Perth may be the most isolated capital city of over 1 million people in the world, but don’t let that deter you from visiting the ‘City of Light’.
The fourth largest city in Australia, Perth features un-crowded sandy beaches, a reputation for being Australia’s sunniest city, a laidback attitude and a penchant for high end goods. Sitting on the banks of the beautiful Swan River and nearby hectares of natural bushland in Kings Park make for a city centred on the great outdoors. Perth city’s laneways are bursting with an exciting dining and bar scene. The streets are lined with pedestrian malls featuring cool little boutiques and international brands. It’s a mix of heritage and the modern, a place with it’s own fun and unique character. There’s a lot to love about this up and coming city.
Retail Therapy
There’s one word that comes to mind when it comes to shopping in Perth and that word is ‘diverse’. There’s stores and boutiques dedicated to high end designer clothing, beach gear, antiques, aboriginal art and antiques
Don’t mistake Perth as a sleepy little town, they’re all about high fashion. Head down to the heritage streetscape of King Street and visit some of the same brand stores found on Rodeo Drive and the Champs-Élysées. Make sure to check out Hunt Leather, they’ve got a great selection of leather goods from brands such as Longchamp, Il Bisonte, Barantini and Tumi. There’s also a selection of belts, hats, gloves, diaries and book covers – it’ll make any stylish traveller drool.
If you find yourself in Subiaco, don’t miss out on visiting Merge Clothing where you can find the hottest WA and Australian fashion designers such as Story By Tang, Julia Silk and a huge range of Generics, plus well known designers like Stolen Girlfriends club and Cheap Monday. Start going to the gym now so you can exercise your arms and legs from all the shopping bags you’ll be carrying and all the walking you’ll be doing. It’s quite a workout in itself.
Sophisticated dining
Bib and Tucker, North Fremantle
If you’re after fresh local produce, you just can’t go past North Fremantle’s Bib and Tucker, with breath taking views of the sun setting on the Indian Ocean. This modern Australian restaurant’s menu is created by head chef Scott Bridger, expect salads and seafood, to suckling pig, rotisserie chicken, wood fire pizza, fish tacos and vegetarian dishes.
The Spice Library, Subiaco
If you’re keen to cook yourself something exotic don’t miss out on The Spice Library at Subiaco. Peruse and find those elusive spices you just can’t get at the groceries from Persian to Mexican and even some local gourmet pastes and condiments. They’re also quick to suggest how you can spice up your cooking with some selections you may never have considered yourself.
Drink
Perth city has a bustling small bar scene and the locals are always out and about and ready for good chat. If you want to get on top of it all, check out The Aviary for a birds eye view of the city’s skyline, it’s Perth’s largest rooftop bar, come in for a late lunch, and continue the celebrations until night time.
If you’re after something a little closer to the ground, go to Wolf Lane and give the Cheeky Sparrow a visit – their watermelon basil margaritas are a must try. The warm woody interior makes you feel at home, and if you have a bit too much to drink, make sure you go back there in the morning. This bar leads a double life and doubles as an espresso bar to feed Perth’s caffeine addiction.