Located a short hop, skip and jump from the Perth Metro – the Swan Valley is seriously emerging as a top region for all things food and drink. Gone of the days of large-scale wineries, the Swan Valley now has a seemingly neverending list of micro-breweries, distilleries, artisan markets and fresh produce businesses all up for grabs. While en route, there is also a bunch of new and emerging art and antique stalls, custom bike trails, walks alongside waterfalls and animal farms (for those with kids).

There are so many reasons why this region attracts big crowds over the spring months, so we thought we’d help in your planning with a guide to all the very best things to do. As one of our most requested destinations in Perth, the Swan Valley has seriously elevated in recent years and is the perfect day trip for groups large and small.

Sample the Swan Valley’s Best Wine and Cellar Doors

Swan Valley has a long list of wineries, all opening their cellar doors for some very affordable tasting experiences. You’ll also most likely encounter the owners who will passionately take you through each and even variation on offer. In 2022, the Lamont family recently revamped their cellar door with a new menu complete with local parfait, brie cheeses and local figs. Here you can enjoy a complimentary tasting on the house if a bottle is purchased, and is a fantastic addition to any Swan Valley weekender. If this isn’t enough, another option to tack on before or after is Olive Farms. Their premium wines include sparking, white, red and fortified styles, and the best bit is the owners are more than happy to take you through the vineyard as part of a 90-minute guided tour to learn how the famous wine is made. 

Experience a Distillery Tasting Tour 

The Swan Valley doesn’t just serve up premium wines, it’s also becoming quickly famous for a variety of spirits too. This includes whisky, gin, and vodka and is thanks to a select few experimenting with different distilling methods. First off the bat is Old Young Distillery which is award winning gin maker and seriously pushes the envelope with their 6 seasons gin which pays homage to the local indigenous culture and their 6 season calendar. Also, another big hitter that has just opened their doors in the Swan Valley is Ginversity and Limeburners. Here you can experience an 100% gluten-free dining menu complete with a range of spirits. For a complete distillery walking trail, check out our guide.

Make Your Own Cheese

Cheese is a huge staple in the Swan Valley region, and thanks to our friends at the Cheese Maker, you can now learn how to make it from scratch. You’ll first learn how all the cheeses are made and preserved before giving them a go yourself, where you’ll make ricotta, halloumi and feta (just to name a few). The team will also leave you well equipped with a take-home guide for you to make some at home yourself. This is the perfect afternoon activity and supports local businesses at the same time.

Learn How Bees Produce Our Favourite Honey

Staying on the theme of produce classes, another fantastic experience that could also be combined with cheese making is learning how to bottle your own honey. Discover first-hand the world of bee-keeping and all the possible products our favourite buzzing friends can create. The team at House of Honey offer tours where you’ll chat to a real bee-keeper and learn how to establish a bee hive in your backyard. Then you’ll spend some time in the production room learning about how the honey is created and bottled. Finally, the beeswax will take centre stage, where you’ll try your luck at making your own candles. Final note – this activity is pretty popular and is also kid-friendly, so we recommend booking in advance. 

Witness the Rushing Water at Bells Rapid

For the more adventurous types, hiking Bells Rapids is an awesome start to the day before hitting a winery for lunch for a much-deserved rest. The 4.5km walk is moderately challenging and best visited at the start of spring when the water is well and truly flowing still thanks to the winter rain, all the wildflowers are in bloom, and the weather is starting to warm up. On lead, dogs are welcomed on the path, too. There are also a few other longer hikes that can be taken if you have more pep in your step. Head to the City of Swan website, which has all the routes mapped out for you. 

Brew your Best Barista Espresso at a Coffee Masterclass

For those budding at-home baristas, this one is for you. The guys at Yahava coffee offer masterclasses that take you through all the steps to perfect the at-home brew. They offer courses for all skill levels and include everything from brewing methods, espresso knowledge, milk texturing, alternative milk and how to operate various machines. You’ll be well and truly up with the tricks of the trade. 

Learn How to Make the Perfect Nougat

For those that don’t know – Nougat is one of the oldest standing confectionaries. The team at Mondo Nougat in the Swan Valley are somewhat of an institution that certainly knows what they are talking about when it comes to this traditional sweet. Masterclasses are on offer here that include a deep dive into the process, how to pick flavours and toppings and, more importantly – a chance to make some yourself. 

Get Lost in a Giant Maze

If you are travelling with kiddos or a huge kid at heart, getting lost in a giant maze might be the perfect activity for your Swan Valley adventure. Located within Outback Splash, there are over 6 on offer. If you choose to visit in the hotter months, we also recommend capitalising on mini-golf and some pretty exhilarating water slides. This one is our top pick for those with kids.

Cruise the Swan River on route to the Swan Valley

A little-known fact is that it’s actually possible to cruise the Swan River to the Swan Valley. Captain Cook Cruises offer up a number of itineraries such as a ‘Taste of the Swan’, where you’ll cruise the river with a fully-fledged 3-course meal and wine tastings. For those that have some venue reservations on land, these guys also just have transfers and can customise itineraries to suit your group.

Explore the Swan Settlers Market

Rounding off the list is getting lost in the Swan Valley Settlers Markets. Showcasing all the very best artisan designs and artists – this is the perfect spot to secure some unique gifts. There is a never ending list of fresh produce options for lunch and local designers such as Kevill’s Home and Garden, Mishme’s Novelty Pots, and Nelly’s Art’s and Crafts. All in all, this is a very wholesome activity with many passionate designs who are always open for a chat.  

The Swan Valley region has really elevated in recent years and broadened its repertoire to include a big list of interactive classes, artisan markets, top-ranked wineries and local distilleries. It now sits firmly on the list of things to do in Perth! If you’d like to combine some of the activities above and don’t want to designate a driver for your large group, we can sort your transport. We can customise an itinerary for you with a driver and air-con buses. Chat with our bookings team today.

July marks a pretty rainy patch in Perth. It’s a time of year when most choose to hibernate away for the winter avoiding the rain and cold weather outside. Most opt for home activities to keep themselves busy. But, with so much on offer, Perth boasts its fair share of indoor activities to keep you busy over the darker months! To help you plan your next weekend activity, our team has put together a list of the very best activities that will keep you dry, warm and smiling this winter. 

Explore Perth’s Cultural Centre

Earlier this year, Perth unveiled a pretty big completed project – the classy renovated WA Museum Boola Bardip. This museum showcases some of Australia’s top indigenous artists and international feature instalments. It’s a good move to check out their website to see what’s on, as they have a variety of rolling instalments. It’s also a fantastic place to get out of the rain and explore some of Perth’s newest architectural designs. If the new museum isn’t enough, you can also visit the Art Gallery of WA and take a stroll through the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art for good measure. Time your run in the afternoon and pick up a glass of wine from Pica bar after!

Eat your way through Northbridge

If food is a central highlight in your weekend plans, a solid food and drinks tour of Northbridge is a great idea to stay dry if it’s raining. We promise the following route is a route that can be traversed undercover thanks to shop fronts. Start things off strong at La Cholita for a Tommy’s Margarita and a range of interesting and vibrant tacos. Once warming up, jump down to Pica Bar for a quick gin before hitting Suma for the best Indian cuisine in Perth. If an after-dinner nightcap is also on the cards, Bivouac has a serious wine/ digestive menu!

Experience the Fremantle Markets

Ok, when we think of markets, most think it’s outdoors where the natural elements can play a big part. However, the established Fremantle Markets are completely enclosed and an awesome alternative on a rainy day. Here you’ll find some of the state’s best cheese, honey, local produce and artisan stalls. Get lost in the smaller laneways of the markets, followed by a feed in the food market area. It’s a highly worthwhile exercise! If you also plan to spend the day down in Fremantle, check out our guide here of top restaurants, activities and accommodation if you choose to stay the night.

Experience Friendly Competition (Indoors)

Ok, if you have a group of friends who are fairly competitive, what better combo than arcade games and drinks? Palace Arcade and the Nostalgia Box in Northbridge offer original arcade machines from the ’80s and ’90s. We’re talking gamers such as Mario Kart and Tekken. Both venues can reserve a section if you have a larger group and the staff are always on hand to chat games. It’s safe to say those working at both venues are arcade game aficionados. We do recommend booking these to ensure you secure a spot. 

Go Trampolining

If you want to connect with your inner child, a trip to a trampolining centre is the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. The team at Bounce have a variety of locations where you can book particular sessions such as freestyle or even lessons if you want to perform that elusive backflip in style. 

Join a Creative Workshop

Another perfect rainy day activity is booking in for a creative workshop! First up could easily be a clay-making pottery session at Studio P in Mt Hawthorn. Here you’ll be taken through a series of demonstrations before trying your luck at creating your own design. The best part is if your design is a little worse for wear, you can always purchase a pro piece from the gallery next door! If pottery is a little out of the wheelhouse, another option is a cooking class! The guys at The Cooking Professionals are your answer with a variety of classes up for grabs covering a wide range of cuisines from Italian to Vietnamese. 

Go to the Movies

When we think of winter, heading to the movies is a pretty common one. Although this is certainly the case, the new Hoyts at Karrinyup is the new kid on the block. Here you’ll find extra comfy recliner seats and the new Extremscreen, which boasts the biggest sound system. To add to this, some cinemas include moving seats that pair with scenes in the movie! The candy bar is also super extensive with a vintage flair. 

Book a Staycation

If you have a bit of extra cash to splash and are keen to make a weekend of it, a Perth staycation is a great idea where most of your activities can be inside. Our pick of the bunch this winter is the QT. Located right in the heart of Perth CBD, the QT hotel offers boutique-style rooms with local jarrah flooring and velvet and brass designs. You can also stay 100% dry if you decide to eat on site with Santini Grill on level 2 and a fantastic speakeasy bar!

Experience a Self-Care Beauty Moment

Another fantastic indoor activity is some well overdue self-care. Bodhi J in Highgate or within Westin Perth is a fantastic option! These guys know a thing or two about relaxation with personalised rooms and a seriously extensive menu. For a smaller option, Lemon Spa in Leederville offers some great facial treatments where you’ll be graced with a skin consultation first, followed by an hour of bliss. Following treatment, their retail space is jam-packed with organic products for you to take home and try. 

And there we have it! A variety of fun Perth weekend activities that are all indoors and will keep you warm during the colder months! If you are a large group looking to organise any of the activities above and would like to also stay dry getting to and from the venues, we can organise private transfers. Chat to one of our team today who can help you map out an itinerary. 

It’s that time of the year. Yes, we’re talking about the end of financial year or EOFY for short. Your employees have probably been working very hard to get those final KPIs in and not to mention reconciling tax time! To reward them for their dedication and probably a little overtime, it’s time to lock away a team-building day or EOFY celebration. Some teams may suit a long lunch at an inner-city Perth restaurant to indulge in some well-deserved beverages, while some of the more active types may be learning towards outdoor activities. To help you along the way in the planning department, we thought we’d compile a list of the very best EOFY venues and activities that Perth has to offer for you and your team.

Staff Parties: Top Perth Venues

Perth is now producing some pretty impressive, world-class restaurants and venues. We’re talking venues featuring international chefs, private venues and top-notch wine.

Lotus | The Beaufort | Mt Lawley

Perfect for: corporate lunches, boozy long table dinners and multi-venue focus

Kicking off the list strong is the new Beaufort venue, combining 4 venues for the price of one. Ran by the team behind the Old Synagogue in Fremantle, Lotus is a South-East Asian restaurant headed up by Head Chef Sundoo Kim (a head chef from the famous Chin Chin’s in Melbourne). This restaurant has 2 levels with long tables, incredible cocktails and some seriously good food. You can book online, and the best bit is that once everyone has enjoyed their dinner and drinks, you can continue the festivities next door at the speakeasy of the general bar.

Will Street | Leederville

Perfect for: authentic flavours, incredible decor and customised menus

Will Street has recently opened in Leederville and is producing some seriously impressive authentic Asian flavours. Will Meyrick is the head chef and owner who has also been behind the extremely successful Balinese establishments – Sarong and Mama San. On the menu is a delicate list of interesting starters all the way through to hearty curries. The team at Will Street can cater to larger groups, and a variety of dietary requirements and is the perfect Friday night – post-EOFY Perth venue. Kick-ons in Leederville after could also be arranged and makes total sense after some delicious cocktails from behind the bar. A word of warning, with the success of this restaurant, we recommend booking in early as it’s sometimes a challenge to get last-minute reservations.

Casa | Mt Hawthorn

Perfect for: personalised service, fantastic pasta and interesting wines

The team behind Casa know a thing or two about interesting wines, share plates and European decor. Sporting a wholesome and small menu, this is the perfect venue if you are organising a Friday night staff party for a small to medium-sized group. This is the perfect neighbourhood bar with quality produce, and homemade pasta. It’s not uncommon to see some of the staff sitting and sharing a wine tasting with local customers. It’s a very homely feel, and it’s these reasons why it’s the perfect venue for a possible staff party. We’d also recommend speaking to the owners who are super flexible in creating a custom offering and reserving sections just for your team.

Servo | Leederville

Perfect for: larger groups, shared plates 

With Leederville experiencing a serious revamp recently, Servo is a middle eastern addition that is proving to be extremely popular. Sitting within the old Leederville Hotel complex next to the Garden and Bills Bar, Servo serves up phenomenal pitas, authentic dips, a very cosy yet modern environment and fantastic casual service. This venue would work for a larger group as there is a heap of space to get a bunch of long tables sorted. If you are looking for a relaxed vibe for your next staff party, this Perth venue should be top of mind.

Besk | West Leederville

Perfect for: larger groups, incredible beers on tap, on-site wine store

Besk is a unique establishment that now offers larger private spaces for groups planning a staff party. The team at Besk have a long list of tap beers and an onsite wine shop where you can select a vino to drink on site. In terms of food, the kitchen is humming with a bunch of interesting dishes with a modern Australian flair. If this is your go-to, we recommend contacting their reservation team, as this venue can plan custom menus, drink packages and private rooms.

Staff Parties: Top Perth Activities

So maybe you are looking for a staff party with an activity focus versus a sit-down meal. If that’s the case, we have you covered.

Amazing Race

Perfect for: friendly competition, outdoor activities, team building

If your workplace has a strong sense of healthy competition, an Amazing Race could be the perfect answer. Loosely based on the TV show the Amazing Race – people will be split into teams, where they will be assigned tasks and challenges to complete to hit certain checkpoints. We’ve helped organise the transport for a number of corporate groups undertaking an amazing race, and it’s a fantastic team-building day! The guys at Beyond the Boardroom are certainly the ones who can organise all the logistics. 

Cooking Classes

Perfect for: team building and group activities

For the office culinary specialists, a cooking class is an awesome option for your team. The team at Salt & Company Cooking School are located nice and close to the city and brings to the table custom recipes, live demonstrations and the opportunity to construct dishes from all over the globe. The best bit? You can get inventive with this one and create a blind taste testing or a Master-Chef-style-panel that can determine the winning dish.

Bubble Soccer

Perfect for: active employees and health competition

Perth Bubble Soccer has been around for a few years but essentially involves your employees jumping into an inflatable ball and throwing themselves around a soccer pitch in pursuit of victory. It’s a whole heap of fun and can result in some serious laughs seeing Jane from accounts bump John from marketing off the ball. It’s a guaranteed lighthearted afternoon in the sun. We recommend working with the team at Bubble Soccer, where they’ll supply all the equipment.

Indoor Skydiving

Perfect for: adventure seekers

Finally, we’re going to round up this list with indoor skydiving. This group activity is not for the faint-hearted but is certainly one that will be the talking point in the office for months to come. This Perth group activity involves experiencing the feeling of a real skydive but in a simulated environment. You’ll work with an instructor who will help launch you into a g-force-controlled tube where you’ll experience the exhilaration of a skydive minus the plane and 10,000 feet. The guys at i-Fly Perth are your answers and can organise larger corporate groups.As we know, we don’t recommend mixing alcohol with driving. So to help you get from A to B, our team of dedicated drivers can organise the transport. We have a variety of vehicles to suit all passenger sizes and operate buses all around the Perth metro area. Chat to one of our sales team today.

We all know the perfect ingredients that go into the ultimate country pub. We’re talking local beers on tap, parmis a plenty, solid country hospitality and a cosy setting. Our amazing state of WA has the above in spades. For the most part, they’re the beating heart and energy of the town itself and always bring to the table a family feel with a no-frills attitude! If a road trip in WA is on the cards this year, we thought we’d help you along the way with a list of our favourite country pubs worth their weight in gold. 

Settlers Tavern: Margaret River

Address: 114 Bussell Highway, Margaret River, WA, 6285

Starting things off strong, Settlers Tavern in Margaret River is located smack bang on the main drag and offers a seriously good selection of beers on tap and the famous parmi. Also synonymous with live music and pub events, it would be silly not to drop in if you are driving through. Settlers Tavern has a few sections including a bistro, a sports bar venue for the AFL enthusiasts and a beer garden for when the sun puts on a display. The best bit? Dogs are welcome in the beer garden while you dine. Finally, a fun fact about Settlers Tavern, they won WA’s ‘Best Regional Hospitality Venue’ and offer a heap of alternatives for our vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan folks. 

Caves House: Yallingup

Address: 18 Yallingup Beach Rd, Yallingup WA 6282

Keeping with the down south energy, Caves House is another pub on route to Margaret River that should not be ignored! Situated in Yallingup, this absolute gem offers some very aesthetically pleasing eating rooms such as the Injudup space, which overlooks some pretty manicured gardens or even the deck, which is a perfect way to end the day. If you are looking for a sports bar too, these guys have this covered as well with the famous long bar – offering way too many beers on taps and screens to watch the big game. 

Divers Tavern: Broome 

Address: 12 Cable Beach Rd W, Broome WA 6725

Making our way further up the coast (all the way to Broome in fact), Divers Tavern is also an iconic establishment on the shores of the famous Cable Beach. Housing a seriously epic selection of beers and local wines, this pub knows a thing or two about local hospitality. The owners here have really capitalised on the location with views of the beach at most angles. Offering a beach bar, sports bar and divers bistro, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Our tip is sitting back in the beach bar, soaking up the tropical air and devouring local seafood that’s literally been caught that morning from a couple of km’s of the coast. 

Mundaring Hotel: Mundaring Weir

Address: Mundaring Weir Rd &, Hall Rd, Mundaring WA 6073

Aptly known as the ‘heart of the hill’, the Mundaring Hotel is situated just at the foothills of Perth and merges rural tranquillity and a historical venue perfectly. Established in 1899, this venue is steeped in history and is the perfect pit stop for any group large or small wishing to explore the local area on foot or bike. If riding to the pub is on the cards, there is tracks and lots of spots to tie up your wheels. You could even go for a stroll after a few along Lake Leschenalutia which is immediately out the front of the venue! For a wholesome Perth day trip out of the big smoke, this is our pick!

Palace Hotel: Kalgoorlie

Address: 137 Hannan St, Kalgoorlie WA 6430

Heading inland, the Palace Hotel in Kalgoorlie is a historical venue that is still standing since 1897. Located in the heart of the Goldfields this venue personifies tradition and the quintessential corner pub. We’re talking about a very impressive wooden long bar, an amazing corrugated iron balcony and a sports bar. The revamped menu also serves up classic pub numbers like pork belly, lamb, pasta and the famous parmi. A trip through Kal wouldn’t be complete with a quick pit stop to the Palace Hotel. 

Endeavour Hotel: Lancelin

Address: 58 Gingin Rd, Lancelin WA 6044

Located literally on the shortline in Lancelin resides the Endeavour Hotel. With a very impressive grassed area complete with wooden slatted tables, the owners behind this venue really bring a relaxed vibe to the experience. Offering the classic themed special evenings, Personal highlights include Friday night rib night and Tuesday parmi evening. A word of warning, Lancelin can get windy! Although it’s a pretty spectacle watching all the windsurfers, we do recommend checking the weather to lock in the perfect day. 

Exchange Tavern: Pingelly

Address: 1 Pasture St, Pingelly WA 6308

Built in 1906, this very traditional and historical hotel and pub feel like you’re stepping back in time (and in a good way). With open fireplaces for those colder months, traditional furniture and table clothes, it’s like you’re drinking a fancy pint in your grandma’s living room. It’s quaint, authentic and really homely. The owners can also act as your tour guides, offering up all the best hikes and trails to take in the local region and will certainly spend some time taking you through the history of the venue if you’re so inclined! This one really is an awesome display of country hospitality meets family feel!

Bridgetown Hotel: Bridgetown

Address: 157 Hampton St, Bridgetown WA 6255

With a very impressive veranda, epic selection of local wines and over 16 beers on tap, a trip through Bridgetown wouldn’t be complete without an afternoon at the Bridgetown hotel! Housing the award-winning Full Circle brewing company, sit back and taste a bunch of brews that are made right on-premises! If you are also looking for some takeaways, the boutique bottle shop next door has an endless list of organic wines and craft beer to send you into a bit of a tailspin. The town is also just a hop, skip and jump from the pub so make sure you take a stroll through the main strip, too!

Pemberton Hotel: Pemberton

Address: 70-77 Brockman St, Pemberton WA 6260

Rounding out the list with a bang is the Pemberton Hotel. Situated in you guessed it – Pemberton, this hotel is super popular with locals. So much so, that reserving a table if you are coming from out of town is recommended to secure a spot. The menu encompasses all the typical crowd favourites such as calamari, burgers and pasta! The best part though is they do the simple dishes best! The food is wholesome and the servings are large and fresh!

We know all too well how nice country hospitality and a solid feed at the end of the day is! Not to mention a few local brews to wash it down for good measure. We are so proud to say that our state is FULL of phenomenal country pubs that should be celebrated! If you are looking to organise a group or transport to some of the above venues, give us a shout! We can create a custom itinerary to suit your needs and party size! 

Nestled amongst beautiful tree lines and only a very palatable 2.5 hours out of Perth lies Bridgetown. A fun fact for those that may not know, Bridgetown is in fact the only heritage listed town in all of Western Australia and for those that have been, can certainly tell you why! Its quaint and preserved buildings offer the illusion of stepping back in time, especially with the additions of the old jail and small artisan shop fronts. If you are looking for a possible day trip or if down south is on the cards for 2022, we really recommend a detour through Bridgetown. 

Bridgetown Visitor Centre

Set inside a perfectly preserved building, the visitor centre is your best bet to commence proceedings. The friendly locals here will love a natter and can offer not only a huge list of things to do but more importantly local stories to add context. We recommend here also grabbing a few free maps of the local trails to help you along the way. 

Bridgetown Coffee & Main Street

Located on the main drag and tucked away between a great collection of unique homeware stores are two coffee shops for your caffeine hit. Getting your hands on an espresso or coffee of choice will be easy by dropping into The Barking Cow. The team here also specialise in some serious home-based authentic meals. The perfect country hospitality! Once caffeinated, the next step is a casual stroll down the main drag (South West Highway) to check out the other shops.

Bridgetown Hikes

Located a quick drive outside of Bridgetown lies the Bridgetown Jarrah Park which pays serious homage to the local fauna and flora with 4 walks to pick from ranging in difficulty. This is where those hiking maps will come in handy from the tourism board as reception out here can be a bit patchy. Each walk ranges from a casual 20-minute whip-around to 3 hours. Along the walk, you’ll see a heap of flowers such as orchids, wattles, yellow flags and more.

Bridgetown Artist Walk

Once you’ve walked off your lunch, head back into town and explore and appreciate all the many local artists! Bridgetown is actually full of a massive list of creative artists and they’ve come together to develop an ‘artist walk’ for those dropping in. Download a map of the art trail along with detailed information on each piece here. You’ll notice that each installation will link to the next so it’s pretty difficult to get lost.

The Cidery Bridgetown

After all of this walking, it might be time for a much deserved afternoon beverage. The answer to this one is simply cider. The team at The Cidery make their ciders with 100% granny smith apples and you can enjoy a few pints inside their very visually appealing showroom and restaurant. Complete with crafted local wood including Jarrah, Marri etc and designed by local artists, you can also tuck into some local food too. 

Blues at Bridgetown

If you time your run right (generally around November) you’ll land yourself a special surprise where the locals at put on a serious show for Bridgetown Blues. This is an event that is gaining some serious momentum and is now a launching pad for up and coming blues talent and also returning artists. If you are keen to make this one, jump on their site to stay up to date with dates AND remember – book accommodation early, it completely sells out. 

Bridgetown Police Station Museum

Previously known as the ‘Old Gaol’, the now Bridgetown Police Station is open every Saturday from 10am-2pm for those to come along and gain a reenacted experience into what it was like to be a prisoner in the 1880s. This was the main lock-up for prisoners during this time and still has to this day preserved remains of the first courthouse. 

Bridgetown’s Ford House & Wag Walters Retreat

Finally, if you are in a position where you want to stay for a few days and have time up your sleeve, Ford House & Wag Walters Retreat is your calling! Located on a 5-acre property, complete with beautiful parkland and the Blackwood River – you can secure accommodation in rooms that have different themes and are completely unique! Its old town charm meets historical homestead! Also, while staying here you also MUST check out the unique homeware and gift store.

For a small town, Bridgetown sure packs a punch with a variety of activities, eating spots and unique artist walks to keep you busy. If you are also part of a larger party that is heading down south and looking to secure a dedicated driver, our team can organise transport of all shapes and sizes to accommodate. Chat to us today.

For the most part, January presents a great opportunity to start enacting some of those new year’s resolutions. With that in mind, letting your creative juices fly might be on the list. If one of your resolutions was to get more crafty or creative in 2022, this list will help you get started. Throughout Perth, there is a heap of amazing creative workshops ranging from creating your own skincare range right the way through to learning to DJ! If you are also looking to get a group together and make a day of it with lunch and a few drinks thrown in for good measure, you’ll need to lock in a driver for the day. That’s where we can come in with a custom minibus hire complete with music and a driver for the day.

Clean Slate Skin School

Just outside of Fremantle is the Clean Slate School. These guys certainly know a thing or two about skincare routines and creating the perfect plant-based, small-batched concoctions. Clean Slate approaches everything with natural ingredients in mind, that are vegan and free from animal cruelty. Their workshops include a deep dive into the types of skin and what works for each, followed by opportunities to create your own personalised blend to suit your skin. You’ll walk away with 150g moisturiser, 2 lip balms, and a body scrub!

Lab Six DJ Session

Ok, so if 2022 includes a desire to learn how to make your own mixes and get acquainted with your musical side, then Lab Six DJ’s can help you achieve this goal. Bringing all the equipment to the table, you’ll have the chance to learn from some of Perth’s top DJs, and a lot of graduates actually continue on to DJ at events such as Pineapple Club or Banana Social! If you need to try before you buy, that’s also cool as you can take a private tour of the studio before signing up for the courses. 

Clay Making Lessons

Is pottery on the cards this year, look no further than the Clay Make Studio in Maylands! Perfect for beginners looking to try their luck at creating their very own set of cups, bowls, or vases, the introductory casual classes are a great option. Each class comes with a dedicated instructor, all your utensils and materials, and also some great demonstrations to get you started. Approaching this one with an open mind is key as you may find yourself starting to build a cup before it turns out to be an ‘abstract’ piece of ‘art’. 

Succulent Bowls & Floristry

For those that are on board with an obnoxiously large indoor plant collection, you might know that succulents are a super straightforward and low-risk investment thanks to minimal watering. The best bit is these guys can look awesome if combined in a big bowl. If you want to uncover how to arrange the perfect set of succulents, then House of Hobby is where you should be heading. Over a mimosa, you’ll learn what goes into the ultimate succulent arrangement then make your own to take home!

Stackwood

Continuing the floral theme, if you want to up the ante from succulents to other flora, Stackwood is an awesome place to start. Here you’ll have a range of short courses to pick from like plant parenting – which basically runs through how to care for your favourite indoor beauties. Other popular courses include permaculture, how to make a nested basket of indoor plants, or how to arrange the perfect seasonal bouquet. 

Yoga Class

Maybe 2022 includes some key goals around being more mindful and present in your everyday life. A gateway to achieving this one is yoga. For those new to the mat, a bunch of studios in Perth offer private or small group classes to introduce you to a number of sequences, flows, and movements. With experienced instructors, you’ll discover how best to move your body, how to make mini-adjustments to enhance a pose, and how to breathe with intention! If you are looking for a studio the team at Flow Space Yoga offers great intro offers. 

Toby Estate Coffee School 

2022 may be the year to elevate your at-home espresso game or learn a thing or two about different coffee brewing methods. If you are on the lookout to lock in a barista course, the guys at Toby Estate offer a super-comprehensive course that steps you through extraction methods, milk texturing, and a bunch of knowledge on beans from all around the globe. They’ll help you while you practise steaming milk in their simulated cafe complete with cutting-edge machines and all the fancy equipment. 

Soy Candle Making 

If you are looking to connect with aromatherapy or truly appreciate a great smelling candle, then trying your luck at creating your own is an awesome way to connect with your creative side this year. Bespoke Blends bring dedicated workshops covering all the ways to create customised scents. After the education session, you’ll then learn how to hand pour your own soy candle to take home with you.

Resin Art Workshop/ Tapas

Resin-inspired art is having a serious resurgence making its way into homes in the form of chopping boards, coasters, and a variety of cutlery. Resin art is all about creating hypnotic and fluid colours using a variety of intricate techniques. You’ll become an expert in no time thanks to the guys at Collective Obsessions in Bassendean. Packages include a 2-hour workshop, quality instructors, and drinks and snacks to keep you going.So, with all that said, getting a creative pursuit off the ground is as simple as getting in contact with one of the options above. You won’t regret it and may kickstart a passion you didn’t know existed! If you are doing the above with a large group, we can also help you with transport!

Traditional bucks parties generally promote some pretty debaucherous and crazy times that usually result in a variety of embarrassing photos at the end of the night. Although this certainly has its time and place, there is also a huge range of bucks party ideas in Perth that can range from mild to wild. The central consideration to planning the perfect bucks party is the man getting married. What are his interests? What is he prepared to do? What are the no go activities? Once you’ve got those answered it’s generally time to consider venues. So, to help you along the way, we’ve put together our take on the top 10 activities to help you plan and ensure that the day is one everyone will remember.

Whisky Tasting

First off the bat is a classy whisky tasting experience. This one is a great way to kick off the day strong and perfect for the inner city urban dweller. The dudes at Whipper Snapper brewery know a thing or two about whisky where you’ll get a private tour of the distillery, understand how production is done and then work your way through a very generous tasting experience. To really elevate the experience, you can also add on cocktail making where the staff will teach you all about Whisky cocktails before getting you to try and make your own.

Golf Day

18 holes followed by drinks in the clubrooms is a seriously good idea for those men out there that love golf. We totally get it if you are not up for walking the whole way, that’s why buggies are a very viable solution! Most courses offer them plus packages which include drinks and food at the end. If you are new to golf or not sure who’s who when it comes to courses in Perth, use our golf guide to kickstart your planning.

Axe Throwing

This activity is relatively new to Perth but is seriously popular with bucks parties! Axe throwing is essentially what the name entails – you and your mates will take turns throwing axes at a bullseye. The guys at Lumberjacks are your answer for this one and bring to the table private group options where for 90 minutes you’ll have access to the full venue and be given in-depth training from a professional. After building up an appetite, you can head next door to Bright Tank Brewery for a few brews and snacks. 

Paintballing

For the adventure types or for those groups who are wanting to inflict healthy pain on their friends, paintballing is your answer. Located North in Carabooda the team at WASP Paintballing offer packages for groups that gives you access to a real live gaming arena titled ‘the theme park’. Here, you’ll dodge, slide and battle in a theme park complete with train tunnels and a castle. Hot tip: this one is not for the faint-hearted and expect sizey bruises.

Barefoot Bowls

Ahh the quintessential Sunday afternoon barefoot bowls is the perfect chilled bucks party idea for those looking for a slightly low key celebration. A variety of RSL’s around Perth offer packages for those looking to spend a few hours on the greens. Mount Lawley Bowls Club is a great option where you can sit back in an art-deco style club room in the sun with some of the most affordable drinks in town. 

Brewery Tour

If you are a group that is looking for a full day activity, a brewery and wine tour through the Swan Valley will certainly deliver the goods. To commence proceedings, starting off at Mash Brewery will provide great food, awesome beer and a relaxed vibe. When it’s time to up the ante, now it’s onto Duckstein Brewery. The best part? We specialise in this area and offer transport solutions for groups so we can help take the driving off your hands and even drop you all in the city after to continue the celebrations. 

Fishing Charter

For those who love being on the ocean with their mates, this one’s for you. To celebrate your bucks party in the sun, hit the seas by hiring a fishing charter or boat and make your way across to Rottnest. Here, you can drop an anchor in the perfect turquoise waters and then choose to swim, fish, drink on the deck or even head to shore to get a selfie with a quokka. Blue Juice Fishing Charters are your go-to guys to get this one organised and offer packages that include deep-sea diving options!

Go-Karting

Go-karting is an awesome, fun-filled adrenaline activity that is sure to bring out the most competitive sides of all those involved. The Kart Centre in Perth is an experienced bunch who can help plan your day. If you can wrangle a group of 12, you’ll be able to reserve the full track and catering options can be organised for after the race. There are generally 3 rounds of races and winners naturally reserve bragging rights for the rest of the day.

Private Dining

For the buck that appreciates top food and drink, a private dining venue might be the perfect answer. Most venues can help you plan a custom menu with drinks to match and dedicated waitstaff. If this is out of your wheelhouse a few great options include Bread in Common in Fremantle, Garum inside the Westin Hotel in Perth or Heritage Wine Bar. 

Dunsborough Weekend

Rounding out the list includes a weekend getaway down south. If you and your friends have a weekend up your sleeve, a trip to Dunsborough is an awesome idea. Here, you could rent a house, lap up some of the best beaches around Yallingup before heading down Caves Road to experience some of the best wineries in our state. There is a heap of options around this neck of the woods.

In terms of activities from mild to wild, we have covered some ground to help you plan your bucks party in style. As always, if the transport is needed, let’s chat! 

Ok, so, you’ve decided that you and your significant other are going to tie the knot! Congratulations! Once the planning gets into full swing there is a seemingly never-ending list of things to do to pull off not only the big day, but other key events like the hens party, bucks do and honeymoon (just to name a couple). If you are planning a hen’s night or day, there are now so many new and interesting ways to revamp the classic day. We’re talking painting and wine, cocktail making classes and even a pop up picnic. To take one thing off your hands, we thought we’d get a list together of the top hen’s party activities and venues in Perth!

Pop up Picnics

Perth really is the perfect location for an outdoors hen’s party celebration with an endless supply of beautiful open spaces and reliable weather to match. With this in mind, the guys at Boho and Prosecco offer cosy experiences for up to 20 guests complete with all the key ingredients for the ultimate picnic. We’re talking rustic low picnic tables, rugs, cushions, all glassware, floral table décor, candles, lanterns and nibbles. If you are also keen to elevate the experience further, these guys can organise a flower crown workshop with your own crown to take home at the end of the day!

Painting Classes

For those artistic brides, combining painting with the famous pinot noir grape may be the perfect combination for your upcoming hen’s celebration! Coined as ‘Art classes with a twist’ the team at Pinot and Picasso offer packages for groups where each guest is guided through a painting experience led by a qualified artist. Prepare for some ‘interesting’ designs as most groups tend to present vastly different adaptations (depending on the amount of classes of pinot that is consumed). Regardless of artistic prowess, this is the perfect hen’s party option as all equipment is included and hiring a private room is simply a phone call away.

Flower Crown Workshop

The quintessential hen’s day would not be complete without a fun filled afternoon of flowers, wine and cheese. The team at Down the Garden Path offer really reasonably priced packages where you and your guests can be guided through a demonstration to construct the ultimate flower crown. Fresh seasonal flowers, tools and all accessories will be provided, you just need to provide the venue! This might be your answer if you’d like a celebration in the comfort of your own home. 

Spa Day & High Tea

Nothing screams exclusive-hens-day-celebration like a fancy high tea and spa day combination. The team at Bodhi-J at the Westin Hotel should be your go to for treatments ranging from relaxation massages to facials and/or pedicures. The list is extensive! Following your fruit platter and champagne poolside (a common predecessor to any treatment at Bodhi-J), you can make your way downstairs for high tea in the Haven Lounge! 

Wine Tour

As you may have already seen, the team at Horizons West specialise in transport! With that being said, we love planning a customised wine tour especially in the Swan Valley. For those future brides looking for a custom route covering all the very best in gin distilleries, wineries and restaurants, look no further than our Ultimate Guide to the Swan Valley. Some key hitters include Sandalford Winery, Tyler’s Estate and Harris Organic Wines, just to name a few.

Boat Cruise

Why not capitalise on the beautiful Swan River of Perth by organising a private boat cruise for your hens party? Most companies in Perth offer boats that include impressive sound systems, plenty of eskies to keep your drinks cold and option to customise the vessel to suit your theme. This is a great option if you have a larger group as some boats can accommodate over 100 people. 

Gin Classes

For those hens that love a gin and tonic, the guys at Gin Republic certainly know a thing or two about this perfect concoction. This great hens idea will ensure your group receives a gin and tonic on arrival before deep diving into gin history, flavours and mixers. From here, you’ll have a go at creating your own and you’ll leave with not only a new set of knowledge but a 500ml bottle of your own! Heck, you can even make a night of it and stay down in Freo! We’ve written a guide for that one too.

Dance Classes

Even wanted to learn (or attempt to) dance like Beyonce? Well the guys at F is For Dance have listened and offer their very own ‘dance like Bey Hens class’. Here you’ll work closely with a dance instructor in your own private room to learn her signature moves and then as a group perform a routine to one of her hits!

Glamping

If you have a full weekend up your sleeve and looking to seriously keep the party going, why not consider a trip to Rotto for your hens party? The team at Discovery Parks Rottnest have glamping accommodation which is perfecto for a small group looking to spend some time on the beach. Complete with comfy linen, ensuites and private decks we highly recommend this idea as your base for a weekend of drinks at the Rottnest pub and bike rides across to some of the best coves in WA around the West End.

Cheese Making 

Bringing the list home strong is cheese. The guys at the Cheese Maker put on a serious show and know a thing or two about camembert, mascarpone and cream cheese. So much so, that after a short educational session you’ll try your hand and make some yourself! Morning tea and coffee is offered at the same time. This one is a great option to kickstart your day followed by possibly combining this workshop with one from the list above!

And there we have it, a solid list of ideas to help you organise your next hens day in Perth! As we specialise in transport, we can help take another thing off your hands and can organise your wheels for the day. Our sales team is ready to chat and we can create a custom itinerary for you for the day.

Ok so it’s a new year and COVID-19 is still putting a bit of a dampener on international travel. The thing is though, now is actually the perfect time to explore the South West of Western Australia, especially with the lack of international crowds, unspoiled beaches and some of the best farm to table dining experiences going around. We thought for this month we’d focus on a strip of road that connects Albany, Denmark and Esperance to help you plan your next road trip down south.

Denmark

Starting off strong, Denmark offers a quaint township backed closely by some phenomenal coastline, great coffee and not to mention the Valley of the Giants Tree Tops Walk. Now a quieter alternative to the hustle and bustle of the Margaret River region – Denmark has something for everyone! 

Things to do and see in Denmark

Wineries

Still boasting some seriously good wineries, the climate in Denmark makes for a selection of premium vineyards. We recommend dedicating a day to visiting a few, uncovering how their wines are harvested and bottled. For those who need a quick list – Harewood Estate, Moombaki, Rockcliffe and Rising Star will produce the goods for your day and are located relatively close together.

Beaches

Only a 15 minute, hop, skip and jump out of town you’ll land yourself in the William Bay National Park. The highlight of this park is Greens Pool and is sheltered from the natural elements almost all year round and provides a pristine and calm environment to spend the day! Further up the road will take you to Elephant Rock which brings to the party huge natural boulders that from certain angles resemble a herd of elephants. Finally, for those with kiddos, Peaceful Bay might be your best bet with open sand, quiet bays with shallow entry points and not too much wind!

Valley of the Giants

A quick 45-minute drive down the highway will transport you to the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk. You’ll traverse 40 metres up before taking a stroll along the canopy linings of some of the states biggest trees! This has been designed with sustainability in mind where no local flora or fauna is impacted. Once you’ve purchased your ticket, you can complete the 600m loop as many times as you like on that day! Some people opt to have lunch before doing the track in reverse! We just ask that you take into consideration the limits on each platform and respect the signs. 

Denmark Alpaca Farm

For those that love petting furry Alpacas, the good news for you is that Denmark has a whole farm dedicated to them. While here, you can witness these guys in their natural habitat along with a variety of other farm animals! Hot tip: the farm is only open from Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 4 pm. 

Albany

Once you’ve finished up in Denmark, the next logical step is over to Albany which is a short 45-minute drive! Albany offers a few different activities and is perfect for those looking for day hikes.

Things to do and see in Albany

Bluff Knoll

If you are all about hiking, Bluff Knoll is the highest point in Western Australia and offers some pretty spectacular views of the Stirling Ranges. The walk will be approximately 6km return but averages a 20% gradient so it can be pretty challenging at points. It’s not a simple stroll that also requires those to come prepared for any change in weather. Sometimes it’s raining and high fog one minute, followed by sun an hour later. So, we really recommend coming prepared. Along the way, you’ll be able to see a variety of Western Australian wildlife and wildflowers. 

Whale Watching 

From May to October each year, Albany plays host to the great whale migration of the southwest and features the famous humpback whale. With King George South also providing calm waters for newborns, this area is the perfect location to witness these phenomenal mammals play and interact in their natural habitat. There is a heap of tour companies offering day trips or there are a variety of vantage points to potentially see them on the horizon from land.

National ANZAC Centre

If you are in town exploring the high street, the National ANZAC Centre is worth a drop in to experience your hit of history. Featuring heaps of artifacts from WW1, immerse yourself in the lives of past soldiers using interactive exhibits. Each visitor will take on the persona and identity of 1 of 32 soldiers who will virtually accompany you through the exhibition!

Albany Farmers Market

If you can time your run right, the Albany Farmers Market is held each weekend on Saturday from 8 am to midday and is a great start to the weekend with fresh coffee, artisan stores, food trucks and a copious amount of fresh produce. Ran by locals, use this as an opportunity to get to know a few and find out whats it’s like to live in the Albany region!

Esperance

From Albany, the next stop is Esperance which is a little bit of a drive coming in at just over 5 hours. We would recommend a quick pit stop at Bremer Bay for a dip and a breather to break up the drive. Here, you’ll be graced with potentially the best coastline in the country!

Cape Le Grand National Park & Lucky Bay

Boasting white sand that is so white it literally shimmers in the sun – Lucky Bay is located smack bang in the middle of Cape Le Grand National Park. Surrounded by granite limestone, blinding white sand – this stretch of beach is home to a resident population of kangaroo. They are super tame, friendly and are actually all on board with photos.

Hellfire Bay

Just a little longer along the coast – Hellfire Bay is yet another gobsmackingly beautiful stretch of white sand and is the perfect lunch spot with BBQ facilities. There is something super rugged about this stretch of beach and our hot tip is just to watch for the wind. Although it can add to the wild feeling, sometimes it can get a bit too much to handle. 

Frenchmans Peak

Although this one is only a 262-metre peak, it offers 360-degree views of the flat plains of Esperance. The top requires a bit of scaling with some loose rocks but other than that – most visitors will be able to hit the summit with ease!

Great Ocean Drive

Voted consistently in the list of the best scenic drives in the world – the Esperance Great Ocean Drive is highly recommended while in town. Only a short 1-hour drive will take you along some of the best lookouts, vistas, coastlines and white sand that you’ll likely see in all of Western Australia. 

If you are also looking for some other road trips around our amazing state including the far north, check out our guide to 8 unmissable road trips in WA.

That’s a wrap! Use this as a guide to plan your next South West trip! If you are chasing group transport too, we can certainly help you out with that one too! Drop our sales team a line who will gladly help you!

With our vaccination rates on the rise, we know borders will be opening most likely in February 2022 (we hope). Although that’s not too far away in the scheme of things most will have some time off over Christmas and NYE. Living in our constraints at the moment, a day trip is a perfect way to break up the break and with Perth offering so many options only a short drive from the metro area, we thoughts we’ll compile a list of the best. We’re talking about a day trip to Rotto to snap selfies with the famous quokka, taking a short drive down to Freo for the day or experiencing new distilleries in the Swan Valley. 

Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is the perfect day trip and not is seriously the best time to visit for a few reasons. Firstly, the weather is heating up but secondary, with borders shut beaches are only reserved for Western Australian locals. You’ll be able to secure some spots on the far tip of the island almost all to yourself! You can easily catch the boat from either Hillarys or Fremantle, grab yourself a bike and follow our day trip itinerary to access some of the best beaches and coves in arguably the whole world.

Fremantle 

Ok so this one is technically not too far from Perth, but it’s certainly worth a day trip with honestly so many eating options, second-hand vintage shops, boutiques and a few beaches threw in for good measure. Start your day at Ootong & Lincoln for some quality espresso before taking your time to explore South Fremantle’s many stores then hit the Freo markets and a dip in the ocean too! Heck, if you want to turn it into a weekend you could even score a night at the brand-spankin’ Warders Hotel. For a complete guide on 48 hours in Fremantle, use our guide to plan your trip.  

Swan Valley Wine Region

This one is our personal favourite and has something for the whole family! Just at the base of the Perth Hills – the Swan Valley wine region boasts rolling vineyards, top distilleries and artisan markets if you time your run right! We recommend starting in the late morning for tastings at Harris Organic Wines before a long lunch at Coward and Black and then an afternoon distillery tour at Old Youngs. Here you can taste some of the best gin in town and discover all the ways in which the perfect gin and tonic is made!

Penguin Island

Another gem just off the coast of Rockingham is Penguin Island – a little less known Rottnest Island equivalent. What Penguin Island offers that you can’t find anywhere else around Perth is an abundance of  Australian sea lions and the world’s smallest penguins. There are feedings at 10.30 am, 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm daily and is just a very short ferry across from the mainland. Once you’ve finished up here, you can always consider Rockingham for a lunch on the boardwalk.

Serpentine Falls

If you are looking for something that is light on the pocket and not too far from Perth, Serpentine Falls is for you. For this one, we recommend packing a little lunchbox as there are no restaurants close by. There are also paths for everyone, from 15 minutes from the car park with others taking you through a variety of ravines and taking 5 hours. Hot tip: during peak season the short walk gets pretty crowded so getting there before 11 am and potentially choosing a longer walk will mean you won’t be interrupted.

Lancelin

Only an hour and a half north of the Perth CBD, Lancelin is a quintessential beach town with a few unique activities on offer. The local sand dunes on the outskirts of town are a playground for the adventurous types. If you have a 4WD you can take your car up and down the rolling dunes or join in on a sandboarding lesson. While in town we recommend getting a pint at the local Endeavour tavern for uninterrupted views and visiting the coastline for some snorkelling.

Wellington Dam & Diamond Lake

Ok, this one is a little further out of town but CERTAINLY worth a visit. The Wellington Dam and Diamond Lake combo are two very worthwhile activities. Starting at Wellington Dam, this huge water source now boasts a phenomenal 800 square-metre mural that showcases local stories and photographs, including a picture of two locals playing at the Dam as children. There are some fantastic vantage points to witness the artwork from a bunch of angles. From here, the next step is to head to Diamond Lake and soak up the sun before dipping your toes in the pristine blue water.

Mundaring Weir

Continuing along with the notion of large water sources and dams, Mundaring Weir is a little closer to Perth and also has some seriously impressive walks to be had. When you are here you can enjoy some incredible views from the north side of the dam and if you are ok with heights, make your way across the 42 metre-high wall. After you finish up here, the next step is a visit to the iconic Mundaring Weir Hotel for a cold pint and a bowl of epic hot chips. 

So with all the above in mind, now really is the perfect time to get out and experience some of the best day trips in town while it’s only open for WA residents. As always, if you have a large group of people and your need transport options to get to and from the locations above, let’s chat! Our team of sales consultants can help you plan a custom itinerary.