Peppers Kings Square Hotel

Perth Arena is the biggest stage for international acts visiting Perth and it’s practically on Peppers King Square Hotel’s doorstep. Check out its upcoming concerts and events here. Also very close is the Heath Ledger Theatre, whose programme you can peruse here. Also every Thursday the city’s Murray and Hay Street open-air pedestrian malls play host to a busking expo - well worth a look and few coins. You may also find the odd busker in Perth’s historic port city of Fremantle (or ‘Freo’), amongst its many faithfully restored nineteenth century buildings. Freo is easily reached by rail or ferry, both accessed with a walk from the hotel. While in Freo, take a guided tour of historic prison, followed by a visit to one of its many cafes or pubs.

There is 400 hectares of it, only 1.5 kilometres from Peppers Kings Square Hotel and the city centre, just for starters. Kings Park and Botanical Gardens is one of the world’s biggest inner city parks, with sweeping views of Perth and the Swan River. Inside the park is Jacob’s Ladder, a 43metre flight of stairs that is a favourite challenge for fitness fanatics. For beach lovers, nothing beats the ‘Sundowner experience’ at Perth’s famed Cottesloe Beach. Or take a ferry from the terminal at Whitfords for an even more dazzling white sand beach experience, plus get to pat a quokka, on pristine Rottnest Island (or ‘Rotto’).

What’s your poison? High fashion and international labels? Try the boutique shopping and art precinct of King Street in Perth CBD. Smaller, local designers, but still high end? Subiaco is your best bet, but also have a quick explore around the CBD, Northbridge and Mount Lawley. Artisanal and handcrafted? Follow the buzz to the colourful, eclectic Fremantle Markets, open Friday to Sunday. Curios and antiques? For some reason, Perth has always been a happy hunting ground for antique collectors, especially in the vintage and second hand stores in and around Northbridge and Leederville.

With its multicultural population, a balmy, Mediterranean climate, a fertile farmbelt and a coastline that is home to abundant marine life, Perth’s epicurean offerings are as fresh as they are varied. In summer, there are plenty of alfresco dining options to be found in Northbridge, Mount Lawley and Fremantle. Or venture a little further, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the vineyard restaurants in the nearby Swan Valley. Choose from several different gourmet wine tours of this region, leaving Peppers King Square Hotel most days. If you get the chance, try some lightly poached ‘marron’, a freshwater crustacean the size of a large scampi and native to Western Australia.

In the vast wilderness that is Western Australia, it’s understandable the earliest settlers didn’t stray too far. Which means for modern explorers there are plenty of interesting destinations within a few hours of Perth. ‘Freo’ and ‘Rotto’ are two obvious choices, given their multiple attractions and close proximity. The Swan Valley is another easy option, full of restaurants, antique stores, wine cellars and gourmet providores and only 25 minutes away. You can choose to explore this option on a gourmet tour from Peppers King Square Hotel. Other tours start early and drive a bit further, but reward with nature at its most startling - be it the surreal sights of ‘The Pinnacles’ or ‘Wave Rock’, or the more bucolic beauty of Margaret River, with its gorgeous surf beaches, award-winning wineries and giant hardwood forests.

Being Australia’s most isolated capital, Perth has always been good at making its own entertainment. Live music, comedy and cabaret are regularly on offer in the bars and nightclubs around Northbridge and Mount Lawley, and if you’re here during summer keep an eye out for open-air performances at Kings Park, Red Hill Auditorium, or The Quarry Ampitheatre. Close to Peppers Kings Square Hotel, the laneways of Perth’s CBD are the home to a percolating bar scene. Many small, intimate venues offer visitors a chance to mingle with locals while soaking up a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.