The city of Perth has a population of 1,659,000, was founded on 12 June 1829 by Captain James Stirling. The port of Fremantle is located 19 Km south of Perth and remains the tourist, culture and arts centre of Perth. The Swan River Estuary and Canning River flows through the SW suburbs of Perth Perth. The rivers are tidal and salt water, and popular with sailing, wakeboarding, skiing, rowing, kayaking and fishing enthusiasts. The fauna and flora of Perth is diverse with Kings Park Botanical Gardens an international landmark offering some of the states best examples of native flora.