Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Top Perth Accommodation Alongside Picturesque Swan River, Western Australia

By Jackson Prior

Perth, Western Australia is the state capital, and with 1.5 million inhabitants is the fourth most populous city in Australia. Perth enjoys a warm and sunny Mediterranean type climate. It is situated on the western edge of Australia, on the Indian Ocean coastline. The picturesque Swan River runs through the city centre of Perth, and many of the tourist activities in this attractive city are centred on the river. This short Perth accommodation article reviews some of the things which make Perth an attractive city to visit, and quickly reviews two hotels which both enjoy pleasant locations beside the Swan River.

When the town of Perth was founded it was the first important European settlement in Western Australia. The first colonists arrived on the Parmelia in June 1829. Since then the first Monday in June has been celebrated as Foundation Day in the state of Western Australia. The name, Perth, had already been picked for the new town: the British minister, Sir George Murray, Colonial Secretary, came from Perth in Scotland, and was Member for Perthshire in the House of Commons. In 1856 Queen Victoria raised Perth to city status.

The picturesque Swan River flows through the centre of Perth, and many tourist activities are focussed on the river. Cruise boats, some of which feature dining and live music, operate along the river. It is also possible to explore the many walks and cycle ways around the river, on foot, or on two wheels. The Kings Park and Botanic Gardens areas also have many good scenic vantage points overlooking the river, and here one can find many pleasant places to enjoy a picnic lunch in the sunshine.

The best shopping areas in Perth City Centre are the malls at Hay Street and Murray Street, and in Raine Square, Forest Chase, Barrack Street and Kings Street. There are excellent shopping opportunities whether for souvenirs, arts and crafts (including Aboriginal art works), swimming and beach wear, jewellery or for more high tech items and gifts such as cameras and music and video players.

The city as a whole has excellent public transport links, which can be used to reach attractions in the outer suburbs. The Old Mill and the Perth Zoo are reached by ferry from the city centre.

Hotels in the city centre include the five star Duxton Hotel, and the 4.5 star Crowne Plaza. The Duxton Hotel is on St. George's Terrace, the main business street in Perth, and is alongside the Perth Concert Hall and the Swan River. It is just a few minutes walk from the major centres for nightlife, shopping and restaurants in the town, and also a short distance from the central city parklands and river side walks.

There are about three hundred rooms in the Duxton, many have views over the river. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms, cable TV with movie-on-demand service, air conditioning and mini-bar. The Duxton's residents have use of amenities such as a steam room and sauna, and fully equipped gym.

The Crowne Plaza is also located on the foreshore, alongside the picturesque Swan River. The 189 rooms are decorated in contemporary style. The Crowne's Gusti restaurant offers al fresco dining, and the rooftop pool and the gymnasium are available for guests' use (complimentary).

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