To gain an understanding of the modern metropolis that is Perth, Western Australia, it is important to understand the past of this great city. The story of Perth begins tens of thousands of years ago, when Indigenous Australians moved south and began to settle in the area. In particular, the wetlands of what is now Western Australia were of great significance to these people, both spiritually and physically. It is also noteworthy that present-day Perth was known as Boorloo by the indigenous population.
Perth, as we know it know, was given its new name after the European Invasion of Australia. There were many violent confrontations between the invaders and the natives, culminating in the possession of this landmass by the Europeans. The city was named Perth to honour the British Secretary of State for War, Sir George Murray, who was born in the city’s Scottish namesake.
The British were the first Europeans to realise that there was great potential in the fertile lands in this area. Both the Dutch and the French had spotted this land, but reported home that their efforts would be better expended elsewhere. The two settlements most firmly established by the colonisers have developed into Perth and Fremantle.
Although Fremantle was primarily used as the penal colony of Western Australia by the British, the number of inmates sent to Perth Gaol rose steeply throughout the 19th century, until the Gaol ceased to exist in 1888. Into the early 20th century, Perth was to become a major city, as her population had continued to grow exponentially throughout the years of British settlement.
The 20th century was a period of previously unseen growth, as the city and her infrastructure were dramatically improved. Perth has now become one of the most desirable places to live in the Southern Hemisphere. For more insight into this fascinating history, it is advised to take one of the many great tours that are available in Perth today. As you explore, you can also take advantage of gold card rewards and benefits. Visitors to Perth with gold cards can even save points to spend on their next flight back to this great city.