Welcome to Perth
OVERVIEW
Spectacular natural surroundings meet the vibrant buzz of this thriving city. Perth is brimming with entertainment options sure to inspire, where a kaleidoscope of food, wine, arts, culture, hip boutiques and new bars await. Nestled between the magnificent Swan River and one of the world’s largest inner city parks, the city is fringed with a natural beauty which beckons attention. And with a world-class wine region and sunsets over the ocean within half an hour of the city centre, and more hours of sunshine than any other capital city in Australia, there’s plenty to enjoy in this picture-perfect city.
EAT, DRINK, PLAY
Perth’s burgeoning small bar and dining scene will leave visitors spoilt for choice – look for laneways characterised with an artistic flair with light-up pathways leading to the final destination. Perth’s small bars are frequented from mid day by lunch-time diners into the evening by social night owls soaking up the atmosphere and a cocktail or two.
Check out Spanish tapas bar Andaluz and whisky Bar Helvetica on Howard Lane, have a cheeky drink at the Cheeky Sparrow or at Wolf Lane on Wolfe Lane or head underground at 1907 on Queen Street.
The Aviary on Murray Street Mall and the Greenhouse on St Georges Terrace are also popular stops for a bite to eat and a drink.
EXPLORE: INNER CITY PRECINCTS
Across the river are the tree-lined streets of South Perth, the quaint area boasts high-end restaurants offering superb city views, while Subiaco to the city’s west offers high-end home wares and boutique shopping and a bustling evening scene. Head to the high streets of Leederville or Mount Lawley to trawl through eclectic boutiques for an original find.
SHOPPING
Perth has also become a Mecca for luxury brands, with labels such as Gucci, Bally, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co appearing on stylish King Street in the city.
Local brands such as Kailis Pearls, Ruth Tarvydas and Melanie Greensmith (Wheels & Dollbaby) have also set up shop, making King Street the ultimate destination for the fashion savvy. The Hay Street and Murray Street Malls connected by plazas and arcades are at the centre of the city’s mainstream shopping locale, or head to inner city precincts such as Northbridge, Leederville or Mount Lawely to search out something a little more bespoke.
OUTDOORS
Indigenous tours running in Kings Park offer visitors the chance to understand the significance of the area. Tram tours also run through Kings Park and around the city’s esplanade, and are an effortless way to take in the riverside views of the skyline and discover what makes this one of the world’s most liveable cities. One of the largest inner city parks in the world, pack a picnic or make the most of the public barbeques to enjoy these beautiful grounds overlooking the city.
A myriad of cycle and walking paths hug the Swan River and hiring a bicycle is one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors. A ferry down the Swan from Barrack Street to Fremantle will give you views from the water of Perth’s riverside real-estate, or stick to the city scenery and hire a hobby cat from South Perth.
To really live the Perth life, a visit to one of its beautiful beaches is a must. The beach plays an important role in Perth culture, so not matter what time of year you visit, try your hand at surfing at iconic Scarborough Beach or grab some fish and chips and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean from Cottesloe.
DAY TRIPPER
A leisurely 20 minute drive east of the city or a cruise up the Swan River from the Barrack Street Jetty leads to the picturesque Swan Valley – Western Australia’s oldest wine growing region. Boasting award-winning wines and crafted beers, fresh gourmet produce, arts and crafts, rolling vineyards and natural bush land it is a perfect city escape. While in the area, stop in at the historic town of Guildford, pursue antique shops, boutiques, and admire the historic buildings and sites which leave a reminder of its rich past.
South of Perth is the charming port of Fremantle, offering the best preserved 19th Century portscape in the world with beautifully restored buildings, a lively fishing boat harbour, buzzing cafe strip and vibrant markets. A tram tour or a visit to the Maritime Museum or Round House uncovers Fremantle’s rich and fascinating history. Or step inside the historic Fremantle Prison for a tour exploring the labyrinth of tunnels by foot and boat, delving into the darker side of Fremantle’s history.
For a fantastic day trip, take a ferry to Rottnest Island, located just 30 minutes from Fremantle. “Rotto” as the locals call it, is home to 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays, making it the perfect location for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing. The iconic pub ‘Hotel Rottnest’, overlooking the tranquil waters of Thompson Bay, has recently undergone a stylish makeover. There’s also a range of excellent eco and cultural tours on offer.
For nature-lovers, head to Rockingham where you can take a tour and swim with wild dolphins, or take a ferry to nearby Penguin island to see a colony of penguins and roosting seabirds up close.
Further south, arranged around an estuary criss-crossed by pleasure boats and pontoons, Mandurah is alive with cafes and restaurants dotted along its boardwalks. Along the coast, the beaches are sensational for water-based activity including surfing, windsurfing and sailing, while the Marina precinct is home to a relaxed boating culture and array of leisure and shopping. Mandurah is an hour south of Perth city.
EXPERIENCE WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Perth is also the gateway to some extraordinary and unique West Australian experiences. The landscape is inspiring in its beauty and grandeur, from pristine coastal beaches to the red dirt of the outback, rugged gorges, unique rock formations and secluded waterfalls.
In the South West, discover tall tree forests, beautiful beaches, caves, luxury accommodation, and world-class food and wine regions. A journey inland east of the city takes visitors to the Golden Outback - a region of historic townships, spectacular desert wilderness, outback characters, gold rush history and the spectacular beaches of the Southern Ocean. North of Perth, the Indian Ocean bordering the Coral Coast is a myriad of marine life - humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, dugongs and colourful tropical fish. The world’s largest fringing reef, and one of the most bio diverse, is located here – the world heritage listed Ningaloo Reef. For an Aussie frontier adventure, the North West of the State encompassing the wild Kimberley region is a vast wilderness area, with epic landscapes of red rock, white beaches, waterfalls and gorges, and a rich Indigenous culture and history.
