Sell this spectacular Western Australian city with David Whitley’s round-up of the latest activities…
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1. Fly high at Matagarup Zip+Climb
The serpent-like Matagarup Bridge over the Swan River is home to two new adrenaline activities. Opt for the climb and you take on 314 steps to a 72-metre-high viewing platform at the top of the bridge. Go for the zipline, and you fly at speeds of up to 46mph over the river, landing in Burswood Park on the opposite bank. Matagarup Zip+Climb offers combo packages for those who want double the thrills.
zipclimb.com.au
2. Take an Aboriginal tour on Rottnest Island
This island, a short ferry ride from Perth, is famous for its photogenic quokkas. Traditionally, the best way to explore has been to hire a bike and take your pick of glorious beaches. But new tours have sprung up, including Rottnest Snorkel’s three-hour snorkelling tour of the coral packed bays, and Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours & Experiences’ 90-minute walking tour.
rottnestsnorkel.com.au; gocultural.com.au
3. Marvel at the art in the newly renovated WA Museum
After an extensive renovation, the WA Museum Boola Bardip has a new look, new galleries and a new name. Part of the rejuvenated Northbridge cultural precinct, Perth’s flagship museum has been hosting several impressive temporary exhibitions. But the permanent galleries provide an excellent introduction to Western Australia, exploring the state’s history, landscapes, wildlife and Aboriginal traditions.
museum.wa.gov.au
4. Enjoy a wine tasting in Swan Valley
One of Australia’s oldest wine regions, Swan Valley offers a new Fortified Wine Trail taking in 35 wineries, including perennial favourites such as Sandalford and Mandoon Estate (pictured). Less than a half-hour drive from central Perth, Swan Valley has plenty to offer beyond the wine too; gin distillers, chocolatiers, honeymakers, coffee roasters, olive farms and craft breweries all call the region home.
swanvalley.com.au
5. Check in to Parmelia Hilton Perth
The five-star Parmelia Hilton Perth has recently reopened after a $45m refurbishment – and makes an ideal place to retreat after all those adventures. Expect a contemporary design with marble, wood and sleek pendant lighting at this centrally located hotel, close to Elizabeth Quay. The 80‑square-metre luxury suites on the 10th floor are the hotel’s pride and joy, but the standout feature has to be the outdoor pool – something rare in Australian city-centre hotels.
hilton.com
Book it
Anzcro offers a nine-day Ultimate Coral Coast self-drive holiday, which starts in Perth then heads up Australia’s west coast to the likes of Kalbarri National Park and the Ningaloo Reef. Prices start at £719 based on travel between November 1 and December 10 this year and January 28 and March 24, 2023. Includes car hire and accommodation but not flights.
anzcro.co.uk
PICTURES: Aeroture; Illustrations Photography; Michael Haluwana.
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