My friend Steven, whom I’d known from college, had settled south of Perth and knowing him I could see why he enjoyed peaceful Perth amd suggested to visit Perth in 1 day. I began to regret coming here to work thinking I’d be bored very quickly since there aren’t that many things to do in Perth and having loved the hustle and bustle of Melbourne.
We arranged to meet up on a Sunday and he picked me up from the Cottesloe train station, a short 20 minute ride from Perth. I instantly saw a new side to Perth and why it attracts so many people. We drove down the main street and the cafes were packed with people enjoying a relaxed Sunday, couples out walking their dogs and kids playing. We parked the car and took a walk down to Cottesloe Beach and although I later found out that it is quieter than in the summer there were still surfers, swimmers and people snorkelling in the crystal blue clear waters, I couldn’t believe how stunning beautiful the place was.
After taking a walk along Cottesloe beach front we grabbed some food and sat on the grass to catch up and enjoy the sunset (Yes it does sound rather romantic, nice to see my friend however with a woman it would have been a pretty special moment!). It was amazing, especially since I’ve never watched the sun set over the water before. Perth is one of the few places in Australia where you can watch the sunset over the ocean.
Once the sun dipped below the horizon it was back to the main street for a nice relaxing drink. Steven took me to the fancy Cottesloe Beach Hotel, very busy and full of what seemed like professionals (stylish suits drinking champagne and the more expensive brands of beer) from the city enjoying a relaxing weekend. 13 dollars a pint is pricey even for Australia but then we were in an upmarket establishment so it was time to move on. We headed around the corner away from the main strip of cafes and restaurants and found a more reasonable priced beer.
Everyone was sitting outside in the beer garden, sharing laughs, dancing to relaxed tunes, and enjoying snacks. I wasn’t aware of the Aussies’ love for a Sunday session, but I was quickly hooked. The vibe was so inviting; it was the perfect way to unwind with a casual drink, enjoy cool tunes, and catch up with friends. I learned that this casual weekend ritual was all about slowing down, enjoying life, and making connections. It was refreshing to step away from the constant hustle that had become part of my routine.
As the evening wore on, I couldn’t help but admire the beautiful surroundings—people were relaxing under the stars, the sound of laughter filling the air, and the salty breeze offering a welcome respite. The friendly atmosphere of the beer garden encapsulated everything I loved about Australian culture: a laid-back lifestyle, appreciation for the outdoors, and a strong sense of community.
We eventually found ourselves in deep conversation, reminiscing about our college days, sharing stories of our adventures, and contemplating where life had taken us. Each anecdote was punctuated with hearty laughter, the kind that only comes from true friendship. It reminded me of the importance of nurturing these relationships, even when life gets busy.
As I walked back to the train station later that night, I reflected on how my initial skepticism about Perth had transformed into a genuine appreciation for its unique charm. It was a different pace of life, but one that was rich in beauty and connection. I vowed to return, not just for the stunning landscapes but for the warmth of the community and the joy of reconnecting with old friends. Cottesloe had captured my heart, and I left with a sense of peace and contentment that I hadn’t anticipated when I first arrived in Australia. I knew I’d be back, ready to embrace another Sunday session and all that this beautiful city had to offer.
I am currently in Australia blogging about my travels and sharing tips at My 30s Travel Blog. My first time backpacking, I love the experience and want to extend my trip to take in Asia.
