‘The Road Less Travelled’ does not entirely apply to Perth. The aforementioned ‘road’ shares a startling resemblance to the wicket at the city’s traditional cricket ground the WACA: hard, flat, and full of cracks. A fast bowler’s paradise. For those on the pitch, Perth can be a dreadful place to be but the final venue for the game is at the time of writing still undecided (it might be at the new Perth Stadium).

And in any case, the same cannot be said for supporters. While batsmen are getting scorched in the middle, in the stands you are getting…well…scorched also. Everyone back in the office will be so jealous of your tan.

[caption id=”attachment_50175″ align=”alignnone” width=”750″] The city of Perth has a lot to offer[/caption]

In Perth, a nightwatchman is not only employed at the cricket ground. South of the city lies Fremantle Prison, which in 2010 became the first building in Western Australia to be inscribed on the World Heritage list. Guides tell rich tales of prison life with frighteningly intimate torchlight tours as well as trips into the tunnels underneath the building. Recognised by the National Trust, the external gates possess an eerie elegance that all those who appreciate history and architecture must see.

[caption id=”attachment_50174″ align=”alignnone” width=”750″] The Fremantle Prison building is understandably popular[/caption]

Prison food can often be slightly undercooked so when you vault those high walls and escape, celebrate your freedom across the road the Fremantle Market. The market houses fashion boutiques, Japanese food stalls, and everything in between. Established way back in 1897 the market continues to be a central hub of activity fusing music, cuisine, fashion, and culture.

[caption id=”attachment_50176″ align=”alignnone” width=”750″] There’s always the option of some beach cricket[/caption]

Let’s not restrict cricket to the major stadiums though. Many battles just as intense as those between England and Australia take place on a rather sandier wicket. With 19 metropolitan beaches in Perth there are plenty of arenas to choose from, but not to worry, all have sufficient ice cream facilities. And rather than two legs have a look at Perth on two wheels. The west coast has a vast number of bike routes to blow away the cobwebs from a day sitting at the cricket.

And a speedy ferry ride away is the delightfully tranquil Rottnest Island. Family friendly and full of activities, the island is also home to the Quokkas – described my many as ‘the happiest animals on earth’ due to their ever-present smile.