The city of Perth on Australia’s west coast has quietly emerged as one of the coolest places on Earth. Characteristically nonchalant, Perth doesn’t sell itself with the same in-your-face glamour that Sydney – and lots of other famous holiday hotspots – does. Really, the city’s understated charm is remarkable, given that it offers a bit of everything. You can expect beaches, a nice buzz, culture and nature, and a huge slice of that chilled-out Australian life you’ve heard so much about.
With 19 pristine beaches – all of which look out onto the crystal-clear Indian Ocean – Perth is a sun-seeker’s paradise. A recent £59 million redevelopment of Scarborough Beach has made it one of the most sought-after locations for sun-worshippers, while City Beach is an oasis for waterfront dining. And, of course, you can expect a wealth of watersports in a country famed for its adventure and competitive spirit. Tempted to find out more? Read about why Perth is a popular holiday choice.
Perth is one of the world’s coolest holiday destinations
In Western Australia’s state capital, you can combine the escapism of water, beaches and lazy days, with the cosmopolitan pulse of a bustling city. This place offers the usual retail hub you’d expect from a big city, as well as great nightlife and top-class food. The dining scene has exploded in Perth in recent years, helping it claim the title of the world’s coolest holiday destination. New hotels, swish restaurants and hip bars have opened up, surrounded by colourful street art and craft breweries, which bring a fun energy to the streets.
You can also discover new urban projects which have lit up this sun-soaked hub. Elizabeth Quay and the Perth City Link offer global cuisine and glamour pads, and have created a hub for museums, art galleries and retail therapy. Elsewhere in the city, you can enjoy the cultural metropolis of the boroughs of Northbridge, Subiaco and Leederville which complement the Central Business District. Perth has a rounded sense of community, while delivering consistently great attractions and culture across the city.
Choice of daytrips
Travel around Perth is easy, thanks to the tram system – or you could take a bus or Segway tour. Must-see sights include King’s Park Botanical Centre and Yagan Square. With its ancient culture and architecture, the latter shows a more mature and natural side to the city. Elsewhere, you can immerse yourself in the bohemian charm of Fremantle Market or – if you’re a wildlife-lover – take a ferry ride to Rottnest Island to see Australia’s cutest critter, the quokka.
And, just a short daytrip away from Perth, there’s Margaret River – one of Australia’s pin-striped wine regions. Here, you can sample local shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, learn about the vine-to-wine process, and stroll through endless vineyards in the sunshine.
Choose Perth for your 2022 holiday
All in all, Perth is a city that never disappoints and always offers something new. It’s one of the world’s best kept secrets – if you can say that about a city with a population of almost two million people. As somewhere which offers short break stopover potential, as well as plenty of reasons for a longer stay, Perth is quickly becoming the Australian holiday destination for 2022.