The western suburbs — also known as the Golden Triangle — are known for riverfront mansions, private schools, and its proximity to the ocean. Perth’s most affluent area is also home to some of the city’s best restaurants, cafés, beaches, and shops, so whether you’re a local or not, it’s no surprise the Golden Triangle is a hot day trip destination.
Here’s our guide to what to do and where to eat and drink along the way.
Day Trip Itinerary
From browsing local boutiques and seaside exploration to café pit stops and wine bar happy hour, there are so many ways to while away the hours in Perth’s most opulent suburbs. And it’s safe to say you’ll be coming back to try them all.
9:00 am: Coffee and breakfast at Daisies
Start your Golden Triangle day trip in Cottesloe, one of the best spots for laid-back, beachy vibes, and unbeatable coastal views. Here you can get your morning fix at local favourite Daisies, while you soak up the sunshine under the pine trees. This place has evolved from humble origins as a corner delicatessen to one of Perth’s favourite corner cafés, and for good reason. Expect all things baked goods, burgers, and their famed smashed avocado toast with feta and chilli dukkah.
10:30 am: Check out the local boutiques
Cottesloe and the surrounding areas are dotted with gorgeous boutiques aplenty. So if you’re partial to a little retail therapy, Merchants Homewares and Ginger Owl in Swanbourne are well worth checking out. Not to mention the designer clothing, jewellery, and giftware stores in Cottesloe Village.
1:00 pm: Grab a takeaway lunch from North Street Store
If you’re feeling peckish, head to Cottesloe icon, North Street Store to grab a takeaway lunch. These guys are known for their Instagram-famous cinnamon scrolls that well and truly live up to the hype. You’ll obviously have to grab one of those, and maybe a cheeky continental roll while you’re at it. The team also makes a mean cup of coffee, so if you’re in need of round two, we give you permission to indulge.
1:30 pm: Picnic lunch at Cottesloe Beach
There aren’t many things more synonymous with the West Australian lifestyle than a picnic at the postcard-perfect Cottesloe Beach. Ferry your North Street Store goods down to the coast, pick a spot on the grass or sand and indulge.
2:00 pm: Grab a beachside ice cream
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
If you’re in the mood for a cold treat, stop by Gelato Bar for an ice cream. Nestled directly across from Cottesloe Beach, the place is no stranger to long lines down the street.
3:00 pm: Happy hour at Pep’s Wine Bar
It’s 5:00 pm somewhere, right? Head to Pep’s Wine Bar for a happy hour vino or two. Perched in Peppermint Grove, this small 100-person neighbourhood wine bar is the product of a decade-old dream.
The atmosphere is charming and relaxed, complete with exposed brick and timber finishes, while the impressive — approximately 160-bottle — wine list is dominated by Australian labels which pair eloquently with the plates of antipasti on rotation. You can thank Sal’s Pasta Deli for lip-smacking Italian eats in the form of cheese, salumi, and olives. Plus, on Sundays, Pep’s has live music from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm. We can guarantee you’ll have no complaints.
6:00 pm: Dinner at Canteen Pizza
In its brand-new riverside Applecross home, Canteen well and truly lives up to its promise of pizza, wine, and a real good time. The bustling pizzeria has become a staple in the Italian food scene for its literally-perfect wood-fired pizzas and cruisy Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere. The foodie hotspot is warm and inviting with a neutral palette, cosy booths, and an alfresco setting peppered with umbrellas.
Drink-wise, you’re covered, too — the wine list is extensive, while the aperitifs don’t disappoint. There’s no better place to stop for dinner as you salute a day trip well spent in the Golden Triangle.
