Relaxing on a beach in Perth, bliss. Picture: Kate Elizabeth
SYDNEY has long lauded its beaches as the best in Australia, and Melbourne brags about its laneway art and cafe culture. But Perth is proving travellers can have the best of both.
The west coast capital is perfect for a summer getaway, just a four-hour flight from Sydney and Melbourne.
Space on the sand at the beautiful Cottesloe Beach is easy to come by and the perfect spot to watch the sun setting.
Across the road, the Cottesloe Beach Hotel has something for everyone with its sports bar, cocktail bar and outdoor beach club. The hotel has perfected the art of the novelty pop-up, drawing in crowds with everything from a taco stand to a gin garden. For something more substantial The Shorehouse restaurant, nestled between Cottesloe and the Swanbourne Reserve, is proving a popular new dining addition.
The signature cocktail, with fruit and lollies, at the Beach Club at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel.Source:AAP
It opened in December, imitating a style made popular by The Stokehouse in Melbourne, which burnt down only months earlier. From the outside it looks like a portable school building plonked by the beach, but the inside has a cool, fresh Hampton’s feel.
At one end the dining area opens on to a large alfresco deck offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean and Rottnest Island, famous for its smiling quokkas.
The food, by former Stokehouse chef Oliver Gould, showcases local produce including cuttlefish, scallops and prawns from Shark Bay and blue swimmer crab.
Honey cake tops the dessert menu.
Further south at Fremantle the water is warm and the sand space aplenty and there are plenty of dining options to choose from, including the fresh food selection at Fremantle Markets, The Raw Kitchen and Bread in Common.
But if you’re looking for somewhere for an Instagram-worthy brunch, it’s hard to go past Bib & Tucker.
Buttermilk pancakes with banana, pecans and salted caramel at Bib & Tucker.Source:AAP
From simple homemade jam on toast to the picture-perfect buttermilk banana pancakes with salted caramel and pecans to the Middle Eastern baked eggs, the worst part is having to choose. At night it offers perfect views of the sunset as gold as the Olympic medals its owners, swimmer Eamon Sullivan, pole vaulter Steve Hooks and hockeyroo Jamie Dwyer, once vied for.
As the beachside suburbs effortlessly attract visitors wanting to relax, the city is a hub for those wanting to try multiple venues throughout the evening.
The suburb of Northbridge, once mocked as “Knifebridge”, has shed its rough image in favour of a fresh, modern vibe.
Street art in Northbridge. Picture: Erokism
The Brass Monkey serves as a meeting point for locals and travellers.
It’s also where Food Loose Tours greet guests for a foodie adventure through the suburb’s arty laneways and hidden bars. A true speak-easy at The Dominion League is the first stop, where bartending is treated as the art form it is.
There’s a lengthy process that passionate staff members go through in serving their whiskey cocktails, including putting the alcohol through fat washes and making their own honeycomb.
From there it’s only a short walk to The Standard for a selection of tapas including kimchi cauliflower, fava bites, caramelised squid, beef carpaccio and a melt-in-your-mouth blue goats cheese.
But don’t fill up too much, because the next stop is for dinner at Sauma, which offers a rustic Indian street-food experience including Bombay bonda, Goan sausage, and Wagyu beef samosas. There’s also a selection of authentic curries, mountain-style goat curry and spicy lamb ribs.
The final stop on the tour is dessert at a newly opened Livingstone’s Urban Jungle where chocolate-filled doughnuts, chocolate orange tarts and ice cream are squeezed in.
Ah, Perth. Picture: Daniel Lee
FIVE MUST-TRY TREATS
1. Buttermilk pancakes with banana, salted caramel and pecans from Bib & Tucker, Fremantle.
2. Blue goats cheese and charcuterie selection at The Standard, Northbridge.
3. Any of the 170 whiskey varieties available at The Dominion League, straight up or in a cocktail.
4. Twice-cooked lamb ribs with sweet tamarind chilli at Sauma, Northbridge.
5. Blue swimmer crab and shellfish orecchiette with saffron, chilli and pangratto at The Shorehouse, Cottesloe.
GETTING THERE
Tigerair Australia flies daily return flights between Sydney and Perth from $159 each way, and two return daily services from Melbourne from $155 each way.
STAYING THERE
Mercure Perth is conveniently located close to shops, restaurants and just a short walk from the Swan River and new Elizabeth Quay precinct, offering suites, separate and interconnecting rooms and a heated outdoor pool, spa and gym.
The writer travelled as a guest of Tourism WA, Accor Hotels and Tiger Air.
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