Planning a visit to Australia in 2023? If you’re looking for a unique experience that’s a little more off the beaten track yet still steeped in luxury, then the West Australian capital of Perth has got it all.
When we say it’s off the beaten track, we’re not joking – as at 3,300km from the iconic city of Sydney, it’s not exactly a stone’s throw from the popular haunts of the East Coast that are frequented by international tourists. But despite its rather out-of-the-way location, it’s well worth making the trek, and whether you’re planning a wider exploration of Australia or just want to choose one place to do well, here are just some of the many reasons that Perth should be first on your itinerary.
The world class beaches
From the southern sands of Fremantle to the northern haven of Hillarys, Perth is home to some of the most breath-taking beaches in all of Australia, and you could spend days just hopping between them, languishing on the sandy shores, surfing or simply soaking up some rays.
There are plenty of car rental companies in Perth, so if you’re eager to travel independently and have the freedom to come and go from some of the less easily reachable beaches with ease, then it’s definitely worth hiring a vehicle.
Cottesloe, with its trendy array of beachfront cafes and casual eateries is one of the best beaches if you’re short on time, and the perfect spot from which to enjoy breath-taking sunsets over the Indian ocean.
The endless sunshine
Perth enjoys balmy temperatures year round and even in winter the daily average thermometer reading tops 18°C, which means that whatever time of year you plan to visit, you can expect warm, sunny days and an average of nine hours of sunshine a day.
During Perth’s summer – which runs from the beginning of December until the end of February – the mercury rises as high as 30°C, so if you’re hoping to escape the cold winter weather of the UK, then there couldn’t be a better time to go.
The indulgent cuisine
Enjoying over 10,000 kilometres of coastline, the hotels and restaurants of Perth enjoy access to plenty of fresh fish and seafood, and with not one, but a whopping 26 Michelin-starred restaurants currently operating across Perth, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where to eat each meal.
Expect floor-to-ceiling glass windows and light, airy environments in dining spots across the city and everything from trendy brunch haunts to stylish rooftop eateries flanked by sparkling infinity pools. You could easily spend the entire trip simply eating your way around Perth – but with so much else to see and do, be sure to save some time to explore.
The local wildlife
From marsupials to marine life, nature lovers will find themselves in their element in Perth, and with a variety of different wildlife encounters possible to enjoy across land, water and air, you’ll want to reserve at least a few days to ensure you can squeeze them all in.
Top of your list should be heading to Rottnest Island, where you can meet the tiny quokka – an adorable mini-marsupial that can only be found in Western Australia. These nocturnal creatures can be difficult to spot in the wild, but on the island, feeding sessions take place throughout the day, which provides the perfect opportunity to come face to face with them.
Heirisson Island and Yanchep National Park are great places to go if you’re keen to see kangaroos and koalas, while if you’re more of a marine life enthusiast then take the ferry to Penguin Island to visit WA’s largest colony of fairy penguins. Rockingham’s Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is also a must, and is home to dolphins, sea lions and more penguins, all of which can be spotted swimming freely on a good day.
The luxury hotels
Of course, you’ll need a suitably luxurious base from which to explore all that beautiful Perth has to offer, and the good news is that there are plenty of lavish five-star hotels to choose from.
COMO The Treasury enjoys a privileged location in the very centre of the city, and is a lovingly restored 1890s building that has managed to retain every element of its original opulence and grandeur.
Situated beside the Perth Cultural Centre, the Alex Hotel is the perfect choice for those looking for a boutique experience, and is just steps from trendy William Street’s sophisticated bars, Asian eateries and high-end fashion stores.
