Personifying laidback charm and urban cool Perth is a city of raw natural beauty. With a day to play in Australia’s sunniest capital, dip into urban parks and wildlife, arts and culture, a variety of shopping options, alleyway bars and fine dining – all under a brilliant blue sky.

Just a short hop from the city, Kings Park emerges as a green haven on the banks of the sparkling Swan River. A meeting place thousands of years in the making, it’s now one of the world’s largest urban parks. Walk or cycle the serene trails, find some shade, lay out a picnic rug, or take in stunning vistas of the cityscape. The spectacularly biodiverse Western Australian Botanic Garden is there too – home to 3,000 plus native plant species and cascading, bee-buzzing wildflower beds.

Zip back down to the city streets for lunch. Adorned with street art, Perth’s intimate laneways play host to hip cafes, progressive restaurants, and myriad secret bars.

The city’s arts and history centre, the Perth Cultural Centre in Northbridge, is a hotspot for culture vultures. See what grabs your attention at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip, State Library, or Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts.

Shopping more your thing? Drift between Raine Square and King Street’s fashion boutiques, Watertown’s outlet centre, or the Hay and Murray Street malls and indulge your passion for fashion, jewellery or art.

From fine dining to food trucks, Perth’s culinary scene is imaginative and unpretentious. The city’s proximity to the water means seafood is always a winner. Team with an of-the-moment wine, or a fruity craft beer, for a night of fabulous feasting.

Finally, grab tickets to a live show at the Perth Concert Hall, State Theatre or His Majesty’s Theatre, or enjoy Northbridge’s buzzing bar and club scene.