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8 Reasons to Make Perth Your Next Dreamy Aussie Escape
Written by Sarah Julian
Culinary journeys aplenty, serene beach swells and tree-covered hills as far as the eye can see: there are endless reasons for Perth to beckon you west.
The pinnacle of Australia’s west coast, Perth (Boorloo) is famed for its laidback lifestyle and dreamy beaches. But alongside everything barefoot and beachy is a compelling breadth of experiences that rivals the most cosmopolitan of cities: a dining scene that marries time-tested favourites with exciting new openings, adrenaline-pumping adventures, and immersive experiences that honour the traditional owners of the land.
It is clear that a flying visit simply isn’t enough.
Whether you favour beachside relaxation, thrills and spills, or immersing yourself in culture, you can design your own adventure to fill every sun-soaked day.
Read on to discover more.
Discover Perth
1. The beaches are sublime
‘Getting away from it all’ takes on another meaning when you tiptoe on the golden beaches of Perth. Drift away on crystal-clear waters to coves, hide away from the world, or seek out a sandy swath to feel the afternoon breeze waft in after a day well spent on the waves. Visit the local favourites – Scarborough, Cottesloe and City Beaches – to share the waters with surfers, snorkellers exploring the thriving coral reefs and city folk taking a dip. But if you seek a slice of bliss away from the mainland, Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) is the place to be – only a hop, skip and jump from Perth via ferry. Head to The Basin’s shallow and perfectly clear waters for swimming and snorkelling, or the sugar-white sands of Pinky Beach, the ideal spot to lull your senses and be hypnotised by golden hour’s warm glow.
2. You can immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture
Connect with Perth through the eyes of the custodians who have cared for the lands for more than 50,000 years. Follow the footsteps of a Noongar guide on walking tour with Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours & Experiences. Explore Kings Park (Kaarta Koomba) and brush past ancient trees and gaze up at towering trunks as you’re introduced to Indigenous plants and medicines. Or head to Elizabeth Quay (Goomup) and learn about traditional tools, percussion instruments and Perth’s forgotten great lakes.
For the gastronome keen for a glimpse into foraging and bush food, join Noongar Elder, Dale Tilbrook, on an immersive bush tucker experience in the Swan Valley. Here, you’ll be greeted with a technicolour table laden with intriguing fruits and leaves ready for feasting.
3. The foodie scene is ever evolving
Perth, often seen as laidback city, boasts a dining scene that’s anything but sleepy. From cosy cafes to high-flying dining institutions, the city’s culinary culture certainly packs a punch. In the charming streets of Fremantle (Walyalup), new foodie hot spots continue to sprout, while the Perth Hills houses time-honoured wineries and eateries that dazzle diners. For East-meets-West fusion, be sure to tick off Miss Mi and Lucy Luu. Seek out laid-back Italian food featuring seasonal produce and seafood at Vin Populi or satisfy your Mexican cravings at La Condesa in Subiaco. Occasions however, become more special with a meal in the State Buildings. Formerly the Old Treasury, Lands and Titles buildings, they now house mind-blowing culinary odysseys behind every door.
4. The natural beauty is off the charts
Superbly cultivated gardens, national parks bursting with native flora and fauna and swimming holes with underwater realms: Perth’s natural beauty is a masterpiece and best explored by bicycle or on foot. Find an inner-city oasis overlooking the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan) at Kings Park (Kaarta Koomba), where blooming wildflowers bless the gardens during September’s annual Kings Park Festival.
Or jump in your car and head further afield towards the enchanting Perth Hills region, a mere 30-minute drive from the city. Enter a dreamy realm of tree-clad valleys, dramatic cliffs and thundering waterfalls with a side of country charm. This hidden gem on Perth’s doorstep is home to cycling and walking tracks aplenty, alongside art galleries, historic pubs and a growing number of wineries and distilleries.
5. It’s near some of Australia’s best wineries and distilleries
Sniff, sip and savour some of Australia’s best drops as you begin to explore the patchwork of wineries and distilleries around Perth. The Swan Valley region in particular is home to an enthusiastic group of artisanal producers, with many of the valley’s wineries being family owned and run. For the discerning drinker, Mandoon Estate, Sandalford and Nikola Estate offer a delectable immersion into the world of viticulture. To continue the wine immersion, further afield (a three-hour drive from Perth) lies the Margaret River Region, where award-winning wineries meet coastal cliffs and incredible views.
If the need for a brew is what ales you, uncover a host of boutique breweries that have made the Swan Valley home – starting with Old Young’s distillery. There’s also plenty brewing in Fremantle and raising the bar for artisanal brewing is Little Creatures and Gage Roads.
6. You can explore historic Fremantle
Free spirits, beachy souls and the effortlessly cool – welcome to Fremantle, or ‘Freo’ as it’s known by locals. Here, history dances with the sea breeze, cobblestone streets whisper tales of the past and vibrant markets hum with life. Getting to Freo from Perth is easy, making it the perfect day trip. Journey 30 minutes by train or car or opt to travel by cruise along the Swan River. Amid the echoes of maritime tales, follow your feet to live music, craft beer bars, buskers, cosy cafes, beaches and boutique shops. Find the treasures hidden in the maze of Georgian and Victorian-era facades that house Freo’s indie designers making their mark with style.
7. There’s adventure in abundance
Outdoor adventures beckon from every corner of Perth. Embrace the thrill with experiences like the Matagarup Zip+Climb, where you’ll ascend Matagarup Bridge to exhilarating heights at 72 metres above the Swan River and then soar like a bird via zipline.
For breathtaking views, head to Optus Stadium, home to the HALO Roof Climb, where you can step onto the spectacular rooftop and marvel at stunning panoramas across Perth and the Swan River. With the sun on your face and the wind in your hair, these adventures are just the beginning of the adrenaline-pumping experiences that await in this vibrant city.
8. It’s a haven for wildlife lovers
It’s easy to go where the wild things are in Australia – and with untamed wildness fringing the concrete jungle of the city, Perth offers one of the most enchanting opportunities to encounter Australia’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat. From playful dolphins frolicking in crystal clear coastal waters to the sweet smile of Rottnest Island’s quokkas, you’ll be captivated by these residents at every turn. Stroll underneath lush trees and listen to the liquid trill of indigenous birds or keep your eyes out for the splash and spray of whales migrating south. Discover the untamed beauty of Australia’s fauna that thrives just beyond the urban buzz, offering a unique encounter for every type of animal lover.
Ready to book? Discover our collection of Perth escapes.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out The Nine Best Beaches Within Two Hours of Perth.
