Rightio, so it’s a new year and your birthday is on the horizon. We know all too well that you won’t be jet setting off on a new overseas adventure to celebrate anytime soon, so a night on the town seems like a really plausible idea. But where to start? There are so many great bars in Perth that it can be overwhelming creating a shortlist. A really easy approach to this is creating a bus route so all your guests can stay together between venues. This is especially important if you are, for example, having sunset drinks in Scarborough, followed by a night out in Northbridge. We thought we would help you along this journey by outlining some of Perth’s most popular party bus routes. 

The Swan Valley Party Bus Route

Starting off strong, the Swan Valley region provides the perfect party bus route for your upcoming celebration. It has everything from wineries and breweries to gin distilleries, dairy farms and boozy activities. The potential itinerary below:

• Stop 1: a possible option here is to select a few wineries to start your day off (use this guide to help you out with that one).
• Stop 2: Swan Valley Gin Company (you can organise a tasting menu or a tour depending on how much time you have up your sleeve).
• Stop 3: Old Young’s Gin Distillery (if you are a massive gin fan, why not make two stops along the way)?
• Stop 4: possibly a boozy activity? Super golf is our pick for this one. You and your mates will be able to compete for the lowest score while trying to navigate a fun-filled nine-hole course.
• Stop 5: finish it all off at Oakover Grounds for a chilled wine-down complete with an open lake, endless supply of local wines and a huge terrace to accommodate your group.

Fremantle Party Bus Route

Fremantle has an abundance of new bars, nightclubs, and unique group experiences set to transform your birthday for those south of the river. We’re talking about a brand new gin bar showcasing top international and domestic distillers, awesome views at Bathers Beach house and iconic institutions such as Little Creatures. A possible party bus itinerary could include:

• Stop 1: Little Creatures will provide the perfect spot to all meet together and commence proceedings in a converted warehouse complete with so many beers to pick from and great share platters.
• Stop 2: a trip to South Fremantle along South Street will transport you and your friends to a whole new eating precinct. Our favourites in South Freo include La Cabana (for the best fish taco in Perth) or Madalinas for those seriously into international drops and the new and ever-so-popular orange wine variety.
• Stop 3: heading back into the main drag, Bathers Beach House is perched perfectly on the coast. You can organise a table in the top section with uninterrupted views. We recommend this one for sunset.
• Stop 4: from here, the next logical step is gin. Where better to taste some of the best in town then the new bar Republic Gin. These guys know a thing or two about liquor, and we seriously can’t go past the Bianco Negroni. 

Northern Perth Beaches Party Bus Route

Okay, so if you are really just wanting to capitalise on one of Australia’s best coastlines, a party bus route through the northern beaches is your answer. Combining sand and sea with some solid bars is the way to go. A recommended party bus route is below:

• Stop 1: to start the day, we recommend staying north and working down. Mullaloo Beach Hotel or Drift Kitchen are two options and can be the perfect meeting locations. The best bit is there are plenty of shaded areas if things get too hot to handle. 
• Stop 2: from here, take a trip down West Coast Highway all the way to City Beach, where Odyssea awaits. We recommend booking an outside section here. Pimms and Aperol are their go-to. 
• Stop 3: heading back up the coast, Scarborough is the logical next step and is a great addition for those looking to start partying. Here, there are a plethora of options including El Grotto, Sand Bar and the big hitter – the Lookout. Due to how busy Scarborough gets on the weekend, we really recommend booking a section at the above venues!

Northbridge & Perth City Party Bus Route

Rounding out the list of possible party bus routes is Northbridge and the Perth CBD area. Of course, you could always combine the below with say a Scarborough route, too. Our favourite combination of bars is below:

• Stop 1: as always, a solid meeting spot is essential. We recommend The Standard, as it has an industrial feel, is large in size and serves some pretty special cocktails. 
• Stop 2: moving on from the Standard, the top of William Street now is producing some very solid wine bars. The newly launched Wines of While and Vincent Wine are hot to trot, complete with group sized charcuterie boards and highly sought-after organic wines.
• Stop 3: from the top of William Street, it’s only a small hop, step and a jump across the horseshoe bridge to the CBD. Here, Murray Street has your answers with Wolf Lane producing a highly concentrated volume of small bars. Cheeky Sparrow is a good one to target, but any in this laneway will deliver the goods!
• Stop 4: rounding out the night, Amplifier Bar is a late-night option for a big night and is only a short walk from Shafto. Here you can experience live music into the wee hours of the morning.

These four main routes are the most popular choices we’ve seen, and we hope they help you plan your next birthday or celebration. As always, the routes above can be easily combined to create the ultimate party bus route. 

Ok so as we all know, COVID-19 has put a substantial spanner in the works for any domestic and international travel. This means for most, local activities and hobbies have skyrocketed with golf being one of them. If you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran, we’ve put together a list of top golf courses in Perth and Western Australia to check out in 2021. You might also be thinking, why is a bus company writing an article about golf? Well, it turns out we’re getting more and more enquiries for groups looking for transport to and from the greens. If you have a bunch of mates keen on a day of tee-rific fun or a large family who doesn’t want to designate a driver for the day, we can definitely help you with that. 

Lake Karrinyup Golf Course Perth

• PERFECT FOR: experienced Players, premium event spaces, local flora and fauna.
• LOCATION: Karrinyup

Starting at the top of the list (and for good reason) is Lake Karrinyup Golf Course. This proud jewel of the state boasts 18 exceptionally manicured holes plus a 9 hole short course for those with time pressures. Nestled amongst great fauna and flora, Kangaroos are an everyday occurrence where players can really immerse themselves in the surroundings. Check out the video below for some serious inspirational reasons why this golf course is perched high in the minds of all those who visit.

The Cut Golf Course

• PERFECT FOR: beginners looking to learn & ocean views.
• LOCATION: Port Bouvard 

Situated right on a peninsular looking across the Indian Ocean – Port Bouvard capitalises on its location by offering golfers with some pretty spectacular views. This is a perfect day out for those looking for a family first venue where you can easily book online, hire clubs and golf carts before arriving. You can even sort out a lesson for beginners or try your luck on the driving range to hone your skills before stepping onto the fairways. Be sure to drop by the restaurant and dedicated bar after you finish up for a cold beer and a phenomenal view to match. With Port Bouvard being approximately 15km past Mandurah, this golf course has been the most popular destination when using our bus hire services.

West Australian Golf Club

• PERFECT FOR: superb fairways, high tee-offs & premium clubrooms.
• LOCATION: Yokine

Next on the list is the West Australian Golf Club which boasts the highest tee-off in the metropolitan area. You’ll be graced with some serious views of the entire Perth CBD from the top of the 12th hole, where your tee-off will gain some honest distance with the help of the huge hill. This golf course is kept in premium condition thanks to the work of the extensive greens staff so you’ll be hard to find a blade of grass out of line. For those with little ones, you can also make use of the mini putting greens to keep them entertained. Finally, if you are thinking of getting married anytime soon, the West Australian Golf Club offers function packages for your big day. 

Joondalup Golf Course

• PERFECT FOR: 27 hole championship layout & experts.
• LOCATION: Joondalup

Joondalup Golf Course prides itself on offering a whopping 27 hole championship golf course. Not only is this course one of the most extensive in Perth, but it provides some pretty tough, uncompromising holes that are suited to experienced players. Each hole can include a vastly different setting from bushland to deep limestone quarries and even lakes. Challenge is the aim of the game at Joondalup and is definitely worth a visit for our more experienced friends! For those travelling long distances, the Joondalup Resort on-site also offers rooms at a competitive rate.

Cottesloe Golf Course

• PERFECT FOR: Coastal views.
• LOCATION: Cottesloe

A membership at Cottesloe Golf Club will, in fact, cost you a pretty penny, but you’ll be able to experience 18 holes with uninterrupted ocean and city views as long as your eyes can see. Hosting some major Australian tournaments including Amateur Golf Championships of Australia, the Australian Junior Interstate Series and the WA Open Championship, Cottesloe prides itself on offering golfers with a premium product. If you are chasing a very detailed look into what each hole entails, look no further than their interactive map here.

The Vines Resort

• PERFECT FOR: Weekend getaways, family venues & wide fairways.
• LOCATION: Swan Valley region

Tucked away inland from Perth, the Vines Resort offers guests with not only a premium option for overnight stays thanks to Novotel but also 18 holes of open fairways and Swan Valley vineyards as the backdrop. The Vines Resort is a winner for the family or those looking for a weekend escape as there is an endless supply of activities. Not only can golf be on the cards, but nearby local wineries, art galleries, food and resort facilities means everyone will be entertained. The best part? Green fees for the Vines come in at under $100 for the day which is super reasonable in comparison to other golf courses on this list.

Albany Golf Course

• PERFECT FOR: Southwest adventures & rugged 
• LOCATION: Swan Valley region

Located deep in the South West, Albany Golf Course is our regional highlight that will certainly require some bus hire (hint, hint). This golf course takes advantage of a pretty rugged coastline and local lakes to deliver 18 spectacular holes. This location prides itself on its eco-friendly approach, using local lakes to water all greens. A trip to Albany golf course is also a perfect addition to any South-West trip on your way through to Denmark or the surrounding beaches! 

Kalgoorlie Golf Course

• PERFECT FOR: true and authentic Australian golfing experience
• LOCATION: Kalgoorlie

Rounding out the list is the goldfields gem. The true Australian outback course. Yes, we’re talking about Kalgoorlie Golf Course. Contrasting the intense red Australian dirt with fresh green fairways, this course provides 5 teeing areas, which enables the course to be adapted to all players and experience levels. We guarantee Kaloggorlie will provide a memorable round of golf for anyone passing through!

And there we have it. Our take on the top golf courses in Perth to try this year. As always, if you are on the hunt for transport to and from any course on this list, we are happy to chat.

Creating the perfect party takes a deliberate effort from the host. To really nail a party there is actually a heap to organise to ensure your guests leaves talking about it for weeks to come. If you are currently asking yourself, what food do I organise? Or even where do I start planning a party, you’ve landed in the right spot. We’ve had a heap of requests to put together a simple checklist to follow when planning a party, so here it is! Consider this your party planning bible with a heap of resources to help you along the way.

1. Select a date and time: first things, first – when will this incredible party occur? Run this one past some of your closest mates to double-check the core group can attend before locking anything in.
2. Plan your guest list: how many people are you thinking of having? Sometimes it’s best to create the list first before you decide on a venue so you know what numbers you’re working with. 
3. Budget: once again, before diving into venue planning – how much money do you have to play with? What are the essentials? Is it top food and drink or an epic view? Create a spreadsheet with some key items on it and assess the amount of money to allocate to each section (just as a guide). Its also good to rate each element based on importance, which can help you prioritise when trying to cut costs if need be.
4. Theme: are you wanting people to dress as dynamic duos? Or is it more of a cocktail party? Think of your theme as that will flow straight into item 5 on the list. If its simply just a smart casual dress code, it’s always best to communicate this in the invitation so people are aware of what to expect.
5. Location: are we thinking this party will be in Perth? Or maybe down south or a day at Rotto? Maybe you want to create a destination event to get everyone out of their normal routines. If this is you, here are some locations to get you started.
6. Venue: ok so now you’ve established how much cash to splash and a general location, it’s time to think of the venue. This is an important one. What is the theme? How many people can it hold? Can you customise the space to suit your needs? We’ve actually created a list of top-notch venues to consider which you can use to start brainstorming. Or, if you are thinking a restaurant with a private room will do the trick, use this one for our take on the top restaurants across Perth.
7. Food and drink: this is one of the top things to consider when planning a party. What will the guest eat and drink? Are we pairing wine? Or are we rolling with canapes? Our hot tip for this one is if there is an open bar that guests are taking advantage of, always bring out some larger share dishes in the evening to help them out! 
8. Entertainment: including entertainment on the night can really elevate your event. If you have it in your budget, consider live performances which team with your theme.  
9. Invite your guests: are we thinking simply a Facebook invitation? I mean it does work! However, nothing goes past some old school invitations printed invitations. Most printing agencies now offer packages which include both digital and print versions for those moments where you need to email guests, too. If you are looking for strictly digital versions, Evite or Canva are simple solutions to create very affordable designs.
10. Create a seating plan: a crucial and often overlooked element of the perfect party. Who will sit with who? TOP TIP: try and seat people with people they know and also don’t know. 
11. Transport: how will your guests get there? If this party is not in a central location you may need to organise a group transport solution. We are here to help with that one, with buses to suit almost all group sizes. You can check out our list of services here.
12. Music: are we thinking DJ decks or live bands? Or even it may be as simple as a sound system and a Spotify playlist. If Spotify is your go-to solution, there are SO many playlists out there. 
13. Decor: If your venue is allowing you to customise the space, adding personal touches will really elevate the experience for the guests. Think things like flowers, photo walls, drinks stations, photo booths, present tables or digital slide shows. 
14. Helpers: for the most part, the venue staff will be pretty good at sourcing staff to serve drinks and food etc, but how about smaller things like setting up decor or collecting things up at the end of the night. It’s always good to enrol a few close friends in this too so you’re not alone at the end of the night cleaning up.
15. Digital elements: in the 21st century, there are also digital things to think about such as a hashtag for the night. You’ll want this one to be pretty obvious for guests so they can tag photos for social media platforms such as Instagram.
16. Parking: inevitably there will be a few that will be driving so it’s always a good idea to communicate where you can park. 

And there we have it. 16 key elements to consider when planning your next party. There actually is a heap to think about. If group transport is on the cards, we’re happy to take that one of your hands. All we’ll need is your destinations, pickup times and passenger numbers and we’ll take care of the rest!

Also, if you are chasing a quick and easy checklist, you can download this Party planner template.

We can’t believe we’re already talking about it, but Christmas is actually just around the corner. With all that has gone on this year with a global pandemic, new working from home challenges and not to mention countless zoom calls, now really is the time to let your hair down. If you are a business owner or even the person assigned as the ‘party planner’ to source venues for this year’s corporate Christmas celebrations, use this guide to help you pick from some of Perth’s best Christmas Party locations. 

Firstly, some things to think about if you are planning a Christmas Party:

• Budget – how much do you have to spend on each of the items below?
• Venue and location – this one’s easy as you can use this article as a guide for ideas.
• Food – canapes? Full sit-down dinner? Lunch?
• Drinks – cocktails? House wine and beer? Mocktails and soft drinks?
• Theme/ styling – do we dare mention a dress-up theme? What is the dress code for the event?
• Opportunities to share – is a Secret Santa on the cards? What is the maximum spend?
• Transport – do you need to organise a group bus (we can help you there)? Or are you thinking Ubers or taxis?
• Music – if this is a private venue, are you going to have a DJ? Who is taking reins of the Spotify playlist?

Ok, now back to the list of Christmas party venues in Perth.

Perth City Farm

PERFECT FOR: BYO | BOOKINGS

LOCATION: PERTH

Perth City Farm starts the list of strong thanks to their venue hire, which includes BYO options. This can enormously help the pocket where all drinks can be provided by yours truly and a big trip to Dan Murphy’s will drop the cost of the day. The team at Perth City Farm also offers you creative freedom where you can design the space to suit any theme across two venues – ‘The Art Room’ and the ‘Barn’. In the past, some companies have even hired food trucks to sit outside and keep employees full and happy. This venue is really the perfect selection for those chasing flexibility, a unique space and a location that won’t kill the budget.

Seasonal Brewing Co.

PERFECT FOR: BEER & LARGE SPACES | BOOKINGS

LOCATIONS: MAYLANDS

For beer lovers or anyone who just loves a beer garden set-up – Seasonal Brewing in Maylands is your answer. The guys here offer both a large function hall with a private bar and drinks packages or the outside beer garden section for smaller groups. They also have some of the best pizza in town for those Christmas parties that are a little more low-key. And let’s face it, who doesn’t rate an endless supply of pizza and beer.

The Standard

PERFECT FOR: ECLECTIC COCKTAILS | BOOKINGS

LOCATION: NORTHBRIDGE

The Standard brings to the table a raft of options for those planning a Christmas party in Perth, including grazing boards, private chef food stations and multiple spaces to hire. We love the Standard for its eclectic range of cocktails that can be sorted on arrivals such as the epic Pasito Mojito a perfect concoction of Pampero Blanco rum, Branca Menta, passionfruit soda, lime and mint. Chat to their events and function team who are super helpful and can assist in designing Christmas parties for any budget. The best part is your also right in the heart of Northbridge for continuing the party afterwards.

Frisk Small Bar

PERFECT FOR: GIN DRINKERS & WHOLE VENUE HIRE | BOOKINGS

LOCATION: NORTHBRIDGE

If your office has a heap of gin drinkers on-site, the Frisk might just be your answer to an incredibly impressive Christmas party venue. The team at Frisk know a thing or two about gin with over 100 on offer. You can also rent the entire venue for the evening, meaning you’ll have dedicated gin experts on hand to both educate and pour your drinks. Having the whole venue for the evening also means you can control the music and showcase those top-notch Spotify playlists.

City Beach Surf Life Saving Club

PERFECT FOR: OCEAN VIEWS | BOOKINGS

LOCATION: CITY BEACH

If you are organising for a large group and you are chasing some of Perth’s best ocean views, we recon the newly completed City Beach Surf Life Saving Club may be your answer. Offering uninterrupted panoramic views of the coastline – three venues are on offer including an open-air courtyard within stone’s throw from the sand and ocean. The event planners here have a wealth of experience in venue hire and can help you determine drinks, food and entertainment in no time. 

Holey-Moley

PERFECT FOR: CHRISTMAS PARTIES WITH TEAM BUILDING ELEMENTS | BOOKINGS

LOCATION: NORTHBRIDGE & CAROUSEL SHOPPING CENTRE

For an office full of healthy competition, Holey Moley is a great way to combine drinks with a team-building activity. This Indoor put-put mega-centre sees teams work together to score the lowest score as they compete through an 18-hole nostalgic labyrinth. These guys host parties and work functions almost daily, so they are super-efficient if you are looking for last-minute ideas. They’ll help you lock away tee-off times, food, drinks and even quintessential memorabilia such as golf visors and winners trophies. 

Print Hall

PERFECT FOR: TOP WINE AND CANAPES | BOOKING

LOCATION: PERTH CBD

Very popular with the Friday night corporate scene, Print Hall boasts some pretty impressive function spaces that can hold up to 900 people with some of the best wine going around Perth. Print Hall tends to be snapped up pretty quickly, so its best to get in contact with their function centre earlier rather than later. They can also really customise their menus, drinks and cocktails to suit lots of dietary requirements (perfect for those in the office who are vegan or gluten-free). 

The Nostalgia Box

PERFECT FOR: BIG KIDS | BOOKING

LOCATION: NORTHBRIDGE

Right around the corner from Holey Moley is the Nostalgia Box. This venue is totally unique and offers guest the chance to step back in time to play some of their favourite arcade games such as space invaders, original Mario-Kart and Nintendo classics like Banjo-Kazooie. These guys offer corporate Christmas function hire complete with team challenges, BYO options and custom made trophies for the winners.

La Cholita

PERFECT FOR: MEXICAN FIESTA | BOOKING

LOCATION: NORTHBRIDGE

Finishing off the list is La Cholita – the ultimate winner in all things Mexican, tacos and tequila. If you are chasing an international flavour for your Christmas party, La Cholita offers a private courtyard for 40 people or the entire venue catering for 160 people. Choose your own adventure with several menu packages featuring Mexican street corn, jalapeno quesadillas, classic guacamole and authentic tostadas. 

We hope this blog helps you when planning your upcoming Christmas Party in Perth, especially when selecting a venue. Like we said above, if you need help sorting transport for the day, this is where we can lend a hand! We’ve got buses of all shapes and sizes. Lock in a quote for your next party.

For those living in WA at the moment, we know all too well how lucky we are that we’re able to leave our homes and experience all the best our State has to offer. But the even better news is that with no community transmission, large scale events and gatherings are back in the fold just in time for summer. Things are really heating up over the next few months so we wanted to put together your go-to guide on all the events and festivals not to be missed as we roll into the Christmas period. We’re talking the biggest beer festival to hit Fremantle, artisan market stalls at UWA and the ever-so reliable Icecream Factory set to start 2021 right.

RTRFM Presents: In the Pines

Dates: 18 October | Tickets: click here

Starting off strong – In the Pines is finally here after a long-awaited postponement due to Coronavirus. The team at RTRFM have curated a pretty stellar lineup featuring Verge Collection and Adrian Dzvuke for all your party needs. You’ll be sitting back inside the epic Somerville Auditorium with a drink in hand watching 10 hours of bands for a mere $40. Great value for money if you ask us! 

Glasshouse Dining With Heritage Wine Bar

Dates: October 20 – December 5 | Tickets: click here

For a pretty unique experience, the team at Heritage Wine Bar has just launched its ‘Glasshouse Dining Experience’. As you wander through the CBD you’ll see six specially created glasshouses surrounding Brookfield Place. Dining in this manner allows for the feeling of being amongst the vibrant Perth city scene while at the same time, being enclosed in an intimate setting. Although this is strictly not a large scale event, we really thought this was a pretty special experience to be had with a few friends and could even be used as a pre-Christmas celebration.

Fremantle Beer-Fest

Dates: November 13 – November 15 | Tickets: click here

If you like beer of any kind – this is for you. Fremantle is putting on a serious show this November with the biggest collection of Western Australian breweries all under one roof. Located on Esplanade Park, this mammoth beer celebration brings together masterclasses, food pairing, DJ’s, FREE tastings, and roving performances. If you are game enough, you can also nominate a taster for the ‘home brewing award’ – offering up and coming homebrewers the opportunity to showcase their take on the golden ale. 

Perth UpMarket: Design Market UWA

Dates: November 29 | Tickets: click here

Returning for another run of dates, Perth UpMarket is back at UWA in November with over 180 market stalls featuring everyday local designers selling all things from ceramics to puppets. With COVID impacting their ability to sell in large scale settings, now is the perfect time to get behind your favourite artists and support them with a sale. Get ready for every trinket under the sun and food trucks to keep you fueled.

Ice Cream Factory – Presets Opening Night

Dates: December 11 – December 28 (various artists) | Tickets: click here

We know you’ve all been waiting for this one! Ice Cream Factory has been confirmed for December and will feature some pretty serious acts such as Presets, What So Not, ILLY and Motez. This year will be extra special given that it will most likely be one of the main stand-alone large-scale festivals in the country thanks for our friends COVID impacting the rest of the country. With that in mind, we should take this opportunity by the horns and really cherish our chance to mingle with mates, listen to some quality music and enjoy all this festival has to offer! Tickets for this one are selling super quick so we recommend getting your hands on them ASAP.

Tequila & Margarita Festival – Market Grounds

Dates: 28 February | Tickets: TBC (watch for updates on Market Grounds)

Amigos, February next year will mark a festival celebrating arguably the most popular cocktail on the planet – the humble Margarita. The team at Market Grounds are putting together a Mexican fiesta which will feature tequila in all shapes and sizes. Tickets to this one haven’t been released yet but keep an eye out on the Market Grounds website for all the details and release dates. 

Rooftop Movies

Dates: Starting 31 October | Tickets: click here

Ok, so technically not a festival, we thought this one still deserved a spot because of the fact it’s outdoors, its generally over 100 people (so almost a festival) and it’s on a rooftop. The CBD Rooftop Movies return for another year complete with nostalgic films, art-house and blockbusters. Pick from either bean bags, deckchairs or the extra fancy reserved section. We recommend booking online ahead of time as sometimes door tickets are unavailable.

Old-Young’s Gin Masterclass

Dates: 22 November | Tickets: click here

Responsible for some seriously unique gins including the crowd-pleaser 7 Seasons Gin which pays homage to the Indigenous Australian Seasons – Old Youngs are opening their cellar doors in November for you to create your very own blend. Perfect for a present for a loved one, or just if you’re in the mood for gin, this masterclass will take you through the history of gin, how they make their own and finally a blending course. Expect to leave with your own concoction to drink at a later time and a wealth of knowledge, too.

Woof-and-Wine & Tradewinds

Dates: 29 November | Tickets: click here

Fancy taking your pooch to the pub? Now is your chance. Held on the rooftop of the Tradewinds Hotel – Woof-and-Wine will be featuring top local organic wines, heaps of canines and awards for your pooches across a heap of categories. Tickets are 50 bucks and will score you the following:

• Drink on arrival
• Selection of shared food
• Tasty treat bag for your doggo to enjoy
• Reusable tote bag
• Dog beer (wow!)
• Laughter and good times

MOTIF Open-Air New Years Day Beach Party

Dates: 1 January 2021 | Tickets: click here

Closing out the list – MOTIF is back at Coast Port Beach this year for yet another belter of a party. Featuring the likes of Bag Raiders and Young Franco – the festival will feature 4 stages, 5 bars and a silent disco. Old mates from West Winds Gin will also be putting on a show with their ‘Gin Boat Bar’ for all your gin and tonic requirements. 

Although COVID has stunted a few plans over 2020, Perth is in a very unique spot where we still have heaps of festivals and events on the horizon. Use this list to help plan your summer and we hope to see you down at some of these soon. As always, if you are in need of transport to and from these events – we are your answer with bus sizes to suit almost any group. To reserve a bus, head here.

The people of Perth like nothing more than a good old fashioned Perth wine crawl. Getting your friends together and visiting some local wineries is almost a right of passage for us. That’s why any trip to Perth is really not complete unless you tour the Swan Valley region taking in all the best in food (and of course a few bottles of your favourite vino). 

Oakover Grounds

Our top pick of the bunch (and for good reason) Oakover Grounds offers its visitors a look into some of the Swan Valley’s best wine. Recently going through a makeover, the new bar and restaurant have capitalised on the incredible view of the lake and the surrounding grassland. The best part is that you can now hire a paddle boat for you and your pals. Oakover Grounds is also close to our hearts as they have hosted Hot Dub Wine Machine in the past. So time your run right and you can also get amongst this incredible event that showcases top, up and coming artists, food trucks and fancy food hampers. What’s not to like about that?

Sandleford Winery

One of the most long-standing and reputable vineyards in the Swan Valley region – Sandleford offers up tasty vino, a top-notch fine dining restaurant and our favourite addition – a wine cruise! If you are chasing something really special, the wine cruise is a perfect way to experience the Swan River followed by a 2-course lunch with paired wine and an exclusive behind the scenes tour!

Coward and Black

Coward and Black pride themselves on growing their grapes in dry soil. Dry soil you might be thinking? It basically means that the vines are so established that their roots travel far beneath the soil to hit a natural water source. In other words, the wine is great and full of interesting notes! Coward and Black are perfect if you also want to sit back and taste a selection of chocolate liqueurs with the help of their friends from the Margaret River Chocolate Company.

Tyler’s Vineyard

Tylers Vineyard chose to take a narrow approach to winemaking and focus on some of the best grenache our state has to offer. Any trip to the Swan Valley is not complete without a visit to Tylers Vineyard. While you’re there you can try your hand at personalising your very own wine label. A perfect activity for a first date!

Harris Organic Wines

Scoring the award of the only winery in the Perth region with a certified organic stamp – Harris Organic Wines offers small group tastings from its very long range of high-quality organic wines. Knowing that the drop you drink is free from pesticides and fertilisers makes a visit to Harris a must do along the Swan Valley winery trail and is perfect for a long lunch.

Ugly Duckling Winery

For those that want to take along their favourite pooch to lunch – Ugly Duckling Winery has made this possible by allowing your dogs to accompany you in the outdoor seating area. Apart from being able to drink wine with your dog, this cellar door produces a great local drop coupled with old fashioned service in a low-key setting!

Darlington Estate Winery

Very popular for those looking to tie-the-knot, Darlington Estate Winery offers our pick of the bunch for the most beautifully rustic winery on the list. Offering a floor to ceiling glass dining room and rustic timber beams throughout, the team at Darlington have a great handle on all things wine and bring this expertise into their wine tasting sessions. A must do for a very special experience!

And there we have it. Your answer to the ultimate Perth wineries in the Swan Valley. If you are thinking of visiting a few on the list above, we can help transport you and your friends. Our team can customise an itinerary to suit your wine stops and our driver will be there waiting to take you to the next vineyard. Happy wine-ing!

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As Australians, we’ve always had a love affair with beer. But in the last few years, the Perth beer scene has seriously upped its game with a bunch of new breweries opening specialising in their very own version of liquid gold. Now, it’s not uncommon to see craft breweries offering a variety of flavours including strawberries, liquorice or even cranberries. Whether you and your friends are looking for a Friday night after work treat or a long Sunday lunch in the sun, our top 10 Perth breweries to visit in 2019 should be a great start to help you find your version of the perfect brew!

The Island Brew House

Location: Perth (Elizabeth Quay)

Bringing to the table a relaxed alfresco vibe, incredible views of Elizabeth Quay and the CBD, plus 6 craft beers on tap (brewed in-house may we add), the Island Brew House is our pick of Perth breweries to visit in 2019. We say this because not only is the food great, but the team offer a happy hour EVERY Friday to help you bring in the weekend. Don’t go past the Little Island Pale Ale, perfect for a scorching Perth’s summer day!

ADDRESS: Florence Hummerston Building, Elizabeth Quay, Perth WA 6000

Northbridge Brewing Co.

Location: Northbridge

An established institution in the heart of Northbridge – Northbridge Brewing Co. offers its visitors a huge choice of craft beers on tap, $4 pizza every day with any drink purchase AND an invitation to the Beer Club. We love the Beer Club, and we recommend you sign up, too! You’ll get to experience blind tastings and a beer quiz for good measure. Head to their Facebook page to check it out and buy your tickets. 

ADDRESS: 44 Lake Street, Northbridge, Perth WA 6000

Nowhereman

Location: Leederville

Tucked away in a leafy Leederville street – Nowhereman is a must visit for those chasing fresh flavours. We loved the Gin & Juicy craft beer – a bold, tropical brew with delicate spice and citrus notes. Apart from the main attraction (the beer), Nowhereman’s kitchen also produces some great seasonal dishes including pizza. Pizza and beer, now that’s a match made in heaven.

ADDRESS: 25 Harrogate St, West Leederville, WA 6007

Little Creatures

Location: Fremantle

The creme de la creme of beer halls – Little Creatures in Fremantle is perched on the waterfront and is a huge warehouse-style venue which is extremely popular on Sunday afternoons. Everyone is Perth knows these guys! With an endless array of brews, great food and a relaxed vibe – It’s no wonder that this brewery always tops the list of the top things to do in Perth!

ADDRESS: 40 Mews Road, Fremantle, WA 6160

Monk Craft Brewery & Kitchen

Location: Fremantle

With an open plan design that cascades onto the famous Fremantle cafe strip – Monk Craft Brewery prides themselves on their small-batch craft beer. Each month the team at Monk work hard and unleash their creative flair to design a limited edition signature recipe. Previous releases include hearty IPA’s and aromatic light blonde ales. Be sure to check these guys out on your way to Little Creatures next time you’re in Fremantle. 

ADDRESS: 33 South Terrace, Fremantle, WA 6160

Feral Brewing Company

Location: Swan Valley

At Feral Brewing you’ll be spoilt for choice with over 16 craft beers on tap. They also have a rolling batch brew release! Be sure to check out ‘The Boris’ a strong Russian imperial stout. Apart from the top-notch selection of beers the restaurant at Feral Brewery delivers modern Australian sharing plates set amongst old vineyards, rusted utes and their barrel aging shed in the distance.

ADDRESS: 152 Haddrill Road, Baskerville, WA 6056

The Camfield

Location: Burswood

Perfect for a pre-game beer, the Camfield is located on the fringe of the brand new Optus Stadium in Burswood. Beware – this place is the new kid on the block and can get seriously busy before a match. In saying this, the 2000 capacity gastropub is now Australia’s largest pub offering 175 beers on tap. Yes, you heard right – 175 beers! We recommend definitely checking our the container bar and dine in the restaurant, too. 

ADDRESS: 1 Roger Mackay Drive, Burswood, WA 6100

The Old Brewery

Location: Perth

The oldest brewery on the list, the team at The Old Brewery produce some of our state’s most iconic and recognisable beers. Launching their microbrewery – Riverside Brewhouse in recent years, this new addition has revolutionised the way these guys make and sell beer. Be sure to check out the Heritage Wheat Beer – the perfect cloudy take on the classic German Hefeweizen. 

ADDRESS: The Old Brewery 173 Mounts Bay Road, Perth, WA, 6000

Mash Brewery

Location: Henley Brook

Mash Brewery now has two locations for you to taste their beer, one in Henley Brook and one in Bunbury. These guys are known in the industry for producing unusual mixes of flavours. We recommend you try the Dark and Stormy – a perfect autumn beverage brewed using ginger, lime and a hint of oaked rum. Pairing that with some BBQ ribs straight from their kitchen, there really is no excuse not to pay them a visit.

ADDRESS: 10250 West Swan Road, Henley Brook, WA, 6055

Homestead Brewery

Location: Caversham

If you are touring the Swan Valley on route to some of the other breweries in the area, we also recommend you pay the little-known Homestead Brewery a visit. Situated on Mandoon Estate, Homestead Brewery prides themselves in big, bold beers and a family-friendly relaxed dining experience. Ohh and they also offer a breakfast service on the weekend. Breakfast beer, anyone?

ADDRESS: 10 Harris Road, Caversham, WA, 6055

If you and your friends are interested in visiting some of the above (if not the whole list), we can help transport you there. Our driver will be on hand to get you from A to B safely, so you don’t have to worry about a dedicated driver. Check out our fleet today!

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It’s that time of year. The days are getting shorter and you’re leaving the office in the dark. Although winter generally calls for a Netflix binge-session and takeaway in bed, getting out of Perth may just be your perfect adventure to cure those winter blues. From some of the most prestigious wineries in Margaret River to scoring a beautiful winters day at Rottnest, our take on the top 10 Perth getaways has something for everyone. The best part? We can help get you and your group there.

Dunsborough / Margaret River Region

Margaret River is generally at the top of the list for most weekenders and for good reason. Our state treasure showcases some of the very best in local produce, beaches, forests and wine. Even if the weather can turn relatively quickly, it’s best to pack for any temperature. For a totally unique experience, we recommend a lunch degustation at Rustico before heading back to the iconic Pullman Resort Bunker Bay to catch the sunset over one of the most picturesque beaches on the cape.

HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE?

3-4 hours from Perth

Lancelin/ Ledge Point

A combination of long stretches of coastline and epic sand dunes, Lancelin is perfect for the adrenaline-fueled family trip. If you can get your hands on a 4W drive, take to the back beach and experience sand boarding or try your hands at windsurfing. Ohh and the bakery. We can’t forget this not so hidden gem. Make sure you get a chance to savour pastries made by the locals over a coffee or choc milk for the kids. If you are looking to get a large group of friends and family up to Lancelin, our transport options are a great place to start!

HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE?

1.5 hours from Perth

Jurien Bay

If you are on route to visit the lunar-like Pinnacles – Jurien Bay and Cervantes are a logical next stop. While in town, a visit to the marina will provide an opportunity for you and the family or special someone to get up close and personal with Australian sea lions. In the afternoon we recommend a fish from the beach or jump on board a large number of crayfish boats to see how the pros do it.

HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE?

2 hours from Perth

Swan Valley

On the outskirts of Perth – the Swan Valley region is perfect for either a Perth getaway for the weekend or day trip. For those looking for a boozy lunch with top beer and wine, look no further than Elmars. If you manage to time your run right, you may even catch the Hot Dub Wine Machine festival. Check out last year’s wrap up and how we helped transport hundreds of festival-goers on the day. Non-alcohol related activities include walking the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, KEP Track or Bibbulmun Track while dropping into one of the region’s many art centres.

HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE?

45 minutes from Perth

Rottnest

Only a short 45-minute ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island has it all. From the white sand that sweeps Parakeet Bay to the snorkelling and surfing on offer at the Basin, this bite-sized island is a perfect getaway to escape the winter grind. If you manage to forecast a great sunny weekend the team at Discovery Parks have just launched the first low-impact glamping experience.

HOT TIP: book early. These tents are in super high demand almost all year-round and waitlists can be long.

HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE?

45 minutes from Perth

Bridgetown

Bridgetown has always been labelled a winter getaway destination mainly because of its green bush walks and cozy vibe. Offering a huge array of homestays, this region hosts the remarkable 3 day Bridgetown Blues Festival. Previous years saw the likes of Kingswood, Beautiful Girls and Ash Grunwald and is an event with a strong focus on sustainability and local produce, too. As with all festivals in-and-around Perth, we can help get you and your friends down to Bridgetown for the event with our festival transport options.

HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE?

3 hours from Perth

Augusta

Augusta is a quaint town and is the start and finish of the almighty Cape to Cape walk. For those dedicated walkers, Augusta is the perfect spot to either pack your backpacks and get prepared or rest those weary legs for a few days after completing the hike. Things not to miss include whale watching in Flinders Bay from June to August, exploring Boranup Forest and a walk along the iconic Hamelin Bay.

HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE?

3 hours from Perth

Esperance

A hefty, yet rewarding weekend trip – Esperance is that little bit further than the rest on the list but is perfect if you manage to wrangle Friday off from the office. Boasting some of the best beaches in the state coupled with amazing coffee from the local brew-bar at Downtown, this is our personal favourite because of the lack of crowds and the friendly locals.

HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE?

7 hours from Perth

A weekend Perth getaway is perfect not only to recharge but see more of what our amazing state has to offer. If you need help planning group transport to any of the destinations above, our team at Horizons West is happy to help. Let’s chat today!

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