The sand-fringed city of Perth combines blissful beaches and islands with a range of must-visit restaurants and a craft beer scene worth exploring.

Feature by Fleur Bainger

What do you know about Australia’s “other side”? That it’s blissfully off the beaten track? That islands and wineries surround its capital city? That you’ve been seriously missing out?

From the UK, the fastest way to fly to Australia is by hopping on the non-stop Qantas service between London and Perth. The same goes if you’re swooping in from Asia or coasting on one of the many flights from the Middle East with Emirates, Etihad or Qatar Airways: Perth is your first port of call. As a bonus, you can also stopover in this gorgeous beachside city for free, before continuing on to Melbourne, Sydney and the rest of Australia – and Perth might also be the world’s best stopover. Here are five reasons why.

Reason 1: you can meet the internet’s favourite animal, the quokka

Perth’s holiday haven, Rottnest Island, is famous for its cute quokkas – small, furry marsupials that are known to smile in photos, and have been selfie-snapped with the likes of Margot Robbie and Roger Federer. But that’s not all the island offers. It’s only a 30-minute ferry ride from Perth. Kick back with a drink and water views at Hotel Rottnest, then hire a bike to explore the car-free island’s 63 beaches and 20 bays (tip: don’t miss Geordie Bay and The Basin). Rotto, as it’s called locally, is close enough to visit on a day-trip or treat yourself to a night or two in a beautiful, ocean-facing villa.

_{Quokkas on Rottnest Island by Max Coquard}

Reason 2: one of the world’s best hotels is in Perth

Sleep over in what was declared the 12th best hotel in the world in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards. COMO The Treasury is, literally, smack- bang in the middle of the city: it inhabits “point zero” from where all distances to Perth are measured. It blends refined elegance and tranquil spaces with some of the city’s most exciting restaurants – from the astonishingly good value to the all-out splurge – conveniently located under the one historic roof.

If you can bear to leave, step outside on to St Georges Terrace, where public CAT buses will take you – for free – to Kings Park, 10 minutes away. One of the largest inner-city parks in the world, it combines native bush ribboned with walking trails, and an extensive botanic garden that blooms with wildflowers in September and early October. Perth is also home to a lively craft beer culture, kilometres of trendy laneways and a waterfront dining scene quite unlike anywhere else.

_{COMO The Treasury, Perth}

Reason 3: you can swim with dolphins less than an hour away

More than 200 bottlenose dolphins live in the wild off Rockingham, only 45 minutes’ drive south of Perth, and they rather like company. Ecotourism operator Perth Wildlife Encounters can whisk you out to the sheltered waters where the cetaceans play, and from there it’s over to them. The dolphins aren’t fed or trained, making every interaction special because it’s spontaneous and natural. There’s a maximum of seven people in a group, towed by an aqua scooter alongside the curious mammals. Depending on how social the dolphins are feeling, your snorkel may last anywhere from three to six hours, so set aside a whole day for this unforgettable activity.

_{Perth Wildlife Encounters, Rockingham}

Reason 4: a bohemian enclave is only 30 minutes away

There are plenty of compelling reasons to hop on a train and head to the bohemian beach city of Fremantle. Departing from central Perth, the half-hour journey passes through leafy suburbs then runs opposite the coast, delivering sights of white sand and blue ocean before crossing over the Swan River, where container ships and cruise boats feed into the working port. It’s the perfect prelude to “Freo”, as it’s affectionately called: the town mixes shabby chic with artsy cool – an atmosphere you’ll sense immediately.

Stroll past the alfresco cafes of Market Street and drop into one of the repurposed warehouses or heritage buildings where you’ll find excellent bars and eateries. Discover places like Gage Roads Brew Co, Bread in Common, Emily Taylor, and sandwich bar, Peggy’s. Continue on to the iconic Little Creatures Brewery for maritime views and good times.

_{Bread in Common, Fremantle by Jarrad Seng}

Reason 5: there are wine regions on two sides of the city

Few visitors realise Perth harbours not one but two wine regions less than 35 minutes’ drive away. The Swan Valley is raked with row upon row of leafy vines and between them sit welcoming cellar doors and characterful cafes as well as breweries and cider houses. Follow the region’s wine trail, an easy loop road passing more flavour stops than you can see in one day. Mandoon Estate, Feral Brewing, Taylor’s Art and Coffee House and Sandalford are all great spots.

Alternatively, set your GPS to the east for the rolling Perth Hills, home to boutique wineries and market gardens. The views from tiny cellar doors – particularly the Bickley Valley’s Plume Estate Vineyard and Myattsfield ­– will compel you to linger well into the afternoon. Swing by John Forrest National Park on the return to Perth to see the resident kangaroos: score light-haloed photographs of them at sunset. 

_{Sandalford Wines, Caversham}

Looking for more inspiration?

Discover more places to visit and things to do in the Perth and surrounds region.