PERTH

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Perth has any number of attractions that work to entice visitors to its sunny coastal environment. With so much to see and do here one could be forgiven for overlooking some of the colonial heritage sites that grace this modern city with the charm and history of its early foundations. However, moves are afoot to set Perth’s rich
heritage well and truly before West Australians and visitors alike.

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Most of the historical buildings in and around Perth have come under the protection of Western Australia’s State Heritage Office and as such are well maintained. Preserving historical landmarks and buildings has been recognised as an important aspect of any city’s development and despite conflict between development and preservation, Perth has managed its heritage well.

Through the 18th and 19th of October this year Perth City will present Perth Heritage Days 2014. This is a free event for people all ages to experience the long held discoveries of the city’s buildings, parks, theatres, museums, libraries, clubs and hotels. Perth Heritage Day 2014 will allow parents to introduce their children to some of the interesting aspects of the city’s past while appreciating the graceful architecture of some of Perth’s iconic treasures.

Here are some suggestions for visitors that may have limited time in Perth.

Perth Mint
The Mint was founded in 1899 as one of 3 Australian branches of London’s Royal Mint as a result of the gold rushes of the time. The mint’s purpose was to refine gold and strike gold sovereigns for currency use. Today this is one of the oldest operating mints in the world where gold, silver and platinum is refined and coins are struck for bullion traders and collectors alike. The Perth Mint is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and is worth visiting both for its function as well as the limestone lines of its colonial architecture. Here visitors can witness the spectacular gold poor, handle a 400 oz. gold bar and browse through the mint’s gold exhibition and retail facilities.

The Old Mill
One of the famous historic landmarks and the city’s oldest industrial heritage site is The Old Mill. William Kernot Shenton built the mill along traditional windmill lines in 1835 and it was the first wind-powered mill in the colony. The mill was restored in the late 1950’s and listed with the National Trust in 1992. Today this Perth landmark acts as a mini museum with its artefact and photographic displays.

St. Mary’s Cathedral
Situated at the centre of Victoria Square, St. Mary’s Cathedral was built on February 8, 1863. It is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Perth. The Gothic style Cathedral was designed by architect and master mason Brother Joseph Ascione and built by Benedictine monks.

After a period of restoration and reconstruction, this impressive cathedral reopened in 2009.

The modern centre of Perth is full of delightful colonial surprises and one may stumble upon these while under the shadow of a multi-storey office block or calling in for a Fremantle pint. There is so much more to see besides the glass and shine of this exciting city.

To experience these stunning heritage buildings in Perth, AirAsia has 5x direct daily flight from Bali to Perth. Just visit www.airasia.com to purchase a ticket.