PERTH

Posted on by gobotravel

Perth, considered to be one of the most isolated cities in the world, it’s the capital of Western Australia and the most populated. Not many people know of it compared to its East Coast counterparts and not many people travel to it since it’s quite far to get to. About 5 hour flight to get across the Outback from Sydney. There are not many who will want to make that extra trek especially for those coming from the States. The upside to that however is an absolute pristine city with white sand beaches and hardly any crowds.

Perth is where I lived for my year abroad in Australia. My boyfriend is from there which brought me to Perth and I moved without even hearing of the place before. This beach city is probably the cleanest places I have lived with the some of the most beautiful beaches to top it off. People travel thousands of miles to see stretches of white sand and turquoise blue waters and these guys have it in their backyard, lucky f*ckers.

I typically don’t recommend Perth to those who have limited time in Australia, but if you do I highly recommend it as the west coast has so much to offer. In terms of landscape, hands down, Western Australia takes the cake! West coast best coast, of course.

How to Get Here

As I mentioned, Perth is pretty far and remote from most cities so best and probably only way to get there is via plane. Once you arrive, taxi or Uber to get around is sufficient. Perth is quite large though so I’d recommend renting a car if you can. If not, they have a metro system that is very easy to use as well.

Location

Depending on your preference I have a couple of recommendations of areas to stay if you plan on visiting. CBD will be your downtown area which has great areas for shopping, nightlife, and views along the Swan River. If you want to be closer to the beach then Fremantle (or Freo) will be your best bet as is sits along the ocean. Freo is the most popular destination for tourism as the town is lined with cool, old school brick buildings that offers shops, restaurants, breweries, and is popular for nightlife. You can’t go wrong with a visit here!

Accommodation

Although I lived here I do have a recommendation for accommodation in Freo if that’s where you decide to stay in Perth. The Esplanade Hotel by Ridges is a centrally located hotel in Freo that is within walking distance to all the sites. By far one of the most popular locations to stay in the area but won’t be the cheapest by any means.

  • Cost per night: Approximately $180

Things to Do

Kings Park

Located in the CBD, Kings Park is definitely one of the highlights of this beautiful city. The park is fairly large so there’s lots of areas to explore, however the main site is the panoramic views of the city. Grab a picnic and enjoy a sunny day with spectacular views.

Head to the Beach

The people of Perth don’t know how good they have it. There are tons of beaches to choose from but they have two main beaches where most go to enjoy turquoise blue waters and white soft sand. Cottesloe is the most popular where families and tourists go and then Scarborough which is further North is where you will see more locals.

Check out the Fremantle Markets

This vibrant beach town will be one of the main highlights in the Perth area. Although it is quite far from the CBD it is worth checking out if you have the time. There are tons of restaurants, shops, and pubs to check out and you can’t miss the Freo Markets. Go for a stroll through the markets, grab a beer tasting at Little Creatures or Monk Brewery and then hit up the popular Clancy’s Fish Pub for a bite. You won’t be disappointed.

Take a Ferry Along the Swan River 

Head to the recently remodeled Elizabeth Quay in the CBD to catch a ferry and see the sites along the Swan River. There are several options of tours to choose from that offer stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

Watch a Footy Game at Optus Stadium

Ever seen a footy game before? Not a flirty move under the table…not football, or soccer, or rugby….It’s Aussie rules footy. One of the coolest games you will see. Men in short shorts, playing hot potato and tackling each other. What more do you want?

This brand new stadium, just built in 2018, sits right along the Swan River and certainly has a vibrant scene in the area. The Camfield Pub is a popular spot for brews and food prior to the game or if you are there in the off season head over for dinner and drinks.

Wine Tasting in Swan Valley

Did you know that wine tasting in Australia is free? Do I need to say any more? Catch a ferry from the CBD into Swan Valley or get a tour guided bus and try some beautiful local wines in the gorgeous Swan Valley wine region just 30 minutes from Perth city.

Caversham Wildlife Park

You could go to the Perth Zoo but if you really want to get up close and personal with the local animals of Australia then head to Caversham. Here you can get up close and even pet some of the animals, like kangaroos and koalas.

Food & Dining

I wish I had more to offer here but to be honest I didn’t go out as much as I would have liked. Dining out is quite pricey and most locals don’t go out to eat as often since BBQing is much more popular. Here were some of my favorite spots though:

Two Fat Indians

I never got into Indian food until I moved to Perth. They have some of the best Indian food options here but Two Fat Indians was definitely a favorite of ours and not too bad for the price. It’s located on the vibrant Beaufort St. which offers others nice areas for dining, pubs, and coffee.

Nando’s

Ugh if we only had one of these in America!!! By far the best “fast food” chicken joints you will ever have. Portuguese grilled chicken with a bunch of different sauces to choose from for dipping…yum yum yum. Can’t beat that Peri Peri sauce!

Grill’d

Great local chain for healthy burger choices. Better to go here than any fast food spot considering you will pay around $15 for a meal anyways.

Little Creatures Brewery

Located in Fremantle, this spot is more of a brewery but it offers some excellent food options as well. The brewery is massive so you won’t run into any issues getting a reservation. If not just head to the brewery for a tasting, they have awesome beers!

Ria Malaysian

Located in the hip, indie district of Leederville this spot offers awesome Malaysian food with a cool urban decor feel inside. Great spot for a lunch deal or group dinner.

Nightlife

Crown Perth

Located in Burswood, the Crown Perth hotel is home to restaurants, clubs, and the Burswood Casino. You won’t need much more for entertaining here but it can get pricey.

The Aviary Perth

If you are looking for a rooftop bar in the CBD for drinks and small bites, then head to Aviary. This spot offers swanky vibes and is central to most other spots in the area. The perfect spot to start a night out on a warm summer evening.

Tiger Lil’s

Located in the hot nightlife district of Northbridge, Tiger Lil’s is a great spot for a drink and a dance here, just get there early as there always seems to be a line.

The Stables Bar

Another bar located in Northbridge. Perfect spot for a place to meet and catch up with friends. Try their coffee martini…you’ll get hooked.

Hip-E Club

If you are in the mood for some dancing, check out Hip-E in the cool district of Leederville but get there early to avoid the lines! There is also a cover here….

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