Some might say Perth’s a late bloomer; others may suggest that she’s simply been biding her time. For locals, the secret is most definitely out.
Direct flights to Perth from London have thrown quite the spotlight on the Western capital, revealing a metropolis that basks in more sunlight hours than any other major Australian city, has the beaches to match, and is no slouch after dark. What’s more, Perth has its own island playground 12 miles (19km) off the coast, it lays claim to one of the largest inner-city parks in the world and is ringed with wineries.
Perth’s new accessibility adds to the allure: a flood of hotel and restaurant openings means more pillows for more heads, and higher standards to boot. Liveability has been simultaneously amped. The swish Elizabeth Quay waterfront provides a revitalised platform to the Swan River, while Yagan Square joins the inner city’s ying and yang sides the for the first time in a century: hello free-flowing foot traffic. Another big ticket arrival, the $400M (£227M) Western Australian museum, Boola Bardip opened late 2020, completing the bustling Perth Cultural Centre.
For further Perth inspiration, see our guides to the city’s best hotels, restaurants, nightlife, beaches and things to do. If you’re planning a longer trip, see our ultimate itinerary for a two-week holiday in Western Australia.