What makes Perth a great English study destination?

One of the most commonly cited facts about Perth is that it’s the world’s most remote city. Whilst this can sometimes be perceived as a negative thing, perhaps it goes some way to explaining why Perth has become a city with so much to offer…having to travel so far to get anywhere else means that it’s essential that there is enough to do on your doorstep!

Here’s a run-down of some of the best things about Perth:

1. Climate and location

Perth enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate with warm, sunny weather for most of the year. In fact, Perth enjoys more hours of sunshine annually than any other Australian city.

There is very little rainfall in summer, and even in winter it’s accompanied by plenty of warm sunshine.

Perth’s location on the west coast of Australia means that, for anyone coming from Europe, it is the closest place to get to in Australia. Flying to Sydney or Melbourne could add on a further 3 to 4 hours to your flight time, which can make a big difference with such a long journey.

2. Size and population

Although Perth is not as big as some of Australia’s other capital cities, its smaller size makes it really easy to get around. The city centre is big enough that there is plenty going on, but not so big that you need to take public transport to get anywhere.

Perth has a relatively modest population for its geographic size, which means that there is more than enough space for everyone. There are enough people to give the city a buzz, but not so many that it’s overcrowded and unfriendly.

The city also benefits from a fairly diverse population, which makes it cosmopolitan and accepting of other cultures. It is currently estimated that more than one third of Perth’s residents were actually born overseas.

3. Beaches and parks

Undoubtedly one of the best things about Perth is its stunning array of beaches. The Sunset Coast in Perth comprises a long stretch of beautiful coastline and beach side suburbs, from Cottesloe west of Perth, to Mindarie Keys north west of the Perth city centre. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the centre of Perth, and this northern coastal area is popular for Perth’s safe swimming beaches and walking paths.

If you’d prefer to take a walk in one of Perth’s surrounding natural parks, you’ll be absolutely spoilt for choice – they’re everywhere! Taking a trip out to one of these will give you first-hand experience of Australia’s famous ‘bush’ and the fantastic array of flora and fauna that it houses.

However, and the good news is that with Kings Park right on the edge of Perth, you don‘t necessarily have to travel out of the city to experience Australia’s Great Outdoors. One of the largest inner city parks in the world, Kings Park overlooks Perth and the famous Swan River, and gives you some spectacular views of the distant Perth Hills to boot.

The park features both cultivated gardens and rugged bushland and you can picnic on grassy lawns, take a jog through the bushland or go to one of the many outdoor concerts held there during the summer.

4. Bars and restaurants

Whilst Perth doesn’t have nightlife on quite the same scale as Sydney and Melbourne, it nevertheless has plenty to keep you entertained. Just outside the Perth city centre is the district of Northbridge where there’s a range of nightclubs, pubs, cafes and restaurants, offering a wide range of cuisines. Fremantle, just south of Perth, is also known as a great destination for anyone looking to party!

5. History

Perth is a city with a rich colonial past and a long Aboriginal history. The Noongar people occupied Western Australia’s southwest and the area in which Perth stands today was called Boorloo. The coastal plains of the area were very important to the people both spiritually and for hunting and gathering.

Europeans first started exploring the west coast of Australia in the early 17th century, however due to rough seas, dangerous reefs, Perth’s sand bars and shipwreck the area was considered unfavourable and remained unexplored. It was not until 1829 when Captain James Stirling arrived there and recognised its great beauty that the idea of settlement occurred.

Perth is overflowing with breathtaking landmarks and monuments, including the modern Swan Bell Tower, Government House, Parliament House and Perth Town Hall, built by convicts in the late 1860s.  Famous throughout the country, many of these Perth landmarks and Perth monuments date back to the early 19th century and are in excellent condition.

A variety of English courses are available in Perth, including General, Individual and Intensive. Courses are available to begin all year round.