Locals Guide to Perth
Updated: Feb 2, 2023
Perth was my home for three years, and in that time I got to see what Perth has to offer. it definitely has its special spots. From the eclectic scene of Fremantle to beach nightlife vibes in Scarborough. It’s a great place to visit and immerse yourself in what this ever-growing city has to offer.
If you haven’t been here before I am glad to give the locals guide and the best things to do while you are here. Travelling through Perth as a visitor this time I got to try all new places and got to visit the old favourites as well.
There are plenty of beaches to see and cafes to try, I have compiled a few of my favourites.
Fremantle
I remember driving through Fremantle for the first time and telling Aaron I wanted this to be our hometown. It certainly is a vibe for 3 years we loved living in this artsy coastal town oozing with history, From historical pubs and buildings to yummy vegan restaurants and cafes galore. The best time to visit is from Friday to Sunday to amerce yourself in everything Freo has to offer.
Take a stroll around the Fremantle Markets open Friday to Sunday, there are so many different stalls, and pick up some fresh produce or something to eat. You can visit my friend’s stall, Latchkey Loft if you are up for a bit of shopping.
Get your tourist on and visit the Fremantle Jail. It actually took us three years of living in Freo to visit this iconic tourist attraction. But I’m glad we did. The convicts had to build the jail themselves, there is plenty of history and fascinating tales. There are different tours to choose from with tickets starting at $22 for Adults.
Have lunch at my favourite place Mother (formally called The Raw Kitchen). This was my go-to cafe, if you love fresh, plant-based food, this is your kind of place to eat. They also have a zero-waste concept store which was the place I bought all bits and bobs when I started my eco journey.
Do a spot of shopping in all the funky shops and stroll down side streets and see the historical buildings
Have a beer or cider at Little Creatures or the new brewery "Running with Thieves" in South Fremantle. Try their ginger beer, it's yummy.
Rottnest Island
If you are looking for an island escape, you can jump on a ferry from Fremantle to Rottnest Island. This alluring island is 30 minutes away from the mainland. Whether you want to stay and play or just have a day visit you will without a doubt feel like you have found a slice of heaven.
See a Quokka, there are 12,000 of these smiley marsupials on the island. Please remember to respect their space and but their selfie game is strong and they will likely take a photo with you.
Hire a bike or BYO, the best way to get around the island is by bike. If you bring your own bike it’s $15 to bring it over or you can hire one on the island for $30. We decided to splurge and get electric bikes which you can hire when you get there rather than through the ferry company. They were $70 a day to hire. If bikes aren’t your thing they do offer bus rides to every beach as well.
After a long day of swimming and cycling head into Pinky’s Beach Club for a cocktail or two. You might see the local resident peacock strolls around the tables eating what has been dropped on the floor.
Feel like you want to stay awhile? There are plenty of different accommodations you can choose from if you want to stay overnight. From cottages to hotel rooms even glam camping on the beach in luxury tents.
Cottesloe
There is nothing better on a hot summer’s day to sit under trees and having a swim in the refreshing blue water. Cottesloe is a popular swimming destination and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. Beach by day to cheeky cocktails come the afternoon, The Cottesloe Beach club behind the hotel is a perfect spot for amaretto sour. When we lived here we would picnic on a Sunday afternoon with a couple of local beers and ciders and enjoyed a sunset or two.
Scarborough
It has had a huge facelift since we lived here and has become a great nightlife spot and popular holiday destination with all the amenities. If you love outdoor activities have a climb on the rock wall they also have a skate park for the kids. If you find yourself looking for something to do on a Thursday night during summer they have food truck sunset markets that run from November to April.
Grab your rug and a picnic and sit on the hill to watch the epic WA sunsets, if you feel like putting your dancing shoes on and head to the party strip it has become a popular spot, especially on a Sunday.
Northbridge, Kings Park & CBD
We got a puppy sitter for the weekend and enjoyed a trip to the city. I remember loving Northbridge for its Yum Cha and you will find plenty of places to eat dumplings Northbridge is Perth’s China Town.
We decided we needed coffee and headed to Flora and Fauna cafe on Aberdeen street. It is completely vegan and super tasty, and the meals are large Aaron and I could have definitely shared.
As you walk towards the CBD and you will find cool vintage shops and you may score a bargain.
I love walking around the city and seeing all the old buildings. if you are interested in cool nightlife you will have to stick around for the underground bar scene. Places like Bobeche which has a sultry prohibition feel or Sneaky Tony’s in Northbridge.
When you are travelling in cities nothing feels better than walking on grass and lying under trees. Kingsbridge was one of the first places we visited when we moved to Perth. It also has the best view of the city. If you walk from the city head to Woolworths first so you can have a picnic in the park. If you are staying in the city and you love exercise kings park is very popular with the Stairs climb or even running paths around the park.
We were puppy-free for a whole weekend and found a sitter through the app Mad Paws. There are so many in Perth to choose from and was definitely worth it being able to do everything we wanted to see that Ted wasn’t allowed.
Perth is a great holiday destination for people who want everything at their fingertips. I hope you have enjoyed my local guide. It was great going back to my local haunts and seeing all the new and improved.
See you on the road,
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