Spring is here, and romance is in the air in Perth!
If you and your paramour are looking for romantic things to do in Perth, you're in luck - we’ve come up with a few mini itineraries with a range of fantastic things for couples to enjoy together in Perth's most romantic regions.
Explore Perth's best, stay a night or two somewhere special, and enjoy a leisurely brekkie the next morning before heading out for more! From romantic walks and wildflower viewing spots, places to dine, and amazing art experiences, you'll find loved-up ideas galore in our romantic city.
Perth Hills Overnight Stay
Perth couples, head to the Perth Hills! The gorgeous gardens of Araluen Botanic Park, near Armadale, offer opportunities for romantic walks through a breathtaking bushland setting. Stroll through stone pathways across terraces lined with shaded jarrah pergolas and be amazed by Western Australia’s largest rose collection, best viewed from late spring to late summer. Enjoy morning tea or lunch at The Chalet Healy Cafe within a historic log cottage.
Art lovers will adore the Mundaring Arts Centre, in Mundaring, the premier outlet for high quality arts and crafts in the eastern region. They've showcased works by exceptional Western Australian artists and craftspeople for many years, and with a diverse selection of hand-made contemporary arts, the shop has become highly regarded as a place to purchase unique gifts for special occasions (and a gorgeous souvenir of your romantic getaway).
Worked up an appetite? Carmel Cider Company, Hainault Vineyard & Cellar Door, Myattsfield Vineyards, Plume Estate, Tonon Vineyard & Winery and Millbrook Winery are all fantastic choices for gourmand lovebirds.
As night falls, it's time for a date night with the universe at Perth Observatory, where science and history come to life in the beautiful State forest. Their guided Night Sky Tours use telescopes of at least 6 objects on either a Dark-Sky (no moon), Moonlit (half-moon) or Full-Moon tour; and for a fun and educational activity, keep an eye out for their astrophotography workshops!
For a peak romantic staycation, you'll need a romantic place to stay, and Bickley Brook Cottage (Kalamunda), Amaroo Retreat & Spa (Mundaring) and Hartung House (Mundaring) both deliver in spades with their gorgeous natural settings and strong sense of hospitality - perfect places to base yourself while exploring the Perth Hills, and to relax and snuggle up.
In the morning, it's time to get exploring! Perth Hills are renowned for their cider, beer and wine trails - check out the Perth Hills Cider and Brews Trail and Bickley Valley Wine Trail, and walking trails - check out the Perth Hills Wildflower Trails and Perth Hills Walking Trails - where you'll find Perth's natural beauty at its best.
Swan Valley & Chittering 2-Night Stay
For an idyllic experience far removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life, the Swan Valley & Chittering are a treat. The Swan Valley is known as the food bowl of Perth, and you'll certainly see why along one of the many Swan Valley Food & Wine Trails. Some romantic highlights: the amazing macarons at Maison St Honore and chocolate tastings at Whistler's Chocolate Co; and experiencing traditional bush tucker. The Swan Valley Wine and Art Trail is also a delight for the tastebuds and eyes alike, as an authentic meet-the-maker experience with some of the most talented winemakers and artists who call the Swan Valley home.
Mandoon Estate is an incredibly romantic destination, with a boutique winery, restaurant and adorable accommodation all in one gorgeous location; it'll be a little difficult to motivate yourself to leave and go on that chocolate tasting or head out on the Swan Valley Fresh Produce Trail to fill your picnic basket! The Novotel Vines Resort & Country Club is another fantastic spot to base yourself: savour the sensational restaurant and dining venues, relax in the award winning Keishi Day Spa and improve your golf game on their 36-hole championship golf course (or the mini golf course, if you prefer!).
Next, head to Chittering, a region rich in food, farms, wine and beautiful landscapes. Nestled in the northern hills of the Darling Range just one hour from Perth City, it's home to the quaint townships of Bindoon, Muchea and Wannamal, and offers experiences at the farm gate, untouched bushland and wetlands, vineyards, orchards, spectacular wildflowers and stunning scenery. Wine-lovers and foodies alike will love the Nesci Estate Wine Farm, Stringybark Winery Function Centre & Restaurant, and the Chittering Food and Wine Trails, where you can unearth a bounty of fresh produce, discover incredible wineries, pick your own fruit and more. Visit the Chittering Visitor Centre to learn more about this very special place.
For the last night of your trip, get cosy at Enderslie House Bed & Breakfast, where you'll find charming rural hospitality, beautifully decorated bedrooms and tasty home-cooked meals. Take a stroll around the 2-hectare property through the Avocado Orchard, down past the animal enclosures; mingle with the ducks, chickens & guinea fowl; and in the early morning enjoy the visiting Blue Wrens as they feed around the verandas. A perfect note to end your romantic getaway on!
Avon Valley 2-Night Getaway
If arts, culture and heritage interest you, and you want to get away without travelling too far, the Avon Valley is for you. Start in Toodyay, where you can set back in time and uncover the town's rich history. Discover the legend of Moondyne Joe at Newcastle Gaol and Connor's Mills and follow the self-guided heritage walk through town. Head to one of WA's oldest wineries, Coorinja Winery, established in the 1870's!
A night at Pecan Hill Bed & Breakfast, in a spacious room with a veranda overlooking the natural woodland, will make you feel rejuvenated. enjoy dinner in their Vintage Dining Restaurant (weekends only), and a full breakfast is included, served in a colonial style dining room.
Enjoy the scenic drive from Toodyay to York via Northam, making sure to watch out for wildflowers along the way. Not only is Northam home to over 185 heritage buildings, you can also visit Bilya Koort Boodja - a state of the art Nyoongar Cultural Interpretive Centre; see variety of street and public artworks from mosaics and murals to sculptures and exhibitions; and marvel at the fascinating works that are part of the Public Silo Trail. York is WA's first inland European settlement and its colonial architecture, wildflowers and birdlife and open gardens make for an interesting place to visit. Stop in at the Botanicalia Cafe & Gallery Shop, featuring artists and makers from around Australia and York Art Space & Glass Company home to the largest permanent display of fused glass art in Western Australia.
For a romantic getaway in York, you can't go past the beautiful historic guesthouses of Hope Farm Guesthouse and Laurelville. After your full farmhouse breakfast, the following morning, head back to Perth via Beverley, stopping to admire the variety of architecture, from Art Deco to Georgian to the newly built Cornerstone building, home of the Beverley Visitor Centre.
Fremantle Overnight Stay
The funky, unique and eclectic city of Fremantle is a firm favourite of Perth couples! With its rich heritage, art, cute laneways, and fantastic food, you'll find so much to love. Some of our favourites can be found on the cycle trails, where you'll find colonial and convict history, arts, food, culture, and stunning harbour views; heritage trails, where you'll learn incredible stories and see Fremantle through new eyes; and the public and street art will give you plenty of Instagram fodder! Make sure that the Fremantle Arts Centre is on your itinerary, with events and exhibitions galore, and pick up an artistic trinket or two at FOUND, the gallery shop; fill your belly (and your shopping bags) at the Fremantle Markets; and heed the call of the ocean with the exceptionally fascinating WA Maritime Museum and WA Shipwreck Museum.
For your romantic dinner, Strange Company is an architecturally designed bar and kitchen known for its fine food with a Mediterranean flair, rotating beverage menu and intimate vibe. Kailis Fishmarket Cafe is a perfect place to get your fish and chips fix as you watch the sun setting over the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour; or enjoy the food, beer and atmosphere at the perennially popular microbrewery restaurant Little Creatures.
There's also fantastic on-site meals at many of the hotels in Fremantle. Some of our favourite places to stay and dine are the 4 ½ star Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges, housed in a beautiful historic building and with several tasty restaurant options; the quirky and cool Hougoumont Hotel, made out of shipping containers (peak Port City vibe) and with complimentary wine, cheese and sense of community at the Lobby Lounge; the Fremantle Bed & Breakfast with its extraordinary heritage-listed architecture reminiscent of a Bavarian castle (fit for your princess or prince) and divine continental breakfasts; and the stunning, iconic The National Hotel in the heart of the Cappuccino Strip, with its lively gastrobars and en-pointe restaurant.
Perth City Overnight Stay
There is nothing more romantic than spending a night away in a luxury inner city hotel. For something a little special, leave the car at home and organise a chauffeured car to drop you off at your accommodation! With so many accommodation options in Perth city it can be hard to choose. To help you narrow down, we are suggesting hotels that have their own restaurants, cafes and rooftop bars - meaning you can base yourself in one location, explore the sights of the city, and enjoy all your meals in one place!
In the city's centre, QT Perth is an urban oasis where modern designs meet industrial glamour and a contemporary and cool aesthetic. Rooms are designed with luxurious comfort, including bespoke Patsy Payne metal artworks. Enjoy cocktails with a view at Rooftop at QT before savouring modern Italian dining at their signature restaurant, Santini Grill. From this central location, you can explore the many fashion stores along the Murray Street and Hay Street Malls, stroll down London Court, visit the historic Perth Town Hall and experience the majesty of The State Buildings.
Opposite Elizabeth Quay, you'll find Quay Perth Hotel. This stylish 80 room hotel features cosy communal spaces, a chic indoor/outdoor rooftop bar with amazing views over the Swan River, a menu of Chinese infused cuisine share platters and tapas style bites at HQ Bar and Kitchen and a relaxed lobby café. From here, you can take a walk down to Elizabeth Quay, watch a live pearl harvest and buy something special from Willie Creek Pearls, lock in your love with a love lock at The Bell Tower and jump on the Perth Explorer Bus for a bird's eye tour of the city!
If the hustle and bustle of Northbridge is more your style, check out Alex Hotel – just around the corner from the Perth Cultural Centre. As well as a friendly lounge and rooftop area to relax and enjoy a drink in, they also have the very popular Shadow Wine Bar & Dining Room featuring a modern European menu. From here, see the latest exhibits at the Art Gallery of WA, enjoy live theatre at the Theatre Centre of WA, walk through Yagan Square and catch a movie at the Palace Theatre and browse through the many shops along William Street in Northbridge.
Sunset Coast & Rottnest Island 2-Night Escape
With winter behind us, it is time to head to the Sunset Coast and Rottnest Island! Start your day sunbathing and swimming at Scarborough Beach, before checking into your seaside accommodation. For unrivalled ocean views and resort-style luxury and facilities, check out Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough. Here you can relax by the lagoon-style pool, play tennis, be pampered at the day spa, and enjoy meals and cocktails in their restaurant and bar. For a home-away-from-home experience, the modern and spacious apartments of Ramada VetroBlu Scarborough Beach and Seashells Scarborough are just for you.
The following day, take the Sunset Coast Tourist Drive north to Hillarys, admiring the stunning coastal views along the way. From Hillarys Boat Harbour you can catch a ferry to Rottnest Island with Rottnest Fast Ferries. While you're on the island, join a snorkel or sunset sail with Charter 1, go on a catch-and-dine tour with Rottnest Cruises, jump on and off the Island Explorer Bus, or catch a movie at the Rottnest Island Picture Hall.
For relaxing accommodation close to nature, but with all the creature comforts of a resort, look no further than Discovery - Rottnest Island's eco-tents nestled behind the dunes of Pinky Beach. Sleep (almost) under the stars, lazy by the resort pool and indulge in the dining options of Pinky's Beach Club. If you prefer to be amongst all the action in the heart of Thompson Bay, Samphire Rottnest (opening soon!) is for you. Enjoy the relaxed, coastal vibe in one of the generous guest rooms, all with private balconies overlooking an array of vantage points around the property and Thomson Bay.
Rockingham & Mandurah 2-Night Stay
With friendly frolicking dolphins, vibrant foreshores and seaside atmosphere, Rockingham and Mandurah are a truly must-do romantic getaway experience.
In Rockingham, join a cruise with Perth Wildlife Cruises to visit the local wildlife and take in the highlights of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. See wild dolphins, nesting ospreys and sea birds, visit rare Australian Sea Lions at Seal Island and join a penguin feeding on Penguin Island. Rockingham's extensive foreshore features bright new playgrounds, BBQ facilities, and boardwalk along the beach where you'll find plenty of cafes to stop for a coffee or bite to eat. There are also a number of scenic walking trails and an art trail. Enjoy dinner at Rustico Tapas & Wine Bar and spend the night at Quest Rockingham or Rockingham Apartments.
The following morning travel south to Mandurah. Wander the foreshore enjoying the views, take one of the always-popular Mandurah Cruises (it's better to book in advance - these can sell out!); enjoy Instagrammable public art on the Mandurah Art Trails and cultural experiences at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre and the Mandurah Museum; and enjoy a finely crafted tipple on the Peel Craft Beer & Wine Trail.
Mandurah is arguably the seafood capital of Western Australia, known for its iconic blue swimmer crab; you don't have to go crabbing or show up during Crabfest to enjoy a great seafood meal here, though, and there's romantic dining options even for the strictly seafood-adverse. Mataya Eatery is a cafe devoted to fresh, seasonal, and wholesome food, housing a curated gift shop featuring the best local artisan products. The space is made available for workshops and events outside of regular cafe hours, so check in with staff - there may be something fun for the two of you to do!
Quarterdeck Dining is another great choice, offering a waterfront cafe by day and quality dining by night. Savour your meal in a light filled dining room with an alfresco area offering views across Dolphin Quays on the Mandurah Ocean Marina. Flics Kitchen is also fab, serving brunch, lunch and dinner designed to push the culinary boundaries in Mandurah to a new level, showcasing delicious WA produce as well as ingredients that you won't see too often elsewhere!
For 4 ½ star luxury, The Sebel Mandurah and Seashells Mandurah both offer experiences that will truly delight, with central locations, beautifully appointed rooms, swimming pools, BBQ facilities, and estuary and marina views. Seashells' beachfront villas are an experience like no other, enjoying The Sebel's tasty breakfasts overlooking Mandjar Bay is a perfectly romantic start to the day. Whether you're heading back to Perth afterwards or on your way to exploring the best of the Peel Region, Mandurah will give you a romantic experience to remember.
Looking for some more ways to show the love this Spring? Check out Hikes, Hills & More to Explore while #SocialDistancing; 6 Top Coastal Restaurants in Perth; and our top picks for places to stargaze in Perth.
