With a continually sunshine and perfect climate, Perth might just be the place to restore your sunny disposition. It is an outdoor kind of city and your exile here should be focused on staying outside.
But if you insist on an inside exile, then I would suggest spending time at the Perth Cultural Center, home to The Art Gallery of Western Australia (http://www.artgallery.wa.gov.au/) and The Museum of Western Australia (http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/). It’s easy to spend hours at the Art Gallery, wandering past the various exhibitions. One of the highlights is the extensive collection of Aboriginal Art.
The Museum consists of a collection of some of Perth’s oldest buildings. You can visit the original old gaol and settler’s cottages. The museum features everything from dinosaurs to butterflies and has an outstanding exhibition focusing on Western Australia’s indigenous peoples.
Once your ready to expose yourself to the sun again, Perth will be waiting. Start with a visit to Kings Park. Sitting on a hill overlooking the city, the view is perfect (don’t forget your camera.). Try to get there early in the morning and have breakfast at Fraser’s Restaurant.(http://www.Frasersrestaurant.com.au). You’ll get good food and a great place to sit and people watch.
Staying within the city center between Hays St and Murray Street, there’s plenty of shops and arcades to explore. There are many specialty shops here selling everything from designer fashion to gourmet cuisine. If your still feeling fragile, then maybe a stop at the Millenium Medieval Emporium(888 Hay St, http://www.swords.net) for a suit of armour might help. And plan on being at Murray Street mall at lunchtime for a dose of laughter as street artists play up.
Another way of exploring Perth’s shop is by guided tour. Let’s go shopping tour (http://www.letsgoshoppingtours.com) offer weekday tours, leaving the Burswood Resort Hotel at 8.00a.m. & returning around 5.30p.m.
Once you’ve had enough of the city, expand your horizons. Catch a train out to the suburb of Fremantle (http://www.Fremantle.wa.gov.au/main/html/#) . Spruced up for the 1983 Americas Cup, Fremantle has maintained its 19th century character and spirit. Its strong community of immigrants and artists can be seen in the abundance of Italian style cafes and galleries. Check out the Arts Center (once the asylum) and make time to browse around independent New Edition Bookshop (50 South Terrace).
Back in Perth city center, catch the ferry (from Barrack St Jetty) to Rottnest Island (http://www.rottnestisland.com.au) and exorcise your ghosts with a bike ride around the island, followed by well earned rest at the Quooka Arm, the local pub. Rottnest Island is a popular local hangout, especially in the weekends and is best avoided altogether in December and January.
