Feature with Husbands that Travel
Perth / Boorloo is the most underrated city for the LGBTQ+ traveller according to Husbands That Travel, Charlie and Michael. After spending a sun-filled week exploring the city’s beaches, restaurants, wineries and nightlife, Perth has left an indelible mark on the couple. “Perth has such a laidback energy that’s so different to other cities. Each day brought us a new, chilled adventure to experience.”
Exposing Perth’s beaches
Post-card perfect sunsets over the Indian Ocean, surf lessons at Trigg Beach (15 minutes from the city) and kite surfing at Scarborough – it’s no wonder the guys rave about Perth’s beaches. “Trigg Beach is bustling on a sunny day and for good reason,” Michael said. “I had my first surf lesson here and absolutely fell in love with it.”
They also give a shout out to Perth’s only nudist beach, where the couple enjoyed a leisurely walk au naturel on the white sands. “It’s a short walk from the main section of Swanbourne beach, and it’s totally worth getting your kit off,” Charlie said.
Rottnest Island / Wadjemup holds a special place in the boys’ hearts. The ferry ride across the ocean created the feeling of a holiday within a holiday. Cycling around the island and finding a secluded bay to go snorkelling never got stale. And, yes, they took that selfie with a quokka!
“We’d totally recommend staying overnight so that you can slow down to island time.”
Rottnest Snorkel Tour on Parker Point, Rottnest Island
Summer’s one big festival
Charlie and Michael saw Perth as one giant, welcoming party during summer. Perth’s Fringe World is the third largest Fringe festival on the planet and hosts talented performers with breathtaking acts from Australia and overseas. Spectacles like Briefs left the couple in, “awe, shock and absolute delight!”
The Perth Festival ratchets the spectacle up to eleven with shows catering to all tastes, including a number of world premieres. This year, Bjork blew minds with an audio-visual creative masterpiece and poetry was beamed up into Perth’s starry night sky. “We legit spent night after night going from show to show… they were so impressive,” Michael remarked.
The Urban Orchard at Fringe World Festival
Perth’s bars and restaurants make a scene
Northbridge threw all expectations out the window for Perth as a gay-friendly city.
The Court is an LGBTQ+ venue that’s been popular with locals for years. Depending on when you visit, you can experience everything from silent discoes to mechanical penis riding (think mechanical bull and swap the bull for a you-know-what).
The couple gave Tiki as FK a big thumbs up (particularly its Pina Coladas), thanks to a rooftop location that serves up breathtaking city views. Perennial favourite, Connections, didn’t disappoint either.
A walking secret
A guided walking tour is often the best way to uncover a location’s hidden gems, whether they be historical landmarks, surprising street art or small bars like Charlie’s and Michael’s new favourite gay bar, Flaming Galah in Fremantle / Walyalup.
They embarked on two “freaking amazing” tours through Perth (Oh Hey WA) and Freo (Fremantle Tours). The rich stories told by their knowledgeable guides turned a holiday into an interactive adventure. “If you love exploring and learning about the local secrets, culture and history, while seeing art and having a few good drinks along the way, this is for you,” Charlie said.
Oh Hey WA, Perth Walking Tours
Wineries on the doorstep
The Swan Valley is the oldest wine region in Western Australia located on Whadjuk country. It’s only 25 minutes’ drive from Perth but you can always take a cruise. Floating gently up the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan) is a most idyllic way to travel.
“Even if you’re not wine crazy, the Swan Valley is definitely worth a visit for its local produce. One of the absolute highlights of our Perth trip was a bush tucker tasting with local elder Dale Tilbrook at the iconic Mandoon Estate. And a hundred per cent recommend you go for lunch and a gin tasting at Old Young’s - fair to say we were a little tipsy by the end of the day!” Michael said.
Bush Tucker Experience with Dale Tilbrook
So, how LGBTQ+ friendly is Perth?
The Husbands That Travel left Perth with more than fond memories. “We felt very comfortable being ourselves in Perth. The pubs and clubs are welcoming and there’s plenty going on, especially during Pride and the summer festivals. But what really hooked us was the city’s laidback vibe. It gives Perth such a unique flavour that we can recommend to all LGBTQ+ holiday-makers,” Michael said.
Published March 2023.