Labelled the next big hipster destination a million travel blogs over, Perth gets a great recommendation (and all the stars) because it’s more than just a city, or the wild, or the place to hang ten–it’s all of those things.
When it comes to Perth, the key is to get into the diversity; you can pet kangaroos at the Caversham Wildlife Sanctuary, get into the local music scene with great music festivals (everything from St. Jerome’s Laneway to Good Life), or you can just park it on Cottesloe beach for that Indian Ocean sunset everyone keeps talking about.
Head over to Fremantle to check out the markets and the hipster grilled cheeses at Toastface Grillah, for shopping and perusing, check out the Hay Street & Murray Street Mall to grab a cup at a cafe and pick up bespoke chotskies, or just take it easy with a sky-high walk through King’s Park–whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong in Perth.
Unlike its eastern cousins Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, Perth is a big city in Aus which you may not know a whole lot about. Commonly referred to as the “most isolated major city in the world” (actually Honolulu but a tiny island in the middle of the pacific is kinda cheating we reckon), Perth’s remoteness has actually resulted in a fantastically diverse, culturally rich city with a youthful, adventurous vibe.
I think it’s criminal that Perth has been left off backpacker itineraries for this long, and so cry, “no more!” Read on for some great reasons to visit Perth and the top things to do here.
Where to Stay
For accommodation in the city, I suggest checking out COMO the Treasury and Richardson Perth if you’re into the high-style, boutique atmosphere. For something laid back, check out the Pension of Perth. For something more sand friendly, grab a beachside cottage like Heart of Subiaco–and you’ll need no excuse for spending everyday working on your tan. If you are going to be backpacking on a budget there are tons of hostels in areas like Northbridge. Find the best deals on Booking.com.
Attractions
Fremantle
Freo to the locals, the area is all cute coffee shops during the day and pumping student night life on the main strip on Friday and Saturday nights. Visit the Little Creatures brewery to sample some free beer (we recommend the amber ale), or head to the historic centre to soak up a little culture. If you fancy something a little different you can even stay in the former cells at the YHA Fremantle prison!
Northbridge
Northbridge is close to the CBD and frankly bursting with cool things to do. You’ll findmany backpacker spots and nightlife haunts here, but to find the most interesting you’ll have to do something that does not come naturally to a backpacker…wash your clothes.
Lucky Chan’s is a mind boggling secret restaurant with the best ramen in town and a sensational rooftop bar behind a laundrette façade…which you enter through a washing machine! If that doesn’t sate your appetite for secret spots, there’s a prohibition style speakeasy in Chinatown which won’t let you in unless you get their password of the day from Facebook.
Prohibition would have been totally different in the Social Media age.
Rottnest Island
Just a 25 minute ferry ride from Fremantle, this picturesque island is vehicle free and perfect for cycling. It also has breathtaking white sand beaches, crystal water for snorkelling, big wave surfing and a large population of quokkas. And if that last part didn’t excite you, -1 internet point. Go Google.
Despite its beauty, Rottnest has a dark history. It was used as a prison for the local Aboriginal people who were taken to the island against their will and made to work on the land. Be sure to visit the Rottnest Island Museum to learn more about this and other periods of Western Australia’s history.
Music, Art and Festivals
Perth Indie Rock Bands are so good that they have their own section on Spotify.
Yes we know Justin Bieber probably does too but seriously these guys are good – try and catch a gig or two. If that’s not enough local colour for you, there’s some world class street art around Freo and the CBD for you to hunt out (Perth is an extremely Instagram friendly city).
Still awake? Time your visit well and you can visit Fringe World, a month long festival of arts, music, film, dance, cabaret and goodness knows what else!
Road Trips
Western Australia is beautiful, and it is a lot less tourist than the east, meaning the beaches are pristine and the chances are some will be practically empty. If you want to explore more of the region you could travel south from Perth to the Margaret River area which is home to some of the best vineyards in the country. You could also travel north up the coast, check out my Broome to Darwin itinerary or my pick for the best 4 week Australia road trip.
Whether you’re more likely to pick a spot with a bustling metro center, or a place that offers some much needed, much appreciated R&R, Perth is just one resolution away from being a reality. So what are you waiting for? Search flights to Perth, or view information about working holidays in Australia. Bon voyage!