Wishing you went away for the long weekend? Learn from your mistakes! Whether you’re waiting for October or inventing your own long weekend with a day in lieu, it’s high time to start planning and, after experiencing some of the wonders the west has to offer, we’re here to convince you Perth is THE place to go…
STAY
Certain areas of Perth have recently been undergoing major upgrades, one of which is Scarborough. Just half an hour from the airport, and a twenty-minute drive from the CBD, this long stretch of beach is as stunning as they come and makes for the perfect home base for your visit West.
We stayed in the newly refurbished Rendezvous Scarborough and we have to say, extensive upgrade has not gone to waste — from the lobby to the rooms, the huge hotel ticks all the comfort boxes and more. The view from the balcony is breathtaking to say the least, the king beds are heaven to collapse into after a day of exploring, and the hotel itself ticks all the boxes for service and amenities.
EAT
If there’s one pieces of advice we have for you, it’s don’t come to Perth mid-detox. Wine, cheese, and chocolate are in abundance here and you’ll be seriously missing out if you choose to forgo them.
If you love a beer (go on, admit it) the Little Creatures brewery cannot be missed. The beer tasting and brewery tours will send you home with more than enough dinner conversation, and the food served at the café is beyond amazing. Order a few things and share to avoid intense food envy — everything on the menu is incredible.
With a wine list that’s more of a wine-bible and food so good you’re tempted to lick the plate, Print Hall is a must-visit. Try the Smoked Ocean Trout — it might not change your life, but it will change your perception of what trout should be.
The building itself is seeped in fascinating history too – head to the rooftop to check out the neon sign The West Australian newspaper left behind, and the neon-lit Bob Hawke quotes.
Named after a mine that was named after a stripper (no, really), Lalla Rookh is a thoroughly modern bar with incredible Italian fare. This is not a place to go carb skimping, try out the tagliatelle with chicken or the pasta of the day and bottle of wine to accompany — you won’t regret it.
PLAY
If you want to spend an afternoon in-house, book in at the Vanilla Spa for a massage or manicure, then head over to Matisse, the watering hole just next to the hotel on the beach side, for a drink. The faux palm trees, cabanas, and balcony pool at Matisse may be a little kitsch, but they make for a seriously fun spot for a cocktail and a little bit of people watching.
Rottnest Island has become such a popular tourist spot that it hardly needs a shout out, but it just wouldn’t feel right to skip over it. The ferry ride from Freemantle is about forty-five minutes depending on the weather, and is a beautiful way to spend a morning in and of itself. On arriving, hire bikes, scooters, or use your feet to make your way around the island and check out the various beaches, the famous lighthouse, and, of course, the quokkas which are native only to Rottnest.
We were surprised at just how much there is to do here — from a golf course, to a historical train tour, to multiple eateries you can easily fill a day before jumping back on the ferry.
Perth isn’t known for its shopping scene, but Freemantle markets are worth a visit for handmade bits and pieces and to soak up the atmosphere. Word of advice: arrive hungry and stay for lunch — from pretzels to persimmons and paella, there’s plenty to tempt you.
If you feel a little history-lesson inclined, head just up from the markets to the Freemantle Prison where tour guides will share the truly jaw-dropping recent history of the space. This isn’t exactly a feel-good place, but an experience you won’t want to miss.
