For most Americans, a trip to Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime visit. But many have chosen to make their life there. In fact more Americans live “down under” than vice versa.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics there are approximately 110,000 US-born residents while US Census Bureau stats indicate there are 98,000 Aussies residing in the States.
Most of these American migrants have decided to settle in the great cities of the East such as Sydney and Melbourne. Less than 10% have made their home in the vast area known as Western Australia or WA that is around a quarter of the size of the entire US.
In one of the latest counts about 8,000 Americans and their families live in and around the WA capital of Perth. But while a migration agent is great if you intend living in this beautiful part of the world, a visit to WA may well inspire thoughts of a life there.
Here are some great reasons to visit Perth:
Stunning beaches; There are so many that it is not unusual to be alone on a beach in Western Australia. In Perth Cottesloe and Scarborough Beaches offer white sand and clear waters for the perfect day out.
Kings Park is one of the world’s largest inner-city parks offering stunning views of the city skyline while the Botanic Garden will offer the visitor a chance to see the wild and wacky native Aussie flora you cannot see anywhere else.
South of the city there is Fremantle where the America’s Cup yachting event was once held. This port of maritime history features eclectic shops and dining experiences.
A short drive from Perth is the Swan Valley known for its wineries, scenic countryside and gourmet food. It is also home to the Caversham Wildlife Park which provides a great hands-on experience for kids especially feeding kangaroos and wallabies and interacting with koalas.
Also featuring interactive experiences with animals is Perth Zoo south of the city which is ideal for families.
Rottnest Island is a short ferry ride from Perth. Here you can see quokkas an animal that has been described as the happiest on earth due to its “smile” – it is a bit like a koala, a kangaroo and a rat all rolled into one adorable package. A must-see.
Want to know more about Australian Aboriginal Culture? Look no further than the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Perth Cultural Centre. The city is also known for its street art and creative scene.
Further afield for those who want to get a “ute” and see the great Aussie outdoors there is the two-hour drive to the Pinnacles Desert known for its surreal limestone pillars.
Nearer the city and after a short ferry ride is Penguin Island home to a colony of penguins that you can see in their natural habitat along with other birds and stunning snorkelling opportunities.
Whether emigrating to Perth or just visiting it is a wonderful place.
