Perth epitomizes the modern urban scene. It's definitely isolated. But with its contemporary architecture, vibrant art scene, and countless restaurants capped off with funky bars and swish nightclubs, you won't feel like you've staggered onto the scene of an old Western flick. And the locals here are a very nice complement with their friendliness, youthfulness and diversity.

Perth's CBD is all glass towers and wind tunnels, like any city. But graciously absent is the cold-blooded corporate culture that so permeates Sydney and Melbourne.

While you're in Perth, check out the Perth Mint, on the corner of Hay and Hill Streets. It boasts the world's largest collection of gold nuggets. Take a walk along the Swan River on Riverside Drive, head up to the Hay and Murray Street Malls, amble over to Northbridge for lunch and walk back down to Barrack St Jetty in time for one of the afternoon ferries from Barrack St Jetty to South Perth.

On the south side of the Swan River you'll find Perth Zoo. The Perth Zoo has over 1500 animals comprising 200 different species. Local animal celebrities to be found here include kangaroos, koalas, numbats, emus, and dingoes.