Perth is Australia’s fastest evolving city, with awesome new urban spaces and a cool, sophisticated dining scene to match – plus, some of the country’s most spectacular natural settings. Australian-based travel expert Erin Bender of Explore with Erin thinks everyone should follow the sun and go west to discover the new Perth! After residing in Perth for more than 20 years, Erin has the inside scoop on all the best spots that will have you booking a trip straight to Western Australia.
In a land as big as Australia, there is too much to do in one short holiday. And the vast empty space between cities can make it difficult to choose where to go. Tourists often swarm to the East of Australia to stroll Melbourne graffiti alleyways and sip Australia’s best coffee. Or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Or snorkel the world famous Great Barrier Reef.
But I tell you, Western Australia has this beat. It is the untouched wonderland of Australia. The capital is my home city, Perth, which is the sunniest capital in Australia. The city surrounds the delightful Swan River and within 15 minutes from the city center lies at least 19 white sand, turquoise water beaches along the Indian Ocean.
The Gnome visits beautiful Perth city.
There is so much goodness in Western Australia, that it can’t be contained in one article, but I am going to try. Some people might call me crazy, but without further ado here are my favorite 7 things you can do in Western Australia.
Get pampered in a luxury hotel
Perth city is getting a makeover, so hotel choices are on the rise. But nothing says pamper to me like a stay in a 140-year-old historic building. Perth is home to the world’s second best hotel, as named by Conde Nast in 2016, COMO The Treasury. To continue the accolades, in 2017 the luxurious hotel was named best in Australia and New Zealand. These swanky digs were also seen as a pit-stop prize on The Amazing Race! Overlooking the city and the Swan River, you will find luxury accommodations, a wellness center, and award-winning restaurants.
The historic COMO The Treasury.
Escape to the rooftop to dine at the unforgettable Wildflower restaurant, overlooking the city and Swan River. The farm-and-forager-driven menu revolves around the indigenous six seasons and is to die for.
Rooftop dining at the COMO.
And if the food doesn’t get you, then it’s safe to say you may never want to leave once you pamper yourself with a bit of “Me Time” at the COMO Shambhala. 60-minute Indian Head Massage followed by a 30-minute Sodashi express facial? Yes, please!
COMO Shambhala wellness center.
COMO The Treasury offers a poolside experience that’s second to none.
Watch a sunset on pristine white beaches
One of the best parts of Western Australia’s isolated existence is stepping foot onto an empty beach. And Western Australia 12,000 kilometers (7,456 miles) of consistently jaw-dropping coastline, from north to south. Mostly with the whitest sand, you’ll ever find.
My favorite spots for watching the sunset are along the West Coast Highway. Stop in at Trigg, City Beach, Cottesloe, Scarborough or Fremantle for a sunset you will never forget. Take a picnic or go local with Australia’s most favorite take away, fish and chips in paper on the beach. Heaven.
Witness some of the whitest sand beaches in the world.
With 83 bays and beaches, you’re sure to find a new favorite hideaway.
Experience the King of all Parks
There are so many reasons why Kings Park is crowned as a must-do when in Perth. Firstly, it’s larger than Central Park in NYC, making it one of the biggest inner city parks in the world! Yep, these views need to be seen to be believed. Gaze out over Perth city and the Swan River, perched on grassy banks lined with wildflowers and gum trees.
Kings Park offers the perfect backdrop for the most scenic stroll of your life. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
Kings Park also hosts regular concerts under the starry city skies (Lorde played in November, Jack Johnson in December, James Blunt is coming in March) and has the annual Wildflower Festival every September, when the Botanic Gardens burst with thousands of native colours from across Western Australia. Don’t miss the iconic giant boab tree from the Kimberley region north of Perth. Free walking tours, a tree top walk and a brand new experience with Segway WA all provide options to absorb the many stories of this extraordinary natural attraction.
Discover Perth’s islands and their amazing encounters
Rottnest Island is located 18 kilometers (11 miles) west of Fremantle — a short river or train ride from Perth. You can catch the ferry to Rottnest from several locations. Victoria Quay in Fremantle is the closest mainland location and is only a quick 25-minute ride to Rottnest. Other departure points include Barrack Street jetty from the Perth CBD with Rottnest Express and Hillary’s Boat Harbour.
Rottnest is lined with 83 of the most beautiful bays and beaches you will ever see, but what it’s really known for is its namesake the happiest animal in the world. Quokkas are small macropods, much like a very tiny kangaroo weighing from 3 to 5 kilos (6.6 to 11 pounds) and only about 30cm tall (11 to 12 inches). You’ll also spot dolphins year round and humpback whales from September to December.
The Gnome scores a #QuokkaSelfie
The best way to see Rottnest is by bike — there are no cars on the island. It’s the perfect day trip from Perth. And don’t forget a #QuokkaSelfie is free.
Speaking of happiness, 45 minutes from the Perth city centre lies the crystal clear paradise of the Shoalwater Marine Park in Rockingham. Here, little penguins, dolphins and Australian sea lions thrive in the waters around the aptly named Penguin and Seal Islands. Rockingham Wild Encounters can even take you swimming with these wild dolphins, kayaking with the seals and introduce you to penguin pals. Now that’s what I call up close and personal!
Sip wine in Margaret River
In the southwest region of Western Australia is the perfect romantic getaway known to locals as “Down South”. Margaret River is famed for its wine, but extraordinary nature and coastal experiences collide her, too. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and many other varieties can be found spread out amongst the vineyards, dotted amongst the forest and a stone’s throw from the beach. Each vineyard offers tours and tastings.
Enjoy a glass of wine at Millbrook Winery on a Margaret River helicopter tour.
Do it in style from Perth by helicopter and visit Millbrook Winery for a tipple as you head south (keep an eye out for kangaroos in the vineyard!)
Don’t be surprised if you spot a kangaroo or two!
This region has so many other things to do other than wine as well. Explore a cave, those famous Western Australian beaches, chocolate and cheese factories, delicious restaurants, inspiring art galleries and the impressive Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park that links two capes, protecting the 120km-long (75 miles) Indian Ocean coastline. There’s no finer way to spend a weekend away with friends or to say romance than a weekend in Margaret River.
Helicopter ride over the wineries.
See Perth through the eyes of a local
Perth has changed and in a BIG way. Join a walking tour and let a local take you to the city’s coolest new bars, hottest eateries and heritage-listed buildings that dot the revitalized urban spaces throughout the city centre. From the waterfront Elizabeth Quay to Yagan Square and the City Link, Perth really is a city transforming before the eyes of its lucky 1.8 million residents. In fact, these tours are very popular with Western Australian locals, so you’re sure to make an Aussie mate or two along the way!
Take a walking tour, and experience Perth from the perspective of those who call it home. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
Witness lunar landscape by the sea
The Pinnacles is an other-wordly landscape in Nambung National Park, 2 hours north of Perth. Formed over millions of years, thousands of tall limestone spires have risen eerily out of the yellow desert sands forming what is now one of Australia’s most unique and fascinating landscapes.
The Pinnacles, located in the Nambung National Park, is an incredible spectacle worth the drive. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
Resident pink and grey galahs sit atop the yellow structures with ocean views, and if you’re lucky you’ll even spot a kangaroo! Follow the Indian Ocean Drive or jump on a Pinnacles tour, where you can enjoy lunch at the nearby Lobster Shack, a working factory where seafood doesn’t get any fresher.
Erin Holmes
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