Localista Articles

The Indian Pacific – Australia’s most iconic rail journey

The Indian Pacific is Australia’s most iconic train journey and the only train trip in the world taking passengers from the Indian to the Pacific Ocean and includes the longest stretch of straight track in the world (478km), making it a bucket list experience for train enthusiasts from across the globe. This incredible 4,352km trip from Perth...

Australia's best railtours and train travel destinations

Australia’s first railway opened in New South Wales in 1831 and since then a further 20,000 kilometres of track has been used to connect urban centres and allow regional areas and rural towns to prosper. These trains were used primarily to haul freight but also became the luxury travel alternative to horse and carriage and were subsequently d...

Best imported European food retailers in Perth

Western Australia producers some of world’s finest fish, meat and other produce delivered fresh from the Kimberley down through the Southwest. Yet, there are some areas in which local producers simply can’t compete with our European cousins. Mercifully, there are a handful of specialist importers and food retailers catering to those in need of t...

Driving the Nullarbor Plain - Australias most iconic road trip

Crossing the Nullarbor from the Goldfields in Western Australia to the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia is probably the most iconic of all the road trips in Australia. It rarely disappoints as it runs along the desert regions of the south coast, featuring incredible landscape, dramatic cliffs, famous caves and wildlife, making this an experi...

8 things to do in Kalamunda for your next day trip

It can be so hard to switch off from our busy lives and take the time to enjoy the local landscape and the company of loved ones. A day trip is a perfect way to take a break from the daily hustle without having to worry about the logistics of organising a full-blown vacation. Just 40 minutes away from Perth CBD, the town of Kalamunda is an ideal...

All you need to know about ferries to Rottnest

Planning a trip Rottnest? Whether it’s a daytrip or an extended bliss-out stay, getting your ferry booking right can make a big difference to your holiday, including making the most of your time on the island, access to bikes and snorkelling gear. We’ve compiled a quick guide to Rottnest’s ferries, from choosing the right ferry for you to whe...

Exploring the ghost towns of the Goldfields

Have you ever wondered what became of the many mining towns in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder district after the gold rush? The region is now home to numerous ghost towns each featuring relics of a former life when the area boasted thriving communities of miners and their families. For those wanting a glimpse into the past, The Golden Quest Discovery...

Five old world country towns close to Perth for your next weekend away

There’s nothing like going for a drive out of the city and exploring your surrounds, and the outskirts of Perth are dotted with charming country towns that are within easy day-trip distance. As the days grow cooler, why not pop into one of the more rustic country villages that have that old-world feel about them and cosy up with a hot chocola...

Stargazing tours in the Pinnacles Desert

Did you know the best time of day to see the Pinnacles Desert is actually at night? Located roughly two-hours from the Perth CBD, the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is a renowned tourist destination for daytime and now night-time visitors. It’s still unknown how exactly the Pinnacles were formed. However, the most common theory is ...

Six luxurious day spas in Margaret River

Nothing says vacation more than a massage and time out at a day spa and thankfully, the Margaret River region is blessed with some world-class, luxury retreats to fulfil your every desire. We narrowed our selection down to the most luxurious day spas in the region, offering holistic body treatments, age-defying facials, hypnotherapy, hot stone m...

Impress your mates with this dreamy Swan Valley day trip itinerary

Only a half-hour road trip from Perth, the Swan Valley is the ideal day trip location. We've used Scoop's Favourite Feature to select a dreamy itinerary of things to do, a couple of wineries to check out and some delish foodie treats to refuel. So fire up the group chat and get your mates together for fun packed (relatively boozy) trip to Swan V...

Restaurants and hotel winners at the AHA Hospitality Awards for 2022

WA has no shortage of incredible venues and luxury hotels - here's the ones to visit, as announced in the 2022 AHA Hospitality Awards. General Awards Draught Beer Quality Award - Subiaco Hotel The Lion Bar Presentation and Service Award - The Beaufort, Highgate Small Bar Award - Caballitos, Perth Cocktail Bar Award - Long Chim - State Bu...

Stunning heritage restaurants and hotels in the Swan Valley and Guildford, WA

Rich with history, award-winning wine and gourmet artisan goods, Guildford and the Swan Valley are go-to locations for wine tours and sunny weekend family lunches. On the occasional drizzly days, when alfresco lunches overlooking the sweeping vineyards are off the cards, the wine region also offers cosy dinners by crackling fireplaces in stunnin...

Explore the towering trees, incredible art trails and cliff top walks of Northcliffe

Close to four hours from Perth and less than 30km from the coast, Northcliffe is a nature lover’s hotspot. Admire unique flora and fauna within the towering jarrah and marri trees surrounding the town and visit the nearby national parks. Windy Harbour is about a 20-minute drive from Northcliffe, and on the way you could even summit Mount Chudal...

Things to do with kids in the Great Southern

The Great Southern is still one of WA’s favourite holiday destinations for families. Wide-open spaces, pristine forests, giant trees and stunning coastline provide endless opportunity for hours of entertainment away from the screens. We’ve put together a guide to kid’s activities from Walpole and Denmark to Albany, so you’ll have plenty of day t...

Reasons to visit the real Broome in the wet season

Each year in May, Broome transforms into one of Western Australia’s most popular tourism destinations with warm weather and cloudless days providing a welcome relief from the southern winter cold, perfect for lounging around the pool and long swims at the beach. Starting in November, the wet season returns, the tourists leave and Broome transfor...

Plan the perfect girls getaway in Mandurah

Ladies of Perth, if you are itching to ditch the boys and get away for the weekend with the girl gang, we have just the solution. Take off down south to WA’s second-largest city, Mandurah, to unwind with your besties and relax by nature. With gorgeous coastal scenery, native wildlife, a vibrant arts scene, and delicious food and wine to sample, ...

Rottnest bucketlist best things to do on Rottnest

Rottnest has loomed large in the imagination of WA locals, well before Roger Federer and his quokka selfie put it on the map. Its crescent-moon beaches, turquoise waters and incredible wildlife has made it a favourite for generations of family holidaymakers and mates’ weekenders. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended stay, here are 1...

Iconic natural attractions in the Coral Coast

Due to an abundance of accommodation, hot weather and habit, most of us in Perth tend to head south for our holidays. But in recent years, especially during the cooler months, the convenience and beauty of the Coral Coast, not to mention the brand new highway, has seen a massive increase in interest. Starting at Cervantes just 1.5 hours north of...

10 WA travel destinations

Peruse these breathtaking shots captured at WA’s most picture-perfect destinations and add them to your travel bucket list. Karijini National Park Karijini Far up in the north west of WA, Karijini is one of Australia’s largest and most spectacular national parks. There, you can explore epic trails, descend into cavernous gorges, coo...

Hotel, bar & restaurant winners from the 2022 AHA Perth Airport Accommodation Awards

The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) have announced the winners of 2022 AHA Perth Airport Accommodation Awards, showcasing the top places to stay, eat and drink in WA. The winners feature WA mainstays The Ritz-Carlton and Pan Pacific, with Samuels on Mill receiving a Highly Commended mention. Of the 13 awards up for grabs, QT Hotel dominated ...

Explore 10 of Perths iconic regions and travel hotspots

Perth is a sprawling city blessed with a rich diversity of landscapes and urban scapes varying from pristine beaches to stunning national parks and quirky maritime towns. It’s a place you can truly stretch out, relax and appreciate the good things in life. Take this chance to explore Perth’s most iconic regions and travel destinations through t...

Things to do in WA's down south

Thinking about heading down south this Easter, but don’t know where to begin? Look no further. The South-West has so much on offer, every season of the year – so whether you’re in need of complete relaxation, hardcore adventure, or a bit of both, this region has it all. So pack your bags, get in the car and come on down! Author: Sarah Moody T...

Insta worthy travel locations in WA

Some of the most picturesque locations in the world can be found right here in Western Australia. From stunning white-sand beaches with crystal clear waters to breathtaking views of our national parks, you don't need to leave the state to capture that perfect travel shot. Check out our top picks for Insta-worthy travel locations in Western Austr...

Explore Karijini

Hit the open road to discover the true beauty of inland WA at Karijini, one of Australia's largest and most spectacular national parks. Follow the trails, descend into cavernous gorges, cool off in inviting pools beneath plunging waterfalls, or scale WA's second-highest peak, Mt Bruce, at this park of miraculous beauty and Australian history. H...