See the best of the west like the locals do while you’re in town for evokeAG. 2024
You're in Perth for evokeAG. 2024 so why not make the most of your time in Western Australia and explore what it has to offer. It’d be rude not to really. And there’s no better way to fill your calendar than with recommendations from a local.
Take in spectacular views of Fremantle from the Fremantle Tourist Wheel.
Joan Lim, Project Director – evokeAG. WA 2024, from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, is Perth through and through. From where to roll out a towel and relax with a book, to where to go for an action-packed experience (hint, it involves ziplining), Joan’s got you covered.
We caught up with Joan to help you experience the best of Perth.
Q. I’ve got one free day. What should I do?
A. Come for evokeAG., stay for the beaches. We have some of the best beaches in the world, in my humble opinion. If you want to take a dip and do some people watching, you can’t go past Perth’s iconic Cottesloe Beach.
After your day at the beach, you can visit one of the many beachside cafes and watch the sunset – you don’t want to miss a west coast sunset.
If you’re not really a beach person, one of the great things about Perth is that it’s only three and a half hours from the world-famous Margaret River area so you can explore everything it has to offer and still be back to your accommodation in time for dinner.
Cottesloe Beach, WA.
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Q. I’m feeling peckish, what’s for dinner?
A. Everything about Western Australia (WA) is about the coast. There are so many fantastic cafes and bistros that feature wonderful WA produce and showcase our native ingredients. You’ll get a great meal at Bib and Tucker down by the Fremantle area and then you can go explore the Fremantle nightlife and the buzz that’s happening there after.
Q. I want that iconic Perth shot. Where do I find it?
A. If you’ve got half an hour to spare and you really want a sense of Perth, head up the hill to Kings Park and Botanic Garden. You get that feel and view of Perth and the Swan River and it’s just as beautiful up there at night with the lights twinkling.
Enjoy the stunning view of South Perth from Kings Park.
Q. Where do I go for a spot of shopping?
A. For funky, interesting stuff head down to Fremantle. If you’ve got more of an upmarket taste, head to King Street in Perth.
Q. Adventure’s calling my name. Where can I get the blood really pumping?
A. The Metagarup Zip+Climb is a recent addition to Perth and it’s definitely on my adventure wish list. You can walk up and over Skyview Platform, or for the bravest, there’s a 400 metre zipline.
Do you dare? Take on the Matagarup Zip+Climb. Source: zipclimb.com.au
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Q. What’s the best way to see the sights of Perth?
A. I’m a very chilled person so I’d hop on one of the water taxis that take you from Elizabeth Quay down to South Perth and enjoy a walk down there and take in the surroundings. If you’re looking for a bit faster pace, you can jump on one of the many hop on, hop off buses that run around Perth and enjoy all the major attractions.
Q. One place in Perth that never gets old?
A. I personally think the Kings Park and Botanic Garden is the best spot in Perth. I deal with a lot of international visitors and often they think it’s just a botanical garden, but it’s so much more. You can get a range of delicious food, there’s an art gallery, plenty of bushwalking tracks, and the scenery is amazing. It sits above the city, and it really is like an oasis in the heart of Perth.
The Western Australian Botanic Garden is home to more than 3,000 of WA’s magnificent plants.
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Explore Joan’s top recommendations
There’s 19 stunning white sand beaches in Perth but ‘Cott’, as it’s affectionately known, is one of Perth’s most popular spots for surfing, snorkelling, swimming and basking in ocean sunsets. It can be reached by car, bus or train from Perth.
Whether you’re looking to raise your glass with friends over a long lunch or explore deep below the surface through jaw-dropping caves, Margaret River is a must on your Perth itinerary.
Canal Rocks, Margaret River, Western Australia.
3. Fremantle
Soul, colour and culture are on offer in this spirited seaside town. Just 30 minutes from Perth, Fremantle is accessible by car, train or bus and is just as good by night as it is by day.
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Keen to share good food with great friends? Of course you are. Head to North Fremantle and enjoy a meal at Bib and Tucker while you look over the Indian Ocean. The crew here is guided by a ‘love your locals’ ethos so the menu is a celebration of the best seasonal produce Perth-based suppliers have to offer.
Located in the heritage heart of Perth, King Street is a shopping precinct not to be missed. It’s home to luxury retailers such as Mui Mui, Tiffany, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and some of Perth’s most beautiful heritage buildings.
6. Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Kings Park is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner-city parks, as well a rich cultural heritage site. With cafes, bushland walk trails, stunning gardens and a variety of children’s play areas, you’re in for a treat.
This is no walk up a bridge – this is a true climb, adventure lovers. You will be required to climb, shimmy and slide past the bridge beams to reach the SkyView, an open-air viewing platform 72 metres above the river. Walk down or go large and zip back to home base travelling at up to 75km/hr.
The Swan River is one of Perth’s most famous natural tourist attractions. Relax and take in the photogenic city scenescapes from one of the many ferries, or if you’re in search of a refreshing dip – February in Perth will be pretty warm after all – why not hire a surf cat or give twilight surfing a go?
Swan River, WA.
Tickets are on sale for evokeAG. 2024 to be held on 20-21 February 2024 in Perth, Western Australia. Following a sell-out event in 2023 we are encouraging delegates to secure their tickets, flights and accommodation early.
Keen to hand over the reins and have someone organise an exceptional tour for you? Check out the range of DPIRD tours here. Find more itineraries with everything you need to explore Perth and surrounds here. Tourism WA has also got you sorted with a trip planner, helping you map your week in Perth to perfection.