Perth, Western Australia — Activities
Perth Culture
Perth has a lively, if low-key arts and cultural scene. The West Australian Academy of the Performing Arts (WAAPA), renowned for turning out stars of stage and screen, attracts students from all over the country. While the arts in Perth lack a visible focal point, such as Sydney's Opera House, the Perth Cultural Center in Northbridge (comprising the Art Gallery, Western Australian Museum and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts) goes some way to filling the void.
Tickets to most shows are available from Ticketmaster (tel: 136 100; www.ticketmaster7.com). Cultural listings can be found online (www.xpressmag.com.au) and in the West Australian newspaper.
Music
Perth Concert Hall
This is the prime venue for classical music and also the home of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. The hall's acoustics have been acclaimed as some of the best in Australia.
5 St George's Terrace
Tel: (08) 9231 9900.
Website: www.perthconcerthall.com.au
Theater
His Majesty's Theater
This 100-year-old architectural gem is an elegant venue for opera, ballet, musicals and other theatrical presentations. The West Australian Opera performs here for several months of the year, and the West Australian Ballet are resident here.
825 Hay Street
Ttel: (08) 9265 0900.
Website: www.hismajestystheater.com.au
Regal Theater
The art deco Regal Theater, formerly a cinema, hosts bedroom-farce-style theater.
474 Hay Street, Subiaco
Tel: (08) 132 849.
Subiaco Arts Center
The refurbished Subiaco Arts Center puts on plays, concerts and other performing arts events.
180 Hamersley Road, Subiaco
Tel: (08) 9380 3000.
Website: www.subiacotheatercenter.com.au
Yirra Yaakin Theater
Is a leading Australian Aboriginal theater company whose performances combine traditional dance with contemporary drama.
65 Murray Street
Tel: (08) 9202 1966.
Website: www.yirrayaakin.asn.au
Dance
Buzz Dance Theater
Is an important local modern dance company.
Cloisters Square
Tel: (08) 9226 2322.
Website: www.buzzdance.com.au
Perth Tours
Walking tours
The i-City Volunteer Hosts at the City of Perth Information Kiosk in the Murray Street Mall near Forrest Place offer a range of free guided walking tours. Orientation walking tours to give visitors an introduction to the city and its attractions take place every day (Mon-Sat 1100; Sun 1400). More specialized themed tours are available on weekdays at 1400. All tours depart from the City of Perth Information Kiosk.
Tel: (08) 9461 3333.
Bus tours
The Perth Tram is actually a bus - a wooden replica of the first trams, built in 1899, to operate in Perth. Drivers provide a full historical commentary for the 90-minute City Explorer Tour and passengers can get off and rejoin the tram later. There are stops at Kings Park, Burswood Casino, Barrack Street Jetty, Murray and Queens Streets, Hay Street and Pier Street, and Hay Street and Hill Street. Booking is not necessary. Also offered is a Kings Park Tour, stopping at Fraser Avenue, Pioneer Women's Fountain, Roe Lookout, the Lycopod Island Playground & Cafe and Saw Avenue.
Tel: (08) 9322 2006.
Website: www.perthtram.com.au
Boat tours
Captain Cook Cruises offers a variety of scenic ferry services between Fremantle and the city, leaving from the East Street Jetty in Fremantle or Pier Three, Barrack Square in Perth. The one-way trip lasts 1 hour 30 minutes. Oceanic Cruises offers cruises to Rottnest Island, whale watching, and Swan Valley wine cruises amongst others.
Captain Cook Cruises
Tel: (08) 9325 3341.
Website: www.captaincookcruises.com.au
Oceanic Cruises
Tel: (08) 9325 1191.
Website: www.oceaniccruises.com.au
