4 Hours In Perth

Discover inventive art and fine views in this revitalized Australian city

- Tamara Thiessen

1 Perth Cultural Center

Perth has undergone an extensive urban redevelopment project, which is evident as you explore the galleries, heritage buildings and natural habitats of the Perth Cultural Centre, located a short walk from the central business district. The AU$35 million ($25 million) regeneration has transformed what was previously a seedy wasteland. There are several major cultural venues here, including the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia (WA), the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) as well as the Art Gallery of WA.

PICA stages a diverse program of exhibitions and events. 51 James Street Northbridge; open Tues-Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; free admission; pica.org.au. The Art Gallery of WA’s permanent collection consists of 17,000 pieces that showcase indigenous and 20th-century Australian and British paintings and sculpture. Open WedMon 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; entry is free; artgallery.wa.gov.au

The center also has an ecological interest and grows an organic orchard on the roof of a multi-story parking deck, as well as cultivating a wetland habitat that supports native fish, frogs and invertebrates. perthculturalcentre.com.au

2 Northbridge