The Best of Perth: ‘It’s tough to beat’

The scrum-half and former captain, who played 110 games in two stints for the Force, has no hesitation in recommending his adopted home to everyone and anyone who will listen. 

Here are his ‘must-dos’ for all those fans travelling over for Australia Day weekend at HSBC SVNS Perth on 24-26 January 2025. 

Best beaches for each and every occasion

It's hard to go past Cottesloe Beach on a good day. It’s just an iconic Australian beach and on a Summer’s day where there's not many waves and you get an Indian Ocean sunset, it’s tough to beat. 

Every year around Australia Day there’s a Cottesloe Beach party, which is great. The Cottesloe Beach Hotel and Ocean Beach Hotel are fantastic for afternoon beverages, moving into late-evening beverages. Perth is famous for what they call Sunday sessions, a Sunday afternoon with the sun setting, good music, good drinks. 

I’ve got a young family and a dog, so Hillarys Dogs Beach up in the north of the city is a favourite of ours. We were up there the other day and there was a pod of dolphins that was about 10m offshore chasing some fish. That’s the magic of Perth beaches – an ordinary day can become pretty special.  

For surfing, up at Trigg Beach is the best spot in Perth - it’s glorious. However the best waves, if you are a serious about your surf, are down in Margaret River, where so many of Australia’s pro surfers come from. It’s where the river meets the sea and the World Surf League hosts the annual Margaret River Pro event (a stop on the World Surf League Tour). 

Best place for lunch

If you like the water, the Left Bank down in East Fremantle is a great spot on the Swan River. If you're in the city, there are plenty of places around Elizabeth Quay. If you're keen for an ice cream, one of the local producers that sort of exploded in popularity is called Gusto. Australia Day weekend is generally around 35-40 degrees Celsius. So, you can't go wrong with a good handmade gelato.  

Best place for a romantic dinner

Great question. There are so many great eateries around West Leederville or Elizabeth Quay, take your pick. Anywhere you can see the sun setting over the river or the beach. 

Best place to watch sport (if you are not at HSBC SVNS Perth…) 

Varsity bar in Fremantle is a popular one. It’s an American sports bar. And, if that doesn’t take your fancy there are about 100 other bars within a 5km radius. 

Another really great spot is Gage Roads Brewery, also in Fremantle,, with the best views of Fremantle Harbour. You can watch ships pull up right in front of you while you're having a wood fired oven pizza and a beer.

Best place to party

There are plenty of great rooftop bars around the city. Or if you're looking to really push on to all hours of the night head to a place called Northbridge, which is known for its party scene. I’d need a good babysitter!

Best things to do in the city

If the rugby SVNS fans are looking to wet their heads and recover from a hangover, head to City Beach for a dip in the ocean, a quick jump in one of the beach saunas, and a coffee. You can’t beat it. 

Otherwise, head for a walk along the Swan River and go past the old, iconic WACA cricket ground. Then there is a great pub called The Camfield that overflows from Optus Stadium. You can go there for a nice meal and a beer and you are right there, near those amazing cricket stadiums, with a view of Matagarup Bridge too.

The WA Museum Boola Bardip is great, as well as Perth Zoo, and you have to check out Kings Park for the best views of the city.   

Best places to go outside the city 

Head to Swan Valley which is about 30-40 minutes’ drive. It’s wine country so perfect for a winery or brewery visit, whatever you’ve got the taste for. 

Or head south, to the Margaret River Region. Or north to Lancelin. If you’ve got a four-wheel drive vehicle you can head along the crystal white sand beaches, have a dip in the water, throw a line in to catch a few fish. Honestly, north, south or east you’ll find amazing things to do all over Western Australia.

With so much going on in and around Perth, why not make a stay of it and sample some of the best that Western Australia has to offer? Discover more here.