One of the first things you will notice about Perth is that there is a huge focus on sport. Playing sport, watching sport and supporting sport are all part of everyday life for most Western Australians.

Hosting major Australian and international sporting events all year round throughout Perth and its regions offers the people of Western Australia and visitor’s great exposure to such prestigious events.

Throughout the summer months the main sport played and supported is cricket. Outdoor sports such as sailing, surfing, swimming and tennis are also popular choices for the warmer months of the year. Golf is also a fantastic way to enjoy the great Perth weather all year round.

The winter months see the AFL (Australian Football League) games start with hundreds of senior, amateur and professional games being played each week. The AFL is like a religion for a lot of people with thousands supporting their favourite team or playing each week. Having knowledge about the AFL teams and league will help you strike up a conversation with just about any stranger you meet!

Rugby is also a huge winter sport although the dominance of this is played and supported through the Eastern states of Queensland and New South Wales. The national team for Australia is called the Wallabies.

For the motorsport lovers, Perth has a main racetrack at Barbagello raceway in Wanneroo, north east of Perth, where you will find events happening throughout the year with the main event of the V8 championship race, which draws a huge crowd.

The Swan River is a huge focal point in Perth city. Sailing and fishing are great leisurely sports that many people enjoy. The main yacht clubs are Royal Perth based on the Swan River and the Fremantle Sailing Club based just south of Fremantle port.

There are a huge range of water sports to choose from, including wind surfing, kite surfing, wake boarding, paddle boarding and of course surfing the waves on a board. Boating is also a great way to enjoy the Western Australia coast. Leisurely cruises along the Swan River or up and down the coastline to spending the day deep sea fishing with a trip to the northern coastlines of Western Australia you can enjoy them all!

With endless parks and sports grounds, you will see people at all times of the day exercising. Walking at sunrise, people participating in group training sessions, individuals talking a morning jog, sports teams training or playing their games and parents playing with their children, there is always somewhere to exercise or play sport.

Search the Government of Western Australia’s Department of Sport and Recreation website to find out what sports are available in Perth and where you can play then or teach them. There is also information on clubs and recreational ground facilities available.