Step out of Perth International Airport and an expanse of space, infinite blue skies and tender kisses of cushy air instantly greets you. If you were expecting a welcome from Starbucks or Disney World characters, then 'sorry mate', perhaps you boarded the wrong flight.
Perth skyline
As airport transfers usher visitors out of the terminal, the grandeur of Perth Hills in the left horizon and fields of mellow green grass on the right rolls out a red carpet for your arrival in Perth.
Well if you are unaccustomed to such sparse lands, get used to it during your stay in Perth. While space is a much-coveted resource in many other countries, it is a luxury for dwellers of Western Australia (WA), the nation's largest state.
Lucky for Perth, the metropolitan does not need to dress itself up in the glitz and glamour of neon lights or be clustered with too many man-made attractions. Its natural beauty lies in the heart of a city establishment nestled in nature.
The city's main commercial belt sits on the banks of the Swan River. The stony buildings come to life as their shadows cast shimmering reflections on the glassy waters.
The Swan River is host to a diverse ecosystem and is the main estuary which reaches out to the rest of Perth as it flows downstream towards the port town of Fremantle, and upstream towards the wine tasting region of Swan Valley. A stone's throw away is hectares of flora and fauna on Kings Park, monumental to Perth and one of the largest inner city parks in the world.
In Perth, concrete jungle meets God's nature in unique, almost perfect harmony - a feature I find most intriguing about this city.
Kings Park
Dance about Kings Park
If the inbound flight leaves you with a half tank of energy, pay a visit to Kings Park. Accessible via St. George's Terrace, a relaxing stroll up the gentle slope leads to Mount Eliza, the summit and site of the State War Memorial. The highlight is the Flame of Remembrance which burns throughout the year in commemoration of Western Australians who have fallen in major battlefields during World War I and II and the Gallipoli campaign of 1915.
The view from this inner city peak is celestial as it overlooks the central business district, Swan River and the Mitchell Freeway. Besides getting a picturesque snapshot from this key lookout, you will be able to sense the pulse of the city as you watch cars zoom by and Western Australians go about their lives along the city's main motorway which connects the northern and southern suburbs.
While at Kings Park, be sure to check out Federation Walk. The tree-top bridge promises to be thrilling for all ages as it allows you to enjoy bird songs from the canopy, home to some 80 avian species. Informative plaques along the way will also educate you about the Aboriginal origins of the park.
Kings Park is also a picnic hotspot - all-year round, any time of the day. Pick a shady spot at the Botanic Garden and be treated to the scents of native wildflowers and the enchanting sounds of a nearby watering fountain. These garden lawns are playgrounds, not just for children. Even adults will find themselves dancing about and doing a cartwheel or two as nature invites them to.
Set sail on the Swan
Sailing is always an delightful way to sight-see and get a taste of the rest of suburban Perth.
Cruise ships push off from Barrack Street Jetty (near Bells Tower and Wheel of Perth) and you can opt to spend an undisturbed morning basking on boat decks while floating pass stretches of opulent mansions, also known as the 'Millionaire's Row' - residences to Perth's high society. Alternatively, take a shorter jaunt along the shores of Mounts Bay and East Perth with water vantage points into Perth's charming inner city estates. This option is not any less promising.
Adrenalin junkies can be thrilled with high-action water sports activities ranging from ski-biscuiting, windsurfing, jet skiing or parasailing available on the River. Whether you do it with friends or get to know other like-minded travellers, you get to ride the waves against the cascading backdrop of the city, with the resilience of the wind against your face, all for a reasonable price. Such an opportunity of a lifetime is too good to let up!
Nooks and crannies of Subi
One of best ways to get acquainted with Perth's urban lifestyle and culture is to spend a day in Subiaco, just two train stops away from Wellington Station.
The upmarket shopping town is renowned for its stylised sidewalk cafes and trendy boutiques. The nooks and crannies of the suburb are best explored by foot. So once you exit the train station, head towards Rokeby Road where a whole host of designer shops, bookshops and lifestyle shops line the street. One can only be spoiled for choice.
While most of the activity happens on Rokeby, it would be a grave mistake to let the exploration stop there. Be adventurous, veer off course and you may discover interesting shops with the occasional bargain or thrift stores with that elusive treasure.
Take five and have an aromatic coffee at any cafe of your fancy. Sit out on the broadwalk with a book and soak in the local flavours of the town. The cafes in Perth are mostly one-of-kind, each serving special blends of coffee or tea to suit your unique tastebuds. Franchises are rare, making for each coffee house experience even more exclusive.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Augusta
On weekends, the Subiaco markets become the main drawcard. The Station Street Market comes alive when it opens its doors for business on Saturday and Sunday. The outdoor, undercover market which buzzes with activity as traders sell fruits, fresh produce and spices is highly popular with the locals. The Pavilion Market, situated at the corner of Rokeby Road, is an indoor arcade where stallholders trade gemstones, handycraft, souvenirs and interesting wares like candles and soaps. These bazaars transform into all-day festivals, for all to enjoy as buskers sing and perform in market courtyards.
Where Oceans meet
The vacation is incomplete without experiencing WA's best kept beaches and natural formations first hand.
A must-see is Cape Leeuwin which can be found in the reticent town of Augusta made known because of its landmark location and historical lighthouse. The cape marks the most south-westerly point of WA where the Indian and Southern Oceans romance each other.
Sojourn to the south-west region of WA on a road trip, away from the city buzz, to spend exclusive time with a loved one. Take a relaxing scenic drive along Caves Road to get to Augusta. The drive is a manageable 3.5 hours from Perth but it is advisable to be off an early start to make the best out of the day.
Along the way, make a pit stop at the town of Busselton to walk the 142 year-old jetty which stretches a never-ending 1841 metres, the longest wooden structure in the Southern Hemisphere.
Busselton jetty
Make another essential stop at Margaret River, about half hour's drive from Busselton, to try out the region's finest wines and fresh local produce.
The Margaret River Wine Region, with its perfect Mediterranean maritime climate, is blessed with a tapestry of lush forests and fertile pastures; it is no wonder the world's most luscious Shiraz and sublime Chardonnay come from this valley. The scenery along the drive through the region is charming so take your time to appreciate the musty wood of the towering Karri trees and inhale the misty air.
At the town centre, it is bustling with activities. There are many specialty shops to visit like Candy Cow and Margaret River Fudge Factory. For art lovers, check out the Melting Pot Glass Studio where you'll be treated to an extraordinary demonstration to see how elegant vases are shaped.
Sunset at Hamelin Bay, Augusta
Arrive at Hamelin Bay in time to watch the sunset. The view from this tucked away beach is unobstructed; and one can't help but give a standing ovation to the glorious sun. Stay at a local motel or Bed and Breakfast lodge by the beautiful Blackwood River for the night.
Rise early to climb the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in the morning to spot the meeting point of the Indian and South oceans - this is the only place in Australia where you can do this! Simply breathtaking and indescribable, the experience promises to be an unforgettable one. On site is also a glasshouse cafe where lovebirds can sip on hot chocolate and enjoy waffles for breakfast in the good company of each other and the stunning view of the lighthouse.
Discover a treasure trove of limestone caves located along Caves Road. The largest Jewel Cave, only 10 minutes drive from Augusta, sinks 42 metres beneath the earth and flaunts the longest straw stalactites in its enthralling chambers. Allow your imagination to run wild and spot interesting formations in the caves. The cave works promise to be a magical and unforgettable experience not to be missed.
Before returning to Perth, pass through Mandurah and grab fish and chips for dinner. After all, you can't say you've been to Australia if you haven't had fish and chips!
