If you follow me on social media, you will know that I was privileged to visit Perth, Western Australia last week for a brief stint. This is my fifth visit to Perth and all have been work trips, but I have managed to get out and about a little when in the west, particularly when I extended one of my stays over an adjoining weekend and my Mum flew over to explore with me. Perth is touted as one the most isolated cities in the world and with a population of just under two million in many respects it is like a big country town, but it has much to offer visitors whether it be for a pit stop like me or a longer stay. If you read my last post you will know that I lost my phone recently and while I do now have a replacement, the vast majority of my photos from Perth were lost with it. Luckily, I did save a handful before I lost it which was more good luck than good management because I never do this. I’m sharing my favourite things to do plus where to stay, eat and shop, when you visit Perth. Read on for all the details …
Getting There
Perth is almost 4,000 klms from Sydney and would take about 41 hours to drive if you are so inclined. I’m not, so I took the much more reasonable 4 1/2 (ish) hour flight. Checkout Webjet for the easiest way to compare flights in the same place. Tiger, Qantas, Virgin & Jetstar all fly domestic routes into Perth. For those with plenty of time and a sense of adventure you may want to consider the train. The 4 day/3 night journey on board the Indian Pacific will take you through some amazing scenery and set you back $939 for a recliner seat right through to $4,199 for a platinum service all inclusive cabin or for a real splurge opt for a private car (POA).
Where To Stay
Last week I stayed at the Crown Metropol (pictured below) for the first time which was really convenient for the event I was presenting at. The rooms are functional and the onsite facilities are impressive, particularly the pool area. The Crown Promenade is a few steps away and a little cheaper. The one disappointment is the current construction, the upside of which is that Crown Towers will be opening in Perth in 2017 and promises to be every bit as impressive as it’s Melbourne cousin (my review of the Melbourne Crown Towers Deluxe Villas here). Being Crown, of course the casino is on site as well as a plethora of dining options (see below). If you prefer to be in the CBD, The Duxton is a good option within easy walking distance from the heart of town. I have stayed multiple times over the years and while the rooms are a little dated, I do remember a fabulous pumpkin pasta on the room service menu and the bus stop right out the front allows easy access to free transport in the CBD and inner city.
Hungry?
I had a touch over 24 hours on the ground this trip and the event I attended was catered so unfortunately I didn’t have a lot of opportunity to sample the local fare this time around so these picks are learned from my numerous visits. If you are in the Crown complex, Nobu is always a reliable option for Japanese fare with outstanding reviews from around the globe (Melbourne Nobu review here) and The Merrywell is said to have the best steak sandwiches in WA. I had a satisfying sweet potato and potato roll from Miss Maud in Hay St Mall that I happily munched on in the taxi on the way back to the airport, check out the cakes and pastries while you are there! Also in the CBD is Toastface Grillah, an off beat lunch option where toasties are taken to a whole new level. It’s worth going just to check out the cute names on the menu, Danny Zuccho anyone (brie, zucchini & prosciutto)? If you feel like a wander, Northbridge is about 15 minutes or so on foot from the CBD and has a lively cafe and bar scene. I had a fantastic Greek meal at Brika a few years ago and was looking forward to going back but time simply didn’t permit. For fine dining with a view try Friends in East Perth (pictured below). Looking for a great deal on a meal? You can’t go past Groupon for the very best Perth bargains. Eating and drinking are one of life’s great pleasure and there is nothing worse than wasting calories on an ordinary (or worse!) meal so before you decide where to eat, check out what other diners thought of Perth’s restaurants on TripAdvisor. I’ve learned the hard way never to eat somewhere new without checking here first. Why not leave your own review while you are there!
Shopping In Perth
My shopping in Perth has always been in the CBD and I’m the first to admit I have never ventured into to ‘burbs. CBD shopping in Perth is centred around the Hay St/Murray St Malls with department store David Jones at the forefront. I found a pair of awesome navy patent Christian Louboutin pumps here but sadly they didn’t have my size so I left empty handed. Hay St’s pedestrian only mall is also home to Mecca Cosmetica, Pottery Barn and Culture Kings. Just off Hay St, London Court exemplifies kitsch with it’s old world facade, visit Antika for silver and All Gems for opals, both with a modern twist. Further along Carrillon City is where you will find Aussie stalwarts like Cue, Sportscraft and Saba as well as international megastore Topshop. Not far away is Forrest Chase where you will find Perth’s biggest department store, Myer and other well known fashion stores including Portmans and Sportsgirl. Don’t miss Wesley Quarter and one of my favourite Aussie designers Allanah Hill, pop into Lorna Jane and Metalicus while you are there. King Street is the place to be for designer goods with Miu Miu, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Bally, Prada and Tiffany all within steps of each other. Watertown is Perth’s only outlet centre, I haven’t been, but it might be worth a look if you are up for the bus ride.
Things To Do In Perth …
If theatre is your thing, head to The Crown Theatre. If you haven’t already seen it I highly recommend going, 80 million people can’t be wrong! The Swan River snakes through the city and is hard to miss, check it out up close and personal from The Bell Tower (pictured above), Kings Park or Burswood Park. If sport is your thing you will invariably end up at the WACA for a game of cricket in the summer or Subiaco Oval for a spot of AFL during the winter. Fremantle is a great place to spend a day just outside of Perth and if you are there on the weekend potter around the markets. Of course fish and chips for lunch is a must, try Kailis right on the waterfront. If you want to dip a toe (or more!) into the Indian Ocean, Cottesloe Beach can be reached by bus and is a lovely laid back place to while away the day. Meet a Quokka up close at personal at Rottnest Island and spend the night if you have the time.
If You Have More Time …
Western Australia is huge. If you are blessed to have enough time to explore beyond Perth why not take a Margaret River road trip, see a spectacular sunset in Broome, dive the Ningaloo Reef or marvel at dolphins in Monkey Mia.
Have you been to Western Australia? What are your favourite things to do and see?
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hkk3838.com says
I always lived in busy and crowded cities as London, Paris, New York, though a freind of mine is about to move to Perth for a few months!
Nuraini says
I haven’t been, but I have at least friends living there that I almost went to visit this year! It’s outside of the city that look the most attractive to me!
Allison Smith says
I’d love to explore more of WA one day. I have so many places on my list lol