Perth, Australia: Wonders to Wander

This fourth largest populous city in Australia is also the world’s most remote mini-metropolis. Friendly and easy to navigate, street art and sculptures greet you at every corner, while public transportation makes it easy for visitors to explore.

Quality museums highlight the unique history of Western Australia, and there is a vibrant culinary and drinks scene that balances a wealth of natural beauty and recreation options to hike, swim, boat, and bike your day away.

Where to Stay – QT Perth

Chic and welcoming, the QT Perth impresses from the first step into its lounge-worthy lobby. There’s an air of sophisticated “scene” to the public areas of the hotel, spiked with enough artsy quirks to avoid feeling stuffy or intimidating. The brand is known for its irreverence and attention to every detail with a high priority on service. This hotel does not disappoint!

Try a lofty libation at Rooftop at QT’s scenic 18th floor digs overlooking the central business district and Swan River Valley (perch in the corner for a river view!). Then, retire to your room to relax before a night on the town.

In the room, sumptuous purple and gold fabrics set the mood, with every luxury at your fingertips to create an indulgent oasis. Nespresso, Bose sound, Dyson hair, Kevin Murphy amenities all spell s-p-o-i-l. A multi-head rainshower and large soaking tub ensconced in dramatic black marble with gold fixture accents offer the perfect way to unwind after strolling through museums or the streets of this friendly, walkable city.

Where to Eat – Santini Bar and Grill

You’d be forgiven for not wanting to leave this hotel haven. Fortunately, Santini Bar &  Grill, a stylish Mediterranean eatery on the ground floor, offers a valid excuse to stay. Amalfi favorites are accented with Western Australia’s local delicacies – from perfect produce to line-caught calamari and Margaret River venison.

Although an expansive Chef’s Tasting Menu is available, the al a carte options beckon with Crispy Zucchini Blossom Fritti (ricotta, pumpkin hummus. and chili honey), Wood-Fired Shark Bay Scallops. or Freemantle Octopus (whipped chickpeas and ‘nduja butter) and Squid Ink Rissoto served tableside topping the list.

If your inner culinary child wants to wander, consider a spot of afternoon tea before venturing out for dinner. GT QTea with Adriel Zumbo ain’t your Nanna’s pinky-lifting affair. Sweet (Croquembouche Verrine, a layered pistachio, raspberry, caramel, vanilla crème dessert) meets savory (Morton Bay Bug* Rolls, peppered with cucumber and chives). (*No need for alarm – think sweet, tender slipper lobster vibes.)

Wash it down with a unique QT GT made with butterfly pea Tanqueray and tonic with lime … or five if you opt for the two-hour free-flowing G&T or champ’ers package.

Mix it up and venture out to beautiful Elizabeth Quay, a short ten-minute stroll toward the water. The bayfront multi-level complex is home to famed Spanda, a 29m tall public art work by Australian-born Christian de Vietri, classic hand-carved carousel, 24-hour BHP Biliton Water Park splash area (with beautifully lit fountains at night), Four Winds art installation, Blade Wall light-box collection of Whadjuk art, and a charming island with al fresco bites and sips. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes for every taste.

Where to Drink – Oyster Bar Elizabeth Quay

One of the more charming aspects of this city is the many bays and water views to enjoy. Oyster Bar Elizabeth Quay is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset over the Swan River and sunstreaked glowing central business district, along with a crisp Margaret Bay Sauvignon Blanc or local craft ale.

Shell out for some amazingly fresh oysters, with a wide-ranging option of chilled (try Orange & Gin or Kilpatricks) or grilled with Truffle & Garlic, Prosciutto & Brie, or Chili Crab must-tries. If you don’t feel like multitasking with your sip and slurp, opt for Bloody Mary or Tequila oyster shooters for a one-shot option. Book in advance, as the rooftop stays hopping until the stars come out.

Where to Explore – Rottnest Island and Wine Valleys, Just a Day Away

Though wildly different experiences, both excursions are the perfect way to spend a day, and they are accessible right from the Barrack Street Jetty in Elizabeth Quay. Go your own way using the Rottnest Ferry, or book an all-day-adventure to explore car-free Rottnest Island.

Rent a snorkel set to make the most of Rottnest’s idyllic beaches, or rent a bike to cruise up to Wadjemup Lighthouse. However you spend your day, it won’t be the same without spotting a smiling quokka (readily seen around snacking areas).

Western Australia’s oldest wine region can be explored via a two-hour morning cruise up the Swan River into a fertile landscape of vineyards and farms. Tour the valley to visit cheese, chocolate, craft breweries, and the wineries of Swan River. Live music and tastings pass the breezy return sail.

A longer, but rewarding journey can be had venturing down the coast of the Indian Ocean into the Margaret River Valley. Tours begin with a wildlife spotting cruise through Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, which dolphins, sea lions, and penguins call home.

Natural wonder Canal Rocks, the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, and famous surf breaks entertain enroute to the cellar doors of Margaret River’s award-winning wineries.

What to Bring – July Carry-On Light and Camera Protect Pack

An interesting aspect of travel to and from Australia, which is a shock to many North American travelers, is the practice of weighing all carry-on bags with accompanying strict limits. This is even more of an issue if you’re taking advantage of Perth’s proximity (and inexpensive fares) to fabulous destinations such as Bali, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Thailand, where limits can be so tight as to barely accommodate the weight of an empty wheeled carryon, much less its contents.

July boasts the lightest carry-on on the market, with the hard-sided stylish case coming in half to one-quarter the weight of other bags. If protecting your precious wildlife-pic lens or that great bottle of Margaret River Sauv is important to you, the camera protect pack is perfectly padded and balanced to slide onto the carry-on’s handle and travel in style.