Localista Articles

Rottnests most popular surfbreaks

Rottnest is a big draw for local surfers. Heading west, the nearest landfall is Mauritius, giving the island’s swell a good 2-3ft advantage over mainland breaks. So book your ferry, grab a board and hit the waves – here are a few of the best surfing spots. Strickland Bay The most consistent exposed reef break on the island, with a ...

Where to see seals, whales and quokkas on Rottnest Island

It’s hard to resist the pulling power of the quokka on Rottnest, but there are many other worthy contenders, both on land and underwater. The island is listed as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area and many of its bays are protected marine zones. Some of Rottnest’s wildlife is deadly but most are friendly and well worth seeking out next t...

Axe throwing venues in Perth

Looking for a way to blow off steam? Or even just to test your strength? Axe-throwing might just be the thing for you. With a selection of sessions including date nights, social groups and corporate events axe-throwing is just the thing to bring out your inner viking. Find out where you can do it and flex those muscles! MANIAX For the p...

Top bowling alleys across Perth

Ten pin bowling is a timeless favourite for many, and Perth is home to a variety of bowling lanes and alleys. Featuring everything from themed nights and kid-friendly weekend bookings to jukebox players and light-up bowling shoes, this selection of bowling joints across the Perth area is sure to cater for enthusiasts and amateurs alike. Find ...

Where to see koalas in Perth for your next family day out

Take inspiration from the Irwins and get up close with koalas in Perth’s wildlife parks. With the school holidays approaching, you can nip the cries of boredom in the bud early and create lasting memories with a day spent with these Aussie icons. Sadly, the bushland in WA doesn’t provide a sustainable home for koalas, making these locations a...

Five easy yet stunning coastal walks in Margaret River

Whether it be for a gentle stroll or a full day trek, Margaret River has some of the most beautiful coastal walks in all of WA. Especially in the cooler months, it’s a chance to shake away the stresses of daily life and experience the very raw and stunning coastline. We did some scouting to find some of the best trails where the scenery is st...

Top 4 animal farms close to Perth

A day on the farm cuddling cute animals, picking fruit and taking tractor rides is about as good as it gets for most kids. Within one hour drive of the Perth CBD there is a range of places to spend the day open on weekends and weekdays during the school holidays. Here are four of the best. Caversham Wildlife Park With only a 25 minute ...

Perths most relaxing day spas to unwind in

Whether you’ve had a long week at work or just want to treat yourself, a trip to a day spa is the perfect way to de-stress. Here’s 5 day spas right here in Perth for your next pamper session. Greenhaus Studio Designed by Sabi Interiors, in Mt Lawley is a holistic, organic wellness spa and skincare studio offering a range of luxury trea...

Shark net swimming WA

There are eight shark nets (or technically, ‘shark barriers’) in WA, four installed in Perth and another four on the beaches of WA’s southwest. They are a relatively new addition to beach life in WA, giving us peace of mind to enjoy an ocean swim without jump-starting at every underwater shadow. So what’s the difference between a ‘net’ and a ...

Starry, starry night: Indigenous stargazing on Rottnest Island

As the sun sets on Thomson Bay, cast your eyes to the heavens for an evening of indigenous stargazing and dreamtime storytelling on Rottnest Island tomorrow tonight. 'Djindoon Djenung at Wadjemup' or 'look to the stars', is the theme of a new series of free evening events, starting May 14 and continuing into July. Image credit: RIA Award-winni...

5 nostalgic arcades to visit this winter

What better way to escape the harsh winter than nestling into a retro arcade that takes you way back when? From underground cafes to enormous museums, these nostalgic arcades are sure to bring you some winter solace. Palace Arcade Tucked away on Beaufort St is the acclaimed Palace Arcade, boasting over 150 classic machines that bring the magic o...

Step back in time in Nannup

Home of the annual Nannup Music Festival, the character-filled town of Nannup has lots to offer year-round. Located on the banks of the Blackwood river and about 270km south of Perth, coming to Nannup feels like stepping back through time. The peaceful main street is home to weatherboard shop fronts and colourful garden beds, with plenty of tea...

Top 10 wildflower day trips and 25 walking trails close to Perth

With wildflowers blooming, waterways flowing and mostly cool and sunny weather, spring is the best time of the year for a day trip from Perth. There are plenty of historic town and fields of flowers to enjoy from the car, or mix it up with some of the many walking trails where you enjoy an abundance of native forests, waterways, birdlife, kan...

Five luxury day spas in Perth for an all inclusive relaxation experience

It’s safe to say that now more than ever we’re all looking for a little extra TLC, and what better way to unwind than by taking the day off and putting your physical and mental wellbeing in the gentle hands of the experts. Although most hotels will have their own in-house day spas that will cater for you whether you’re a hotel guest or not, ther...

Stock your closet with Perths best vintage and thrift stores

Thrifting and vintage shopping is fast becoming the best way to score pre-loved treasures and retro gems. Here’s our run-down of the best places to shop ’til you drop around Perth and beyond. Lucy in Disguise Lucy in Disguise is tucked into a small laneway on Subiaco’s Rokeby Road. Since its opening in 2008, the store has become renown...

Discover Fremantle's dark history with a true crimes tour

Believe it or not, there is more to Fremantle than its charming maritime atmosphere. Behind its demure façade, there are several grim stories of true crime and lawlessness which date back to the seaside town’s early days as a convict settlement. For those wanting to delve into some of the historical scandals, ghost stories and darker aspects of ...

Ten natural attractions to explore in WA's South West

It may be winter here in WA but that doesn’t mean you have to spend the next few months in hibernation. Whilst it might be tempting to migrate north towards warmth, the grass is – literally – greener down south! The South West is a region of diverse and vibrant beauty, rich with picturesque natural treasures. From gigantic ancient forests to tra...

Most picturesque waterfalls in WA

Ranging from the abundant Kimberley to the nearby Darling Scarp, WA has so much to offer when it comes to waterfalls. Explore nearby waterfalls over the summer, and escape to WA’s north west during the peak season in the middle of the year to witness some of WA’s most picturesque natural wonders. We’ve rounded up some of the best of the best, so...

From Jewel to Mammoth Cave experience Margaret Rivers caves

Margaret River is world renowned for its abundance of natural wonders, but less so for the stunning formations lying beneath the surface. Below the **Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge**, there are literally thousands of limestone caves boasting unique crystal formations and fossils of now-extinct animals. During the wetter months the caves remain dry...

Must see military museums in regional Western Australia

The towns of Western Australia have always been proud of the men and women that contributed to the many conflicts in which Australia has been involved, which is why many of our most interesting military museums are located outside of Perth. From innovative technological displays to carefully restored military vehicles and weaponry, if you enjoy ...

Coral Coast wildflowers trail

What better way to enjoy warm Perth summer afternoons than with a drink in hand and a view of the ocean. Perth is home to a number of coastal bars offering everything from award-winning tequila to summer sunset sessions and Pinot coupled with fresh oysters. See our definitive guide to Perth’s coastal bars below. Bathers Beach House, Frema...

Vibrant and Charming towns to visit in the Perth Hills

Experience a country charm across the character townships of the vibrant Perth Hills. ​ Armadale Nestled in Perth’s south-eastern suburbs and flanked by the Darling Scarp, the Armadale region is steeped in history, encompassing Kelmscott, one of WA’s oldest towns. Stop in at the Armadale visitor centre on Jull Street for a wealth of inf...

Escape to another world with Perths most exciting escape rooms

Whether it’s a pirate adventure or a Harry Potter-themed trip to Hogwarts, escape rooms are an exciting way to spend a day with friends and family. Here are our pick of escape rooms for all abilities around Perth: can you escape? Escape This Northbridge A truly immersive escape room experience, Escape This provide themed escape room...

Motor museums for every car lover

Australians have always had a love affair with the motorcar. Whether you enjoy motor history, appreciate automobile engineering, or simply relish the golden era of car making, you’ll be sure to find something that sparks your interest at one of the many motor museums here in Western Australia. Motor Museum of Western Australia Located with...

Rotto locals reveal their favourite spots and things to do on Rottnest Island

Secluded bays, a childhood memory and a daring escape, Rotto locals reveal their special places and favourite things to do on Rottnest Island. Favourite spot: Fish Hook Bay Jackson, Crew member, Rottnest Express “Hands down, my favourite spot at Rotto is Fish Hook Bay on the western end of the island. The fact that you can only acce...