Growing up in Perth meant that by the time that I left, age 19, I was bored of the place. I thought Perth was a one-horse town with nothing to offer a girl with dreams of bright lights and big adventures… Boy, was I wrong.
I returned earlier this year to find a city that is thriving thanks to a huge mining boom that is bringing in a lot of international interest. Perth has had to sharpen its image under the scrutiny of well trained jet-set eyes. And now, Australia's western capital is a jewel of a city, sitting pretty on the Swan River with plenty to offer jaded, cynical prodigals and those who have the joy of discovering Perth for the first time.
Flash the cash
There are a few neighbourhoods that you have to visit while you are in Perth to get the best possible retail experience. The city centre and the shops on the Hay and Murray Street malls (more like high streets than malls, actually) are the best place to head for Perth's highest concentration of shops.
Visit Witchery for clean elegance, Sportsgirl for fun fast fashion, Emporio for a great range of high street-priced shoes, Country Road for grown-up glamour and Cue for great separates. Perth's two biggest department stores, Myer and David Jones, can both be found on Murray Street and are great for hunting out other great Australian designers like Akira Isogawa, Allanah Hill, Seduce, Sass and Bide and Trelise Cooper. There's a Target at the west end of the malls so make sure you pop in to stock up on Bonds knickers (Aussie girls swear by them) and pick up a piece from whatever designer collaboration they have going – last time it was Stella McCartney.
Further abroad, don't miss the quirky boutiques of Beaufort Street in MtLawley (Preacher and Method were my favourites), the posh shops of Claremont, the laid-back cool of Subiaco and Fremantle's boho charm.
Taste sensations
Perthites sure know how to put on a good spread. With the Indian Ocean on one side and the Swan river, it's no surprise that seafood is a speciality and done with aplomb at that. Head to Zafferano, for some of the best seafood you will ever taste and in one of Perth's most historical buildings: the Old Swan Brewery. You might even see some dolphins frolic in the river.
Get thee to Fremantle for authentic Italian in a truly atmospheric village. Ginos Trattoria is hugely popular with locals as is the Mussel Bar for fish and chips (or mussels) down on the fishing boat harbour.
And for completely mind-blowing pizza, don't miss Little Creatures. A modern brewery in a converted boat house that does a stunning world-famous pale ale. And if you're going to make a night of it, it's right next to one of Freo's favourite night clubs.
And if you have time, the Left Bank is a great place to indulge in a 'Sunday Session' – this a unique Perth Tradition of downing a couple of beers as the sun sets over the ocean and sending out the weekend with a bang!
Paint the town
Right, if you're up for a night out, brace yourself; Perth can rock out with the best of 'em. Feeling glam? Head to Mount Lawley for a drink at Must Wine Bar before heading to Luxe – said to be Perth's best bar. You should definitely try a martini made by one of the handsome bar staff…
If you fancy a night in Subiaco (or Subi as the locals call it), start off at the Subiaco Hotel, then head to the laid-back Llama Bar or the super-hip Sapphire Bar.
Years ago, Northbridge was the place that heaved on a Saturday night. That's not the case today. Give it a miss, seriously. You'll have a much better night in Subiaco, Mount Lawley or even Fremantle. Don't listen to anyone who tries to convince you otherwise.
Crash Pad
If you are a fan of boutique hotels, you are going to love the new Outram Hotel in West Perth with its friendly service and gorgeous rooms (there's only 70, so it's super exclusive) or if you'd rather be in the thick of it, the Medina Grand Apartments or the Hyatt Regency are great choices.
And then...
If you are going to go all the way to Western Australia, you should try to make it down to the South West for an amazing break among the world class wineries, statuesque forests and breathtaking beaches.
