Known as the sunniest capital in Australia (with over eight hours a day on average!), Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is the main gateway to various destinations in this part of the continent. The city has a strong reputation for being sparkling clean, and its vast outdoor spaces with greenery and waterfronts. It’s a world-class city with a variety of top-notch restaurants, cool bars inside historical buildings, and a bustling arts and culture scene. Here are seven amazing ways to enjoy Perth!

The 400-hectare, bush-filled expanse of Kings Park is Perth’s pride and joy. The Botanic Garden, located in the heart of the park, contains more than 2,000 plant species indigenous to Western Australia. Take a walk at the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, a 620-meter pathway which includes a 222 meter-long glass and steel bridge that passes through a canopy of eucalyptus trees. It has a beautiful view of Perth’s cityscape from up here!

A trip to Perth will not be complete without a selfie with the quokka, dubbed the happiest animal on the planet for the perpetual smile on its face! If you want to meet these cuties, take a 30-minute ferry ride to the sunny island of Rottnest (or Rotto as it’s known locally) where you may encounter the quokkas and dolphins in their natural habitat. The quokka is one of the protected species according to Australian law so, remember not to touch, feed or chase after them. However, they are also friendly and curious by nature, and would come straight up to you for a selfie. Just bring a selfie stick with you for best results!

You can rent a board at the general store nearby and enjoy sandboarding from the top of the dunes of the famous Pinnacles Desert. We’d recommend going in the morning before the sunlight gets harsh. Just be warned — you’ll be bringing back lots of fine sand in your pockets! Too tired for sandboarding? Then, drive up the sand dunes in a 4x4 vehicle, or just enjoy the panoramic views of the beach and Indian Ocean as the sun sets.

The Pinnacles is a sight to behold — thousands of huge limestone pillars amid a stark landscape of yellow sand to form one of Australia’s most intriguing landscapes. Some of the pillars are up to five metres high! If you’re lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of western grey kangaroos, emus, or reptiles and birds perched on these strange stones. As the sun sets, marvel at the changing shadows on the ground.

Looking for a unique souvenir to bring back home? Visit the Freemantle Markets for local arts, and handmade clothing. Freemantle (or known among the locals as Freo) is a day trip worth taking, and it’s only a 30-minute drive south from Perth. While you shop for souvenirs, the kids can pet a koala at the Wildlife Zoo. After all that shopping and animal petting, grab a bite at one of the many stalls in the market. While you’re here, a cup of Australian specialty coffee: The flat white is a must-try!

The Perth Cultural Centre is where the theatres, art galleries and studios, bars, museums and the state library are under one roof. There are many activities in the centre and you're bound to find something that tickles your fancy. Learn about sustainable gardening, take a stroll inside the Western Australian Museum, or catch a theatre performance. It’s the perfect place to be in when the weather gets too cold and rainy, as most of the activities are indoors!

Wine aficionados will be thrilled to spend an afternoon at Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region. There are more than 40 wineries located here and they produce some of Australia’s best Verdelho (a valley specialty) varieties. Just visit a cellar door (wine-tasting room) and you’ll likely be personally greeted by the owner, who’ll be eager to share stories about the region’s 180 years of viticulture. If you’re not into wine, how about having a meet-and-greet session with Australian painters and artists in the galleries nearby, or pet a wombat and feed kangaroos? You may also learn to play the Australian musical instrument didgeridoo and learn about the Aboriginal culture here.

With so many places to visit and things to do, what else are you waiting for? Join our #TravelokaAussieGiveaway contest because Perth is waiting!

Here’s how you can stand a chance to win a trip to Western Australia for free. Follow these simple steps to participate:

✅Read the blog post above for travel ideas in Perth, Western Australia

✅Name your dream destination in Western Australia, and share with us why you want to visit that place in the comments section of this post on our Facebook page.

✅Tag someone you’d love to bring along

✅Make sure to use the hashtag #TravelokaWAGiveaway

TWO lucky winners will be announced on 25 July 2019.

Contest period: 14 June 2019 - 24 July 2019

Contest Terms & Conditions:

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