WARNING: If you’re of a nervous disposition I’d advise against watching this video.

It still makes me wince every time I see myself clambering out the tiny door and putting my foot on the wheel step. You’ll see what I mean….

If you’ve just jumped out of a light aircraft over Perth, you’re probably in need of a stiff drink (I most certainly was). Here’re some great bars to get that much needed thirst quencher after plummeting to Earth from 50,000 feet.

The Mechanics Institute: Great bar in the heart of Perth’s Cultural Centre, with a wicked view of the city from their rooftop beer garden. A constantly changing cocktail menu ensures there’s something for everyone…although I still always go for a Hillbilly Bob’s Ruckus Juice and a burger from their kitchen downstairs. Winners of the 2013 Small Bar Of The Year Award. Well done chaps!

El Publico: Modern Mexican kitchen and bar on Beaufort Street with Australia’s best new culinary chef Sam Ward at the helm. Not only do they serve great and extremely interesting plates of food straight from the streets of Mexico, they’ve got an extensive tequila and mezcal menu. If I remember rightly last time I was there I had mezcal ice pops with sea salt and something else….but I can’t remember rightly because I had mezcal ice pops.

Stables Bar: No horses here anymore, no Sir. There used to be mind you, loads of them too as The Stables Bar in the CBD was originally one of Perth’s historic equine retreats. Now it’s split over two levels, an outside bar with panoramic views of the city skyline up top, and a cobbled courtyard and bar down below. The food menu is a take on modern Australian dining, but most importantly of all they serve a great pint of Guinness.

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I love Perth. I’ve been here just over four months now, and ever since we arrived we’ve been greeted with such warmth and made to feel at home.

And that’s just the thing folks, I really DO feel at home!

Perth is a big vibrant city with a great community feel. It’s Australias sunniest capital city with over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, 19 beaches, loads of great bars and restaurants, is a really easy place to live and extremely family friendly. I’ll have been here for six months when my Taste Mastering contract expires in February, but if you’ve only got a couple of days, here’re some top tips.

The Early Bird: Get up with the sunrise and go for a run, bike ride or canoe along the Swan River. Perth is such a great place first thing in the morning, with people of all ages out and about exercising in the numerous parks and open spaces. They’ve got the weather so enjoy the outdoors lifestyle.

Breakfast: After all that exercise you’re gonna need a hearty brekkie. There are so many great spots for breakfast in the city and more and more are popping up every week. My favourite is Uncle Joe’s Mess Hall on King Street, a retro barbers and café rolled into one. Treat yourself to a cold drip coffee whilst waiting for a haircut.

Hit The Beach: The only decision is, which one?! Perth has 19 beaches to choose from. The perfect spot for a swim, surf and snorkel is Cottesloe, but then you’ve got the historic seaside town of Scarborough with its impressive surf breaks. Fancy a spot of beach fishing? Then head to the clean, quiet waters of Floreat and City Beach, or for a day out with the kids relax in the calm waters of Mettam’s Pool. The list goes on….

Great Spaces: Kings Park is one of the largest inner city parks in the world with fantastic views overlooking Perth City and the Swan River. Take a free guided tour through the Botanic Gardens, connect with nature with over 3,000 species of the State’s unique flora, walk amongst the tree-tops on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, or do as I do and have a sausage sizzle on one of the free gas BBQs around the park.

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Today I’ve been making the most of the various different types of transportation that can be utilised in Perth and the surrounding area.

Just like that film with John Candy and Steve Martin.

My day started off on foot (1) as I made my way to catch up with the Amateur Gourmet (remember him from previous posts?) We then took a car (2) to Jandakot Airport for our helicopter ride (3) across to Rottnest Island….

…where we picked up our pushbikes (4) for a bit of an explore before boarding the Rottnest Express speed boat (5) to see some dolphins, seals and whales (could’ve been number 6, but weren’t allowed to ride them)…

…before eventually returning back to Perth with Captain Cook Cruises (6, there we go)

Oh yeah! Then I got the bus home. (7)

Rottnest Island is an extremely popular holiday destination and is Western Australias very own island getaway. It’s a leisurely 30 minute ferry ride from Fremantle (or 15 minutes by chopper if you’re lucky) and is a strict car free zone.

…So let’s go pick up our bikes from the 2013 WA Tourism Award Gold Medal winners in the Specialised Tourism Services category, Rottnest Island Bike and Hire and have a look about!

I’ve had some amazing food experiences on my Taste Master journey, but what awaited us at one of Rottnests 63 pristine beaches was quite possibly my favourite lunch so far. Chef Anthony Bearman from the Rottnest Lodge was in charge and he cooked up a fantastic feast of local seafood which was perfect.

For a start, just look at the setting.

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