By Lauren Jade Hill
As a culturally rich city with great natural beauty within its neighborhoods and surrounding region, Perth provides plenty to do on a visit to the city. From arts, culture and entertainment to the great outdoors, we take a look at the best things to do in Perth and where to stay while you’re there.
Arts and Culture
Characterized for its cultural identity of visual arts, music, comedy and dance, Perth has a number of world-class museums and galleries to seek out, as well as performing arts venues with events taking place year-round. Pay a visit to the Art Gallery of Western Australia to see what is considered to be one of the world’s finest collections of Indigenous and Western Australian art and design, and stop by the Perth Mint, which is said to be one of the world’s oldest institutions of its kind. Perth Arena hosts a vast program of live entertainment, music and sports, along with Perth Concert Hall, which is said to have the best acoustics in the southern hemisphere. Elizabeth Quay is a more recent addition to the cityscape, and an entertainment hotspot.
The Outdoors
Perth lies on the banks of the Swan River, with the wilderness of Kings Park within easy reach where the Botanic Garden is also located. This riverside setting opens up the opportunity to cycle along the riverbanks, kayak across the water and set out on Swan River tours combining time on the river with city sightseeing. As one of the world’s largest inner city parks, Kings Park, and the Botanic Garden it encompasses, flourishes with the native flora of Western Australia while providing a space for picnics and nature walks.
The surrounding region is then home to a number of national and marine parks, which can be explored on foot, by boat, or under the water’s surface. Each protected area is distinguished by its own unique natural features; while Serpentine National Park is known for its waterfalls, Marmion Marine Park is held in high regard for its abundant marine life and outstanding diving. Find out more through Western Australia’s Department of Parks and Wildlife.
WHERE TO STAY
COMO The Treasury
Tucked into Perth’s historic streets, this luxury hotel combines its mid-19th-century façade with the contemporary design of renowned architect Kerry Hill. The hotel houses the COMO Shambhala wellness spa, complete with an inviting pool, and is home to two outstanding fine dining restaurants, Wildflower and Post.
The Richardson Hotel & Spa
Located within a short distance of the CBD, Kings Park and the Botanic Garden, this boutique hotel is well placed for exploration of Perth. Exhibiting the design of British architect Sir Terry Farrell, the hotel encompasses a pool, spa and fitness center, along with an intimate cocktail bar and the French-Australian fusion dining of Opus Restaurant.
Duxton Hotel Perth
The award-winning Duxton Hotels sits right at the heart of Perth’s CBD, offering guests an elegant place to stay with an outdoor pool, a spa, fitness center and Club Lounge. The hotel’s restaurant, Firewater Grille, provides an interactive dining experience and high tea, with a cocktail bar lying alongside it.
Find out where to eat in the city by taking a look at our pick of the best restaurants in Perth.
Tweets by ExperiencePerth