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8 Picture-Perfect Hidden Gems You Have Got To Visit When You're In Perth

Tired of all those touristy attractions? We gotchu.

Cover image via Eddie Bugajewski (Unsplash) & Collie River Valley

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Are you thinking about visiting Western Australia soon?

In collaboration with Singapore Airlines, we've listed down eight hidden gems you should visit while in Perth:

P.S. Scroll to the end to check out attractive promotions the airline currently has on offer. :O

1. Get up close with western grey kangaroos when visiting Heirisson Island

Nestled in the middle of Swan River, this small island is a beautiful oasis where you can experience the beauty of Western Australia. From its lush greenery and towering eucalyptus trees, to grassy areas and breathtaking views of Swan River, you'll have plenty of backdrop-worthy spots to take pretty pictures.

Aside from offering a serene and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, the island is home to plenty of wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas, which you can spot while enjoying a picnic by the water’s edge!

The western grey kangaroos, for instance, roam about Heirisson Island freely, so you can observe and interact with them in their natural habitat. It's a great opportunity to see these Australian marsupials in the flesh, but do be sure to come early in the morning or late afternoon to catch a glimpse of them. ;)

2. Have your fill of freshly picked fruits at S&R Orchard

This family-owned orchard is located in the beautiful hills of Walliston, just a short drive from Perth's central business district. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to pick juicy fruits such as apples, peaches, plums, apricots, persimmons, and figs!

Beyond S&R Orchard's 'pick-your-own-fruit' activity, there are plenty of green spaces for you to have a picnic and savour your fruit as you take in the orchard's beauty. With their guided tours and workshops, you'll be able to learn all about fruit cultivation and sustainable farming practices, perfect for the whole family. 

Do note that the orchard is only open to the public during certain occasions such as the Autumn Festival, Christmas Festival, and Blossom Festival. So be sure to keep an eye on S&R Orchard's Facebook page for all the latest updates, so you can plan your trip to Perth accordingly.

3. Dip your toes in the secluded Black Diamond Lake, with the bluest waters you'll see in Perth

Previously an abandoned mine site in the 50s, Black Diamond Lake is surrounded by bushland and mountains, which provides a stunning backdrop for swimming, picnicking, and hiking.

Don't be fooled by its name, however, as this swimming hole boasts a stunning turquoise colour, due to the limestone that forms the lake's bedrock. You can take plenty of Insta-worthy photos here as you swim in the vibrant blue water.

The lake is also filled with a variety of fish such as rainbow trout, black bream, redfin pirch, and yellowbelly — perfect for fishing! Do remember to bring along your own food and drinks, as there are no amenities around the area just yet. And be sure to clean up after yourselves once you're ready to leave.

4. If you're looking for something more adventurous, you should take on the 1,000km Munda Biddi Trail

This off-road cycling and hiking trail showcases the natural beauty of the region, providing an unforgettable experience for everyone. Stretching from Mundaring on the eastern outskirts of Perth to Albany on the south coast, the 1,000km trail boasts an abundance of native flora and fauna, majestic forests, and scenic river valleys.

Whether you're an experienced mountain biker seeking for a challenge, or looking for a leisurely hike with friends, you can tailor your trail according to your own fitness level and the amount of time you plan to spend here. It's the best way to immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of Western Australia. :D

5. At Avon Valley, you can go hot air ballooning in the morning and stargazing at night!

Not only will you get a breathtaking view of the morning sunrise while in the hot air balloon, you'll also get to enjoy seeing Avon Valley's picturesque landscapes that comprise of rolling hills, dramatic gorges, and meandering rivers. You can even try gliding or paragliding, if you're feeling a lil' more adventurous. 

Plus, if you happen to visit between September to December, you'll be able to catch colourful wildflowers blooming in springtime. With over 12,000 species of wildflowers in Western Australia, there are plenty of wildflower trails in Avon Valley you can take to enjoy this experience. 

And during the night when the stars come out, you can choose up to 18 hotspots to camp for the night and watch the stars shine in all their glory.

6. Food and wine enthusiasts, head to the Manjimup region for black truffles and vineyards

Located in the southwest of Perth, this small town is known for its role in Australia's truffle industry, as it is home to the country's first mainland truffles. Truffle season happens every year from June to August, where you'll be able to embark on a truffle hunt with dogs leading the way! You can even learn about truffle cultivation and indulge in gourmet, truffle-infused meals at local restaurants.

Apart from truffles, you'll find that vineyards and fresh produce such as apples, stone fruits, berries, and artisanal food products are found in abundance in Manjimup. Whether you choose to visit the farmer's market for fresh produce, or sample their array of award-winning wines, Manjimup is a foodie's paradise.

7. Gaze in awe at Matagarup Bridge's architectural design and take part in the zipline activity

Remember Heirisson Island? You'll most likely be passing by Matagarup Bridge while on the way to the island, and you definitely need to make a stop at this iconic landmark.

Completed in 2018, the pedestrian bridge connects East Perth and Burswood over the Swan River. Its design resembles two flying swans, but it also looks like a swimming dolphin, a Wagyl serpent, or a ribbon. You'll most likely want to visit this attraction at night, as the bridge is equipped with multicoloured LED lighting — creating a captivating and illuminating display. 

What's also exciting is that you can partake in bridge climbing and zipline here! After going through a safety induction and being strapped with a harness, all you thrill-seekers will be well-equipped to take on Matagarup Bridge.

8. Take a day tour to Rockingham where you can swim with wildlife dolphins!

Ever wanted to interact with dolphins? Now you can go on a cruise through the bays of Rockingham, before encountering dolphins in their natural habitat. Tour companies such as Perth Wildlife Encounters will provide you with snorkelling lessons and gear, as well as expert guides to help you meet the dolphins.

With over 200 bottlenose dolphins swimming in the sheltered waters of Rockingham’s bays and islands, you'll surely have an exhilarating time interacting with these mammals. :)

Do these hidden gems sound alluring to you? Cue the wanderlust, because Singapore Airlines is currently offering all-in return fares to Perth from just RM1,968!

Image via Vecteezy

That's right, from now until 13 August this year, you'll be able to enjoy promotional fares when you fly to Perth. Seeing as Perth is just a short flight away, and the closest western destination with the same time zone as Malaysia, this travel destination is both convenient and filled with hidden gems for you to explore.

Jom, let's take a look at the promo rates offered:

If you're travelling from now until 30 June 2024:

Aside from these special promotions, you can look forward to receiving a world-class travel experience when you fly with Singapore Airlines

By launching its 'Welcome to World Class' campaign in January this year, the airline is committed to providing an exceptional experience for all its customers across the end-to-end travel journey.

Business Class customers, as well as PPS Club members and PPS Club supplementary card holders, will also enjoy complimentary unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi throughout their journey. Additionally, KrisFlyer members travelling in Premium Economy Class will be able to access free three-hour Wi-Fi plans, while those in Economy Class will enjoy free two-hour Wi-Fi plans.

Ready to visit Perth with low fare prices? Head to Singapore Airlines' website to book your flight today!

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