist with development.
Offset by the vast tranquil waters of the Swan River, the beautiful city of
Perth is a tourist's delight. Modern and vibrant, it contrasts with its historic
counterpart - the port city of Fremantle accessible within 20 minutes by car
from Perth.
Tourists commonly refer to Perth as the "friendly city", and famous notables
have also renamed the city after their personal experiences. Astronaut John
Glenn called Perth the "City of Lights" after his historic flyover in 1962 and
victorious America's Cup skipper Dennis Connor referred to it as the "most
isolated city in the world".
Most paint Perth as bright, fun, friendly and "laid back" (relaxing) but
visitors to the city can be sure to find their own descriptions after their
holiday.Whet your appetite with a day on the Swan River, a picnic to the Darling
Ranges, a visit to a vineyard or a stroll around Perth or Fremantle. From
outdoors to indoors, a fabulous range of city and suburban shops will satisfy
even the most particular tourist. Everything from traditional Australian gifts
and garments, opals, Kalgoorlie gold and precious diamonds to succulent local
seafood, tender red meat and fresh fruit and vegetables.
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If anyone wants to send me any pictures so I can place them
on the site then email me at
tim@timsaxon.co.uk
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