Holiday down under
Globe Asia | May 08, 2011

The city of Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is a relaxing but active city to explore in those spare hours during a business trip or when you’re spending a few days on holiday with family or friends. One of the best ways to see the city and enjoy the outdoors is a bicycle ride alongside the giant snake-shaped Swan River. 

Setting out from the suburb of Burswood or from the city center, you are guaranteed a peaceful and rewarding ride towards the classic old port town of Fremantle. Once at Free-o, as it’s known to the locals, take a break and enjoy lunch, perhaps a spread of Australia’s famous fish and chips. For early birds there is a smorgasbord of al-fresco dining at a host of cafés along the cappuccino strip, many owned by Australians of Italian descent, where you can luxuriate in Australia’s current wave of coffee-worship. 

Alternatively, after a long day shopping at the Westfield Carousel shopping center and on the way back to your hotel in the city or Burswood area, stop in at Victoria Park where you can choose a rich variety of Asian, modern Australian or Italian food. Here you will also find the V Burger Bar, famous amongst locals and nominated as one of the top-five burger joints in the Good Food Guide 2011 published by a local newspaper, The West Australian. 

Incidentally, the V Burger Bar is proudly owned and run by a group of passionate young Indonesians who live and work in Perth. Right next door, for those who miss home cooking while holidaying in Perth, there is the halal bakmie ayam or sate ayam at Bintang Café, owned by a migrant to Australia from Madura. You’ll find both these dining spots on the Albany highway at East Victoria Park. You can also check online at www.vburgerbar.com.au.

Finer dining

Perth offers plenty to satisfy sophisticated wine and fine dining lovers who are looking for a lifestyle vacation. They will be thrilled to explore the hidden gem of the Margaret  River wine-producing region, a smooth three-hour drive south of Perth. There, you will   find a wide selection of great wines and fine dining establishments situated among bountiful vineyards, with a range of award-winning gourmet dining experiences.

Getting around Perth can be achieved by public transport, but for longer trips you will  need to hire a car, whether it be a sports utility vehicle or a seven-seat van for all the family and friends. Like Indonesia, Australians drive on the right and of course you will need a valid driving license to drive in Western Australia.

After seeing the best of what Western Australia has to offer, you might consider spending an extended period of time in the city, or spot an opportunity to do business. To find out more about Perth and on property, financing, trade and investment opportunities, everything you need to know can be found at the Australia Indonesia Tourism, Trade & Investment Association’s website, at www.aittia.  org.au. AITTIA is a non-profit organization.            

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