(This blog has been submitted on behalf of our student)
I am Cassandra Benson, BSc Geography student, and I studied at the University of Western Australia (UWA) in Perth last semester and the experience was unforgettable. Life in Perth was very different to that of the UK. It is far more relaxed and everything runs at a slower pace. If you like peaceful and relaxed living; Perth is the place for you.
The scenery around UWA was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. I could step out my front door and watch wild dolphins on the Swan River or walk up to Kings Park and get a 180° view of the City. The continued sunshine in Australia’s sunniest capital City only enhanced these views and if you’re someone who likes the sun you won’t be disappointed staying in Perth. In my 5 months living there I only saw rain a handful of times – a big difference to English weather! There were beautiful coastal runs that I could take everyday and in the evening the lights from the City reflecting in the still waters was as peaceful as Perth is.
The beaches in Perth are as good as they look in the films and documentaries. Vast expanses of white sand and clear blue water. Dining in seafront restaurants as the sun sets and watching night time surfers is an experience to remember. I qualified as a free water diver during my stay in Perth and I’ve never seen anything more beautiful. Once I had overcome the amount of jellyfish in the river that we were training in and got out to do an open water dive in the sea, I could not believe my eyes! 2 hours of swimming through coral reefs and brushing past exotic fish was incredible. If I was to visit Perth again I’d make sure I make the trip to dive in Ningaloo Reef, as well as Rottnest Island to see the quokkas. I just didn’t get time to fit it all in this time round.
Just down the road from Perth is the bustling, alternative, arty town of Fremantle. It is where the convict-built prison is open to the public for tours all year round. I visited the prison twice I found it that interesting! The stories of the British convicts having to build their own cells and how most of the buildings have been left untouched since closure of the prison in 1991 is fascinating. Freemantle is also home to the WA Maritime Museum and the Freemantle markets at weekends – where I bought most of my souvenirs to bring back to the UK. The food in Freemantle does not disappoint. From some amazing Australian restaurants like healthy burger chain Grill’d to the quaint coffee shops and family-run Italian restaurants, there is something for everyone and every occasion. Fremantle is a must-see and has something for everyone.
Perth City offers a wide range of shops and some beautiful hotels which I was lucky enough to stay in during my study breaks. Perth Mint, which is home to the world’s largest gold coin was an interesting visit, as was Northbridge for its amazing food and exciting nightlife. Anyone from the UK will also feel right at home shopping in London Court in the City; a quaint little street of gift and coffee shops built in an old English style.
During my study break I also had the opportunity to visit Sydney. It was a lively and fast-paced City with upmarket shops and lovely restaurants. I remember the first time I arrived at the harbour in front of Sydney Opera House – it was breathtaking. There is definitely much more to see on the East Coast than I was able to fit in and I would love to revisit it. Let’s not forget Bondi beach, which lives up to its reputation.
What do I miss most about Perth? The beaches and guaranteed sunshine. What did I miss from the UK? Proper chocolate!