First 24 hours in Perth, Western Australia

Flights from the UK to Perth take from 20 hours. The airport is about 12km east of the city. International flights arrive at T1; domestic flights at T2, T3 and T4. The airport is currently very small, and is undergoing a massive redevelopment.

A taxi from T1 to the CBD costs about A$38 (£18) and takes around 35 minutes. A shuttlebus runs from T3 into Perth (A$15 [£7]); two public bus services run from T3 and T4 into the city. A free transfer bus connects T1 and T2 to the other terminals. A rail link is planned.

Other ways to arrive The legendary Indian Pacific train connects Perth with Adelaide and Sydney. It runs once a week (twice in peak season); Sydney-Perth takes three days.

Start by taking the Number 37 bus up to Kings Park and the Botanic Gardens – reputedly the largest urban park in the world. There are sweeping views of the city from the park’s boardwalks, and you’ll get a good introduction to Western Australia’s flora and birdlife. The poignant War Memorial is worth the visit alone.

Back down in the city, either explore the shops and cafés of the West End or, for a cultural fix, head to the Perth Cultural Centre in Northbridge, next to the train station. This complex is home to the excellent Western Australian Museum(free), which gives an introduction to Perth and WA, as well as theArt Gallery of Western Australia (free), which is worth exploring for an hour or two, especially for its indigenous art.

Gold has been key in WA’s growth, and the Perth Mint (guided tour A$19 [£9]) gives a surprisingly interesting insight into gold-fever and its impact, with tours, exhibitions and interactive displays.

Take a sunset stroll or cycle along the Swan River, which will help you work up an appetite for dinner. Two Feet & a Heartbeat Walking Tours offers a three-hour Eat/Drink/Walk Perth Small Bar Tour (A$50pp [£24]), which will introduce you to some the city’s best establishments. The price includes grazing food and some drinks. Alternatively, explore the restaurants of the buzzy Northbridge area.

Perth may be the gateway to the wonders of Western Australia, but spend at least a couple of days exploring its environs.

Fremantle is an attractive port just south of Perth. It’s a hub for the arts, with many street performers and festivals, and a lively bar and café scene. From here it’s a short ferry-hop to Rottnest, a car-free island that is home to the quokka, a cute and friendly marsupial. Visit for the day, or stay the night. Two Feet & a Heartbeat offers a half-day cycling tour.

Animal lovers with a spare day or two can volunteer at Native Animal Rescue, north of Perth, which takes in sick, injured and orphaned animals, returning them to the wild when possible. Wine buffs can explore the 40-plus wineries of the Swan Valley on a day trip. There are also plenty of white-sand beaches along the coast. Cottesloe is the most famous, and home to a fun Sculptures by the Sea exhibition.

Main image: Perth skyline (Shutterstock)