Urban List Travel

Hotels, bars, restaurants, must-dos and travel diaries from folks who love holidaying as much as you do.

Highlights

Rest Of The Best

Travel

Heyscape Denmark

Heyscape is proving once and for all that size doesn’t matter. WA’s very own tiny-cabins crew have just added even more off-grid accommodation to their cabin famiglia, launching a trio of cabins in idyllic Denmark.
Cafes

The Lunch Shack

We’re officially calling it—this new retro-inspired lunch bar in Margaret River is flipping some of the best breakfast burgers in the South West. And with a motto of “Flipping Good Food,” it’s easy to see why locals are already flocking to this spot, led by the friendly trio Liz, Miki and Arlo. 
Cafes

Coffee Heads

Big call, but the roast chicken roll at Coffee Heads might just be our favourite thing to come out of 2023. The warm, succulent roast chicken, the herby remoulade, the slightly toasted potato bun—it's giving rooster roll nostalgia in the very best way and is the one thing we'll always make time for on a road trip down south.
People sitting outside Mandoon Estate in the Swan Valley
Restaurants

Mandoon Estate

Just 25 minutes from Perth, Mandoon Estate has established itself as a must-visit Swan Valley destination for wining and dining. 
The exterior of Busselton Pavilion
Bars & Pubs

Busselton Pavilion

It’s time to line up a road trip, as the south west’s long-awaited Busselton Pavilion has just thrown open its doors. The brand, spanking new multi-use venue comes from hospo powerhouse, John Parker (The Royal Hotel, Fleur, Willi’s Wine Bar, The Standard and Dandelion) and includes a restaurant, pub, private dining rooms, wine shop and in-house distillery, with enough space for 500 guests inside the breezy heritage-style stunner.
Local Escapes

Tradewinds

Perched across from the Swan River in East Fremantle, the iconic Tradewinds Hotel is definitely one of our favourite spots for a Freo stay. 
Local Escapes

Samphire Rottnest

Don't get us wrong, we love the heritage charm of Rotto's classic bungalows, but it's impossible to ignore the luxury of Samphire Rottnest, the first and only boutique accommodation on the island.
Local Escapes

The Adnate

Perth has scored its very first Art Series Hotel featuring the work of Matt Adnate, an incredible Australian street artist who’s known for his moving multicultural portraits.
Local Escapes

The Alex Hotel

Sitting in the cultural heart of Perth, The Alex Hotel is the perfect spot in Northbridge for those who like to eat, drink and be merry. The rooms are like little sanctuaries, but if you like a more social experience, you can kick back in the shared communal spaces. The Alex has lounge rooms, outdoor terraces and a roof garden for you to enjoy, where they offer wine, craft beer, artisan spirits, books and locally roasted coffee. There’s bike hire if you feel like going for a ride, and Shadow Wine Bar downstairs when its cocktail hour. You don’t get much better than that.
Local Escapes

Aloft Perth

The first of its kind in Australia, Aloft Perth has popped up in Rivervale, making staycations all the more appealing. With sweeping views of the city, Perth Hills and the Swan River, Aloft is a vision of W Hotels, so you can expect uber-stylish rooms, all the modern luxuries and vibrant open spaces.
Local Escapes

COMO The Treasury

This contemporary luxury hotel in Perth's CBD will make you never want to return home. Not only does COMO The Treasury feature a spa, gym, pool, library and the most elegant rooms and rooms you’ll ever lay eyes on; it's also home to some amazing dining options. Rooftop restaurant Wildflower serves up contemporary cuisine with beaut local produce; Post offers relaxed dining with modern Aussie cuisine; and Treasury Lounge and Bar is the perfect spot to kick back with a beer, wine or cocktail. So many activities.
Local Escapes

This Cult Food And Booze Fest Returns To The South West This Winter

WA's fave winter fest, Cabin Fever, is back in all its cosy glory. Running from Friday 17 through Sunday 26 July, the 10-day festival will see a string of mouth-watering events pop up down south, from Busselton to Margaret River—providing loads of opportunities to devour all the food, wine and beer your body can handle while getting nice 'n toasty with your fellow foodies.
Bungalow Social
Local Escapes

25 Must-Try Dunsborough Restaurants, Bars And Cafes

It may only be a three-hour drive south, but you can count on a few magical things happening in that time. The ritual stop at Bunbury farmers market, someone requests a sixth petrol-station-pee-break (and gives you an excuse to stock up on snacks) and finally the arrival to the pearly gates that is Tas's Bakery for that post-drive pick-me-up.
Food & Drink

Here’s Where To Find Perth’s Best Mont Blancs

You don’t need to speak French to enjoy this coffee. If you’ve spotted a Mont Blanc on a Perth café menu lately and wondered whether you’re ordering a mountain, a dessert, or a coffee – the answer is: delightfully, a bit of all three. Inspired by the classic French chestnut dessert named after the Alps landmark itself, a Mont Blanc is a layered, creamy, indulgent drink that’s as pretty as it is sippable. Think cold brew or espresso as your base, topped with clouds of whipped cream (sometimes mascarpone or coconut cream), topped with citrus zest, cocoa, or nutty notes. It’s rich yet refreshing, decadent yet balanced and oh-so-Instagrammable.
Rottnest Island
Local Escapes

17 Awesome Things To Do On Rottnest Island

Rottnest is like a collage of born and bred Perth peeps’ memories—running free and wild as a kid without halting to mum’s orders, first kisses on Pinky’s beach, partying from sunrise til sunset and in between at school leavers, boat trips (if you’re lucky) that provide the ultimate serenity of waking up to the rocking of the ocean’s gentle breaths and (if you’re fit) running on to the soft sand of Thomson’s Bay after completing the epic 20-kilometre journey of the channel swim.
Whale Watch Season
Things To Do

From Catamarans To Capes, Here’s Your Guide To Whale Watching In The South West

The South West of Australia is pristine, renowned for its breathtaking beaches, epic surfing and fine wines. However, it's also home to something even more magical: it's a whale-watching haven. Each year, these spectacular giants of the ocean migrate along our coast, providing one of nature's most awe-inspiring spectacles. Roughly 35,000 humpbacks, southern right, minke and blue whales make their way past the south west corner of Western Australia annually, creating unforgettable experiences for anyone lucky enough to witness them.
A family friendly getaway near Perth, WA
Kids & Travel

24 of Perth’s Best Family Staycays

Need a cheeky little family holiday but want to avoid a major drive or flight? We’ve found some fantastic kid-friendly accommodation options around Perth or within a few hours for you to play and stay with the entire family, without losing a day to travel delays.