Just like a gelato and its addictive sugar highs, your jam-packed 48-hour stint in Perth may have you leaving the same way – feeling overjoyed and craving for more.
Perth may have the reputation of being a melting hot city but in reality, it’s cooler than an ice cream factory. Its vibrant street art appears to have more colour than a rainbow Paddle Pop and its beaches appear bluer than a Zooper Dooper. More sundae than soft serve, Perth’s bar and restaurant scene has gone through a cultural renaissance too.
I am seriously so proud of my home city and what it has become of so if you do find yourself in Perth for a few days, check out my two-day guide to see the sweetest side of this vibrant city.
Day One
Kick start the day with energy boosters that would keep you going for hours – good coffee paired with a breakfast fit for a royal. Located along the prestigious shopping strip, King Street, the red brick and high ceiling La Veen is a great spot for a caffeinated cuppa. Especially for the fact it seems to have more accolades for its bean-mastery than there are unground beans sitting in its roaster.
Walk around the city, visiting Northbridge and the newly opened Yagan Square. This place is super chill and is a nice spot to people watch, going from Perth to Northbridge. It is also home to Perth’s permanent food markets (about time!)
After a busy morning of eating, smelling more food and drinking a hot bevvy, its time to check out Perth’s newest riverside darling, entertainment precinct Elizabeth Quay, located along the Swan River. From here, you can soak up the stunning views of Kings Park from afar. After some obligatory tourist happy-snaps, hop onto a train for a short ride to Perth’s hippest neighbourhood (and my favourite suburb), Leederville.
Sunday stroll your way along the vibrant Oxford Street strip and check out its quirky, independent stores before popping into one of Perth’s most favourite outdoor gardens (and my personal favourite) The Garden. Although this place is not wallet friendly (AUD $18 for a pint – you crazy?!), it is a great spot to enjoy a casual drink with good vibes all around in its industrial yet leafy backyard setting. Pub grub wise, expect to see wood-fired pizzas on the menu as well as hearty modern Australian fusion cuisine. Back to the pizzas, they are on point!
In the evening, follow in the footsteps of Alice’s curiosity by taking yourself down Perth’s colourful rabbit hole-like laneways with a whirlwind tour of Perth’s small bar scene with Two Feet & A Heart Beat. I used to lead these tours around Perth and am somewhat partial to them as I think it is a great introduction to Perth’s nightlife. On the intimate tour, you get to visit three well-hidden bars as well as checking out Perth’s ever-growing urban canvas of street art. Plus there is some food and drinks included – score!
If you are a lover of live music in an intimate setting, you may fall in love with the popular late-night venue, The Bird. Or if you are up for late night discussions, check out the retro-style diner and ultimate hipster hangout, The Moon. It will hit the spot for that cheeky bevvy, late night tea, the urge to conquer a plate of towering nachos or a scoop of vegan ice cream.
Day Two
From city life to harbour life, time to hop aboard the train down the coast towards WA’s favourite Port City – Fremantle – or Freo as us locals like to call it. Most often than not, you will be treated to a glorious day of good weather thanks to the sun gods looking down on Perth ever-so-kindly so make sure you pack in that beach towel.
After taking a morning dip at Leighton Beach (changerooms with showers are present), dust the sand off and head to coastal dining institution, Bib & Tucker. Enjoy modern Australian fusion cuisine (I hands down reccommend the black ink crab spaghetti) while soaking up the Indian Ocean views along its sublime wood-decked balcony.
From North Fremantle station take a quick train journey across the Swan River into the heart of Fremantle or, “Freo” as us locals like to call it, and explore Fremantle by foot – it is easy enough to get around! The famed Cappuccino strip will seriously heighten your senses with the smells of fresh food (looking at your Pizza Bella Roma!) but save what is left of your appetite for snacking at the Fremantle Markets.
Although super touristy, it is a nice place to soak up the local vibes. You can see local buskers perform while enjoying a bite from one of Fremantle’s Markets’ artisan, fresh produce or street food vendors.
Cap off your late afternoon with cheeky sundowner drinks at Australia’s first licensed beach bar restaurant, Bathers Beach House and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean – this is truly what days in WA are made for.
To walk off your Freo feasting ways, take a stroll across Esplanade Park, winding through the town centre before finding yourself at the ultra-hip activity hub centre, The Mantle. This old warehouse is a mixed space of pop up restaurants, ping pong, arts, DJ’s, tapas, pizzas and the finest of drinks on offer. This hidden gem will make you feel like a part of the Freo crowd who know how to have a good time seven days a week.