48h in Perth
Though often unfairly overshadowed by its larger, more famous neighbours, Sydney and Melbourne, Perth has everything you would expect from a major Australian city, but on a smaller, more intimate scale. With its lush gardens, tall modern buildings, nostalgic red-brick neighbourhoods covered in graffiti and a delightful harbour, which is perfect for an interesting day trip outside the city, Perth was a pleasant discovery and is highly recommended for more leisurely activities, between a white-sand beach and a nature reserve.
Street art and gleaming buildings
Perth’s central business district (CBD), located around the central station, features a blend of late 19th-century architecture and street art. Even the most unassuming alleys are adorned with large-scale artworks. The block surrounded by Wellington Street, King Street, St Georges Terrace and Barrack Street contains elegant 19th-century white brick buildings with porticos supported by slender white steel columns, which alternate with stately institutional buildings. These are set against the backdrop of the neighbourhood's glass-clad skyscrapers around Elizabeth Quay. The area between Wolf Lane, Murray Street and King Street also boasts some impressive murals.
Walking along William Street in the opposite direction to the station takes you to Elizabeth Quay: a modern, sparkling harbour with a two-arched bridge suspending the walkway that connects its two sides. This serves as a backdrop to the Swan River. This neighbourhood is particularly charming at sunset, when the colours of the sky are reflected in the basin and the glass façades of the buildings. There is a pleasant, festive atmosphere and it is teeming with people. It is also a very family-friendly place with a playground on the peninsula connected by the bridge, as well as fountains with recurring water features where children gather on hot summer days.
Lush natural scenery and urban vistas
Perth’s King's Park is a place where it’s easy to lose track of time and spend the whole day without realising it. Starting from Mount Street, you can stroll through the park along beautiful, tree-lined avenues. Stop on the green ridges to admire the elegant residential buildings of Bellevue Terrace and take in the stunning views of the modern Elizabeth Quay district and South Perth across the river from the lookouts. There is also a beautiful botanical garden with glass walkways suspended among the trees and a distinctive array of native flora, which provides welcome shade during the hottest hours. The Botanical Café is a lovely place to rest before catching the bus back to the city. It also serves delicious ice cream and has a charming shop selling arts and crafts.
On Mount Street, you’ll find a café where you can grab a quick bite to eat for lunch or enjoy a sumptuous breakfast – we highly recommend the Mount Street Breakfast Bar!
A trip outside the city
We stopped in Fremantle by chance, as it appears to be the only place in Australia where you can purchase a genuine, functional boomerang. We also discovered a beautiful neighbourhood that alone is worth the trip to Perth. Once home to the city prison, situated at the mouth of the Swan River on the Indian Ocean, Freo—as it’s known locally—now blends seamlessly with Perth, yet retains its own distinct character.
Continuing from the prison along Parry St. towards South Terrace and High St., you’ll find yourself surrounded by a series of perfectly preserved 19^(th)-century buildings and hotels which, in addition to their architecture, have retained their original character. This creates a nostalgic atmosphere that pervades the town. There is a lovely covered market teeming with people, as are the streets dotted with restaurants and cafés with inviting outdoor seating areas.
The town offers excellent shopping opportunities, whether you're looking for everyday items or Australian souvenirs at Oz Australia. It was truly a pleasure to stroll through its bustling, history-rich streets, which are full of life.
