Your guide to wellness and adventure in Perth

20 Dec, 2024

Perth (Boorloo) is the kind of city that sneaks up on you. One minute you’re sipping a flat white at a café and the next, you’re scaling a bridge or stumbling upon world-class street art in a hidden laneway. It’s a place where nature and culture collide in the best way possible, offering adventures to get your heart pumping and tranquil spots to simply breathe.

Whether you’re hunting for the best things to do in Perth or seeking a serene escape, the city knows how to serve up wellness with a side of adventure.

Wellness top picks

Here’s a little secret: you don’t need to step into a gallery to see some of Perth’s best art. Thanks to Form and its annual street art festival, the city’s streets are alive with vibrant, world-class murals. I still remember turning a corner in Northbridge and coming face-to-face with one of Amok Island’s colourful creatures – it stopped me in my tracks. For the best finds, explore Wolf Lane in the CBD or wander through Fremantle, where intricate stencils pop up like urban treasures. It’s like embarking on a free walking tour with surprises at every turn.

If your idea of wellness leans towards pampering, Perth’s spa experiences deliver in spades. Ember Bathhouse is like a warm hug for your soul, offering mineral soaks and infrared saunas in a tranquil boutique setting. And for a touch of luxury, the BODHI Spas are a must. Treat yourself to one of their signature therapies and prepare to walk out glowing – your skin and spirit rejuvenated.

For a unique twist on wellness, the Cave Yoga and Guided Hike experience with The Hike Collective in Yanchep National Park delivers a double dose of rejuvenation. Stretching it out in a cave beneath ancient rock formations, followed by a peaceful hike through lush landscapes, feels otherworldly – a moment of zen combined with nature’s raw beauty.

Looking for something a little more daring? The Matagarup Zip+Climb is your ticket to adrenaline-fueled fun. Climbing 72 metres above the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan) is a workout in itself, but the breathtaking views of Perth’s skyline make every step worth it. And the zipline back down? Equal parts thrilling and slightly terrifying. Prepare to let out a squeal that would make a kookaburra proud, but enjoy the unforgettable rush afterwards.

Prefer your adventures with a side of shopping? Perth’s markets have you covered. The iconic Fremantle Markets, open Friday to Sunday, are a feast for the senses, with 150 stalls showcasing street food, art, homewares and clothing. Whether you’re hunting for a unique treasure or just soaking up the atmosphere, it’s a retail adventure you won’t want to miss.

Natural wellness

There’s something undeniably magical about Kings Park. More than a park, it’s a 400-hectare wellness sanctuary in Perth that feels like the beating heart of the city. Home to one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, Kings Park features a breathtaking mix of lush gardens, open lawns and pristine bushland. Over 3,000 species of native Western Australian flora thrive here, making it a botanical wonderland. Perched high above the city, it offers sweeping views of the Swan River and Perth’s skyline.

Cover more ground by joining one of Paul’s Eco E-Bike Tours, and glide effortlessly through bushland paths – pausing for the iconic selfie at the Blue Boat House. The e-bike does most of the work, so you can focus on soaking up the beauty of Perth’s natural gems without breaking a sweat.

For a more serene water-based adventure, the Canning River Wetlands Kayak Tour with Go Go Active Tours is pure relaxation on water. Paddling through calm wetlands surrounded by wildlife is like a moving meditation – every stroke feels like a reset button for your mind.

If you’re more of a hiking boots person, Perth offers some of the best hiking in Australia. The Noble Falls Walk Trail is perfect for an easy stroll, while the Bells Rapids River Walk Trail rewards you with breathtaking views. If you’re lucky enough to visit during wildflower season, the Wandoo Heights Walking Trail is a kaleidoscope of colour, showcasing Western Australia’s wildflowers in full bloom – a sight that’s nothing short of awe-inspiring.

To cap off your day, head to Cottesloe Beach for a sunset stroll. Watching the sun slip into the Indian Ocean with the golden sand between your toes is quintessential Perth. Grab a drink, kick off your shoes and let the ocean breeze and sandy shores work their magic. It’s the perfect ending to a day of natural wellness.

Nourishing eats

Food lovers, rejoice – Perth’s culinary scene offers a feast for the senses, with markets, cafés and restaurants celebrating fresh local produce. On Saturday mornings, make your way to the Mount Claremont Farmers’ Market, where you’ll find everything from freshly baked pastries and handmade cheeses to gourmet artisan oils. I picked up a loaf of sourdough here once and ate half of it on the drive home – zero regrets.

For a more organic vibe, Perth City Farm in East Perth is a must-visit. Their seasonal produce is as fresh as it gets and their dedication to sustainability is nothing short of inspiring. For those who love a farm-to-table experience, Coogee Common is a standout. Set on a historic market garden, this restaurant specialises in SLOW food, using ingredients grown on-site to create dishes that are as nourishing as they are delicious.

Overlooking the Swan River, Peninsula Farm Café offers a serene spot to indulge in fresh, wholesome fare while soaking up stunning views. If you have the kids with you, you’ll find a cubby, toys, swing, kids bench, colouring in and lawn games to keep the kids amused while you soak up the beauty of the morning.

And for a hearty, locally sourced feast, head to The Steak House in East Fremantle, where the menu highlights ethically raised meats and seasonal produce in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Where to stay

Whether you’re chasing luxury or something a little more grounded, Perth has accommodation to suit every kind of getaway. For urban indulgence, Como Shambhala Urban Escape offers chic tranquillity right in the heart of the city – wellness doesn’t get much more sophisticated. If you’d rather trade the city buzz for serene natural surroundings, Amaroo Retreat & Spa in the Perth Hills is the ultimate blend of indulgence and nature.

And for those who love the idea of sleeping under the stars without sacrificing comfort, Everspring Glamping in Mt Helena delivers eco-friendly luxury glamping in Western Australia with beautifully designed tents that are as cosy as they are enchanting.

Getting there

Reaching Perth is a simple plane ride away. Domestic flights connect the city to all major Australian capitals, while international routes make Perth a gateway to and from Asia, the Middle East and beyond. For those flying in from the east coast, it’s a bit of a trek (expect around four to five hours in the air), but the reward? Landing in a city where the sun seems to shine a little brighter, the skies feel a little wider and the air greets you with its distinctive warmth and clarity.

Once you’ve landed at Perth Airport, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your travel style. Renting a car is a great choice if you’re planning to explore the surrounding regions, like the Swan Valley or Rottnest Island. For those staying close to the city, Perth’s public transport system, including buses, trains and ferries, is efficient, affordable, and user-friendly. Better still, the free CAT (Central Area Transit) buses make zipping around the city centre and Fremantle a breeze. Prefer to explore on foot? Perth’s CBD is compact and walkable, with scenic riverfront paths and vibrant neighbourhoods like Northbridge and Elizabeth Quay just a stone’s throw away.

Image credits: Tourism Western Australia, Bodhi Spas, Matagarup-ZipClimb, Peninsula Farm Cafe, COMO The Treasury, Amaroo Retreat.

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