26 January, 2018
Perth, Australia
The hype has always been around Melbourne and Sydney, but Perth is emerging as the new cool kid on the block thanks to a spate of new openings and a young creative crowd. With temperatures averaging 25 degrees and 13 hours of sunlight a day at this time of year, it's also an ideal place to seek refuge from the northern hemisphere's winter. While it's an obvious beach spot (with plenty of surfer types, if that's your bag), the city is taking cultural strides with cutting-edge galleries, restaurants and bars joining the Western Australian Ballet and Opera.
If you're the type to "Insta or it didn't happen" after a workout, you can't go to Perth without taking on the Bibbulmun Track. Winding through jungles and along hilltops overlooking the turquoise surf, it's at the top of our list of favourite coastal hikes alongside Cinque Terre and Hawaii's Kalalau Trail. Art lovers should pay a visit to the sunshiny Gallows Gallery, which features new Australian artists every three weeks. For a mix of contemporary visual and performance art, head to the innovative Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts.
A group of friends. Perth is the ideal destination for adventures, both day and night.
A surfer who runs a startup incubator on weekdays.
A bikini, a playsuit and some hiking gear are everything you'll need for this low-maintenance getaway.
Fly into Perth Airport. Qantas has launched direct flights from London starting March 25, 2018, but if the thought of a 17 hour flight puts you off, many connect through Dubai and Abu Dhabi for those looking for a 24-hour whirlwind tour of another city en route.
