
Perth is located in Southwestern Australia on the Swan River. Perth is the 4th largest city in Australia, is the capital of Western Australia, and is a noted communications and transportation center. Perth is also the state’s financial and cultural hub. Several heavy industries are located in the suburbs of Perth. Perth was founded in 1829 and came into prominence during the Coolgardie gold rush of the 1890s. The construction of the Fremantle Port and a rail line also contributed greatly to the growth of Perth as an important city. Perth is the site of the University of Western Australia and Murdoch University. Kings Park and the Perth Zoo are major tourist attractions. The estimated population of Perth is 1.4 million people.