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Visitor numbers up and new openings on offer in Australia's sunniest city

5th January 2015 Print
Perth

For those looking to follow the trends in 2015, statistics show that Australia's sunniest city, Perth, is the place to be. With visitor numbers up by 7.3%, and having recently won fourth place in TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice Awards for 'Destinations on the Rise' in the South Pacific, there's no doubt that Western Australia's capital city is the place to be seen. With a host of new offerings, some exciting new accommodation options opening soon, and an increased capacity of 1,834 airline seats per week from Dubai to Perth, 2015 is a better time than ever to visit the transforming city.  

New accommodation

The Alex Hotel (opening April 2015)

The Alex Hotel, a six-floor, 74-room boutique hotel, is scheduled to open in Northbridge - Perth's cultural hub located just a few minutes' walk from the city centre - in April, 2015. Aiming to reflect the changing face of Northbridge, the hotel will feature no room service, gymnasium, swimming pool or butlers. Instead it will bring together a rooftop terrace with enviable city views, hip in-house food and drink options, a restaurant and communal areas designed to encourage guest interaction. Guests will eat locally baked bread, drink West Australian and European wines, and sip locally roasted coffee while chatting to staff.

Fremantle Prison YHA (opening spring 2015)

The colourful port city of Fremantle, just 30 minutes from Perth city centre, will be offering guests the rare opportunity to sleep in 19th century prison cells, with the opening of Fremantle Prison YHA in spring 2015. This one-of-a-kind hostel was originally the women's division of the World Heritage listed Fremantle Prison and will offer twin, double and family en-suite accommodation, in addition to communal kitchens, large common areas, TV rooms, reading areas, a café and outdoor relaxation areas. The hostel is located just a few minutes' walk from Fremantle's colourful markets, humming cappuccino strip, buzzing nightlife, and untouched 19th century streetscape.

Old Treasury Buildings Perth (opening mid-2015)

One of Western Australia's most significant heritage precincts is set to open as a new luxury hotel, specialising in bespoke service, individuality and personalisation. The Old Treasury Buildings - former government buildings home to over 135 years' of history - will be transformed to feature 48 elegantly appointed suites, with private meeting and dining rooms, lounges, a library, spa, gym and pool facility. The buildings are being restored to their original grandeur and in addition to the hotel, will feature a vibrant set of retail and hospitality offerings.

New attractions

High flying trapeze at Scarborough Beach

Visitors to Perth now have the rare opportunity to experience life as a circus performer following the recent launch of Twilight Flyers at Scarborough Beach, one of Perth's famed beaches. The high flying trapeze is suitable for people aged seven years and up, and is great for personal fitness, improving coordination, strength, flexibility and agility. Twilight Flyers is Perth's only publicly accessible flying trapeze rig set overlooking the Indian Ocean - classes cost from £29 per person and run for 1.5 hours. For further information, or to book, visit eventopia.co/event/Twilight-Flyers-Flying-Trapeze

Standard Bar Garden and Kitchen

Nestled on the border of Northbridge and Perth City Centre, the brand new Standard Bar Garden and Kitchen is a refreshing mix of breezy cool and easy fun, poured into a garden oasis. The internal aspect of the venue houses an open plan kitchen, 10 metre long bar, concrete block walls, glass bricks, local timbers featured lighting and art. Whilst the inside bar is sleek yet artistic, the outdoor sanctuary is a relaxed, revitalising oasis - a respite from the city jungle outside. The menu created by Head Chef Chase Webber salutes local and seasonal produce and is designed for shared grazing, while the drinks list is one of the best in Perth. For further information, visit thestandardperth.com.au

Bathers Beach

An exciting new beach house has just opened in Fremantle, Perth's port city. Bathers Beach House is Perth's only absolute beachfront restaurant, bar and function space, three steps from the beautiful white sands of Bathers Beach in Fremantle. Priding itself of having a laid back Australian feel while offering premium produce, Bathers Beach is located in a two-storey building decorated using recycled teak from Papua New Guinea, turn-of-the-20th-century hand-made brass light fittings and wood from the old boardwalk and jetty from Bathers Beach. For further information, visit bathersbeachhouse.com.au

New tours

Food safari by cycle rickshaw

For those looking for a food experience with a twist, Leederville Food Safari have recently launched Perth's first ever rickshaw food safari. The three hour culinary journey of Leederville's famous Oxford Street begins at Ria Malay Kitchen for entrées and drinks. A rickshaw then escorts guests to Kitsch Bar Asia, and on to Foam Coffee Bar while enjoying a main course, desert, tea and coffee along the way. Tours cost £41 per person. For further information, or to book, visit leedervillefoodsafari.com.au 

Foodie walking tours

A new foodie adventure is now available, showcasing the best culinary experiences on offer in Perth. Two enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides lead the walking expedition and help guests discover some of the best food and drink available in the city. Foodie Adventures offer an International Food Adventure, Asian Affair Roving Dinner, Private Tour and Corporate Tour. Tickets cost from £21 per person. For further information, or to book, visit foodloosetours.com.au   

Walking tour of Fremantle

Two Feet and a Heartbeat is launching a new tour experience through the historical streets of Fremantle, appropriately titled The Sailors Guide to Fremantle. The tour investigates life in Fremantle's west end since colonisation and visits to some of the old working man's clubs long established in the area when it was a hub of activity for maritime workers and sailors, including stops at the Roundhouse, Buffalo Club, Navy Club and Workers Social and Leisure Club. The Sailors Guide to Fremantle costs from £26 per person. For further information, or to book, visit twofeet.com.au

For further information on Western Australia, visit westernaustralia.com

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Perth