QH SENSATIONS
Perth, Perfected… By Lynsey Riach
If Perth were a person, this far-flung capital of Western Australia would be that relaxed, tomboyish fashionista who doesn’t even know how beautiful she is…
W
ithout a doubt, Perth is a real beauty set on pristine beaches in Western Australia (WA). In fact the WA coast stretches 21,000 kms with 19 beaches calling Perth home. In terms of location, Perth is often mistakenly overlooked for its more famous city counterparts on the East Coast but with the title of most-isolated capital city in the world it takes the crown for sunniest too (eight hours a day on average). Oh and did I mention the sunsets over the Indian Ocean here? With close proximity to travel to Asia, this place deserves much more recognition.
Sophisticated and cosmopolitan, in Perth you can uncover a myriad of restaurants and cultural activities all vying for attention. When you want to chill-out, it's easy to do so thanks to Perth's pristine parkland, nearby bush, and rivers and ocean beaches. No wonder so many people emigrate here to call it home. Basing myself in the trendy suburb of Subiaco or Subi for short (my dog is actually named after this place), it’s an easy hop on the train to head into the city for some shopping or out to the beach for some surfing. The beach won. I headed to Cottesloe, home to the surfer pack slurping their smoothies, but also to those with serious dollar as they perch out on their balconies looking over the Indian Ocean. Perth is a city of suburb; like veins they sprawl and spread out from the main artery and each has its own character and crowd. Heading my way back to the city, modern skyscrapers begin to surround us as the train draws closer. I see nearby Kings Park. It seems Perth is an outdoorsy kind of place where
health and happiness take priority. It’s not a huge daunting place – it’s friendly and feels familiar. So where to eat? WA is becoming more well-known for their farm-to-table approach to food with chic farmers’ markets popping up at weekends and on-trend restaurants opening (and closing) just as fast. I head to Balthazar, a low-lit, discreet and sophisticated joint with a hipster soundtrack. I hear Chop Shop is also a firm fave amongst the carnivore crowd, serving exclusively Aussie produce located on St. Georges Terrace where it welcomes suits and surfers alike. My next day begins with a trip to the Mount Lawley area just to try the chocolate donuts that every blogger in Perth is excited about. Mary Street Bakery is a cutesy café with artisan bread and creative baked goods. Spacious and sunny, it's a good way to start the day before exploring the neighbouring shops. For your caffeine fix try Sayers Sisters, then hop on your rented bike and get exploring!
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The idyllic waters of Mindarie Marina
Get your koala closeups at the Perth Zoo
Cottsloe Beach
Tuna with kohlrabi at Balthazar Restaurant
Mt. Lawley's Beaufort St. Festival
As the afternoon rolls in a calming wind (known locally as the ‘Fremantle Doctor’) settles some of the heat. I decide to check out its namesake neighbourhood and also, Perth’s oldest suburb. There’s some serious history here (including a jail) and serious architecture. Browse the markets, head to Little Creatures for stunning harbour views and try The Mantle for some fine fare. For a day-trip away from the mainland (or stay overnight if you like), hop on the ferry to Rottnest Island where you can bike the entire perimeter, kick back on the beach, eat yet more food and laugh as the happiest creature on the planet bounces past – not a kangaroo but a quokka. Think rat/cat but friendly! Rottnest is their home and they’re everywhere. If it’s kangaroos you’re after, then no trip Down Under would be complete without a sighting of one or a koala right? Head to Perth Zoo to cement your souvenir snap and don’t forget to try that Aussie ‘love-it or hate-it’ food – vegemite. My taste-buds
fall into the ‘hate-it’ category but Perth – you’ll love…Safe travels and happy holidays! Qatar Airways flies direct from Doha to Perth daily. For more information on Perth visit www.australia.com n
The view from Kings Park
A kangaroo lounges on the sands of Lucky Bay
Lynsey Riach is a qualified yoga instructor living and working in Doha normally walking her dogs, on her yoga mat or on her travels. To learn more about her services visit www.andstretchyoga.com
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