21 Reasons Perth Is Way More Than OK

The west side is the best side.

1. FORM

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This non-profit organisation showcases talented artists, focusing on how creativity can reflect, inspire and change the world. FORM’s various projects can be viewed at their gallery on Murray Street and on the streets of Perth, for their latest project, PUBLIC 2015.

2. Araluen Botanic Park

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Located 30 kilometres south of Perth, in the Darling Ranges, this park contains perfect natural bush land, breathtaking waterfalls and stone pergolas that face the unique Perth Hills.

3. Run Amuk Hot Dogs

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Be prepared for the best hotdog of your life! Run Amuk’s quirky décor (there’s lots of Where’s Wally), friendly service and locally sourced bratwurst sausages feature an array of weird and wacky combinations that will have you running back.

4. Rottnest Island

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This island, located off the coast of Western Australia, features spectacular snorkeling sites, 63 beaches, the famous Wadjemup walk trail, and some very welcoming quokkas.

5. The Black Wall

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The Black Wall features a wide selection of male and female designer brands such as Alice McCall, Bec & Bridge, C&M, Karen Walker, Romance Was Born, Nique, Vanishing Elephant and I Love Ugly that you can’t find anywhere else in Perth.

6. Sherbet Cafe and Bake Shop

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With cabinets full of different homemade cakes, slices and muffins, and a unique homely décor and coffee just as good as the food, old fashioned cooking has never tasted so good.

7. MANY 6160

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Working towards the goal of creating a vibrant Fremantle, MANY is the largest temporary space activation project in Australia. MANY’s open plan setup features a number of goods from Fremantle locals and international designers, including clothing, jewelry, shoes, paintings, soaps and so much more.

8. Mary Street Bakery

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An ordinary bakery, this is not. With coffee beans sourced from WA’s Pound Coffee, Mary Street Bakery has something for everyone. With treats such as salted caramel donuts, chocolate brioche, chocolate-peanut butter tarts, the bakery also offers breakfast and lunch meals and recently began opening at night.

9. Port Beach

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Hidden behind city buildings, this flat and sandy white beach offers a picturesque view of Rottnest that's perfect for family time, beach walks, wind and kite surfing, all with the background of a working port.

10. Moore and Moore Cafe

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Situated in the heritage-listed Moore's Building, Moore & Moore features delicious food and coffee and is also a contemporary art gallery, showcasing work from emerging artists in the area.

11. The Standard

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A bar where the food is just as good as the drinks. With the wine garden outside providing electric views of the Perth CBD, there is not much that’s standard about The Standard.

12. Swan Valley

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Located north of Perth, the Swan Valley holds the title of WA’s oldest wine region. With over 40 different award-winning wineries, two national parks (Walyunga National Park and Avon Valley National Park), the historic Swan Valley Heritage Trail and a number of fine dining restaurants, the Swan Valley literally has something for everyone.

13. Queens Garden

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Initially part of the commonage, this iconic Perth location was officially opened in 1899, and features water lily-filled lakes, ornamental lakes and bridges, a beautifully manicured garden and a replica Peter Pan statue from Kensington Gardens in London.

14. Print Hall

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Housed in the former headquarters of The West Australian, Print Hall is Perth’s first multi-level dining and bar precinct. With four different levels - Small Print Baker and Roastery, Print Hall Bar and Dining Room, The Apple Daily and Eatery, and Bob’s Bar - there's good reason Print Hall is getting some serious attention.

15. Howard Lane

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Part of Perth’s “Forgotten Spaces” program, aimed to energise underutilised spaces, Howard Lane features creative and inspired street art.

16. Uncle Joe's

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Acting as a men’s barbershop and a cafe-style mess hall, Uncle Joe’s features delicious sweet treats and lunch meals that are fresh daily.

17. Kings Park

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One of the largest inner city parks in the world, Kings Park is home to State War memorial, plus iconic Western Australian flora with panoramic views of treetops, the Swan River and the Darling Range.

18. Department

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Featuring a mixture of international and home-grown designers, and women and men’s fashion, Department offers always on point brands like Senso, Sass and Bide, Zimmerman, Jac + Jack and Camilla and Marc.

19. Fremantle Prison

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Western Australia’s only World Heritage listed building, the Fremantle Prison is the largest intact convict prison in Australia. The prison runs free tours daily, night-time torch tours and recently opened a hostel providing short-term accommodation.

20. Cottesloe Beach

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Home of the iconic Sculptures of the Sea, Cottesloe beach is known as Perth’s most popular beach. With clean white sand, beautiful turquoise water and sunsets over the Indian Ocean, this is the perfect place to bring your loved ones.

21. Voyage Kitchen

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Good food and good views - it's not hard to see why Voyage Kitchen is always so damn busy.