Eat
Head to Petition Kitchen, where you can order from a tapas-style menu of local and seasonal produce. I suggest the broccoli salad. For an afternoon sugar kick or a weekend brunch, look no further than local haunt Mary Street Bakery. Try a couple of their artisanal doughnuts washed down with a cold-brew coffee. You can also take a short drive to City Beach – a much quieter spot than its happening neighbour Cottesloe Beach – where you’ll find fine-dining, family-friendly restaurant Hamptons City Beach for delectable Australian cuisine and stunning sunset views.
Drink
Northbridge is the prime area for nightlife, thanks to its array of bars and clubs. Mechanics Institute is a quirky alfresco watering hole, while Sneaky Tony’s has a cosier and more mysterious feel – knock on the large oak doors and utter the password (available daily on their Facebook page) through a small peephole to be allowed in. For non-alcoholic libations, Perth has a really strong coffee culture. The competition among local boutique cafés is high, with everyone claiming to serve you the best cuppa in town.
Explore
I highly recommend cycling around Rottnest Island, a beautiful reserve located just a short ferry ride from the city centre. The entire island is fringed with sandy beaches and shallow reefs, making it a perfect spot for snorkelling. You can also take a trip south to Margaret River, which has plenty of options for farm stays and some of the best wineries in the region.
Do
Driving in Perth is simple and stress-free. Parking is easy to find, traffic is always manageable and you’ll easily find rental car companies at the airport. The most important thing, though, is to not rush your trip – Perth isn’t the kind of destination for that. Instead, spend a few days unwinding in the city before considering adventures further afield.
View other useful insider’s guides.
Illustration by Robbie Porter
Singapore Airlines flies to Perth twice daily. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
This article was originally published in the July 2018 issue of SilverKris magazine.
