Settling into Perth Life – 2 first Weeks in Western Australia

When we first landed in Perth, it felt like a calm beginning to our Australian adventure. After flying all the way from Canada, our plan was to slow down, adjust to the time difference, and spend quality time with friends before diving into road trips and sightseeing.

Perth is the capital of Western Australia—a vast, sun-soaked state that covers a third of the country’s landmass but holds just a small fraction of its population. It’s a laid-back city with big skies, salty air, and a lifestyle that grows on you the longer you stay.

Day-to-Day Life

Our first few days were all about easing into the local rhythm:

• Grocery shopping (the celery is gigantic)

• Adjusting to shorter Sunday hours (many places close early or don't open at all)

• Visiting Costco, where we were wowed by the marbled Australian beef

• Planning the next legs of our journey

• And enjoying how gluten- and dairy-free options are readily available

  
  

My husband even squeezed in a dry needling physio session, because wellness doesn't stop just because you're traveling!

Lake Monger & Quiet Moments

We walked around Lake Monger, a serene spot where you can stretch your legs, breathe in the crisp air, and watch pelicans glide over the water. It’s not far from the city but feels a world away.

A Glimpse from King’s Park

We stopped at King’s Park, mostly for the view—and it really delivers. Think of it like Montreal’s Mount Royal, offering a bird’s-eye perspective of the city skyline and the river below.

We didn’t explore much of the walking trails, but we did visit the memorial area, where something unexpectedly fun happened. There’s a circular seating area with an acoustic effect—you can speak in a normal voice, and someone on the opposite end hears you clearly. It reminded us of the Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Terminal in New York, where sound travels through the arched ceiling in a similar way.

Behind the Scenes at AQWA

One of our favorite outings was the behind-the-scenes tour at AQWA, the Aquarium of Western Australia.

Honestly, I’m more worried about that bird eyeing my fries like it’s planning a heist

than I am about petting the small shark that feels like sandpaper.

We started the visit with a guided experience that gave us great background on what we’d see later. We even helped feed the crayfish—not the dainty kind smaller than your hand, but absolutely massive ones. Mind-blowing.

Then came the glass-bottom boat ride above the main tunnel tank, where we watched scuba divers feed the sharks and rays below us. Fun fact: the sharks only get food when they approach a certain way at the right time. They're trained, in a way.

Later, we caught a turtle feeding through the glass. It was hilarious—this hungry turtle kept chasing the diver, completely convinced there had to be more snacks. He was very persistent.

AFL Game Night

We were told Melbourne is the best place to catch an AFL (Australian Football League) game—it’s where the sport was born. Unfortunately, there won’t be a game while we're in Melbourne, but my husband got a chance to go in Perth.

He went with our friend’s husband and they took the train like everyone else. There’s no parking near the stadium and no tailgating culture—quite different from what we’re used to in North America.

He came back absolutely lit up by the experience. The energy, the passionate fans, and even the rules (which he’s still figuring out) made it one of his highlights. He thinks I’d enjoy it too—so if another opportunity comes up, I might tag along.

Stargazing at Perth Observatory

Another night, we visited the Perth Observatory. It’s located in a more remote area, so you get a clearer view of the night sky. The tour was led by enthusiastic volunteers who guided us through telescopic views of six different celestial objects: a binary star, nebulas, distant galaxies, and more.

We got to view each object twice, which was great because the second time around, you start noticing new details. It made me realize how little I know about the universe—black holes, star clusters, planets… it’s overwhelming but fascinating.

Would I recommend it? Maybe not for young kids—it finishes late, and it’s more cerebral than exciting. But for anyone curious about space, it’s a great experience filled with fun facts and new perspectives.

Winter Walk at City Beach

One quiet afternoon, we headed to City Beach. In winter, it’s nearly empty. We walked along the shore and had a magical moment when we spotted a sea lion swimming offshore. No crowds, no noise—just a peaceful coastal encounter.

Next Up: Sydney

Our time in Perth was the perfect slow start to a big adventure—filled with local experiences, real-life errands, and a few unexpected gems. Next, we trade the laid-back west coast for something totally different: Sydney.