The Best Sight in Perth, Western Australia

Background Illustration for Sights

Because of its relative colonial youth, Perth has an advantage over most other capital cities in that it was laid out with foresight. Streets were planned so that pedestrian traffic could flow smoothly from one avenue to the next, and this compact city remains easy to negotiate on foot. Many points of interest are in the downtown area close to the banks of the Swan River, while shopping arcades and pedestrian malls are a short stroll away.

The city center (CBD, or Central Business District), a pleasant blend of old and new, runs along Perth's major business thoroughfare, St. Georges Terrace, as well as on parallel Hay and Murray streets.

His Majesty's Theatre

CBD Fodor's Choice

The opulent His Majesty's Theatre, which opened on Christmas Eve 1904, is admired for its Edwardian style on the outside and by those who step inside (think red velour). The Maj, as it's locally known, is home to the West Australian Opera company and the West Australian Ballet, and also hosts a variety of productions, including comedic, theatrical, and musical; there's also a basement lounge called Downstairs at The Maj that is host to many whodunit dinner experiences and special shows during the Perth Festival. Tours of the theater, including an interesting Behind the Scenes, are available on occasion.