Perth is an incredibly instagrammable city - from street art and sand dunes to coastlines and country homesteads…but which spots are the most insta-worthy?
We’ve come up with a list of some of the best spots you can hit this winter for that perfect shot. So go on and get ‘gramming.
Picture Perfect in the City
There’s no better place for you to find some insta-worthy photo ops than right in the city centre with Perth’s street art. We’ve gained some international attention recently, with works from some of the world’s best street artists now lining laneways and gracing buildings. You can find back alley beauties and mega murals at every turn.
Head down Hay Street mall and keep your eye out for a recently completed abstract mural. Titled ‘Gooloogoolup’, the talented creator is local aboriginal artist and educator Jade Dolman. Her artwork embodies the cultural significance of Lake Kingsford and Lake Irwin. The two former swamps, originally around Yagan Square, Perth Arena and the Perth Train Station, were important to the Noongar people to gather and source food.
A great way to take in much of Perth’s vibrant street art is with a walking tour.
Two Feet & a Heartbeat offer a popular ‘Perth’s Arcades and Laneways’ tour. Explore the growing bar scene and venture to vibrant Northbridge with your local guide, snapping some pics as you go. You’ll visit iconic locations including Wolf Lane, London Court, Howard Lane and many more walkways.
Oh Hey WA also operate a couple of awesome street-art tours - ‘Hidden Secrets, Laneways + Good Times’ which includes a visit to three quirky local bars, and ‘Murals, Sculptures, Graffiti + More’ where you’ll hear stories behind the artwork and the techniques used to create them.
Paradise in the Perth Hills
It should come as no surprise that winter is the perfect time to visit the spectacular Lesmurdie Falls. It’s full flowing and as picturesque as ever, an instagrammer’s dream location to visit. You’ll find endless natural beauty and breathtaking views - and all 25 minutes from Perth. After a heavy downpour is a great time to capture the falls in all their glory. The soft winter light and overcast skies complement the cascading waters perfectly.
Vintage and Vibrant Avon Valley
If you’re in the mood for a country drive then head to the stunning Avon Valley which is around 100kms east of Perth. Stretching from New Norcia all the way down to Brookton, you’ll find plenty of insta hotspots. Right now it’s hot air ballooning season so there are plenty of ‘gram opportunities. Capture dreamy sunrise skies and endless stretches of misty greens from the air or rolling valley views from the ground. Make a weekend of it and spoil yourself with an overnight stay in a local luxury bed & breakfast. Relax and unwind, enjoy a roast and pinot by the fire at one of the many historic country pubs. While you’re in the area make sure you get a shot of the incredible White Swan mural on Northam's old Flour Mill created by Amok Island - you’ll really impress your followers!
No trip to the Avon Valley is complete without a visit to the beautiful country town of Toodyay. Known for its clear dark night skies - this is the perfect spot to take a starry shot of the milky way. The Pelham lookout overlooks the town and is a peaceful place to soak up the night sky also. While you’re there explore Toodyay’s colourful past and stop by Newcastle Gaol and Connor’s Mill - two historic and photo-friendly landmarks that won’t disappoint. If you’re keen to stay a little longer, Pecan Hill Bed & Breakfast has a purpose-built stargazing platform available for guest use!
Old World Charm in Pinjarra
Located in Pinjarra, The Edenvale Heritage Precinct is an arts and culture landmark full of wonderful spots that make beautiful backdrops for your next Instagram post. Brimming with history and charm, you’ll be sure to find the perfect pic amongst the 19th century heritage architecture and beautiful rose gardens. The historical homestead was built by Edward McLarty, a prominent pioneer in 1888. Take a wander around the seventeen room Victorian style home that has been beautifully preserved. Afterwards visit the heritage tearooms that ooze old-world charm. Keeping traditions alive they are one of the only cafes in the area still paying homage to the good old fashioned devonshire tea.
Snap-happy in the Swan Valley
The historic Swan Valley has no shortage of instagrammable spots to visit, from the picturesque vineyards to breath-taking Bells Rapids located in Brigadoon. With the gushing water through the Swan River during the wet months you’ll love a visit to this natural wonderland. The walk bridge over the rapids makes for an exciting viewing spot during the Avon Descent. As one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the hills, Bells Rapids is a hotspot for Instagram lovers. It’s also a great place to get your daily dose of nature and only 30 minutes from Perth - and you can even take your pooch. Wineries, distilleries and breweries, as well as plenty of cafes and restaurants surround the rapids. So make sure to stop and enjoy some local delights before you head home. Pop by one of the many breweries or restaurants with open fires and warm up after a day chasing waterfalls.
Rottnest on Foot
Ah Rottnest…nothing beats its crystal clear waters and natural beauty. Rotto has had its fair share of insta photo ops thanks to its resident quokkas. But did you know Rottnest Island is also home to a series of walk trails that will take you across spectacular coastal headlands and past stunning inland lakes, like the beautiful pink salt lake between the Thomson and Geordie Bay settlements? These trails, known as the Wadjemup Bidi, are a photographer’s dream. "Bidi" means "trail" or "track" in Noongar, the language of the Whadjuk Noongar people who are the Traditional Owners of Rottnest Island (Wadjemup). There are 5 sections of the trail making up 45 kilometres in total. Each boasting culturally and environmentally significant landmarks to interpret and experience along the way. Take in panoramic views from the Lighthouse or capture the magic of ‘walking on water’ at the Lakes Boardwalk.
Sunsets and Storms in Lancelin
The beaches of the Sunset Coast in WA are infinitely instagrammable but there’s also something pretty magical about the sand dunes in Lancelin. More than just an adventure playground, the dunes are most beautiful as the sun sets and the sand turns into shades of stunning pastels. Each time you visit there is something different to capture, they are forever changing. Stormy clouds, powdery sand stretching for miles groomed by the wind and stunning views. And with magnificent blue ocean as your backdrop, you won’t be disappointed.
Freo Lighthouse Magic
Our vibrant port city, Fremantle, isn’t short on some cool places to grab an Instagram shot. But a must see is a sunset over the South Mole Lighthouse. The small green lighthouse sits out on the point at the entrance to the Swan River. It’s one of two cast iron lighthouses that were shipped out to Fremantle from England in 1903. Technically identical but red is the North Mole lighthouse at the western end of North Mole, at the entrance to the Port of Fremantle. Both these lighthouses are a popular choice to capture some maritime magic shots underneath a pale pink sky.
Need help adding to your winter Instagram hitlist? We’ve got plenty more ideas - check out the Destination Perth website to plan your next day out.
