Should we visit Perth?

Travel Info
I am going to Australia next august 2008 and am planning on stopping off at cairns, Brisbane, Hamilton island, darwin and Broome.
I was thinking of including Perth but have been told it will be too cool that time of year. What do you think?
If we don't do perth i was thinking of adding on Alice springs instead.

Travel Tips

Where are you coming from???
Well I was born and raised in Perth and I can tell you for a fact that compared to England Perth in August is not thay cool, yes it is winter and yes it is cold for Oz. but having lived in both countries for a while I could actually say that you might find it quite nice. Not too hot as it gets in summer, but warmer that autumn in England. A lot of Poms say it is quite nice that time of year. To be safe though I would go near the end of your trip so it will be the warmest possible and Perth has the best beaches in Oz.(I know I'm biased)
So go, enjoy

Others
In August keep to the tropics, it's pretty damn cold in Perth at that time of year (average day time temp about 8 - 12 degrees) It will be rainiy season in the tropics but really warm and pretty cool. I'd probably leave alice springs out too. Perth is really beautiful but it's such a long way from Broome which is the closest on your list
Perth is pretty cool that time of year but if you get there in september it starts warming up. Plus it's only a short ferry ride from perth to rottnest island which is really nice. Alice Springs is sooo far from anywhere and the only thing there is that great big rock. Boring.Also you shouldn't miss Sydney it's the best harbour in the world.!!
if you're thinking of going to perth in august it will be the beginning of their spring but it'll still be around 25c. we went last april and we were visiting family up in geraldton which is about a 5 hour drive north of perth. there really isn't much in geraldton but the weather is much hotter there and it has some of the most beautiful beaches i've ever seen! perth has some stunning beaches too! cottlesloe beach is the most popular! if you go there at around 5:30pm you'll also see the most beautiful sunset! kings park in perth is a must too! it's massive and you can spend the whole day there and there are some fantastic views overlooking swan lake. i wish i was coming with you! hope you have a fantastic holiday. sounds like you have it well planned out and wherever you go in australia you're sure to want to stay there! have fun!
yes! you should not miss perth. it's one of the fastest growing or booming city here in australia. there are lots of good places to see here. you might regret not coming here.
it will be cold but then you'll enjoy it.
I do not speak as a traveller because I've lived in Perth for a year and a half. To my mind, Perth is a paradise. It will be cherished in my memories. :)

As for your question, it depends. Although Perth doesn't offer the big sights and sounds, it's a good place to stop-by to relax a bit. Although it's not a big city, it's got its charms in its own way.

But winter time in Perth is a little nasty. With shops closing early and practically nothing much to do in the night, it may be a good thing for travellers looking for some rest before heading off to another place but a bit of a snag for those looking forward to getting the most out of their money.

It's also a capital city with comparatively cheaper costs in terms of services. It's also a good point of exit if you are leaving towards the west of Australia. But the trip (plane fare) going back to any point may be more of a liability.
The problems with Perth are that it is so far away from any other town/city of any size and there is not a lot to do there, especially in Autumn. If you are travelling from Brisbane it is going to be best part of a day flying for a return flight.

Perth is not very warm in August, but not cold. However, there is not a great deal to do in the town. There are not real sites to see and Wave Rock and the Pinnacles are both a long day in a car to visit.

I would suggest that you either visit Melbourne (plenty of Arts and sport in the city) or Sydney (Sites). Both have plenty to see and do - far more than Perth. Alternatively, try Broome, a coule of hours flight from Perth.