With diverse geological landscapes, delicious natural produce and plenty of exciting activities, there’s so much to see and do in Western Australia! But with much focus on the renowned tourist hotspots, many other gems are often overlooked ? If you are hoping to uncover more of Western Australia, we've put together a list of stunning discoveries that are only beginning to appear on tourists’ radar!
1. Flora & Fauna
Best for: Foodies, Families
Credit: @florafauna_perth on Instagram
With the food scene booming with vegan options in Perth, you’ll probably want to visit one during your trip! We recommend hopping over to Flora & Fauna, a vegan boutique café tucked away in a hidden laneway off Aberdeen Street.
Credit: @florafauna_perth on Instagram
Treat yourself to some cold pressed juices and their all-day brunch dishes that are topped with fresh edible flowers! Don't they look almost too pretty to eat?
#HHWT Tip: For desserts, grab a bite of their guilt-free vegan chocolate mint oreos!
Address: 4/70 Aberdeen St, Northbridge WA 6003, Australia
Operating Hours: Tuesdays to Fridays: 7:30am – 3:00pm, Saturdays & Sundays, 8:30am – 3:00pm. Closed on Mondays.
2. Chocolateria San Churros
Best for: Foodies, Families
Credit: @sanchurros_au on Instagram
It's easy to understand why churros are one of the most beloved desserts in the world, and thankfully Western Australia is home to one of the best cafes to savour this amazing treat.
Credit: @sanchurro_au on Instagram
The churros at San Churros are super crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s the perfect treat when you’re on-the-go but still need your sweet fix. From Oreo toppings to cheese and fruits, it’s no wonder why the locals would wait in line to try this!
Address: They have 13 outlets in Western Australia.
Operating Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 10:00am – 10:00pm
Phone Number: +61384155800
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3. Honey Cake @ Fremantle Markets
Best for: Foodies, Families
Fremantle is home to a whopping 150 stalls, and the vendors vary from food to local souvenirs and treats! When you’re in the middle of a bustling market, it’s easy to miss out on some of the best treats… like The Honey Cake!
Credit: @thehoneycake on Instagram
Once you’ve located this small stall, dive into the popular honey cakes inspired by a traditional Czech dessert! This sumptuous cake is a unique combination of light, honey-flavoured layers, caramel filling and fresh ground walnuts.
Credit: @thehoneycake on Instagram
#HHWT Tip: Alcohol-free cakes are only available upon request 3 days in advance (we recommend a week!). Do note that you’ll need to purchase the whole cake but worry not, it’s a freezable type of cake so you can cut it into smaller pieces and enjoy them later! ;)
4. Watertown Brand Outlet
Best for: Families, Shoppaholics
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While you may think that shopping is best in Sydney or Gold Coast, at the heart of Perth’s CBD sits a haven for shopaholics knowns as the Watertown Brand Outlet. As the only outlet store in the region, Watertown features a myriad of local to international retailers at attractive prices!
Credit: Watertown Brand Outlet Official Website
With over 118 stores ranging from fashion to jewellery to homewares, Waterton is a shopping spot you wouldn’t want to miss!
Credit: @emma_maembongofficial on Instagram
Take a break in between and get your Instagram game on at the wall art around the premise. We definitely love the butterfly art!
#HHWT Tip: Muslim shoppers can rejoice as there is halal food at Ispa Kebabs on the Ground Floor and a prayer room located at the Centre Management!
5. Margaret River Chocolate Factory
Best for: Foodies, Families
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Let’s agree on one thing – we all love chocolates! At Margaret River Chocolate Factory, you’ll get a chance to dive into the delicious world of chocolate and tour the factory to see how delectable truffles, bars, and cocoa-flavored treats are made.
Credit: @margaretriverchocolatefactory on Instagram
If you’re curious, why not join a tour and check out the process of chocolate making through the viewing windows! Feast your eyes on the various techniques for dipping, glazing and using molds to create the finished products.
Once you’re done with that, put your tasting skills to the test and indulge in some of best treats in the factory for free! ?
#HHWT Tip: Some products contain alcohol, so be sure to ask the staff first before you proceed with the tasting!
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6. Twilight Hawkers Market
Best for: Foodies, Families
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Perth is indeed an incredible city. The new developments around have given rise to a variety of new eateries, places and even markets. If you’re in Perth during summer, Twilight Hawkers Market is something you shouldn’t miss!
Since 2011, stalls within the market have been dishing up mouth-watering cuisine from more than 30 countries around the globe, and that includes a number of halal food stalls like Casablanca that serves authentic Morrocan cuisine! For a taste of home, you can have some satays at Satay on Charcoal and Singaporean street food at Café Karache.
#HHWT Tip: Since Twilight Markets is seasonal, it’s best to check the dates before your plan your visit. Click here for more updates!
7. Ningaloo Reef
Best for: Beach lovers, Adventure Seekers
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
With so many beaches around vast Western Australia, it’s easy for Ningaloo Reef to slip under the radar.
Most people have heard of it, but prefer to visit the Great Barrier Reef instead of this gem. What many do not know is that Ningaloo Reef offers just as much marine life and diving opportunities!
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
One of the most unique experiences you have to try is swimming with whale sharks in Exmouth on the Ningaloo Reef.
#HHWT Tip: The Ningaloo Reef comes alive from March to August. Whale sharks visit the ocean paradise en-mass during this time, so be sure to plan wisely if you want to meet them close!
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Simply step off the sandy white beaches and enter an underwater wonderland filled with diverse array of colourful corals, and more than 500 species of marine life including dugongs, turtles and manta rays.
8. Busselton Jetty
Best for: Beach lovers, Adventure Seekers
Credit: @busseltonjettyofficial on Instagram
With a rich history spanning over 150 years, Busselton Jetty is one of the Margaret River’s most renowned landmarks. It also happens to be the home of one of only five underwater observatories in the world!
Credit: @andrewridesandruns on Instagram
Don’t miss the opportunity to ride the electric Jetty Train out to sea and take a tour through the Underwater Observatory. You’ll see an amazing display of colourful corals and over 300 species of marine life while you descend 8 metres beneath the water’s surface.
#HHWT Tip: There is a fee for the Jetty Day Pass that costs 4AUD for adults aged 17 and above, and it’s free for children aged 16 and below.
9. Lobster Shack
Best for: Foodies, Families
Lobster Shack isn’t exactly a big secret, but it’s a definitely a gem not to be missed! This family-run business has been around since the 60s, and it’s still going strong. If sandboarding’s already on your list, then we definitely recommend popping by Lobster Shack for a quick lunch as it’s only an hour away from Lancelin.
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Savour a variety of fresh seafood, including the world-famous Western Australia rock lobster and be part of a tour that allows you to witness the live lobster processing before it gets prepared to be imported.
#HHWT Tip: There is an entrance fee for the factory tour that costs AUD10 for adults and AUD5 for children from 5-12 years old.
10. Eat Drink Raw
Best for: Foodies, Families
The rise of health-conscious consumers has led to a shift in the food and fitness market in Australia as we see plenty of healthy food cafés and restaurants around the city!
Eat, Drink, Raw is a small café is located on the quieter streets of Harrogate. Specialising in raw organic food, Eat, Drink, Raw has recently taken Perth’s dining scene by storm. The dishes on the menu are all plant-based, gluten-free and refined sugar. It may sound unappetising to some but even for us who aren’t vegans, we absolutely loved it!
Dine to your heart’s content with the delicious smoothie bowls topped with granola and fruit, a good range of sandwiches, wraps, noodles and our personal favourite – PB Jelly Cake Pops made with raw chocolates! So scrumptious and guilt-free you’ll want to have more ;)
Whether you want to explore nature trails, swim in the great wide ocean or just sit at a café, Western Australia has it all. So grab your bag, pack up your essentials and make the most of your Australian adventure!
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P.S. Starting from May 2018, Singapore Airlines' four daily flights to Perth will be served by the new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. Book your tickets (from SGD458) now!
This article was brought to you by Tourism Western Australia.