Exploring the wonders of Western Australia with Cheryl Wee and Roy Fong

Local Treasures

For travellers who love to shop, Western Australia is home to a plethora of homegrown gems, talented designers and forward-thinking fashion brands. 

Housed in a historic building dating back to 1899, the Perth Mint is a love letter to the mining industry in Western Australia, which has been blessed with an abundant supply of important metals and minerals—namely gold.

Visitors can view extraordinary gold nuggets, hold a large bullion bar, and see some of the most famous coins and medals ever made in Australia, including the world’s largest gold coin—a staggering 80-centimetre wide and 12-centimetre deep, one tonne version of the Perth Mint’s Australian Kangaroo series of 99.99 per cent pure gold investment coins.

Its dedicated Pink Diamond Room is home to stunning pieces featuring some of the rarest and most sought-after diamonds. Western Australia is one of very few places in the world that produces precious pink diamonds, and Argyle Mine in the East Kimberley region is the birthplace of 90% of the pink diamonds sold worldwide.

Tatler Tip: Make your visit to the Perth Mint extra special with a private shopping experience where, over a bottle of champagne, a dedicated expert will walk you through the Pink Diamond Room’s finest pieces so you can find the perfect additions for your collection.

If pearls are more your speed, Pearls of Australia continues to carry the torch of an epic 75-year pearling legacy, from the very first Australian owned and operated pearling company, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.  Not only do they produce exquisite jewellery pieces, Pearls of Australia also welcomes more than 10,000 visitors a year to its farms in Cygnet Bay, near Broome (Rubibi), immersing guests in the many facets of the state’s pearling history while showcasing its sustainable farming techniques to ensure a secure future for the oceans.

Western Australia’s dreamy, diverse landscapes and rich contrasting colours are the inspiration for Kirrikin—a proudly Aboriginal-owned fashion label. Collaborating with local artists, the brand uses sustainable textiles and fabrics to tell stories of the land. Its Pilbara collection, for example, celebrates the abundance of life and the deep connection that artists, including respected Gararimarra elder Kaye White, feel for the land. Helena Geiger, an Aboriginal Australian woman of Gumbaynggir heritage, produced a cashmere scarf in striking shades of red that reflects “the rich red dirt of the Australian outback. The colours and textures of a treeless landscape.”

Another brand proving style doesn’t have to cost the earth is that of local accessories designer, Poppy Lissiman. Her eponymous label incorporates rPET fabric made from recycled post-consumer plastics, otherwise destined for landfill, in most of its handbags and uses recycled acetate for many of its sunglasses.

Adorable Encounters

Located just 19 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle (Walyalup), Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) is Perth’s very own dreamy island getaway with sugar-white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Locals and visitors alike love visiting this idyllic slice of paradise, and it’s not hard to see why. A car-free, protected nature reserve, take your time and allow yourself to be enchanted by its exotic range of flora and fauna and no less than 63 pristine beaches.

“I love that it’s away from the city, like a quaint island with really beautiful beaches and scenic nature trails,” says Wee. “Being on the island is so tranquil and serene, yet it has so many fun activities to offer like skydiving, chopper rides and nature walks. There’s a nook and corner for everyone.”

Rottnest Island—or “Rotto” as it’s affectionately known by locals—is also home to “the world’s happiest animal”, the quokka, known for its smiling face and friendly demeanour. You’ve probably seen the grinning critters in selfies that have taken the internet by storm—back in June, K-pop star Lisa of Blackpink posted a photo with the adorable marsupial, receiving over 5 million ‘likes’ in less than 12 hours.

Tatler tip: Take the Rottnest Island journey to new heights with a private helicopter experience by Corsaire Aviation, which treats visitors to a birds-eye view of Western Australia’s sparkling coastline and the Perth CBD in the distance.

See also: 7 must-visit landmarks in cities near Tokyo for a quintessential Japanese experience

COMO The Treasury

Owned by Singaporean businesswoman and owner of COMO group, Christina Ong, COMO The Treasury was designed by late Australian architect, Kerry Hill, who transformed a cluster of Perth’s historic monuments—including a town hall, post office, land titles office and, of course, treasury—into this luxurious 48-suite hotel. 

Respecting the interior’s grandeur, elegant design elements including carved white columns and soaring ceilings have been retained, with cream and beige tones used to create a sense of softness throughout the property. Each suite features large windows, custom beds, and standalone bathtubs.

Its top-floor restaurant, Wildflower, puts Aboriginal ingredients centre stage with a farmer and forager-driven menu that revolves around the indigenous ethos of six seasons; Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang. With no start or end date to each season, the passing of each one is something that is felt by the Noongar people. Guided by nature, the creation of every dish at Wildflower celebrates local resources, from smoked kangaroo, marron with saltbush and native lime, or Shark Bay saucer scallops.

Crown Towers

Crown Towers is a beacon of luxury located on the southern side of Perth’s Swan River. Despite being just a ten-minute drive from the central business district, Crown Towers’ exceptional facilities make it appear and feel a world away; from the heated outdoor lagoon pool surrounded with palms and plush cabanas, including some that come with a private butler service, to a spectacular world-class spa modelled after classic Roman baths.

There are a total of 500 guest rooms, including a 1,097 square-foot palatial villa that is accessible by a private elevator.

The Crown complex is also home to some of the city’s most coveted restaurants, including Nobu and Rockpool Bar & Grill, and the elevated buffet experience at Epicurean, which features individual food stations and a glamorous dining room.

Tatler tip: Book a room with access to Crown Towers’ Crystal Club, a spacious private lounge located on the 15th floor. Here, guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, evening cocktails with canapés, VIP concierge services and an open terrace with panoramic views of the city.

To learn more about Intriq Journey’s curated experiences in Western Australia, including those shared in this article, visit intriqjourney.com or talk to our Travel Specialist at +65 6219 1359. 

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