24 Hours In… Perth

The creative minds of Perth have turned the tyranny of distance into an asset, creating a metropolitan vibe unlike any other – the West Australian gem sparkles with natural splendour, but its urban area is thriving, too. When you travel to this capital city, 2,100 kilometres from its nearest neighbour, Adelaide, it is possible to splash at the beach in the morning and cruise the Swan River in the afternoon, interspersing these activities with epic meals, excellent shopping and unique cultural experiences. Enjoy it all.

7am: Wake Up At The Adnate

You can’t not see The Adnate as you approach: on its façade is a 25-storey-high mural of portraits painted by Matt Adnate. The renowned Melbourne street artist spraypainted the three faces – those of a Noongar man, an Indian woman and a Mediterranean woman – over the course of a month before this 250-key property opened in 2019. Adnate’s work appears in the lobby and each of the sleek rooms, too, while guests can also enjoy complimentary art tours, the art library and art channels on the television. Relax by the sun-drenched pool on the second-level terrace; adjacent is BAHA Poolside Bar and Kitchen for Caribbean-inspired dishes and cocktails.

9am: Visit The Perth Cultural Centre

Set between the CBD and the hip suburb of Northbridge, the Perth Cultural Centre was once a drab space detoured by the city’s residents. Thankfully, a rejuvenation project has made the centre a popular destination, not only for its various big-ticket drawcards – Art Gallery of WA, Perth Institute of Contemporary Art (PICA), WA Museum Boola Bardip, theatres, the state library and more – but also for its newly inviting gathering spaces, such as the Urban Orchard, shaded gardens, cafes and bars.

[Photo: Frances Andrijich]

12pm: Lunch At Gibney

Behold the views from this sophisticated brasserie, set right on Cottesloe Beach. The interior is opulent – those curved velvet banquettes evoke scalloped seashells – the terrace has an outlook taking in coastline and islands, and the menu is brimming with luxury ingredients. Try the pearl meat ceviche with macadamia tiger’s milk, Geraldton wax, chilli and grape, or the spaghetti with Shark Bay ‘clams casino’, for a true taste of WA. This is old-world glamour in the new world.

2pm: Stroll Through Kings Park 

Perth’s inner-city park is more than 400 hectares in size, and a deeply significant cultural site for the Whadjuk Noongar people, who have lived on and preserved this land for 45,000 years. Take the self-guided Boodja Gnarning Walk and learn about the plants that provided food, medicine, tools and shelter for the Whadjuk Noongar. Be sure to visit the Gija Jumulu – a giant boab tree thought to be 750 years old, replanted here after travelling 3,200 kilometres by truck to avoid being destroyed during highway works.

5pm: Pick Up Souvenirs At Man-tle

Operating from its studio and flagship store in Northbridge, this local label has been creating timeless fashion for both men and women for a decade. Founders Larz Harry and Aida Kim focus on textiles first, working with traditional mills in Japan to ensure the fabrics are long-lasting and of the highest quality. As well as its own utilitarian range, Man-tle stocks other clothing labels and homewares from Japan and Korea.

[Photo: Traianos Pakioufakis]

7pm: Dinner At Ah Um

Head through the unmarked door at listening bar Astral Weeks to discover a clubby haven named after Charles Mingus’s 1959 album. There may only be 25 seats, but this spot – dimly lit and acoustically optimised – is anything but subdued. The menu is short but sharp, with chef Branden Scott proving unexpected combinations can be unforgettable. Kingfish might be served on a tostada with a citrusy Japanese chilli paste called kosho, while the Wagyu sirloin comes with a wedge of Shropshire Blue cheese. The service is slick, and the list of drinks – wines, sake and spirits – is sure to please.

10pm: Drinks At Goody Two’s

This late-night basement bar takes its inspiration from the Land of the Rising Sun, with the drinks list dominated by Japanese whisky offerings. Take a seat at the bar if you’re ready to sample a flight, or relax in a plush booth beneath the cherry blossom installation. Choose among highballs and signature cocktails, as well as West Australian beers and wines, plus a succinct menu of izakaya-style bar snacks if you need to feed before hitting the floor near the DJ booth.

[Photo: Shot by Thom]