What to do for a weekend in Perth as a first-time visitor
Until only a few weeks ago I was ashamed to say, despite only being a few fours away by plane, I'd never been to Perth (at least outside of the airport).
As someone who has lived in Australia most of my life, it was always on my list of places to go, but I'd never managed to carve out the time.
But last month, I finally got to visit – and now I know exactly what people meant when they kept insisting I was missing out.
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There's plenty to do over a weekend in Perth. Supplied
I flew from Sydney to Perth on a Friday morning for just one weekend.
Now, a weekend might not seem like long to get a feel for a new city.
So, with lots to see, do and eat with just over 48 hours on the clock, here's how to get the most out of a short stay in Perth.
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Where to stay
Fancy staying where royalty has been?
I spent three nights at the Pan Pacific Perth hotel – the very same place the late Queen Elizabeth II visited back in 2011 during a trip to Australia.
Enjoy a family stay at the Pan Pacific Perth. Pan Pacific
Located in the middle of the CBD on Adelaide Terrace, the five-star hotel is just a 19-minute drive from the airport and a short walk from the Swan River so you experience the bustling city with scenic water views.
After a refurbishment, the hotel officially relaunched with a new look on May 16.
The hotel officially relaunched with a new look on May 16. Supplied/ Ella Rayment-Ward
I stayed in a Premier River View Suite which was the perfect spot to unwind with a lounge on one side of the room and a separate bath on the other.
One thing that really set this stay apart was one small item every guest receives.
Upon arrival, I was given a reusable water bottle as part of the hotel's "commitment to sustainability", which visitors can take home with them.
There's even a water filling station in the lobby in an effort to reduce single use plastics.
The hotel is commited to reducing single use plastic with a their reusable water bottles and water station in the lobby. Supplied/ Ella Rayment Ward
Time for a snack... where to eat
I was able to enjoy three meals in a day without actually leaving the hotel – and that's without dining at the same place twice.
The Pan Pacific Perth has a variety of options from wining and dining at the Más Vino Wine Bar to a classic pub spot for pizza and a drink at the Hill Street Bar - both located in the lobby.
Now, I'm partial to a buffet, so when I heard there was a breakfast one on offer just an elevator trip from my room, I was already sold.
Ceviche from UMA. Supplied/ Ella Rayment-Ward
Also on the ground floor of the hotel, Monty's serves up everything from fresh fruit to dumplings and classic eggs and bacon (the cinnamon toast is a must!).
Then just a short walk across the ground floor is the hotel's Peruvian restaurant, UMA.
The restaurant's set menu takes you on a culinary "journey through the Amazons", from the sea to the streets of Chile and around South America.
Seafood lovers will be absolutely spoiled here from the ceviche to market fish skewers.
The dining room area at UMA. Supplied/ Pan Pacific Perth
The restaurant is open from Monday to Saturday from 5:30 to 11:00pm.
If you fancy a night in after a day of exploring, there's always the option of room service.
Something for the wine lovers
If you're something of a wine connoisseur or just looking to try the region's vino, the Swan Valley boasts over 40 stunning local wineries serving every type under the sun.
Swan Valley is just a bit over a 30-minute drive from the Perth CBD.
The Swan Valley has over 40 wineries. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Alternatively, you can jump on a boat and cruise down the river.
I took a Captain Cook cruise tour which departed from the Barrack Street pier and took around two and a half hours to dock at Swan Valley, all while getting to see Perth's best sites from the middle of the Swan River with a glass of sparkling in hand.
I then headed to Windy Creek Estate – a family-owned winery who have been making their range of wines in the Swan Valley region since the 1930s.
On a beautiful sunny day, the back patio area looking out over the vineyard is a stunning spot to enjoy a glass of wine and a cheese board with friends.
If you're more into your sparkles and bubbly wines, Garbin Wines is a cosy indoors spot with a delicious selection.
Windy Creek Estate is the perfect spot for a glass of wine outdoors on a sunny day. Supplied/ Ella Rayment-Ward
Learn about the history
What better way to get to know Perth than learning about the region's best exports?
Before my weekend away, I didn't know too much about the city's history.
But after an hour tour at the Pert Mint, I'd gotten a crash course on Western Australian gold at Australia's oldest operating mint.
You can go see the largest gold coin at The Perth Mint. Supplied/ Ella Rayment Ward
The guided tour takes your through the exhibit of the largest gold nuggets and coins – including the coin that holds the Guinness World Record for the largest, weighing a whopping one tonne of pure gold.
There's some interactive moments for the whole family to enjoy, including getting to watch a demonstration of liquid gold turned into a solid block.
At the end, you can get your own coin stamped.
Down by the pier you'll find Willie Creek Pearls who can take you through the history of Broome where Australian pearls are produced to go from the sea to your jewellery box.
Willie Creek offers an experience where you can even harvest your own pearl.
The writer travelled as a guest of Pan Pacific Perth hotel.
