Long time Parlour X friend Diana Diamond shares with Parlour X her must eat, see, stay and do's when visiting Perth.  Born and bred in Perth, Diana is passionate about her home state, pin pointing the ins and outs & town secrets, ensuring you make the most out of your experience.  Hear what she has to say in our X Files Perth City Guide. 

Perth is very much a beach orientated place, anyone who has been here would agree with me that our beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world.  Consequently, we have a very laid back attitude to life.  I love Perth because first and foremost it is my home where I grew up.  I have lived between the Swan River and the beach since I was a young girl and there is something about the slight, smell and feel of the water that is so peaceful and relaxing.

Image: Rottnest Island.

EAT:

• The Shorehouse: Casual yet magnificent; known for its Modern Australian Cuisine and ocean views.
• Lamonts Cottesloe: A bottle shop with a fantastic restaurant suitable for all.
• Monsterella Pizza; with its sister restaurant next door, Mummucc, found in the suburb of Wembley, are both delicious choices.
• Coogee Common in Coogee: With its huge vegetable garden in an old renovated hotel, it is amazing to visit.
• Peps Wine Bar: Newly opened and a joy as Perth are short on local bars.
• Cimbalino Cottesloe: A cute little local café.
• Elixir at Chelsea Village: A hip café who specialise in coffee.
• Standing Room at Claremont: For takeaway drinks and a quick bite.

Left Image: Bathers Beach House. Right Image: The Shorehouse.

STAY:

• Rottnest Island: A beautiful new hotel has just been built with an amazing new restaurant with chef Will Merritt from Bali fame.
• Como Hotel: Located in Perth’s CBD, it is considered one of the best hotels in Australia. Renovated from the old treasury building to a now stunning hotel.
• Crown Resort: The most amazing pool and restaurants, known for its luxurious nature.
• QT Hotel: Very groovy and includes the famous and favourite Italian restaurant, Santini.

 Left Image: Margaret River Winery. Right Image: Margaret River.

MUST DO & SEE:

• A visit to Perth is not complete without a trip by ferry to Rottnest Island, the beaches are absolutely stunning, no cars, and of course, the famous Quokka. 
• The wine region of Margaret River is also very worth a visit with lots of wonderful boutique hotels to stay at, and of course, fabulous restaurants. 
• Closer to home the port city of Fremantle is also well worth wandering around in with it's Bathers Beach House and many bars, restaurants and shopping.
• Cottesloe Beach; known for its crystal-clear waters.
• Bodhi Spa Cottesloe; a natural and organic day spa if you’re looking to wind down and relax.
• I also highly recommend a walk along the beach and morning swim followed by breakfast at Il Lideo. 

Image: Perth CBD.

Perth is a small city so it is a quiet place, wonderful to raise a family.  We still have that Australian dream of owning your own home with a big block and it is still affordable which of course attracts young families from all over Australia.  We are often looked down upon by the larger cities for being boring or out of touch but this is seriously not the case.

If you’re deciding on visiting Perth and how long you will need to stay, my suggestion is 7 to 10 days to experience its true beauty and make the most of your time. 

We have a very mild climate all year so depending on if you are into water activities then of course summer is best, but, if you are into the wine region winter is also lovely with a cosy fire and a glass of red.

Thank you to our long time friend Diana for giving her suggestions for Perth. Image via: Google.