A 60-second guide to doing summer in Perth right

Here’s how you can do summer differently in Perth.

Doused in vitamin D, Perth stands out for its jumping population, countless new openings and vibing energy that spikes over summer.

Sun-kissed sandgropers (West Australians, that is) party in December, recover in January and stay off the clock, it seems, until February. Beachside saunas are trending, joining rooftop bars, Rottnest Island and sunsets over the ocean as WA favourites.

Taste a Perth summer at these restaurants and bars…

By day, order tuna tostadas overlooking Cottesloe Beach at Indigo Oscar, or sip a Single Fin at Gage Roads Brew Co in quayside Fremantle.

Enjoy oceanside dining at Cottesloe. (Image: Tourism Australia)

After dark, step into the Art Gallery of WA’s speakeasy for the Time*Rone exhibition (open until February) then flit between Edward and Ida’s cocktail den, woodfired eatery Fallow and Margot’s martini bar in Northbridge.

Time*Rone is a multi-sensory art installation. (Image: Rift Photography)

Hit snooze at these Perth stays…

White market umbrellas, light strings and rooftops views await those at The National Hotel in central Fremantle. It’s one of some 45 hotels to open in Perth over the past decade.

Pop into The Adnate Perth Art Series hotel. (Image: Lucas Allen/Accor Hotels)

Another newcomer in that time, The Adnate Perth – Art Series, has a party vibes pool, while the globe’s 100th Ritz-Carlton faces the Swan River.

Plunge into The Ritz-Carlton Perth infinity pool overlooking the river. (Image: Christopher Cypert)

Crown Towers rocks a resort holiday feel, while Wonil Hotel Perth perches on a peaceful riverbank.

Perch next to the Adnate’s pool. (Image: Lucas Allen/Accor Hotels)

Perth’s summer to-do list…

Join Cold Nips for a 5.45am ocean dip on Wednesdays, in the community movement’s birthplace: Perth. Fringe World fires up 17 January – 16 February, alongside Australia’s longest-running cultural fest, Perth Festival (7 February – 1 March).

Hit the Summer x Salt Saturday lifestyle markets for free ice baths and meditations, or hire an e-scooter for the 14-kilometre Sunset Coast ride.

Our hot tip: It’s not called the Wild West for nothing. Splash down in the lee of skyscrapers with Swan River Seaplanes over summer, then sail a Funcats catamaran nearby.

Zipline from Matagarup Bridge or lean over Optus Stadium’s roof, from 42 metres high. The final thrill? Don a Santa hat and head to the beach early on Christmas Day – a beloved Perth tradition.

Climb and zipline on Matagarup Bridge. (Image: Tourism Australia/Osprey Creative)