The Perth-fect Long Weekend Gateway

Perth might just be the perfect destination for a long weekend getaway from Singapore. Good thing we have plenty of extended weekends to look forward to this year and many flight options for that extraordinary getaway! 

Elizabeth Quay Bridge, Perth, WA
Image credit: Tourism Australia

To top it off, there are budget-friendly flights that will leave you with more money to spend on experiences, such as the search for the tastiest desserts. Here’s a cheat sheet for the perfect long weekend escape in Perth. 

 Wander the Weekend Markets

Take a 30-minute train ride from Perth city or an hour-long scenic cruise down the Swan River to Fremantle Market (or Freo, as it’s known to locals). Open Fridays to Sundays, Freo has over 150 stalls selling everything from hand-stitched goods to local produce. 

The Market is also a launching pad for budding musicians and buskers, creating a vibrant atmosphere for you to soak in while shopping to your heart’s content. 

Fremantle markets
Image credit: Tourism Western Australia

Go fresh and stroll around the many farmers’ markets spread around Perth. A good one to not miss is the Perth City Farmers Market, about a 15-minute bus ride from the Central Business District (CBD). Nestled in an open-air café courtyard, the Saturday market offers organic produce and cooking and gardening workshops for those with time to spare. 

Explore Perth’s Cafes

Cafés are a big thing in Australia — and Perth is no exception. 

Send your taste buds into a flurry with salted caramel popcorn-flavoured doughnuts at The Banker Café or savour comfort food like polenta waffles and buttermilk chicken at May Street Larder. The Banker Café is a five-minute walk from Fremantle Market while May Street Larder is a 15-minute bus ride away. 

Other café strips worth visiting are Murray Street and Barrack Street — both are less than a 10 minutes’ walk of Perth’s CBD. Drop by Carpe Coffee on Murray Street for some coffee and retro video games and Recess On Barrack for light bites and a cup of coffee in a spacious, stylish setting.

Take a #quokkaselfie 

Cap off your trip with an overload of cuteness at Rottnest Island, a short 25-minute ferry ride from Fremantle. Take selfies with families of quokkas, known as the happiest little animals in the world because of the permanent smiles on their faces. These native marsupials are used to people and will often come right up to you – perfect for an Instagram snap or two! 

Quokka, Rottnest Island, WA
Image credit: Tourism Australia

*Protip: Look out for traces of malteser-size poop pellets, which will lead you to the furry animals when you reach the island.