Laid back Perth

What to do?

Cruise the Swan River past parks and skyscrapers to the beaches and bays of Rottnest Island. Or glide past opulent homes to the lively, historic port of Fremantle. Take a high-speed ferry to the Perth Zoo or head upstream to the vineyards of the picturesque Swan Valley. Experience Perth's glittering skyline on a dinner cruise. Or float down the river to Matilda Bay and the Mediterranean style buildings of the University of Western Australia. Hire a sleek sailboat and billow across the water. Canoe, kayak, kiteboard and jet ski or just watch the colourful flotilla of boats from the shore. Throw down a picnic rug or bike ride alongside the water on the Perth Waters or Canning River tracks.

King's Park is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. You can walk under towering eucalypt canopies and past mirrored lakes, sculpted gardens and picnic areas on the Bushland Nature Trail. Take in spectacular views of the city, Swan River and Darling Ranges from a lookout on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway or from the top of the 15 metre high DNA Tower. Learn about bush survival skills, taste bush tucker and listen to stories of the Rainbow Serpent on a walk with a local Aboriginal guide. Explore the rich diversity of Western Australian wildflowers in the Botanic Garden. These 400 hectares of lush landscaped gardens are just a short stroll from Perth's city centre. You can explore them going bike riding, bushwalking or rollerblading. Or just enjoy the fresh air, bird song and outdoor summer events.

Wander heritage-listed streets in Fremantle, buzzing with busking musicians and magicians. Or stroll winding alleys lined with art. Browse the bustling weekend markets or head to High Street for designer fashion and Aboriginal crafts. Enjoy a coffee on the lively 'Cappuccino Strip' or taste fresh Indian Ocean seafood at a restaurant on Fishing Boat Harbour. Visit the local micro-breweries or imbibe a pint in a historic pub. Listen to stories of prisoners and murderous mutineers on a torchlight tour of Fremantle Prison, the state's first jail. Or see the infamous 17th century Dutch Batavia shipwreck in the old Shipwreck Museum in Cliff Street. Cruise on the Leeuwin tall ship or sail to Carnac Island and spot seals, whales, dolphins. Enjoy a free Sunday concert at Fremantle Arts Centre or relax with a sunset picnic on South Beach.

Just a short ferry ride from the city, you can bike ride or kayak to secluded bays and swim from 63 beaches on tranquil, car-free Rottnest Island. Snorkel or dive the vibrant coral reefs and historic shipwrecks. Ride the surf at Strickland Bay, Salmon Bay and Stark Bay. Or grab a rod and make the most of the island's great fishing. Spot quokkas, the cute marsupials that inspired the island's name. Learn about the island's history on a guided tour of the Aboriginal prison or in the Rottnest Museum. Visit the old lighthouse and see the underground tunnels, huge guns and sweeping views of Oliver Hill.

Swim and snorkel on Cottesloe Beach, before exploring the trendy open-air cafes and pubs along the promenade. Relax on the white sands of City Beach. Or join the surfers and bronzed backpackers of Scarborough, then wander salty-skinned and happy through the weekend markets. Meet sea lions, bottlenosed dolphins and humpback whales at Marmion Marine Park on Trigg Beach. Or snorkel the shallow lagoons, reef walls, tiny islands and underwater caves. Relax in the boardwalk bars and restaurants of Sorrento Quay at bustling Hilary's Boat Harbour. Then immerse yourself in an underwater world at the aquarium or join a whale watching cruise or deep sea fishing charter. Fish from the beach and wander the marina at Mindarie Quays. Scuba dive shipwrecks from the seaside towns of Yanchep or Two Rocks and picnic and swim at picturesque Yanchep Lagoon.

Where to stay?

The location of the Novotel Langley, www.novotelperthlangley.com.au, provides you easy access to the sights and sounds of Perth, including restaurants, shopping districts and the spectacular Kings Park. The fitness centre of the hotel provides magnificent views of the Swan River while you work out.

Situated in the heart of Fremantle, Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, www.esplanadehotelfremantle.com.au, overlooks popular parklands and is within walking distance of South Beach, galleries, museums, fashionable bars and restaurants. The Esplanade Hotel offers simple, elegant and relaxed surroundings with warm, friendly and professional service. Beautifully appointed rooms and friendly service make for a memorable stay at this majestic hotel.

Nestled in 100 hectares of landscaped parklands, the InterContinental Perth Burswood, www.ichotelsgroup.com, is considered Perth's leading international five-star hotel. Situated within the Burswood Entertainment Complex, guests have access to the 24-hour casino, restaurants, bars, nightclub, Convention Centre and live entertainment. InterContinental Perth Burswood is ideally located just minutes from Perth's Central Business District and 30 minutes from Fremantle. Perth International Airport is three kilometres away. 

The hotel offers access to outstanding recreational facilities including a day spa, riverside cycling and walking track, fitness centre, two pools, spa, steam room, tennis courts and a golf course.

Where to eat?

Atop Kings Park, overlooking the city and the glittering Swan River, Fraser's Restaurant is sitting on prime location. The food has enjoyed a good reputation for years, with Mod Oz standards such as chargrilled rock lobster and roast 'roo on beetroot rōsti and polenta. Its more casual sister restaurant next door, Botanical Café, is open for breakfast and lunch.

Massive tarts piled with berries, apples or lime curd; rich scrambled eggs tumbling off thickly sliced sourdough; mini custard tarts stacked with glazed strawberries. There is nowhere like Tarts for breakfast though it is very busy at the weekends.

Not content with being Perth's best wine bar, Must Winebar is one of its best restaurants as well. The vibe's hip, slick and a little cheeky, while the menu marries classic bistro dishes with the best local produce. Must Winebar is a must when visiting Perth.

At Jackson's the finest of fine dining is offered in an upmarket dining room, where the staff don white gloves to present you with wonderfully creative treats. In the pampering stakes, it's the foodie equivalent of a day spa.

How to get there?

Emirates offer regular services between Malta and Perth with a stopover in Dubai. Flights departing from Malta on 2 November and returning on 16 November were priced at €1,419.34 including tax, at the time of going to print. Total flying time is approximately 18 hours.