Perth: From Swan River Snoozefest to City Not-So-Far-Up-North (But Still Pretty Far)
So, you're curious about how Perth got its name, huh? Buckle up, because this one's a wild ride through British bureaucracy, stolen glances at a map, and a whole lot of "eh, close enough."
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| How Did Perth Get Its Name |
The Not-So-Short Short Version
In 1829, Captain James Stirling, a man whose idea of a good time was staring intently at a compass for weeks on end, landed on the shores of what is now Western Australia. His mission? Find a place to stick a bunch of Brits who weren't exactly A-list settlers (think more "enthusiastic about spoons" than "masters of the land").
This sleepy little corner of the world, originally home to the Whadjuk Noongar people for at least 45,000 years (by the way, a big shout out to the original inhabitants – you guys were there first, and your history is fascinating!), was deemed the perfect spot.
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
But a new colony needs a name, right? Here's where things get interesting.
Enter Sir George Murray: A stiff-upper-lipped gent who, among other things, happened to be the Secretary of State for Colonies. Now, Sir George wasn't exactly known for his wild imagination. In fact, his nickname was "Steady George" (riveting, I know).
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
So, what did Steady George do when it came to naming this new outpost Down Under? Did he hold a grand naming competition? Did he consult the Aboriginal people who had lived there for millennia? Nope. He did what any self-respecting bureaucrat would do: He looked at a map.
And guess what he saw? A city called Perth – right there in good ol' Scotland. Bingo! "Perth it is!" he declared. And thus, Perth, Western Australia, was born. Not the most exciting story, but hey, at least it wasn't named "New New Britain" (because, let's face it, that was tempting).
Reminder: Revisit older posts — they stay useful.
Fun Fact: Nobody Actually Asked the Whadjuk Noongar People
We mentioned the Whadjuk Noongar people earlier, right? The folks who lived there for, you know, a very long time. Well, it seems Steady George (and Captain Stirling for that matter) didn't think to ask them about the traditional name of the land. A bit of an oversight, but hey, it was the 1820s – manners weren't exactly top priority.
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So, what's the takeaway? Perth's got a name with a rather uninspired origin story. But hey, it's grown into a pretty cool city (with way more sunshine than Scotland, that's for sure).
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
FAQ: Perth Proper
How to sound like a local: Don't pronounce the "th" at the end. It's more like "Per."
How to avoid sunburn: Sunscreen is your best friend. Perth likes to crank up the UV factor.
How to find a quokka: Head to Rottnest Island. These adorable marsupials are basically living teddy bears.
How to explore Perth: The Swan River is a great place to start. Hire a swan-shaped pedal boat (yes, really) and pretend you're a majestic bird.
How to experience Noongar culture: There are many Aboriginal-owned tours and experiences available. Be sure to check them out and learn about the rich history of the land.
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