If you’ve got a thirst for adventure, a bold taste or have a craving for eccentric experiences, Western Australia could be the destination for that perfect trip. With countless of attractions to offer, there is something to suit everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, a gallery enthusiast or just someone who enjoys spending time with your loved ones, Western Australia has something for you. Don’t just scratch the surface. An incredible journey filled with possibilities await you. As the locals love to say, it’s just another day in WA.
Australia’s sunniest capital city, Perth, effortlessly blends urban cool with raw natural beauty. Its heart is always bustling with new bars, hotels, restaurants, shopping, cultural spaces and a range of natural attractions located within 30 minutes of the city centre.Plus, this vibrant city is only a 5.5-hour flight away from Kuala Lumpur and it even shares the same time zone with us!
Here’s a local’s guide on the six places not to be missed in Perth.
1Yagan Square, Perth
The city’s newest public precinct, Yagan Square is a place unlike anywhere else in the city. Located in the heart of Perth’s Central Business District – it is one of the city’s most popular spots, filled with a hub of activity.
During the day, numerous cafes and restaurants are sprawled across the public art areas, providing plenty of things to see and do. At night, enjoy your meal while gazing at the spectacular light installations which commemorates the Aboriginal warrior, Yagan, and celebrates Western Australian indigenous culture. Plus, you’ll be spoiled with choices within the market hall, which offers more than 20 different eateries to satisfy your taste buds!
2Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth
Situated beside Swan River, Perth is a picturesque location, but the best scenic location of all is Kings Park and Botanic Garden – one of the biggest inner-city parks in the world. Larger than New York’s Central Park, it is located within Perth’s Central Business District (CBD). There are tons of ways to enjoy its 400-plus hectares of sculpted gardens and natural bushland. Stroll through the treetop walk, take an Indigenous cultural tour, picnic among the gum trees and if you visit in Spring, you can even see the wildflowers in full bloom. Many Insta-worthy moments await you at Kings Park and Botanic Garden!
3Fremantle, Perth
No visit to Perth is complete without spending time in the eclectic port city of Fremantle. A short 30-minute drive, train ride or river cruise from the CBD, ‘Freo’ as it’s known to locals, is the perfect blend of old and new with museums, pubs, cool cafes and markets.Wander through Fremantle’s maze of streets, filled with Georgian and Victorian-era architecture, where Fremantle’s independent fashion designers flaunt their unique styles.Also, if you’re in Fremantle during a weekend, step into the iconic Fremantle Market, which is not only filled with rich history, but contain exotic aromas, fresh produce, live music, crafts and even Aboriginal art.
4Swan Valley, Perth
Perth is the only Australian capital with a wine-growing region right on its doorstep. Just 25 minutes east of Perth, Swan Valley is a place to go to get away from city life. Come and discover local heritage, enjoy some quality family time, and feast on a rich fusion of award-winning wines, speciality liqueurs and gourmet delights whilst admiring the beautiful natural bushland. You can even winery-hop in the back of a horse-drawn wagon, or drive yourself around in a fancy classic car. Families with young children can knock themselves out with a trip to the Caversham Wildlife Park, The Maze – Home of the Outback Splash Family Fun Park or even cycle through the Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail.
5Perth’s Coastline, Perth
Make your way to one of the 19 pristine metropolitan beaches lining Perth’s coastline and find your own slice of white sand to relax and enjoy WA’s iconic Indian Ocean sunsets. There’s 80 kilometres of sun, sea and sand to be enjoyed on Perth’s coastline, with all of them located within a 30-minute drive of each other! Those seeking to surf the epic blue waves can head over to Scarborough and Trigg, while swimmers and stand-up paddle boarders can cool off at Cottesloe, or Mettam’s Pool. From a morning swim to a romantic Indian Ocean sunset, it’s your day to do as you please.
6Rottnest Island, Perth
Rottnest Island, or Rotto among the locals, is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Surrounded by the sparkling Indian Ocean, there are 63 stunning beaches, 20 beautiful bays and many coral reefs and wrecks that are simply breathtaking. This is where the locals go to swim, surf, snorkel, fish and relax. It’s also here you’ll find the world’s happiest animal and the cutest of marsupials, the Quokka. Rotto is also a car-free zone and renting a bicycle is the best way to get around. Just 19 kilometres off the coast, you can opt to arrive in style by helicopter or air taxi, or even cruise across in your own boat.
List of Events Happening from June to September 2019 in Western Australia
There is something extraordinary going on in Western Australia (WA) every day of the week. Music, sport, theatre or food. Whether you’re looking for a local market or a world-famous festival, you’ll find everything you can enjoy in Western Australia’s extraordinary regions.
Truffle Kerfuffle, Australia Truffle Festival
- Date: 21 – 23 June 2019
- Location: Manjimup, South West, Western Australia
- Website: http://www.trufflekerfuffle.com.au/
Truffle lovers can enjoy the ultimate weekend celebrating the world’s most luxurious ingredients, fresh black truffles. Manjimup, the heart of Australian truffle country with more truffles found here than anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. Join in the festivities and be consumed by the heady aroma of truffles at their freshest; go hunting, taste your way through the Festival Village, meet farmers and growers, discover local wine and produce and indulge in truffle laden experiences with world-class chefs.
- Date: 19 – 28 July 2019
- Location: Margaret River, South West, Western Australia
- Website: http://www.cabinfeverfest.com.au/
Cabin Fever is a 10-day winter adventure, laden with unique events for lovers of decadent food, fine local wines and live music – from mystery dinners to cheese and wine pairing battles – every experience is an indulgence for the senses. Tourists and locals descend on the vineyards, wine bars and other wondrous spots the beautiful Margaret River region is famous for, to create their own winter escapade.
This winter, they have over 35 events happening in the South West region. Put a hold on hibernation and visit the Margaret River region and visit the Cabin Fever Festival 2019 for as much quality wine, seam-splitting comfort food, fireside brews and general good times as your body can handle. Experience chocolate, cheese and coffee appreciation, wine dinners, degustation menus, bonfires, brews, live music and more.
- Date: 7 August – 7 September 2019
- Location: Carnarvon, Coral Coast, Western Australia
- Website: https://www.gascoynefood.com.au/gascoyne-food-events/gff2019/
The Gascoyne Food Festival is the ultimate winter getaway, promising incredible local produce served up by Western Australia’s top chefs in some of the world’s most idyllic locations.
Events are held across the region including Dirk Hartog Island, Exmouth, Mount Augustus and Carnarvon – all showcasing amazing local meat, seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables. Events include family-friendly dining with live entertainment at the Taste of the Gascoyne Sunset Barbecue, a Long Table Lunch, the Gascoyne Growers Markets and Australia’s Biggest Barbecue under Australia’s Biggest Rock plus more to be announced!
The major events sell out fast so please reserve your spot be early to avoid disappointment!
- Date: 7 – 15 September 2019
- Location: Broome, North West, Western Australia
- Website: https://www.shinjumatsuri.com.au/
Shinju Matsuri 2019 is the much-loved festival which encapsulates everything that is Broome and the surrounding areas of the Kimberley region. It has been running annually since 1970. Featuring an incredible kaleidoscope of events, Shinju Matsuri pays tribute to their heritage and culture as well as showcasing the multitude of phenomenal talent.
Come to Broome to discover the arts, food, community and cultural program of events over the nine days of Shinju Matsuri. Shinju Matsuri will tempt your senses with an exciting whirlwind of colour, sound, taste and smell as the community shares this beautiful locale with the world and the people who call it home.
Shinju Matsuri (festival of the pearl) has always been a festival based on Broome’s unique community spirit, cultural diversity and vibrant history. The festival celebrates the four diverse cultures which have come together in Broome over the past century for pearls: Japanese, Malaysian, Chinese and Indigenous Australian.
- Date: 29 June – 21 July 2019
- Location: Esplanade Park Marine Terrace, Fremantle
- Website: https://www.winterworld.com.au/
It’s time to put on your winter woolies! Winterworld Freo is this July holidays’ most unique and iconic festival with its wide range of activities for the young and young at heart. Fremantle Esplanade offers mad circus skills at the Free circus workshops and getting festive with the Freedom Fairy face painters.
Relax inside The National Hotel’s warm, cosy Cabin Bar sipping on mulled wine and warm beverages as you gaze over the rink and through Freo’s famous Norfolk pines. Explore the Market Square with local producers and food stalls serving heart-warming delicacies from across the globe. Grab a spot and roast marshmallow around the blazing fire pits which are scattered throughout the themed outdoor area or cosy up in the ever-popular Winter Lounge with soft rugs, comfy couches and inviting tunes.
For more information about Western Australia, visit www.westernaustralia.com or its Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/ExtraordinaryWesternAustralia.
Article courtesy of Western Australia Tourism.
