Feeling like a bit of romance with your Partner?
During this colder weather, a bit of snuggling on the sofa while streaming your fave flicks is a pretty special way to spend a night, but eventually even the most committed hermits get more than a bit antsy. So take off those matching hoodies and get ready to kick serious couple goals - whether it's putting on the ritz at a fab restaurant, glamping in warmth and comfort deep within the forest, picnicking under the stars or enjoying that long overdue lovers' #staycation. Because even when the weather's cold, Perth's always sizzlin' hot!
Perth City
Your fave city centre seriously delivers when it comes to romantic spots! With those gorgeous sunsets over the Swan River, one of the world's most awesome urban parks at our doorstep, and foodie fodder galore, Perth City is a paradise for the romantically-inclined. Head to Coal River Farm just across from Perth Underground to pick up some seriously delish artisanal Tasmanian chocolates and cheese for your picnic basket, before heading to Kings Park for some stunning bushland and botanical walking trails and a romantic picnic overlooking the Swan River and Perth City skyline.
Perth is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and we reckon one of the most magical ways to fully experience it is through a Swan River cruise. And if you're in the mood for romance, Captain Cook Cruises has just the thing: Perth's only Swan River Dinner Cruise, where you can watch the sunset and spectacular views of some of Perth's most iconic spots, while enjoying a tempting hot buffet and an assortment of fresh seasonal salads and cold dishes, and the complimentary standard beer, wine and soft drink which is served for the duration of the cruise.
Foodie couples have so many great reasons to savour Perth City that it's hard to choose! But for a truly romantic dinner that's seriously #treatyoself, we've selected a few firm favourites. Balthazar Restaurant is a Modern Australian fine dining restaurant with clever dishes focusing on local produce, and a carefully curated wine list focusing on terroir driven, minimal intervention wines, as well as some hard to find gems and back vintage wines from great local producers. Take riverside dining to the next level at The Reveley, with cocktails and share-style menu at Henry's Rooftop. With amazing views over Elizabeth Quay, live music and relaxed vibes you won't want to leave!
You'll also find several decadent options within the iconic State Buildings, three architecturally-stunning heritage buildings that'll give you peak romance vibes long before your meal comes - there's plenty of top-notch bars and restaurants to choose from here, and we particularly recommend Wildflower, Petition, Post and Long Chim for a romantic night out.
Pan Pacific Perth is home to two restaurants that are perfect for date night; the Peruvian Uma Restaurant, and Perth's only plant-based fine-dining restaurant Ten Acre Block, both of which have award-winning Chef Alejandro Saravia at the helm. Vegans and vegetarians are in for a treat at Ten Acre Block, but with such a delicious menu, even the most avid meat-eaters are bound to be impressed! Inspired by the diverse Western Australian landscape and the abundance of fresh and unusual ingredients available, their 'farm to plate' philosophy offers up tremendous versatility and the opportunity to really experiment with plant-based dishes. Uma Restaurant celebrates the coast of Peru and West Australia's own seaside lifestyle with a fusion of authentic Peruvian flavours and the state’s most sustainable produce. Yum!
And of course, nothing says romance like a hotel #staycation; check out COMO The Treasury, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, Fraser Suites or Quay Perth for the perfect end to a perfect night.
Fremantle
Our gorgeously eclectic port city of Fremantle is a perfect place for romance! Whether you're strolling through heritage buildings, enjoying a beachside tipple at Bathers Beach, or finding your new favourite knick-knacks, it's a dream destination for couples. Artsy couples will love strolling through Freo's famous public art, as well as visiting Fremantle Arts Centre and Kidogo Arthouse, and attending their fab live music events. Finish your night off just right with a L'Chaim ("Cheers!") at the L'Chaim Hidden Bar, an old-world themed speakeasy underneath The Old Synagogue, and sleep soundly and luxuriously at the Hougoumont, The National Hotel or Fremantle Bed & Breakfast.
Rottnest Island
Perth's favourite island paradise is ripe for romance! Explore Rottnest Island in a new light by arriving by helicopter or seaplane guided tour, exploring this very special island from the sky. With Corsaire Aviation's helicopter tour, explore the many reefs and turquoise bays of Rottnest, keeping an eye out for animals like dolphins, whales, and killer whales, as well as the stunning salty Pink Lake. Depending on which Rottnest helicopter tour you choose, you can also enjoy lunch with a complimentary beverage at a local beachside restaurant - and if you're daring enough, experience the thrill of tandem skydiving over the island with Skydive Geronimo!
Back on the ground, some of our fave things to do on the island include the legendary #quokkaselfie, exploring the island via the 19-stop hop-on-hop-off bus tour, enjoying your ultimate island adventure with Rottnest Cruises, or just relaxing as you catch a movie or hire a beach chair or umbrella to relax beachside. Lastly, with quokkas being particularly active at night, a staycation really belongs on your bucket list - Samphire Rottnest is the island's newest luxury resort experience and Discovery - Rottnest Island is a glamping experience that really puts the glam into camping!
Perth Beaches
Your Perth Beaches escape doesn't just have to be in summer! In fact, the cooler days mean you can beat the heat while still enjoying the best of the beach. Catch a delish meal and an aptly named Sunset Coast sunset over the beach at either Island Market, Odyssea, The Shorehouse or Zoie. Or have your perfect beachside #staycation at Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough, Quality Resort Sorrento Beach or The Marina, Mindarie.
Mandurah and Rockingham
The coastal paradise of Mandurah is one of WA's top tourist destinations! Stroll those iconic Venetian canals, explore the waterways with Mandurah Cruises, catch a show at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre followed by dinner at Cicerello's Mandurah or Flics Kitchen. For an overnight stay, check in at The Sebel Mandurah, Marina Canal Apartments or Mandurah Houseboats, or in the nearby Rockingham at the Rockingham Apartments where you can enjoy some seriously fine fare at Rustico Tapas and Wine Bar.
Swan Valley
Perth's food bowl has been a favourite for romantic getaways for generations! Lovers of great wine and fine food alike will absolutely adore the Swan Valley Fine Wine Trail, which covers Faber Vineyard, RiverBank Estate, Oakover Grounds, Talijancich Wines, Sittella Winery and Sandalford Wines (which boasts a gorgeous newly renovated restaurant). Mandoon Estate is a winery, restaurant, gallery and hotel all rolled into one location, which makes it the perfect romantic basecamp to explore everything that Swan Valley has to offer.
Perth Hills
The Perth Hills is full of natural beauty: gorgeous views of Perth from high up in the hills, lushly green walking trails, some seriously fabulous waterfalls, and fab picnic spots like Araluen Botanic Gardens. It's also renowned for its extraordinary stargazing, so it's no wonder it’s home to Perth Observatory! The Observatory has been inspiring budding astronomers for over 120 years, and currently offers fascinating night sky tours, day tours exploring the rich history of the Observatory, astrophotography workshops, and a range of special events to enjoy together. Star-loving couples can also head off the beaten track and follow this fabulous stargazing trail with some top Perth Hills stargazing spots. Get back to nature while spending the night together in style right on the banks of Lake Leschenaultia with Totem Glamping, or head to richly forested Mt Helena for Eversprings Glamping.
Avon Valley
Just outside of Perth metro, you'll find all of the charm of the countryside at our doorstep in the Avon Valley! A comfortable drive east of Perth City, the Avon Valley offers a patchwork of green rolling hills, babbling brooks and historic country towns like Northam, Toodyay, York, New Norcia, Goomalling, Beverley and Brookton. Whether you're pottering through country towns, exploring craft shops and museums, picnicking on the banks of the Avon River, hot air ballooning at dawn or setting out on bush walks, you'll find romance galore here. Some of our top choices include following the Toodyay Food and Picnic Trail to enjoy stunning views as you fill up your picnic basket and meet the growers and producers of dates, olive oil, wine, breads, pastured meats, condiments and more. Experience the oldest and most freeing form of flight, hot air ballooning, in Northam, then explore the heritage streetscape of York before you settle down into your vintage country house staycation at Laurelville or Hope Farm Guesthouse.
We hope you lovebirds enjoy the best of Perth in these cooler months, and we're certainly warmed up in the heart knowing that you can enjoy our favourite romantic places! For more great ideas, check out our Romantic Things to Do in Perth special feature, and keep an eye on our Best of Perth Blog.
