Perth; the new Melbourne?

And with a flurry of travel-thirsty visitors keen to explore or rediscover the delights of the city, the lastminute lovelies are on hand to help you find the best places in Perth, so here goes…
Perth has emerged like a magnificent Manhattan; a cosmopolitan city filled with Asian infused eateries and Italian inspired macchiato’s amid high rises, sandy beaches and pedestrian filled thoroughfares and malls.

If you find yourself in Perth, side step to Halls Road for an espresso before walking along the George’s Terrace to Kings Park, a nature lover’s paradise offering views of the city and Swan River. You can even count the black swans as they fly by.

Apart from the beaches, so far Kings Park is Perth’s best free attraction. Wine and cheese picnic anyone? #MustDoWA -LML Mitzi

— lastminute.com.au (@lastminute_au) November 21, 2013

Kings Park was once the home of Perth’s indigenous Noongar people, and with its bush walks, botanic gardens, picnic areas and barbecues, the park is a favourite of both locals and tourists.
Getting around central Perth is just too easy. And if you thought this fact was just reserved for the tram filled streets of Melbourne – tut tut!! In Perth, you can get around for free, sorry did I say free, I really mean FREE on any CAT bus, so beat that Melbourne! 😉 The buses stop at every major site in the city with colour-coded routes so you can easily work out which one to get on.
Having said this you can also choose to ride your bike along the abundant cycle paths or tour the city by foot on the many walking trails within Perth CBD. You can even go by Segway, or kayak the Swan River, perfect for ditching those unwanted calories from too many lattes ;).

Perth is renowned for sun, sea and surfing, particularly at Cottesloe Beach, a delightful white sandy stretch, perfect for swimming, snorkelling or just laying about and lapping up the sun.

If you’re looking for funky shops, hit Fremantle or (Freo to the locals) with its promenade of cafes, artistic flavours , jewellery shops and the South Terrace ‘cappuccino strip’, which are well worth the twenty minute trip from Perth’s CBD.

 

Perth is also a cultural mecca – who knew! Head to the Cultural Centre which houses a state museum, the State Library, The Perth Institute for Contemporary Art which stocks a revolving ensemble of local and international artwork and, my favourite, the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Here you will find indigenous artworks sitting with modern contemporary art as well as European collections that will take your breath away.
If you’re winding down for the day and are in need of a feed, Northbridge is a tasty destination, closer to Singapore than Sydney, packed full of Asian inspired dining options that you don’t even need to book to enjoy, just wander in from the street at any time.

After you have indulged your tastebuds, you may wish to quench your thirst with a cocktail or two, so head to the small bars like Wolfe Lane, Halycon and The Stables Bar for an A list atmosphere anyone can enjoy.

Unearth your own adventure in Perth today and check out the latest Perth hotel deals.

Is Perth the new Melbourne? Tell us what you think in the comments below.