Search U:L

Never miss an event, new opening. Never miss an event, new opening or hyped bite again—get us in your inbox by joining Urban List Insiders. Become an insider

Perth / Local Escapes

Local Escapes Near Perth

The best weekend getaways and short escapes near Perth — curated road trips, beach breaks & nature stays worth packing for.

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

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

Tick Off All The Best Things To Do In Uluṟu

Uluṟu is undoubtedly the most iconic landmark in Australia. Rooted in the nation’s rich history and culture and home to the traditional custodians, the Aṉangu, seeing this beauty in real life is something every Aussie should do in their lifetime—and more than once if you can swing it.
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.
Health + Wellness

Cottesloe’s Beloved Wellness Destination Is Heading South To Dunsborough

Dunsborough’s wellness scene has exploded in recent years, and the arrival of Heartwood later this year is only set further establish the region as a go to for wellness getaways. The beloved Cottesloe wellness institution has announced it will open a second location inside the highly anticipated South West House lifestyle hotel, becoming the property's official wellness partner when both open in December.
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.
Asia

A First-Timer’s Guide To Koh Samui, Thailand

Lying east of the Thai mainland, Koh Samui is a must-visit slice of paradise in the Land of Smiles, whether you’re a first-timer to the country or you’ve already fallen in love with Bangkok and Phuket.
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.
News

Bunker Bay Luxury Chalets Get Greenlit In $12m Development Project

A new $12m luxury accommodation development has been greenlit for the Bunker Bay region. The Farm Bunker Bay is set to comprise ten low-lying luxury chalets within the surrounding native bushland. According to the team, the development will respond to “the current shortage and demand for high-quality accommodation in the South-West”. 
Things To Do

Your Guide To What’s On In Margaret River This Month

Planning a trip down south? Or just keeping your local social calendar full? The Margaret River region is buzzing this month, with events across the Margaret River city centre, Buesslton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, and Cowaramup, and we’ve got your essential guide. We're talking must-try long lunches, new cellar door experiences, artisan markets, and all the best events to fill your days.
Best Of

The Unmissable Food Stops On A Perth To Margaret River Road Trip

Flying out from Perth to Margaret River might be quicker and slightly fancier, but nothing beats arguing over who gets the front seat on a 3-hour car ride. Aside from the rolling countryside views and getting to happily shout ‘horses!’ when you pass a farm, a Perth to Margaret River road trip also means you can stop whenever you want and check out the local bites and sights.
Local Escapes

Farm Stays In Margaret River For Your Next Rural Escape

Let’s be honest, sometimes you just need to ditch the city, chuck your phone on silent and wake up somewhere with more cows than cars. Luckily, the South West has you covered. From tiny huts surrounded by forest to fancy farmhouses with tubs made for wine and bubble baths, here are ten beautiful Airbnb farm stays worth packing the weekender bag for.