Your ultimate agent guide to Perth and surrounds
While uncertainty around the resumption of international travel continues, it really is a no-brainer for agents to ride the big domestic wave hitting Australia right now.
So, Travel Weekly has teamed up with Tourism Western Australia to highlight another of the state’s major drawcards which attracts millions of visitors each year.
Nicknamed the “City of Light”, Perth is Australia’s sunniest capital city, and effortlessly blends urban cool with raw, natural beauty.
Its heart is bustling with new bars, restaurants, hotels, shopping and cultural spaces, and is also home to Kings Park and Botanic Garden – one of the world’s largest inner-city parks.
Within 30 minutes of Perth’s city centre, visitors can explore WA’s oldest wine region, watch a famous WA sunset, cycle around an island paradise or walk the streets of Fremantle.
Must-sees and must-dos
Perth is seriously oozing attractions and experiences to keep all kinds of travellers satisfied, but here are a few your clients really should check out while in the capital city:
- Transformed public spaces
An array of new public spaces has activated Perth and its surrounding cultural hubs, including the vibrant waterfront precinct of Elizabeth Quay, the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium and Yagan Square, which is a celebration of WA’s Aboriginal heritage.
Perth’s hotel scene has also undergone a boom, following the opening of a raft of new and refurbished properties in the CBD and surrounding urban and coastal areas. Not to be missed is the spectacular new WA Museum Boola Bardip located in the Perth Cultural Centre.
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden
At 400 hectares, Kings Park is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world – it’s even bigger than Central Park in New York!
Home to more than 3,000 species of native plants and around 80 bird species, the natural landmark is the perfect spot to sit back, relax and take in the serenity.
A short walk or free bus ride from the central business district, visitors will be rewarded with superb views over the Swan River and city skyline, rich Aboriginal and European history, cafés, playgrounds and picnic spots.
Your clients can explore Kings Park on their own or take a guided tour, and enjoy a live performance or film in the summer months.
- Cuisine, culture and couture
Perth’s city centre and its urban hubs of Leederville, Mount Lawley, Northbridge, Victoria Park and Subiaco offer an ever-expanding range of dining, shopping and entertainment options.
Art and museum exhibitions, theatre, ballet, music and sporting events are on in Perth year-round, while fashionistas can check out international and homegrown style throughout the city and surrounds.
There are a number of guided walking tours that take in the city’s past, present and future. Your clients can explore laneways, architecture, street art, bars, cafés and restaurants, as well as take tours themed around cheese, beer, wine, whisky and gin.
- Unique attractions
Visitors can hop on a free CAT bus and tour Perth’s city sights, ring one of the world’s largest musical instruments – the Swan Bells at the Bell Tower – or watch a live gold pour and see the world’s largest collection of gold bars at The Perth Mint.
Your clients can also take a ferry ride across the Swan River to Perth Zoo (home to more than 1,500 animals), or head out to Caversham Wildlife Park (30 minutes’ drive east of Perth) where they can meet koalas, wombats, kangaroos and many other species of native wildlife.
- Day trips
Within an hour of Perth’s central business district, visitors can meet the friendly quokkas on pristine Rottnest Island, tantalise their tastebuds in the Swan Valley or Perth Hills wine regions, swim with wild dolphins at Rockingham with Perth Wildlife Encounters, cruise the canals in Mandurah, or discover maritime history, the World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison and a bohemian lifestyle and café culture in the eclectic port city of Fremantle.
- Beach sunsets
With 19 pristine metropolitan beaches to choose from, it’s easy for travellers to find their own piece of paradise to enjoy one of WA’s famous coastal sunsets.
Eat, drink, laugh, groove and cheer
Perth plays host to a range of events throughout the year, showcasing the city’s art and culture, food and wine, comedy and sport.
During the summer months, the annual FRINGE WORLD and Perth Festival take over the city with a smorgasbord of theatre, comedy and music experiences.
For foodies, there’s a range of evening markets on offer, such as the Twilight Hawkers Markets in the city. There are also rooftop movies and vibrant outdoor pop-up bars throughout the city.
For sports lovers, Perth’s world-class Optus Stadium will host the AFL season and the Bledisloe Cup in July 2021, as well as a number of big-name concerts.
Tour central
Whatever way your clients would like to explore Perth and the surrounds, they can almost be guaranteed there’s a tour to suit their style, with several new ones launched within the last two years.
Perth’s Matagarup Bridge is the centrepiece for an iconic new adventure tourism attraction, the Matagarup Bridge Zip+Climb.
Opened in January 2021, guests can now climb the 314 steps to reach the bridge’s 72-metre-high Sky View platform, which offers stunning 360-degree views over the city, Swan River and Optus Stadium.
This month, adventure seekers will be able to zipline from the launch platform of the bridge, 400 metres across the Swan River to a landing platform in Burswood Park.
Completed in 2018, the Matagarup Bridge provides pedestrian access over the Swan River, from East Perth to the Optus Stadium precinct.
Visitors can now also experience the Swan River from a fun and unique perspective, thanks to the introduction of two new waterbiking tours.
Perth Waterbike Adventures, which depart from Matilda Bay, and Perth Waterbike Co, departing from South Perth, allow guests to safely pedal and glide across the Swan River, with a range of different tours on offer.
Also complementing the new Swan River offerings is GoGo Active Tours’ new kayaking tours along the Swan River and Canning River wetlands.
Perth has also welcomed a collection of new walking tours in recent years, offering a unique way to soak up the city’s cultural, nature-based and culinary attractions.
Launched in early-2019, The Hike Collective is an ecotourism tour operation highlighting natural landscapes in all corners of the city, including Rottnest Island, Perth Hills and its metropolitan beaches.
In Perth’s port city, the team at Fremantle Tours has launched several new itineraries to its current offering, including a ‘Street Art, Beers and Bikes’ tour, a ‘Fremantle Street Art Walk’ tour and a ‘Vegan Food Tour’ of the historic city.
Local favourite Oh Hey WA and award-winning Two Feet & A Heartbeat continue to grow its suite of Perth walking tours, incorporating coffee, art and culture; small bars and dining; history and culture; nature and wildlife.
Visitors to Kings Park can learn about its intriguing past and spiritual significance to the Aboriginal people on a tour with Go Cultural Tours or Nyungar Tours.
Trip planning tips
Perth has a comfortable Mediterranean-type climate, making it a year-round destination for travellers.
The capital city is bathed in sunshine for an average of nine hours a day (making it officially the sunniest capital in Australia) and boasts one of the most enviable outdoor lifestyles in the world.
Beaches, bushland, world-class wines and ocean sunsets can all be enjoyed within 30 minutes’ drive from Perth.
Your clients can easily experience all of Perth’s must-sees and must-dos in as little as five days, including the panoramic views from Kings Park, Fremantle history, Rottnest’s beautiful beaches, WA’s oldest wine region, and the dolphin playgrounds of Rockingham and Mandurah.
Agents are advised to give Tourism WA’s ‘Best of Perth’ itinerary a squiz to help plan their clients’ stay.
Accommodation options are aplenty in Perth, with the city having welcomed the opening of a raft of new and refurbished hotels in recent times.
DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront, The Ritz-Carlton Perth, QT Perth, The Adnate Art Series Hotel, InterContinental Perth City Centre and the Parmelia Hilton are just some of the latest additions.
Keen to learn more about Perth and the surrounding regions? Click here.
Featured image: Elizabeth Quay in Perth (source: Tourism Western Australia)
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Bell Tower capital city Caversham Wildlife Park City of Light Domestic tourism domestic travel DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront Elizabeth Quay fremantle Fremantle Prsion Fremantle Tours FRINGE WORLD Go Cultural Tours GoGo Active Tours InterContinental Perth City Centre Kings Park Kings Park and Botanic Garden Leederville Matagarup Bridge Matagarup Bridge Zip+Climb Mount Lawley Northbridge Nyungar Tours Oh Hey WA Optus Stadium Parmelia Hilton perth Perth Festival Perth Hills Perth Waterbike Adventures Perth Waterbike Co Perth Wildlife Encounters Perth Zoo QT Perth rottnest island Subiaco Swan Valley The Adnate Art Series Hotel The Hike Collective The Perth Mint The Ritz-Carlton Perth tourism wa tourism western australia Twilight Hawkers Markets Victoria Park wa WA Museum Boola Bardip Western Australia wo Feet & A Heartbeat Yagan SquareLatest News
Travellers Choice award winners 2024 announced
This year’s Travellers Choice award winners were announced at the gala dinner at Sydney Town Hall last night. The winners are: 2024 Leading Agency Award winner: Travel and Cruise Professionals (South Australia) The Travellers Choice Leading Agency Award distinguishes a member who has enjoyed outstanding success in their individual agency business, has contributed significantly to […]
Emotional Travellers Choice Conference that wasn’t hard to bear
If Day 1 of the 2024 Travellers Choice Conference in Sydney, the first in the Harbour City for 25 years, was filled with laughter and cocktails then Day 2 of “Travelution” was an emotional roller coaster. Travellers Choice MD and new ATIA chair Christian Hunter opened the three-day conference by announcing two new initiatives. In […]
ATEC celebrates industry excellence with annual awards
The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has announced the winners of its prestigious annual awards, recognising exceptional contributions from across our tourism export industry. These awards, announced during ATEC’s annual Meeting Place event last Wednesday, highlight individuals, businesses, and partnerships which have shown outstanding leadership, dedication, and innovation in promoting Australian tourism. Captain Trevor Haworth […]
Accor announces the signing of Sofitel Sapa Hotel and residences
Accor has announced the signing of Sofitel Sapa Hotel & Residences, a landmark luxury development set to bring Sofitel’s French elegance to the highlands of Northern Vietnam. The project is a combination of 176 rooms and 436 branded residences. It is expected to open its doors in 2030, making another milestone in the expansion of […]
ICC Sydney celebrates 100 events in record-breaking year
International Convention Centre Sydney, managed by ASM Global, is set to break the record for number of live events in a single year with 100 shows. The James Blunt concert taking place on 23 November marks the venue’s 100th live entertainment event in a single year. To celebrate this historic achievement, ICC Sydney is giving […]
Last chance to win Globus family of brands’ $1K a Day Giveaway
Agents are reminded they can still enter an unmissable giveaway by making a deposited booking with Globus, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways for departures in 2025. The trade incentive will remain open to agents until 30 November. To take advantage of the offer, agents simply need to make a deposited booking with either Avalon Waterways, Globus […]
Intrepid Travel champions responsible business at UN Global Compact Sustainability Event
Intrepid Travel championed the agenda for responsible business at the United Nations Global Compact’s UNiting Business Live Australia conference this week. During her visit to Australia, UN Global Compact assistant secretary-general, Sanda Ojiambo, met with Intrepid CEO James Thornton, where they discussed the future of sustainable practices in the travel industry. Thornton and Ojiambo discussed […]
Oceania Cruises and Travel Associates launch nationwide cruise takeover
It's no longer 'cruise month' but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop.
NSW Tourism Association announces for finalists for 2024 awards
You know it's well and truly award season when you give up swapping your chicken for the beef with the guy next door.
Dubai unveils the world’s largest beach club
They do things LARGE in Dubai and the world's largest beach club, by bath temp water is the next big thing.
Flight Centre launches new range of branded travel insurance products
What do they say about insurance? You only realise you need it when the unexpected happens.
Women In Travel: Jody Grossfeldt on her return to AAT Kings and making big decisions
What Jody doesn't know about travel, you could probably fit on a very small Post-it Note.
Skypark by AJ Hackett set to launch in Hong Kong!
Once this headland was an escape from a busy life in Hong Kong, but soon to be interrupted by piercing screams.
CLIA study reveals billion-dollar value of cruise tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand
Despite a few hiccups, and a few mussel shells found on the bottom of ships, Kiwi cruising is going gangbusters.
Intrepid’s Leigh Barnes bound for the States to lead American operations
If you can read between the lines you'll realise there's a CMO job going at Intrepid... Get cracking on that CV.
Australian Museum launches new blockbuster Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition – not built by aliens
Bongers putting a dampener on the alien theory will disappoint all those fantasising Facebook theorists.
Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines sign MoU set to strengthen ties
An MoU is like a deal to do a deal down the track... Talk about commitment issues.
Interactive cocktail o’clock at Dean & Nancy’s on 22 at A by Adina Sydney
It's just gone lunchtime, but if you are still in the office, this story may prompt you to walk out right now.
Marriot International tipped to manage new Caloundra waterfront hotel
Tile floors obligatory please as we always manage to trek sand from beach to bed when staying on the Sunny Coast.
DILKARA Hotel Essentials celebrates Indigenous Australian beauty and heritage
We always like to try fresh new hotel toiletries, particularly an indigenous one.
Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel announces the opening of SIN
We bet you can still hear the traffic horns this high up, given it is Bangkok.
Fusion launches GLOW Bangkok Riverside
Fusion Hotel Group has opened GLOW Bangkok Riverside, a new hotel overlooking the Thai capital’s Chaophraya River from the city’s Dusit district. The modern 5-storey property features 126 rooms and suites, ranging from the Superior Room at 19-22sqm to the 40sqm River Suite. All rooms have either king-sized or twin beds, and are tastefully decorated […]
Nesuto Apartment Hotels launches summer secret offers
Nesuto Hotels and Apartments has launched its summer campaign with a 25 per cent off discount across its 13 neighbourhood properties across Australia and New Zealand. Nesuto’s “unveil summer’s best kept secrets” campaign offer is valid for bookings made from 1 November 2024 until 30 March 2025, for stays until 30 June 2025. In addition […]
Contiki announces massive Cyber Sale with deals on 145 trips around the world
Want to get your 20 year old out of the house for a few weeks? Contiki's got you covered with this sale.
Jetstar ‘Big NZ Sale’ offers one-way fares across the ditch starting from $165
You'd be kicking yourself had you booked a holiday to the Land of the Long White Cloud yesterday!
ATAC’s signs exclusive deal with Helloworld’s Air Tickets for enhanced air consolidation services
Australian Travel Agents Co-operative (ATAC) has appointed Helloworld Travel’s Air Tickets as its sole and exclusive air consolidator following comprehensive market assessment on best value for its members. ATAC chairman Jack Taylor said that the appointment, effective 1 January 2025, reflects the co-operative’s commitment to securing the best value for all members. “ATAC has ambitious […]
Carnival cracks out 1,000kg of lollies in the name of Halloween at OPT
By the time you're reading this, the fun is over. But just know it happened!
Blue Mountains’ Fantastic Aussie Tours turns 50 years young
Surviving floods, fires and pandemics, these really are true blue Aussie tours.
Qatar Airways celebrates 15 years in Australia with native flavours and local ingredients
Only a teenager, and so much more to look forward to.
Envoyage names Infinity Holidays as preferred wholesaler
Just so you know, we will be using these peacock-themed photos for all Envoyage stories because they are fabulous.
Byron’s Raes on Wategos collab with fashion brand Matteau to launch resort wear collection
Hopefully the quality of jim-jams in our luggage on the trip back home will be improved with this collab.
Helloworld TV is back for a brand-new season!
Slight disappointed this doesn't involve Helloworld staff acting out the plot of Neighbours.
Sydney to Bali return for under $500 in Virgin’s ‘Unbooleviable’ 24 hour sale
It's times like this that we feel validated for not choosing a career in graphic design.
Australians can board MSC Magnifica on its 2025 World Cruise
This 47-night journey out of Melbourne will mean you will have to pack plenty of undies.
Mercure Hotels’ unique culinary concept of 1000-Hours of Local Flavours
Thank goodness we bought those shorts with the elastic waistband.
Blending history, culture and culinary delights, Malta is a year-round gem waiting to be discovered
They say Malta is small, but it packs a punch, like a shot of coffee with a side of history.