With so many amazing places right on our doorstep, Spring is the perfect time to #wanderoutyonder and #seeperth
With state and international borders closed, travel is limited for West Aussies - but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on world-class experiences - discover your local "international" delights right here in Perth! From European-reminiscent getaways to round-the-world staycations, you’ll find a whole lot of internationally-inspired attractions, accommodation and flavours to enjoy.
Perth's countryside: your almost-Western European adventure
A European adventure needs great wine and food; we can't get away to Tuscany or Sicily right now, but the Swan Valley, known as the food bowl of Western Australia for its fabulous produce and fine wines is right on Perth's doorstep. The Swan Valley Fine Wine Trail boasts fantastic wineries with delicious eateries, cellar door tastings and more. The Swan Valley Sweet Temptations Trail is also mighty, well, tempting: the finest French macarons, scrumptious nougat, gourmet nuts, delicious cakes, handmade chocolate and pure honey sourced straight from the hive all make for an exquisite adventure for the tastebuds. Your picnic basket will thank you! But it doesn't stop there: you'll also find signature fortified wines and sparkling Moscato handcrafted by third and fourth generation Swan Valley winemakers. Bon appetit!
Further inland from the Swan Valley, you'll find the countryside hospitality in the Avon Valley and Lavendale Farmstay and Cottages is reminiscent of the Provence experience. Positioned amongst the lush scenery only 10 minutes' drive south of York, this gorgeously-appointed accommodation is nestled in 64ha of gently sloping land on the banks of the Avon River, and is comprised of self-contained cottages and a large common room. Enjoy wonderful walks along the river bank or sandalwood plantation, or simply relax and enjoy the peace of the country. With clear skies the star show is wonderful; perfect for a relaxing getaway. Make sure you head into town to enjoy the fantastically-preserved colonial architecture of York, a WA heritage treasure.
Of course, New Norcia is a must-do destination for a taste of Europe, and a popular spot for weddings, honeymoons and romantic getaways. Australia's only monastic town with the stunning architecture of its Benedectine community is an extraordinary treat for all the senses (including taste - don't miss the delicious baked goods of the New Norcia bakery!) Enjoy the tranquility, the history and art at the New Norcia Museum & Art Gallery and stay awhile at the New Norcia Hotel or Monastery Guesthouse.
Finally, while Swan Valley and Avon Valley are both close enough for day trips, you'll want to stay a night or two (or three!) to really make the most of the experience. The quaint cottages of the Settlers Rest Farmstay (Swan Valley) offer a perfectly tranquil experience - unplug and enjoy! - while the rosebushes of The Nosh and Nod (Avon Valley) feel like they’re straight from a British fairytale. See more accommodation options in the Swan Valley here and in the Avon Valley here.
Mediterranean Escape
For your next adventure, close your eyes and imagine hopping on the Eurail from Western Europe and taking a journey through hills, valleys and further towards the Mediterranean Sea (or in this case, the Indian Ocean!). Your first stop is the quaint historic town of Kalamunda, the starting point of the Bibbulmun Track. Enjoy the Heritage Walk Trail with its taste of colonial-era history, explore the wine and cheese delights of the Bickley Valley Wine Trail with wonderful wineries like the Myattsfield Vineyards and Tonon Vineyard & Winery, and enjoy a taste of Nonna's kitchen at La Fattoria Perth Hills. Century-old Bickley Brook Cottage and its meandering brook are a perfect place to base yourself for your Perth Hills adventures; if you're looking for a fab tour, you're truly spoiled for choice, but the Bickley Valley Winery & Cider Tour by Hidden deTours is a great place to start.
Next up, the Bibbulmun Track, is number one on the WA top trails list for very good reason. This track stretches nearly 1000km south to Albany, and reminds us a little of the Camino de Santiago in Spain, in that it's full of tranquility, and a frequent path taken by people seeking their own spiritual and emotional renewal. This trail is popular with hikers in groups, with friends and family, and even in solitary contemplation. Like the Camino de Santiago, it's also extremely scenic, and a popular organised tour hike. If you're looking to do the same on the Bibbulmun Track, you're in luck - the Bibbulmun Track Foundation, Off the Beaten Track WA and The Hike Collective all offer full day and multi-day organised tours. With wildflower season underway, there's never been a better time!
If you're longing for the fragrant fields of Provence in France (bordered by the Mediterranean Sea), you don't have to loiter in your nearest L'Occitane purchasing excessive amounts of lavender skincare products - Yanchep Lavender Farm produce a range of products from the lavender they grow on their land. All products contain their farm grown lavender and the line has grown considerably including Lavender ice-cream, cookies, chocolate and honey from their own bee hives.
Longing for an Italian adventure? Fremantle's rich Italian heritage makes it a great destination for lovers of culture, coffee and cuisine. The Fremantle Gusto Italiano Trail gives you a taste of the flavours of Italy, on the Cappuccino Strip and beyond: from espresso to pizza, and authentic, home-style Italian fare. A little further south, you'll also love walking along or cruising on the beautiful Venetian-style canals of Mandurah (although unlike Venice, you'll likely spot some friendly dolphins here!); check out Mandurah Cruises for more info on their canal cruises. And for a European Christmas tradition with an Aussie flair, don't miss their Christmas canal cruises - they tend to sell out fast!
Finally, if you're dreaming of relaxing on a Greek island living your best life, Rottnest Island is just a short ferry ride away - and while it's a different experience from Santorini, it has lots of charm in its own right - after all, we have the extra bonus of cute li'l quokkas! Savour the fantastic food and wine culture, relax beachside, explore the waters and enjoy!
Foodie Staycation
Looking for a relaxing staycation with international cuisine, without having to leave your hotel? You're in for a treat - many Perth accommodation providers have fantastic international cuisine.
Check out the Peruvian food experience at Uma Restaurant in the Pan Pacific Hotel; the Cantonese and Japanese dining delights at the Grant Orient and Keisuke Tonkotsu King in the historic Melbourne Hotel; the authentic flavours of Rome at Garum in The Westin; and the delicious cuisine of the Amalfi Coast at Santini Grill in QT Perth. You can enjoy the taste of Spain at two venues in the Intercontinental Perth City Centre: Heno & Rey tapas bar, and Ascua Spanish grill restaurant. Finally, take your flavours on a round-the-world trip with the multicultural dining experiences of the Crown complex in Burswood (with accommodation options including Crown Metropol Perth, Crown Promenade Perth and Crown Towers Perth), offering Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese and American cuisines all on the menu. Delish!
Looking to adventure ever so slightly further afield on your urban #perthstaycation? No Inner Perth stay is complete without popping up to Kings Park, just a hop skip and a jump away from the CBD. At 400 hectares, Kings Park is 60 hectares larger than New York City's own Central Park, and the views are unbeatable (even if we are a little biased). Whether you walk, ride, bus or drive, you’re sure to enjoy a visit to the botanical gardens in full bloom during the spring months.
We hope we’ve given you some great ideas to satiate your hungry travel bug, and we hope you have a great international experience while you #wanderoutyonder and #seeperth.
