This weeks post is an overall account of one of the most life-altering, relaxing, adventurous and exciting holidays/trips I have ever had. Having never visited Australia before, this was a big adventure for me! I thought I’d do an overview post of things we did, what I recommend etc. Some particular activities were that fantastic they have their own posts, which I have linked to 🙂 also, there is SO much more to do in Perth than I’ve even mentioned, but we didn’t manage to get around it all!
1) Kings Park
For a easy and touristy start to your visit, start off at Kings Park like we did. Spectacular panoramic views over the city, plenty of grassy areas for picnics and eccentric bridges to explore, and plenty of wildlife . As one of the top tourist destinations in the area, you’re guaranteed an enjoyable day out.
City views at Kings Park
2) Hillary’s Boat Harbour
Hillary’s Boat Harbour is filled with beautiful, expensive boats to lust over, and has some lovely restaurants if you’re a foodie, of both fast food and formal variety. We spent Hogmanay at Jetty’s restaurant and it was a great family restaurant with amazing food. At Hogmanay, it turned into a full on party with pass the parcel and musical chairs! Best Hogmanay ever! If you’re looking for something a little more trend-setting, The Breakwater is a classy bar with views over the harbour. If you like Mexican food and fancy a fast bite to eat, MadMex is a fast-food Mexican eatery in the main food area, where you create your own burrito, fajita, quasedilla, you name it. Nachos are to die for! Food aside, you’ll also find a massive water slide for the kids (chargeable to use), but also decking in the swimming area with a couple of slides for adults and kids alike to play around with (free). If you’re a snorkeller, there’s fish that followed us around, so worth a shot trying to find them! There’s a few surf shops, art shops and tourist shops too to look around at too.
Hillary’s Boat Harbour
3) Beaches
It just wouldn’t be a worthwhile holiday to Oz if you didn’t hit the beaches at some point! Cottesloe and Scarbourghare the popular beaches, though for this reason, it can be crowded. My favourite beach was Mullaloo. It’s massive and fairly quiet, but even on Chistmas Day it wasn’t too packed that you couldn’t have your own space. Make sure you try some snorkelling at Mettams Pool – check out the video below!
A peaceful Mullaloo Beach
4) Surfing
For the sporty lot, if you want to try your hand at surfing, Scarbourgh beach is a good shout. Rent your board from the RipCurl store like we did and it won’t cost you too much. It’s good for beginners in my opinion, particularly if you’re worried about trying it for a first time. The waves were pretty high at times, but as it’s a popular beach, there’s plenty of folk around and plenty lifeguards too. The folk in the RipCurl shop are pretty happy to give you pointers and they’ll give a good recommendation too if you’re going elsewhere or want some advice on boards.
5) Fremantle
If you’ve got a car, or have access to the train system, head down to Fremantle. This hippy, laid-back town is full of quirky shops (and a few quirky individuals). It’s a great place for a relaxing afternoon, with the streets lined with cafes for lunch or an ice cream, and the harbour is surrounded by chill-out bars. At the market on a Sunday you can taste a variety of foods from different stalls or grab a unique gift to take home with you. And it’s all just a short journey South of the city!
Some Ukelele players jamming in Fremantle
Beautiful, colourful piano at Fremantle market, free to play for all
6) Kayaking
More for the watersports enthusiasts! The clear water and incredible biodiversity give an amazing opportunity for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. Head down to Rockingham for a kayaking trip to Penguin Island. You can pay for a guides tour, or hire from a local who hires the kayaks from her home. Either way, you’ll encounter sea lions, penguins and maybe even dolphins! I have to admit this was one of my favourite days on our Australia trip.
7) Deep Sea Fishing
The boys on our trip took a venture deep sea fishing one day, and they came back with some of the most massive fish I have ever seen, and smiling from ear to ear. All fish caught over the trip are spread out between the group, so you’re pretty likely to bring home some grub for dinner (barbecued fish anyone?!). The boys even caught a small shark (re-released it, of course), which must have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
8) SupaGolf
There’s plenty of golf courses for the pro-golfers out there, but for a bit of family fun (and fun for the less experienced lot like myself), check out SupaGolf in the Swan Valley area. The opposite of mini golf, you’re playing with large, cartoon-like clubs and a ball the size of a cricket ball. It’s a great laugh, and entertains various groups from families to hen parties.
9) Moor River
This was a surprise as I’d never seen anything like it. A strange, natural beauty that must be seen, head to the ocean meets the river. You can plainly see the colour difference between the salty ocean and the fresh-water river, separated only by a thin sandbank. It is absolutely stunning. Swim over to the island in the middle, but be careful if you walk over to it via the sandbank – it’s important to be aware of tides and what time of year the sand bank begins to disappear. Take part in kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding, or for petrol-heads you can hire a speed boat. There’s a viewing platform too, where you get a birds-eye view of the natural wonder, and a wee shop and chippy for a lunch break.
Ocean on the right, sandbank in the middle, river on the left. What a sight.
If you’re an animal-lover, this NEEDS to be top of your list. This incredible animal park lets you get right up close with Kangaroos, and even lets you feed them. The experience of interacting with these amazing creatures is something you will never forget. You can also meet the Koalas and their chubby Wombat, and see many other animals throughout the park, including the infamous and rare Quokka!.
Hanging with the Roo’s!
There is PLENTY to do in Perth, you will not be bored I promise! The city has an eclectic mix of young travellers, business professionals, families and students, so you’ll find yourself at home in no time. There’s plenty of clubs and bars in town for a night out, but equally there are some low-key pubs if you’re wanting less of a dolled-up evening. Make sure you have your passport with you if you are heading out to dance, as we ran into a couple of issues with bouncers and our driving licences!
If you’re heading to Perth, give me a shout, I’d love to hear what you’re getting up to!
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I love that you see this trip as life altering – and you certainly got up to lots of things. I've never been to Australia but it's definitely on my list.
Thanks Lauren! It is, I really enjoying it! Plenty to do! I can't wait to go back and see the rest of Oz too (hopefully in the not too distant future!) 🙂
I love that you see this trip as life altering – and you certainly got up to lots of things. I've never been to Australia but it's definitely on my list.
I went to Australia many years ago but never got to Perth, looks like a fun place and plenty to keep us outdoor types busy!
Thanks Zoe! I honestly did. It was beyond incredible, and I cannot wait to go back! You definitely have to do it!
Thanks Lauren! It is, I really enjoying it! Plenty to do! I can't wait to go back and see the rest of Oz too (hopefully in the not too distant future!) 🙂