Perth

I have to admit I loved Perth. Before meeting Will I’d never really thought about the city as a destination to go in Australia. But it’s cute, not too big which makes it quite manageable, has all that you’d want and is the closest Australian city to the UK meaning it’s only 8 hours time difference. I can honestly see why people emigrate here.

Kings Park

Following Hay street out to the west you’ll find two routes up to the park. A VERY long channel of stairs or a VERY steep hill (which locals appear to use as exercise during their lunch break I kid you not!).

Once you make the climb to the summit (!!) you’re rewarded with some fantastic views overlooking Perth city centre (otherwise known as CBD in Australia) and the quayside.

Kings Park is an enormous botanical garden that is completely free to look around and explore. Of note is the glass suspended walkway and the water area. There aren’t many flowers to interest yourself with but lots of different bush species which are heavily signposted to educate tourists like ourselves.

Elizabeth Quay

Down from Kings Park, Elizabeth quay is well signposted and has a lovely bridge and great atmosphere. It’s still under construction but it’s set to be rather fancy.

Here you’ll find some great spots for lunch and/or a few drinks. We went to The Lucky Shag to meet some friends for lunch and then returned another day for drinks and to watch the cricket. During hot days they turn on their water misters which I love!

Cottesloe

A short and fairly cheap bus ride from Elizabeth Quay (or Perth centre I’m sure) is a beach-side suburb, known as “The Cott” to locals.

A smallish beach is lucky enough to frequent some beautiful sunsets as it sits right on the west coast of the country. At dusk lots of parakeets come to make a lot of noise :). We’ve heard rumours that it’s another perfect location for some fish and chips.

London Court

Walk down the main shopping streets of Perth and you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s super modern and cosmopolitan. Turn right from one of the main high streets into ‘London Court’ and it’s a super cute, small street that probably replicates a small village in England. However, what it really reminds me of is Diagon Alley from Harry Potter which is quite surreal.

Where were your favourite places in Perth?