12) Perth, Australia

Kings Park and Botanic Gardens

Kings Park and Botanic Gardens is made up of over 400 hectares of parkland and gardens and is one of the city's most popular attractions for Perth locals and tourists alike. Located just outside the city centre, the park is set high on Mt Eliza with breathtaking views of the city and Swan River. 

A large portion of the park is made up of native bushland with hundreds of native plant species and around 80 species of birds. Kings Park also has a number of open parkland areas, lookout points, the State War Memorial and statues, and is a great destination for sight-seeing, picnics, walking, cycling and taking in the magnificent views of the city. During the summer months, the park also hosts a number of events including outdoor concerts, outdoor moonlight cinema, as well as the Kings Park Wildflower festival each spring. Location: Fraser Avenue, Perth

Perth Zoo

Only 5 minutes from the city centre, Perth Zoo offers the opportunity to see wildlife up close, in natural habitat settings. Perth Zoo exhibits include the Australian Walkabout which houses Kangaroos, Koalas, Wallabies, Dingoes, Reptiles, Wetland and Rainforest animals; The African Savanna; The Asian rainforest; as well as the Nocturnal House and World of Birds. Open from 9am to 5pm each day, there is a lot to see so pick up a map at the ticket counter when you enter, and allow yourself plenty of time. 

For lunch you can cook yourself a barbeque meal on the facilities available, have a picnic, or stop by at the Zoo Cafe for a meal or snack. Special events are also held over the summer months, such as evening concerts on the main lawn. Free parking for the zoo is available on the corner of Labouchere Road and Richardson Street. Location: Labouchere Rd, South Perth 

Perth Bell Tower

The Swan Bell Tower was opened in Perth in December 2000 and has since been a popular attraction for Perth visitors. It comprises a green glass spire surrounded by copper 'sails', and is home to 18 bells making this the largest change ringing instrument in the world. The bells came from the Parish of St Martin in the Field of London, and were given to the City of Perth as a gift to celebrate the Australian Bicentennial. Location: Barrack Square Perth 

London Court

Set amongst modern sky scrapers in the heart of Perth City is Perth's London Court. Built in 1937, this small pedestrian "street" is located between the Hay Street Mall and St Georges Terrace, and has a very similar feel to the Tudor style buildings of England. As you walk through London Court you will experience a charming atmosphere of small shops and cafes along the way. There are also two clocks at London Court, one at each end of the lane. If you pay close attention you will notice the clock at the Hay Street entrance has four knights above it, which circle around when the clocks strikes every 15 minutes. 

At the St Georges Terrace end you will find St George battling a dragon above the clock, and both clocks are replicas of France's Great Clock of Rouen. London Court also has many fine details which you need to look for or else you may miss them, including statues of Sir Walter Raleigh and Dick Whittington, moldings, wind vanes and stairways which take you to the windows overlooking the court. Location: Hay Street Mall and St Georges Terrace Perth.