Ladies, is the day-to-day grind getting you down? Not seeing enough of your besties?
Need some #selfcare time? Well, what could be better than a staycation together!
With the weather getting all nice and warm, call up your girls, get a bottle of something sparkly, and get ready for a girls-night-out #perthstaycation style. Here’s some of our fave ideas for your ultimate girls’ stay-cay in Perth.
Perth City
Perth City is perfect for a girls' staycation: with luxe accommodation, delish meals, cool places to party and much more.
Enjoy the Swan River in style on Perth's first floating bar The Raft Perth, or while sipping cocktails and enjoying the view from The Point Bar and Grill; or if you're feeling a bit more adventurous, explore the river by waterbike with Perth Waterbike Co from South Perth (yellow bikes) or Perth Waterbike Adventures from Matilda Bay (red bikes). You'll find plenty of funky bars and eateries in the CBD and exploring Perth's inner neighbourhoods like Leederville and Northbridge; check out our list of bars and pubs in Perth City, with awesome places like Frisk Small Bar and Fenians Irish Pub, or enjoy cocktails at Caballitos or Hadiqa - if you visit during the festive season, make sure you try one of their Christmas Tree cocktails - a combination of nine signature cocktails in an amazing stand!
If you're in the mood for a spot of shopping, you won't want to miss the deals at Watertown Brand Outlet Centre - there's something for everyone! The historic State Buildings in Cathedral Square are an elegant backdrop to some seriously luxe brands (as well as a fab bakery and chocolatier). The Art Gallery of Western Australia has a gorgeous gift shop full of funky finds, and the eclectic Ruck Rover General Store in Northbridge is generally amazing.
When it comes to the stay part of your staycation, you’ll be spoiled for choice: check out our list of Perth City accommodation, from 5-star luxury at COMO The Treasury to the award winning DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Northbridge, or a feast for the senses at The Adnate - Art Series Hotel.
Fremantle
Our unique, eclectic port city Fremantle is a ton of fun! Great coffee at the Cappuccino Strip, beautiful heritage buildings, laneways to explore, shopping up a storm at the Fremantle Markets, enjoying a tipple and something tasty at Bathers Beach House (on the shores of WA's first licensed beach) or the iconic Little Creatures brewery, along with The National Hotel (also a great place to stay). Check out our guide on where to eat and drink in Freo for some salivating foodie inspo. And if you and your BFFs are art lovers, you'll be delighted with the Fremantle's Public and Street Art, Kidogo Arthouse and the Fremantle Arts Centre.
As you'd expect from arguably Perth's artiest hotspot, there's plenty of unique places to stay-cay. We love the oh-so-central Quest Fremantle situated in the historic West End (a great spot to base yourself before a day of retail therapy!), as well as the Hougoumont Hotel, a luxe hotel with an industrial feel made out of repurposed shipping containers (sooo port city), and with a great community feel. Or stay right near the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour with water views at Be. Fremantle. For something a little different, what about staying in a boutique bed and breakfast reminiscent of a Bavarian castle - Fremantle Bed & Breakfast offers a turn of the century residence located just a few hundred metres from Bathers Beach.
Perth Beaches
With the weather warming up, it's a perfect time for a coastal escape! With 197 kilometres of sun, sea and white sand to be enjoyed on the coastline, you can be as active or chilled out as you like during your Perth Beaches staycay. Alfresco cafes and restaurants line the coast, offering a great atmosphere to accompany the brilliant ocean vistas, and there are plenty of attractions, activities and seaside shopping close by.
And the Sunset Coast Self-Drive is so scenic and instagrammable, it's perfectly Perth! Some highlights on the way are The Marina, Mindarie with its chill microbrewery and Mediterranean boardwalk, the legendary Scarborough Beach for beachside fish & chips or gelato (or why not both?), strolling the iconic Hillarys Boat Harbour with an ice-cream in hand, heading to the Summer X Salt Markets in Trigg (November - March), and the awesome snorkelling and diving at the Marmion Marine Park.
You'll find plenty of fabulous waterfront accommodation, like Quality Resort Sorrento Beach, Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough and Seashells Scarborough. So grab your girls and go have fun!
Perth Hills
Head to the Perth Hills for stunning scenery, scenic drives, vibrant villages and cute artisanal knick knacks galore. Scattered throughout the wide ranges of the Darling Scarp and only 45 minutes east of Perth City, the Perth Hills and its character townships including Mundaring, Kalamunda, Bickley Valley and Armadale exude a country charm and views that are simply astounding. You'll love the wineries & cideries, the walking & cycling trails, (spoil yourself on a Hidden deTours Bickley Valley Wine and Cider Tour); and of course, this is the perfect place for wildflower spotting!
Browse through the region's arts centres, studios and galleries; and pick up some souvenirs of your trip in town. And remember to check out the upcoming workshops & events at the Mundaring Arts Centre for creative inspiration! The food here is top-notch too! Check out our list of where to eat and drink in the Perth Hills for some fab foodie choices, like Italian nonna-inspired La Fattoria, country pubs Mount Helena Tavern, Parkerville Tavern and Chidlow Tavern, and the rustic farmhouse fare of The Packing Shed @ Lawnbrook.
Where to stay for your girls' escape? With Perth Hills' lush bushland and forest settings, you're spoiled for choice! Soak up the quintessential hills experience at the harmonious Hartung House; venture into the valley with Bickley Brook Cottage which was built way back in 1914 and is seriously relaxing; Amaroo Retreat & Spa offers a holistic rejuvenating experience; J&Ms at Roleystone is a totally dreamy B&B… and that's just getting started. Check out Perth Hills accommodation for more.
Mandurah and Peel
Mandurah & Peel are a long time favourite for a sneaky girls' retreat! Cruise down the venetian canals with Mandurah Cruises spotting frolicking dolphins, get a spot of shopping down at the revitalised Mandurah Forum, the Mandjar Markets or around the boardwalk, grab some adorbs antiques at Drakesbrook Antiques and Collectables… this place has it all.
As a popular tourist town, Mandurah has so many things to do, but just as a sample, some top things to do include picking through farm fresh fruit or finding the perfect Christmas gift at the Growers & Makers Market, Peel (held Sunday mornings on the Mataya Eatery rooftop), living your most luxe life on the Mandurah High Tea Cruise, catching a show at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, and upping your golf game at the world-class The Cut Golf Course. And of course, this region is known for its great seafood (and food generally): check out where to eat and drink in Mandurah and Peel for tastebud-tingling spots like Cicerello's Mandurah, Quarterdeck Dining, Tods Cafe and more. Further afield, you can also visit the brand-new Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre and follow one of the stunning Lane Poole Reserve Trails - they're so gorgeous at this time of year!
So, where should you stay? From chillaxing on a houseboat with Mandurah Houseboats, enjoying boardwalk and ocean views at hotels The Sebel Mandurah and Seashells Mandurah, to bush getaway spots like Lake Navarino Holiday Park and Dwellingup Retreat, you'll find plenty of fantastic places to stay in Mandurah and Peel.
Rockingham
Perth's marine paradise is an underrated and unforgettable spot for a girls' escape! Tourists know what's up, flocking to Rockingham in droves for penguin spotting and swimming with dolphins at the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park; Rockingham has so much to offer as Perth's marine playground. If you're into watersports like kitesurfing & SUP (stand up paddleboarding) or even jet-packing (yes, really, it's a thing and it's awesome), there's plenty for you and your girls to do here. And if you feel like taking it easy or you're exhausted after that skydive, there's also a fab winery Peel Estate Wines, which is the perfect spot for a picnic! Check out the Rockingham Visitor Centre for even more ideas.
And for great food and stay-cay spots, check out where to eat & drink in Rockingham from tapas to beachside treats, and some great Rockingham accommodation, including hotel luxury stays at Quest Rockingham to beachfront chalets, caravanning and camping at Cee and See Caravan Park, you'll find what you're looking for in Rockingham.
Swan Valley
Perth's food bowl, the Swan Valley, is a perfect #perthstaycation spot for foodie friends and nature lovers alike! From the historic town of Guildford to the undulating green hills of Chittering, filling your picnic basket at the Sweet Temptations Trail, Fresh Produce Trail and Fine Wine Trail, to the awesomely exciting self-guided AmazingCo Experiences. If it's spirits you're into, then check out the new Swan Valley Distillery Trail that will take you to five distinct and very different award-winning distilleries in less than a day.
For active gals, the RiverGods Kayak Adventures is an unforgettable experience, and don't miss the picture-perfect walking and cycle trails. Looking for something after dark? Check out the Twilight Winery Experience offered by Out & About Wine Tours.
Where to eat and drink? OMG, choice paralysis. With over 150 wineries, as well as distilleries, farm gates, meaderies and honey retailers, cideries, food producers and restaurants and cafes galore, your appetite will be more than satisfied! Check out some fab places to eat & drink in the Swan Valley.
With so much to see, do and eat, the Swan Valley is perfect for your girls' stay-cay: spend a few days discovering your new favourite spots! Check out our list of Swan Valley accommodation, from rustic places like Thie My Chree Retreat and Settlers' Rest Farmstay to resorts such as Novotel Vines Resort Swan Valley.
Rottnest Island
Perth's fave island playground, and home to the #quokkaselfie with the world's happiest animal! You already knew Rottnest Island is a great place for a day-trip, but it's also fantastic for a staycay. Quokkas are mostly nocturnal, so night time is when they're at their most active and adorable - there's nothing like seeing quokka mamas nursing their young in the stillness of the night.
Blessed with a casual atmosphere, picturesque scenery, dazzling marine life and some of the world's finest beaches and pristine bays, Rottnest has so much to offer; whether you feel like relaxing and sunbathing or kitesurfing and snorkelling, the island reminds you why we're so lucky to be in one of the most beautiful coastal spots in the world. Check out our blog on adventures to experience on Rottnest Island for plenty of ideas, explore Rottnest Island's walking trails, enjoy a relaxed and delish meal at Frankies on Rotto or Hotel Rottnest. See more tours and attractions to enjoy on Rottnest.
Looking for something closer to nature? Connect with your surroundings (and maybe some quokka's!) at Discovery - Rottnest Island with their eco glamping tents pitched next to the infamous Pinky's Beach or stay at the newly opened Samphire Rottnest - all their spacious rooms have private balconies with views over the property and bay!
Avon Valley
Head to the Avon Valley for serious countryside vibes only a short drive from Perth! With the tranquil monastic vibes and delish baked goods of New Norcia, natural beauty of Northam, historic charm of Toodyay and York, and public art of Beverley, the Avon Valley is perfect for a girls' getaway. You'll find green rolling hills, babbling brooks, art galleries and museums, and so much more. And having a girls' picnic alongside the banks of the Avon River after an interesting heritage walk or admiring the public art, is just peak stay-cay. The Toodyay Food and Picnic Trail is a must-do while you're here, and the shopping is great too!
There's plenty of accomodation options in Avon Valley for a perfect countryside getaway, check out - Heyscape Tiny Cabins, Wheatbelt Luxury Escapes, Pecan Hill B&B, Laurelville and The Nosh & Nod are a few lovely spots to get you started.
There's just so much to see and do with your girlfriends in Perth - so why not treat yourselves? Summer is here, and its the perfect time to get away from it all.
