Catching a wave in Australia

The skyline in Perth.

IF YOU GO

WHERE TO STAY

? The Terrace (237 St Georges Terrace; 61-8-9214-4444; terracehotelperth.com.au). Rates from A$349 ($322).

? Fraser Suites (10 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth; 61-8-9261-0000; perth.frasershospitality.com). From A$199.

WHERE TO DRINK

? Andaluz (21 Howard Street; 61-8-9481-0092; andaluzbar.com.au). In the old Parker & Parker building, a sexy enclave with leather couches, plenty of ambience and tasty tapas.

? Varnish on King (75 King Street; 61-8-9324 2237; varnishonking.com) serves up liquor history along with drinks and small bites.

? Venn (16 Queen Street; 61-8-9321-8366; venn.net) is all-in-one: small bar and cafe, rooftop lounge, design shop and funky hangout.

WHERE TO EAT

? Cott & Co. Fish Bar, in the Cottesloe Beach Hotel (104 Marine Parade, Cottesloe; 61-8-9383-1100; cottesloebeachhotel.com.au), features fresh daily catches, including smoked chili mussels and prawns with local truffle oil. Expect to pay about A$50 for dinner.

? The Stables Bar (888 Hay Street; 61-8-6314-1300; thestablesbar.com.au) has two levels of bar and dining in a 19th-century residence and stables turned chic restaurant.

? Print Hall (Brookfield Place, 125 St. Georges Terrace; 61-8-6282-0000; printhall.com.au). Main dining room has a four-course prix-fixe meal for A$150.

WHAT TO DO

? Kings Park and Botanic Gardens (61-8-9480-3600; bgpa.wa.gov.au/kings-park) is the crown jewel of Perth's many parks: 406 hectares of stunning views, gardens and trails.

Two Feet and a Heartbeat (61-800-459-388; twofeet.com.au) offers walking tours of Perth's neighborhoods.

? The Perth Cultural Center (12 Lindsay Street; 61-8-6557-0700; perthculturalcentre.com.au) hosts regular events, festivals and screenings.

? Swan Valley Tours (61-8-1800-733-349; svtours.com.au); full-day tour and tasting, with lunch, for A$110.