Guide to Perth City

Western Australia is one of the less explored areas of Australia, often left off peoples travel plans. However if you do have the time to head West then you must do it, I am already planning another road trip up the northern coast of Western Australia. Perth is seen as one of the less exciting city to visit, and although I cannot argue with this, there is still a lot to do here. So, after a week alone in Perth I complied a list of the best bits...

Where To Stay

I stayed in Billabong Backpackers, which was a short walk to the centre of the city but had such a great vibe, loads of people, theres a pool and a big kitchen and communal area. They also had loads of events happening throughout the week, making it really social.

Perth City YHA, you'll find a YHA nearly everywhere you go and if you plan on staying in one regularly become a member and you'll get a discount which can save you some £££. YHA usually have great facilities, free wifi and a good reputation for clean, nice rooms.

If your looking to stay in Fremantle, theres a whole post coming soon.

Where To Eat

I have a full post dedicated on where to eat and drink in Perth coming very soon, but for now check out a couple of my favourite spots which were Sneaky Tony's, a hidden rum bar which needs a password to enter, once inside your in a secret rum bar with the most incredible cocktails the Pina Colada is a must. Flora and Fauna does the best brunch, freshly made in a tiny kitchen with a retro style and outside seating, the banana bread is incredible.

What To Do

Shopping
Head down to Watertown in Northbridge, for a huge array of discount and clearance shops the perfect place to snap up a high end bargain.
Elizabeth's 2nd Hand Bookshop, is full of an incredible selection of second hands books. As well as a 'blind date with a  book' where you choose a book bound in brown paper with a brief description on the front, the idea of not judging a book by it's cover.
If your after a standard shopping mall Murray Street and Hay Street Mall is hard to miss and where you'll find all your standard shops.

Arts
Art Gallery of Western Australia has a mixture of both contemporary and historical art and worth a visit, with free entry its a perfect thing to just wander in and out of in any spare moments you have, or save it for a rainy day.
Peek A Boo Gallery, is the smallest art gallery in the southern hemisphere, with the contemporary art work changing weekly.
If you love contemporary art, Perth Institute of Contemporary Art has free entry and is full of edgy and adventurous art. It also showcases contemporary dance and theatre performances.

Parks, Gardens and Beaches
My favourite beach was Cottesloe, however there is also city beach, mosman park, or scarborough which is a little further away.
Kings Park, is huge and its well worth spending some time wandering around. You can get amazing views back across the city, as well as taking the treetop walk and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Landmarks and Attractions
Government House is a historical landmark which you may wish you take a wander to look at. A must is to walk down to Elizabeth Quay on the banks of the Swan River, here you can catch a ferry over to South Perth or take a visit to the zoo. The Bell Tower one of the top attractions in Perth, housing the Swan Bells its one of the worlds largest musical instruments.

Transport
Perth has a transport card called Transpeth, which works similarly to an Oyster (London) or Opal (Sydney) card, where you top it up and then tap on and off to public transport. You can use it on all forms of public transport. I mainly chose to walk around the city, and took the train to Fremantle and Cottesloe. In central Perth they have CAT Buses which are free, high frequency buses to get around the centre and well worth looking out for.

Follow