Feature by Julie Hosking
Just because time is short doesn’t mean you have to sell yourself short.
There are so many wondrous ways to spend half a day in Perth (Boorloo), whether you are looking for adventure in the great outdoors, craving a cultural or culinary experience, or simply want to unwind somewhere unforgettable. Sample the city’s sensations with activities tailormade for you or mix and match for memorable hours at any time of day. You will be back!
Revel in nature
With more than 3000 hours of sunshine a year, Australia’s sunniest capital city is an open invitation to enjoy the outdoors. Take a dip in the pristine waters off Cottesloe, Scarborough or one of Perth’s 17 other glorious metropolitan beaches, kick back on the sand or grass with some fish and chips or a picnic and soak up a stunning sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Head to Kings Park and Botanic Garden (Kaarta Koomba) and wander through 400ha boasting more than 3000 species of local flora and 80-odd bird species. A short (free) bus ride from the CBD, one of the world's largest inner-city parks also offers the most spectacular views over the city and the sparkling Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan).
Complete the picture with a ferry ride across the river to South Perth and make time to meet our fabulous fauna at Perth Zoo. Or start the day with a little zen in the zoo. Slip into the sanctuary before the gates open for two hours of bliss with The Hike Collective, including a gentle yoga session in the calming presence of an elephant.
Kings Park, Perth
Make cultural connections
Follow in the footsteps of those who have called Boorloo home for thousands of years with In Culture Tours. Explore Kaarta Koomba with Whadjuk man Steven Jacobs, as he shares the rich culture of the Noongar people. Learn about bush foods and medicine, listen to dreamtime stories and feel the deep connection to boodja (land).
Perth Cultural Centre, a short walk from Perth Station, is home to a host of artistic endeavours, including WA Museum Boola Bardip (many stories); the Art Gallery of Western Australia; and the State Theatre Centre of WA. There are always local treasures to discover, as well as touring artists and exhibitions. Fuel up between artistic pursuits at one of Northbridge’s myriad restaurants, cafes and bars.
If you still have time, walk back over the bridge to explore the city’s architecture. Download the Historic Heart app for free and follow a trail that leads past heritage queens such as Government House, St Mary’s Cathedral and the lovingly restored State Buildings, home to the elegant COMO The Treasury hotel and several superb restaurants and bars. There are modern marvels to admire, too, including a state-of-the-art university taking shape opposite Yagan Square.
Dining at COMO, Perth
Taste the difference
Whatever your timetable, make room for something delicious. Tuck into a hearty breakfast at one of the city’s many cafés before you walk, run or cycle along the foreshore. Linger over high tea in elegant style at COMO The Treasury or wind down at a bar with views to match the cocktail list. Tantalise your tastebuds with wonderful Western Australian produce at award-winning restaurants, such as Hearth at The Ritz-Carlton.
If you want some local insights, order from a rich menu of food and drink tours. Cheese lovers? Join Two Feet and a Heartbeat on a fabulous fromage fest. Like a little mystery with your sustenance? Let Oh Hey WA lead you down laneways in search of small bars and other secret delights. Hidden deTours also have a quirky surprise or two for bar hoppers in Perth and Northbridge.
Ready to raise your spirits? Housed in a beautiful heritage building, Beyond Distilling uses local ingredients and native botanicals to craft vodka, gin, whisky and much more. Enjoy a beyond bottomless high tea, cocktail degustation, or make your own gin.
Two Feet and Heartbeat, Perth
Lift your heartrate
Get your heart pumping with Matagarup Zip+Climb. Not only do the 314 steps up to the Matagarup Bridge’s SkyView Deck reward you with some of the best views in Perth, but the rush that comes from zipping down to the foreshore at 75km/h must be felt to be believed. Make it a double heartstopper with the 90-minute Vertigo, a rooftop adventure that enables you to dangle over nearby Optus Stadium, if you dare. Or ease yourself back onto terra firma with a leisurely 9 or 18 holes at Matagarup Mini Golf before a pint and a bite to eat at Australia’s biggest pub, The Camfield.
For a different kind of exhilarating trip, discover the natural beauty and birdlife of the Canning River wetlands on a kayak with GoGo Active Tours. Or cycle along the foreshore, making Insta-worthy pitstops from serene South Perth to bustling Elizabeth Quay and back again. Both tours take around three hours. If you fancy a walk rather than a ride, Off the Beaten Track offers hikes for all fitness levels on Perth’s outskirts. Meander through bush alive with birdsong for bubbles at sunset, feel the rush of wondrous waterfalls and marvel at the beauty wherever you step.
And, remember, there’s always next time!
The Camfield, Perth
Published November 2024.