Alexandra Casey

It’s the only capital city in Australia where you can watch the sunset over the ocean, but that’s not the only reason Perth is one of the coolest places to visit. Once solely known for its pristine beaches and perfect weather, Perth’s booming restaurant and culture scenes, and its trendy sister city Fremantle (located just half an hour from Perth) have put WA’s capital city on the international radar. If you're visiting, it's well worth the flight over (which is a little over four hours from Sydney or Melbourne), we promise. RECOMMENDED: These are the best restaurants in Perth right now.

Perth more than proves its prowess when it comes to world-class bars. Here, neighbourhood wine joints and rustic beer houses are so much more than their humble exteriors suggest. Hiding behind doors are extensive and thoughtful drinks lists, gourmet tapas and aperitivo bites, and creative collaborations. Drink your way through our guide to the best bars in Perth. RECOMMENDED: These are the best restaurants in Perth right now.

Buckle up, mates! Australia is set to rock 2024 with a jam-packed schedule of festivals and events. From dazzling light displays to dedicated food extravaganzas to vibrant spring flower festivals, there’s something worth travelling for in every state and territory. We’ve rounded up the best of the best, so you can start submitting those leave requests and planning your next getaway around these key events.  RECOMMENDED: Here are the best festivals worth travelling to in Australia this year. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

If there's one thing that Australia does right, it's really beautiful beaches – and a lot of them, to be precise. With a whopping 12,000 fringing our island continent, it would take you a wild 32 years to see them all – if you tackled one beach per day. Assuming that your 32-year plan doesn't singularly involve beach hopping around Australia (although, we can of course, dream), we've put together a list of the best and prettiest beaches in Australia that you should visit in 2024 – or at least once in your life. Each beach on this list has been selected for its remarkable beauty, safe swimming conditioning (read: you won't see anywhere with saltwater crocs on this list), and proximity to other incredible activities, so your adventure out doesn't end with just one dip. Some of these picks have been richly awarded in the past, while others are less mainstream – but rest easy knowing that every single one of them is well worth their salt, in more ways than one. Now, all that's left is for you to find out for yourself. RECOMMENDED: The best nudist beaches in Australia. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

There’s always time for a tipple when you’re travelling around Australia. Our thirsty country is swimming in stellar watering holes that are loved by locals and tourists alike. We’ve even got a handful of contenders on the World’s 50 Best Bars list to back us up. Whether you’re looking for the best spot for cleverly crafted cocktails or a natural wine bar with superb snacks, drink your way through our selection of the best bars in Australia. After a meal? Check out the best restaurants in Australia here.

They say the best things in life are free. We could dare to disagree (we’re at our happiest during happy hour), but we also get around a big day out that doesn’t break the bank. Whether you’re a traveller wanting to experience Australia’s sunniest capital on a budget, or a local looking for ways to while away the weekend, here’s a round-up of the best free things to do for zero dollars. RECOMMENDED: Save your pennies for the 8 best festivals and events in Western Australia this year.

Everybody knows Western Australia for its dreamy islands, world-class wine regions, red rock gorges and crystal clear waters. The state’s natural wonders set the stage for a colourful and diverse line-up of arts and entertainment that brings together our best homegrown talents with big names from around the world. Whether you’re a new arrival or a born-and-bred local, here’s our round-up of Western Australia’s best festivals and events to let you experience the Wildflower State from every angle. RECOMMENDED: Eat your way through the 13 best restaurants in Perth.

If you’re looking for an excuse to get all dolled up, why not explore Perth’s oh-so-sophisticated high tea scene? We’re talking scones with jam and cream, crisp cucumber sandwiches and dainty decorated cakes – honestly, what more could you want? The British tradition of high tea originated among England’s most affluent during the 1840s. It was during the latter part of the 19th century that the tradition was embraced by both the upper and middle classes. Here’s a roundup of Perth’s best high teas that are sure to make you feel fancy and festive, much like a character from Bridgerton taking tea in the drawing room. RECOMMENDED: Eat your way through our guide to the best restaurants in Perth.

Whether you’re a dating rookie or a seasoned pro, coming up with exciting date ideas is trickier than it seems. Sure, cosy movie nights and beach picnics have their charm, but why settle for the ordinary when you can dazzle your sweetheart with something extraordinary?  From a boozy art class to a thrill-seeking jet boat ride, check out these top five groovy date ideas that are anything but cliché. 

Sure, Australia's East Coast may hog the limelight when it comes to famous beaches, but here in WA, the scorching summer temps, azure waters and pearly-white sands make our shores a natural wonder in a class of their own. To help you navigate this rich offering of coastal delights, we've picked out some of our fave go-to beaches in and around Perth. So grab the sunscreen, your boardies, the chilly bin and an umbrella, and discover why Perth is Australia's unsung MVP of the sea. All this time in the sun got you hungry? Take a look at our recommendations for cheap eats in Perth.

It really doesn’t get much better than sipping on an Aperol spritz or two while gazing out across the sparkling Swan River at sunset. Or maybe you prefer the vivacious chatter of friends while perched among the bright lights of the city skyline. We’ve put together a list of Perth’s best rooftop bars, so you’ll have no shortage of options for Thursday night drinks! Exploring the city? Don't miss out on these essential things to do in Perth.

It's no secret that we humans love a day at the beach, but our beloved canine fur babies are just as partial to a stretch on the sand. Beaches are a great place to take your furry friend to cool off, socialise with other salty sea dogs, exercise and play, but you can't take your four-legged friend to just any beach.  So, to avoid any awkward moments with disgruntled anti-dog beachgoers, head to these shores that are perfect for your pooch. We've put together a list of Perth’s nine best dog-friendly beaches, from South to North.

A larger-than-life adventure is waiting for you in WA’s largest regional city, Mandurah, located less than an hour south of Perth. The city has transformed into the ultimate outdoor playground for internationally renowned Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo’s magical Giants of Mandurah exhibition, featuring five enormous wooden sculptures. Bring the whole family along to play, as you collect clues to discover the final secret giant hiding in the wetlands. The free, interactive outdoor exhibition launched in November 2022, but the Giants are here to stay for at least three more years.

If you’re a foodie with a passion for the deep blue, then add Shore Leave to your 2024 bucket list. Taking place in Geraldton, this ultimate seafood festival celebrates all things ocean and adventure, with more than 30 events hosted across five jam-packed days. From the iconic Abrolhos Island long table lunch and Mid-West Paddock to Plate culinary experience, to tours, markets and music, there’s almost too much to see, eat and do.

Peppered over WA’s Great Southern region, this premier regional foodie festival fuses incredible flavours, fine wines and otherworldly landscapes. Dive into more than 40 culinary experiences spread across 11 glorious days, with everything from lavish long lunches and gourmet degustations to premium pairing events and bustling community markets.

It feels a little lazy to say that eating and drinking yourself silly is one of the best things to do in Perth, but it would be disingenuous to suggest otherwise. City Feast (formerly City Wine) brings together the top chefs and producers across the state for a celebration of our thriving culinary scene. Popping up in the newly refurbished Wellington Square, you can eat your way through more than 50 diverse stalls showcasing our state’s most talented chefs and boutique wine, spirit, beer and cider producers, including Old Young’s, Republic of Fremantle, Wise Wine, and Swan River Distillery.

If you were lucky enough to embark on a hot girl European summer in your mid-20s, chances are you tagged along on a free walking tour. Yet, Aussies tend to forget about them when exploring their own country. Strap on your shoes and stretch your legs with a free guided tour where you’ll learn about Perth’s interesting history while discovering our city’s top arts and cultural gems. Departing from the Perth City Visitor Kiosk, these 90-minute history and art tours are completely free.

Located on the banks of the Ord River, Kununurra is the launch pad of a cultural experience distinct to WA’s precious Kimberley region. The annual Ord Valley Muster is the biggest festival in the region and celebrates the North West’s vast and dramatic landscapes with culinary, creative and cultural events. Rally the squad and adventure on down for comedy in the park, dinner under the stars, the top-end mustering rodeo, a yoga boat ride and more.

Established in 1985, the Margaret River Pro is one of only two Australian events on the prestigious World Surf League Championship Tour. With its global rep as one of the most consistent big wave surfing destinations in the world, you’re bound to see some pretty big swells being surfed by the top professional surfers from across the globe. The majority of the competition goes down on Main Break and The Box, but you can soak up all the action at the event hub, which features big screen replays, expert commentary, food trucks and merchandise stands. Surf fanatics can also get up close and personal with the pros who take time to chat, sign autographs and pose for pics.

The ancient red rock gorges of Karijini’s 2.5-billion-year-old national park will come alive for this spectacular arts and cultural festival with a focus on celebrating local Aboriginal culture. For more than a decade, the Karijini Experience has brought together thousands of visitors and hundreds of artists under the starry night sky with a diverse line-up of food, culture, art, music and storytelling events. From morning yoga and boomerang sand art crafts to weekend markets and a bush tucker high tea, the celebration welcomes both locals and blow-ins alike.

Whether you’re swimming, spectating or soaking up all the good vibes with a bevy in hand, the Rottnest Channel Swim is hands down one of WA’s most popular events. Conquering the 19.7-kilometre open water swim from Cottesloe Beach to Rotto is no easy feat, so you’ll want to be there as the bathers, budgie smugglers and support crews cross the finish line and celebrate at Thomson Bay. The best viewing points include South Thomson Bay, the grassed area in front of the Salt Store building and the mezzanine area above the Visitor Centre.

Set sail for a free day of exploration at the new waterside development, Elizabeth Quay. Smack bang in the centre of town, the popular eating and drinking hub is also home to The Bell Tower, one of the world’s largest musical instruments. Fun fact: The tower was custom-built to house the historically significant bells of Saint Martin-in-the-Fields Church — the parish church of Buckingham Palace in London’s Trafalgar Square.

Get buzzed on wine, coffee and chocolate – it’s all in a day’s work in Swan Valley. Just 30 minutes by car from Perth CBD, WA’s oldest wine region is perfect for hopping between stately wineries, beer breweries and historic towns. There are lots of free things that are well worth tucking into, including complimentary tastings at the Margaret River Chocolate Company, House of Honey, Mondo Nougat and Twin Hill Winery.

What could be more romantic than a hamper packed for two and sweeping city views over the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan)? Running through the centre of town, the river bank is a favourite spot for both tourists and locals alike. Keep your eye out for the black swans, which the river is named after.