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Perth

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Perth is the capital city of Western Australia.

Perth metropolitan region
Perth metropolitan region

It sits on a flat area called the Swan Coastal Plain. This plain lies between the Indian Ocean and the Darling Scarp.

Beach sunset Perth
Beach sunset Perth

The city is part of a much larger area called Greater Perth. Over 2.3 million people live in this metropolitan region. Some people call it one of the most isolated major cities in the world. It is a busy place with many different parts to explore.

The city is spread out over many different areas. It has 30 local government areas and more than 350 suburbs. The metropolitan area stretches from Two Rocks in the north down to Singleton in the south.

Perth density
Perth density

To the east, it reaches as far as Sawyers Valley. Many people live in urban centres like Armadale, Joondalup, and Midland. The city also includes the port of Fremantle. Even the city of Mandurah sits near the coast as part of the wider area.

Long before the city was founded, the Whadjuk Noongar people lived here. They are part of the Noongar people.

Noongar regions map
Noongar regions map

Archaeological evidence shows people have lived here for at least 48,000 years. The Noongar people have a deep connection to the land and the Swan River. The name Boorloo is sometimes used to refer to the central area. This name has different meanings in the Noongar language. It might mean "river" or "big swamp" depending on the source.

Captain James Stirling founded the city in 1829.

The Foundation of Perth
The Foundation of Perth

He named it after the city of Perth in Scotland. He did this to honour Sir George Murray. The colony was first known as the Swan River Colony. In 1850, the area began to accept convicts to help with building projects.

FremantlePrisonYard
FremantlePrisonYard

Queen Victoria officially named it a city in 1856. Later, gold rushes in the 1890s brought many new people to the region.

Today, Perth is a very important place for many reasons. It is a major hub for the mining industry in Western Australia.

2023-10-11-Perth-Mint-01
2023-10-11-Perth-Mint-01

All five of the state's universities are located here. Visitors love to see Kings Park, which is a huge inner-city park.

Cottesloe Beach, Perth, Western Australia (4431664542)
Cottesloe Beach, Perth, Western Australia (4431664542)

You can also visit the historic Fremantle Prison or the Perth Mint. The city is a place where history and modern life meet.

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🖼️ Images & Media (33)
File:Noongar regions map.svg
Noongar regions map.svg
File:Vlamingh ships at the Swan River, Keulen 1796.jpg
Vlamingh ships at the Swan River, Keulen 1796.jpg
File:The Foundation of Perth.jpg
The Foundation of Perth.jpg
File:FremantlePrisonYard.jpg
FremantlePrisonYard.jpg
File:2023-10-11-Perth-Mint-01.jpg
2023-10-11-Perth-Mint-01.jpg
File:St Georges Terrace Perth.jpg
St Georges Terrace Perth.jpg
File:Perth WA c1955 EW Digby-14.jpg
Perth WA c1955 EW Digby-14.jpg
File:Perth (AU), Elizabeth Quay Bridge -- 2019 -- 0375-9.jpg
Perth (AU), Elizabeth Quay Bridge -- 2019...
File:Cathedral Square Perth Hay Street.jpg
Cathedral Square Perth Hay Street.jpg
File:Perth metropolitan region.svg
Perth metropolitan region.svg
File:Beach sunset Perth.jpg
Beach sunset Perth.jpg
File:Perth density.jpg
Perth density.jpg

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