Crafting an itinerary for Perth, the capital of Western Australia, might include the obvious big hitters, from the city’s beaches, Kings Park, discovering the cultural quarter and indulging in the burgeoning bar and restaurant scene.
But look a little outside the city – whether it’s hitting the road, the high seas or boarding a train – and you’ll discover Western Australia’s dramatic coastal seascapes, serene countryside stays and quality produce made with Indigenous ingredients.
1. Upgrade your island escape with Rottnest Island’s new stays
There’s little wonder that with its 63 beaches and 20 bays, Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) holds a special place in the heart of West Australians. For many, it conjures up memories of childhood summers and of simpler times, just 25 minutes by ferry from Fremantle.
In recent years a greater degree of sophistication and luxury has arrived. The likes of Isola Bar e Cibo perfectly meld island vibes, Italian inspiration and the best of Australian ingredients. Think calamari fritti, blue swimmer crab and renowned Skull Island prawns wood-grilled and doused in crayfish butter.
While the island has its classic chalet accommodation, a new breed of operators has brought fresh experiences to the island.
Discovery Resorts, a sustainable resort with its own restaurant and bar, offers glamping tents nestled behind the coastal dunes of Pinky Beach.
Most recently, The Lodge Wadjemup has opened 46 Poolhouse rooms with their own guest pool. They join 63 refurbished Courtyard and Lake rooms that started taking guests in January 2025 and have already become one of the hottest places to stay.
2. Taste a new spirit of innovation in Swan Valley
Just over 30 minutes drive from Perth CBD, Swan Valley has long been known as the oldest wine region in Western Australia and the second oldest in the country.
But more than just a wine region, it is home to distilleries large and small that have become a major draw for visitors.
Old Young’s Distillery in Henley Brook uses local botanicals to craft a uniquely West Australian tipple. Their Six Seasons Gin (the Noongar people follow six seasons, instead of four) contains sea parsley, lemon myrtle, Geraldton wax and desert lime. The restaurant, Old Young’s Kitchen, has won plaudits for its use of indigenous ingredients.
Anyone for smashed apple aperitivo made from leftover apple pulp? Book in for a tasting at Damaged Goods Distilling Co, where unwanted or imperfect produce destined to be wasted is given a new lease of life. Founded by Tim Laferla and Pia Papenfuss, they embody the values of many career hospitality insiders; a business that’s built on sustainable values with a mission to reduce food waste.
3. Check into a country pub reimagined for the modern traveller
Country towns are embedded in the Australian psyche, as are the pubs that have been at the centre of them for generations. At Farmers’ Home in Northam, less than a 90-minute drive inland from Perth (and just over two hours by train), its history is in the name, a place where farmers would stay when away from their farms for livestock sales and the like.
The 16 refurbished rooms give the property a boutique feel, with original features, some with access to a traditional wrap-around balcony, and modern additions like big screen TVs, Bang & Olufsen speakers, Aesop body care products and high-quality linens. The ground floor bar celebrates West Australian wine and, like the property, has an atmosphere that makes it feel very much like a destination.
4. Go off grid in a scenic cabin
Heyscape cabins are popping up all over Western Australia. From the outskirts of Perth and the Great Southern region with views of the wild Southern Ocean to vineyards in the Margaret River wine region, these off-grid stays are designed for guests to slow down and perhaps even log off for the duration of their stay.
To experience Heyscape, head to the town of Serpentine, just over 60-minutes from Perth CBD where you’ll find walking trails suitable for even the most novice of walkers. Set on a working farm in Keysbrook, this Heyscape property includes a queen bed and family bunk (not all locations are family friendly). And while the beauty of a Heyscape stay is a well-equipped kitchenette and quality BBQ, if cooking is off the menu you can head to the award-winning restaurant at Millbrook Winery in Jarrahdale or opt for a casual classic, the Jarrahdale Tavern.
For more information on Singapore Airlines’ flights to Perth, visit singaporeair.com.
