These days, more and more people are shunning bustling cities and country capitals in favour of a more authentic vacation. Giving other places a chance – ones that are not generally know as typical ‘holiday destinations’ – can actually open your eyes to some really great and memorable experiences.  Plus, you also have the added bonus of a lot of these places being cheaper too as they are not so engulfed by tourists. If you’re looking for a city in Australia that still has plenty to offer but that isn’t as saturated as Melbourne and Sydney, look no further than Perth. Perth is considered to be the capital of Western Australia and showcases a stunning balance between nature and the big city. If you’re lucky enough to be spending a few days there, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the things you can do. Take a look at these top picks for an exciting few days in Perth.

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Jarrahdale        Jarrahdale is a small historic town situated in the wine country of Australia, about 45km away from Perth. It’s worth the drive down, so hire a car with no excess or hidden fees to make sure your journey is a smooth one. Once you get there, there’s plenty of forests to explore if you’re the outdoorsy type. Or, if food and drink is more up your street, why not try a wine tour at one of the many vineyards?

Rottnest        Rottnest Island is a beautiful piece of land that time forgot – it’s completely car-free! Bask in the beauty of nature and you enjoy one of the 60 beaches the island offers, or swim amongst the coral reefs. There is also a chance for you to see an animal totally unique to this part of the world – the friendly quokka! It’s only 19 kilometres away from Perth so there’s no excuse not to visit whilst you’re there.

Cultural Centre         Only got a couple of days to see all that Perth has to offer? Thankfully, the Perth Cultural Centre has pretty much everything under one roof. It features outdoor attraction the Urban Orchard where you can learn about creating sustainable ways of farming crops. Or, if you’re a history buff, learn about Perth’s Aboriginal history by stopping by at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. It’s free too!

Fremantle        A short drive out of Perth city centre brings you to the historic town of Fremantle. This port is situated at the mouth of the Swan River and is steeped in culture. The world famous Little Creatures Brewery has it’s home in Fremantle, so make sure you stop off for a tour. There are also plenty of free walking tours available so you can see all the sights in a matter of hours. If all that walking sounds a bit tiring, make sure you visit the ‘Cappuccino Strip‘ – al fresco dining is a big part of life in and around Perth.

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Kings Park         Perth is famed for having beautiful wild land just a stone’s throw away from the bustling city. Kings Park is a beautiful botanical garden situated right next to the business district. It showcases a mix of both Aboriginal and European culture and also plays host to a number of large shows and events. Be sure to check out the ‘what’s on’ page for when you visit.

Written by Jacqueline Chambers

Jacqueline Chambers

Jacqueline Chambers is the founder of TGIFguide. She uses her innate skills as a natural “connector” to serve businesses, brands and individuals in the LA area and beyond.