Western Australia’s capital has positioned itself at the heart of the future’s brightest industries, particularly renewables. Lithium and gold mining lead the way, while medicine and life sciences, education, space research and defence are all major employers, says Neal Baldwin.
Getting there
Qantas transformed services on the so-called ‘Kangaroo Route’ to Australia back in 2018 with the launch of its direct flight to Perth. Today, that service operates daily from Heathrow using a B787 Dreamliner, with a 16.5hr flight time ideal for business travellers who can get straight to work on landing. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways offer indirect flights with stopovers in their respective hubs.
Sleeping
A flurry of openings by the big brands over the last decade means Perth is well-stocked with accommodation at all price points. Notable additions include the Doubletree by Hilton Perth waterfront, heritage-listed Melbourne Hotel – which dates back to 1897 and has been extensively remodelled – and the Ritz-Carlton Perth. For longer stays, Aussie aparthotel brand Quest boasts 14 properties in and around the city.
Eating
Ask a local for a fine dining recommendation and you’ll invariably be told to head for Wildflower, a swish rooftop eaterie that’s part of the luxurious 48-room COMO The Treasury hotel in the CBD. For value, though, the Northbridge district is a flavour-packed winner. No Mafia (Italian), Bivouac Canteen (Middle Eastern), Double Rainbow (modern Asian) and Edward & Ida’s (British pub food) are among the best.
After hours
The mixed-use Elizabeth Quay waterfront area on the Swan River is a relaxing place to kick back after a busy day of deal-making. From October-April, Perth CBD is the venue for a Twilight Hawkers Market, bringing out scores of streetfood vendors. For something more quirky, try the Galaxy Drive-In Theatre in Kingsley every weekend, or the crazy pinball collection at the Planet Royale entertainment complex.
Getting around
Perth has an extensive public transport system of buses, trains and ferries, accessible with a Transperth SmartRider card which you load with cash before use. A Free Transit Zone operates in the CBD area on buses and trains (just tap on and off with the card). Trains and buses run regularly from Perth International Airport. Taxis are plentiful, but cost around $80 for the 20-minute trip.
Must-see
Downtime in Perth means heading into the great outdoors. Just 25 minutes’ drive from the city is the Swan Valley wine region, home to more than 40 of the country’s best producers, many of them family owned. Alternatively, Rottnest Island, also known as Wadjemup, is famed for its beaches, Aboriginal and colonial history and nature – particularly the unique marsupials called quokkas which live here.
