There’s nothing quite like a plane ride to spark excitement and ignite possibilities—and we have the perfect excuse to get away to WA. With gorgeous beaches, nature trails that will get your heart and imagination pumping, and access to some of the best beverages and produce Australia has to offer, Perth is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect.
We’ve rounded up everything you need to know and do in Perth to enhance your vacay, and where to stay to maximise your playtime, not your travel time.
Rest Easy
If an in-house aperitivo hour, alfresco eats and an unparalleled location are all big ticks for your perfect place to stay then rest easy, because this new hotel is a no brainer. Freshly refurbished and centrally located, The Holiday Inn West Perth has you covered for a classic heritage feel and modern comforts. Whether you want to branch out and visit every attraction Perth has to offer, or stay close and eat your way through the local culinary offerings, we reckon a strong home base is the key to a smooth itinerary and at a slim 1.5kms from the CBD, this West Perth location has the goods–and a stunning in-house, Italian bar and restaurant to boot.
With so much on the to-do list, a lush and comfortable room to retreat to for a cheeky holiday nap and to prepare for what’s next on the itinerary is essential. Holiday Inn West Perth features all the creature comforts of a modern escape, including complimentary in-house gym access and free bike hire to help make exploring Perth a breeze. If two wheels aren’t your speed, Perth’s free CAT Bus stops right outside the door to whisk you away to the best cultural and culinary destinations Perth has to offer. If a full family affair is on the cards, children stay and eat free, so you'll have a little extra cash to splash on the fun stuff.
Fuel up
If there’s one thing that’s crucial for a reinvigorating and memorable holiday experience it’s good food that has you mesmerised at the moment and revisiting its memory long after you've returned home. To fuel your memory bank and holiday engine, make sure Julio’s restaurant is on your must-do list. Located in the Holiday Inn’s lovingly restored heritage building, the menu at Julio’s boasts Italian inspired fare made with the best that local producers have to offer. Showcasing fresh seafood, the Spaghettini frutti di mare is a must-try to satisfy any pasta cravings. For anyone hungry for a little more turf than surf, the WA grazed Bistecca will live rent-free in your memory for years to come.
What’s a holiday without a happy hour to kick it off? Warm up next to one of Julio’s fireplaces after a big day exploring and nab yourself a Negroni for $12, or indulge in a cheeky $8 gin distilled from WA’s very own Margaret River region. Cheers to your own ingenuity for refuelling during happy hour as complementary parmesan and truffle fries land on your table.
Head chef, Gonzalo Calderon, who originally hails from Peru, curated the Italian inspired menu with a twist to highlight plentiful local ingredients and fresh flavours. To experience Julio's in full swing, head down on a Friday night to catch live music and check out their events calendar to get around specialised "Meet the Maker" wine nights and regional themed dinners.
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Refresh
If your inspiration batteries need a bit of a recharge, Perth has you covered. Jump on the free CAT bus for the short trip into the CBD to discover the wonders of the WA Museum Boola Bardip to broaden your knowledge of the state’s cultural and natural heritage. Woven throughout the collections are the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and themes exploring the many physical and cultural layers of Western Australia. For glistening waters and cultural and culinary delights, head to Elizabeth Quay, connecting the vibrant CBD to the banks of the Swan River. Take a wander along the promenade, lose yourself in public art and sculptures and explore a range of restaurants and bars that make this one of Perth’s must-visit spots.
For anyone who can’t go to Perth without taking the opportunity to throw a towel down at one of its iconic beaches, there’s plenty to choose from. With sugary soft sand and shimmering water, Cottesloe Beach is the perfect destination for a slow day on the shore. If it’s something with a little more action you’re after, Matilda Bay is the place to go. Located on the cusp of Kings Park, this idyllic bay is perfect for swimming, kayaking and canoeing. For those who pick their beach by the fish and chips on offer, City Beach is the one for you. Closest to Perth’s city centre, this urban escape offers a plethora of options to keep both your stomach and your soul satisfied. To get wet, but not too wild, head down to Leighton Beach slightly further south from Cottesloe. Taking longer to deepen and gentler waves, this spot is the perfect place to paddle with ease.
Reconnect
Get back to nature without leaving the city at Kings Park and Botanic Garden. With two-thirds of the park protected as managed bushland, this natural escape in the heart of Perth offers a series of walking tracks and a rich range of biodiversity to explore. If you’re rather pedal than pace, take advantage of a complimentary hire bike from your accom to cut down on your travel time without compromising your outdoor exploration. Let Julio’s restaurant pack a bespoke picnic pack to take on your two-wheeled adventures so you can spend more of your morning snoozing and cycling.
If something a little further from home is calling you, stretch your legs on the Palm Terrace trail in Forrestfield. Half an hour from West Perth, this trail is one of Perth’s hidden gems. Winding through Lesmurdie Falls National Park and Mundy Regional Park, the trail opens up to panoramic views of the city whilst keeping you well and truly grounded in nature.
Restock
What’s a west coast holiday without a memento or two to remember it by? For all your shopping needs, Subiaco in Perth’s western suburbs is where you want to visit. Home to more than 900 specialty shops, boutique and big-name designers, homewares and adventure gear, the streets of Subiaco will provide the goods for whatever you’re searching for every day of the week. Get down to Subiaco on a Saturday morning to score super fresh, local produce and boutique wares at the Subi Farmers Markets. Featuring local stallholders and independent producers, these markets champion ethical and sustainable agriculture methods and aim to enrich the local community and encourage a positive social experience.
If you’re the kind of traveller who relishes time out and about and loves seeing day turn into night as you explore a new environment, then head down to Leederville. Located within 3km of the CBD, this pocket of Perth is home to cafe lined streets, boutique shops and countless bars and restaurants. After the sun goes down, catch a flick at Luna Cinemas or star-gaze while watching stars on the screen at the outdoor cinemas.
To lock in some lush accommodation for your next Perth escape and find out more about the drool-worthy offerings at Julio's Restaurant, head over here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Holiday Inn West Perth and proudly endorsed by Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Julio's Restaurant, Tourism Western Australia