A Honeymooner’s Guide To Perth
Mazel tov! You and your new spouse have made it through a tumultuous time of wedding planning, plus all the excitement of the big day itself. You both deserve to have a bit of fun and put your feet up – and we’ve planned out a couple of days around Perth and Freo to help you celebrate. (We’re not discriminating – if you’re flying solo, it’s also the perfect excuse for a relaxing staycation.)
Spend A Night In Luxury At COMO The Treasury
Your honeymoon deserves a special stay, and nothing screams luxury like a stay at COMO The Treasury. The elegant oasis is in the heart of the city, the hotel’s 48 rooms boast hand crafted furnishings, extra deep bathtubs, huge windows and king size Grand Posture beds. Before you check in, stop by Edicole: situated on the ground floor of the State Buildings, you’re certain to find a special keepsake amongst their curated collection of design, art, travel, fiction and food books. Local vinyl purveyor Shari-Vari has also opened up a brand new space, so you can find a new record to soundtrack your stay.
Photo by @edicolestand
Dine In Style On Your Doorstep
You’re spoilt for choice at the State Buildings, with plenty of amazing restaurants not just in the city (check out some of our favourites HERE), but right there in the building. The top floor boasts Wildflower, with a degustation that journeys through the six Noongar seasons and fittingly utilises uniquely Western Australian ingredients. In the basement, however, you’ll find Long Chim – the long-time Thai street-food favourite, if you prefer things a little… spicy. On the ground floor, Post will dish up some sumptuous pasta that’ll have you feeling saucy in no time.
Head For A Nightcap Trail Across Perth
The night is still young! Venture across Perth and explore all the city’s hidden cocktail haunts – from award-winning Foxtrot Unicorn, the Euro-inspired Bar Lafayette, classic whisk(e)y from a suitably classic small bar Helvetica. If you can meander all the way across to Northbridge’s Chinatown, keep your eyes peeled for Astral Weeks – the intimate listening bar is one of our recent favourite haunts, and the perfect spot to enjoy a cosy glass or two of wine, tucked away from the world.
Unwind With A Spa Treatment At COMO Shambhala Urban Escape
Okay, you’ve had a bit of a late night, and maybe imbibed a drink… or three. Have a well-deserved sleep in (it’s pretty hard to leave that king size bed, anyway), and when you’re ready, head to COMO Shambhala Urban Escape for some relaxation and pampering. Settle in for a relaxing 60 minute signature massage and express facial for you and your beloved, or book in for their couple massage workshop, which will teach you and your partner massage techniques.
Enjoy An Elegant High Tea
After your refreshing and rejuvenating massages, continue the fancy vibes with some dainty snacks at the Cape Arid Rooms. Inspired by the delicate artwork by Alex and Philippa Nikulisnky that adorn the tranquil space, it’s a calming and delicious experience, with impeccable service that will convert any high tea skeptics. Treat yourself!
Explore Some Of Perth’s Hidden Gems
At first glance, the city may feel a little big-brand heavy, but there are plenty of hidden gems to be found, especially if you’re wandering hand in hand with your honey-pie. You can check out some of our favourites HERE, but we reckon it’s well worthwhile wandering down to Howard Street for a coffee from the ultra-groovy Howard’s Groove, then popping across the road to streetwear and skate fashion favourite Lo-Fi, or venturing to King Street for some cool homewares and lifestyle goods from Highs and Lows’ Low End Therapy store.
Cruise Down The Swan On A Gondola
Look, if there’s ever a time to get a bit cheesy, surely it’s your honeymoon?! Take the opportunity to take the romance up a notch with a tour down the Swan on a Venetian-inspired gondola. You’ll get to enjoy some magnificent views of the city and maybe a cheeky glass or two or champagne.
Photo by @putherup
Head South And Stay In One Of Freo’s Boutique Hotels
Small but mighty, Hougoumont‘s thoughtful touches make it more than worthy for your honeymoon. While the hotel’s been constructed utilising stacked shipping containers, the finishes are luxurious – with thoughtful, understated touches that make the experience all the more enjoyable, like toiletries by Appelles Apothecary, luxury bedding, or the pillow menu that ensures you’ll both be resting easy.
Just down the road, the Warders Hotel is the Hougoumont’s little sister – in both age and in size. With only 11 rooms, the hotel truly showcases Fremantle’s unique heritage architecture. Occupying the limestone cottages that once housed Fremantle Prison Warders, rooms have been meticulously restored and luxuriously outfitted. Each room has features like rain showers and luxury toiletries, as well as in-room sparkling and still water taps, while ground level rooms enjoy a kitchenette and private street-side courtyard alongside the hustle and bustle of Freo.
If you want to check out more of our favourite boutique hotels, click HERE.
Wander Down To South Beach For An Afternoon Dip
Time seems to move a bit slower in Freo and you can’t help but feel relaxed. Wander amongst the historical architecture and charming streets, and maybe even head all the way to South Beach for a spectacular afternoon dip. Float away all the stress of wedding planning in the magic of the Indian Ocean!
Enjoy A Mediterranean Feast At Madalena’s
We bang on about Madalena’s a fair bit, but sitting outside in the late afternoon sunshine, a glass of wine in hand… It’s basically bliss. Plus, it’s across the road from South Beach, so you may as well, right? We don’t need much convincing…
If you’re into seafood, you’ll be in heaven – while the menu is always in flux, it features seafood exclusively sourced from Fins, a local sustainable supplier. Recent highlights have included a shaved celery heart salad topped with Bunbury whitebait and soft boiled eggs, Abrolhos Islands dhufish fillet served atop smoked tomato agrodolce, or arrowhead squid with duck fat relish. Head to their recently-added bar upstairs for a post dinner cocktail!
Get Up Bright And Early And Refuel With A Peggy’s Sausie Muffin
You’ve obviously both woken up extra early for a sunrise dip at South Beach, so refuel after your swim with a delicious sandwich. While your beloved may have your heart, Peggy’s firmly has ours. Of course, we’d be happy any day with any one of their sandwiches, but their sausage muffin, hash brown and coffee daily special is oh-so-simple and oh-so-tempting.
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Take In Some Art (And Some History) At Freo Arts Centre
Expand your minds together with a visit to Freo Arts Centre. The Centre has been a cultural hub for WA since the 70s, and now hosts a compelling program of exhibitions and events – as well as some pretty intriguing (and spooky) history. Between October and March, you can also catch some of Perth’s best musicians bringing the vibes to the lush gardens, with free concerts every Sunday afternoon, and their resident gift shop FOUND, is packed to the brim with unique wares from local jewellers, textile designers, potters, woodworkers and other artists.
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Header image: by @norm.yap via Warders Hotel