1st March 2020 – City of Perth News
For Steve Wellard, the old saying rings true: there’s no place like home.
As chairperson of neighbourhood group West Perth Local, Steve is actively involved and passionate about his community, making him the perfect local guide for a day out in West Perth.
Growing up in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales and relocating to Perth, the regional supply chain manager and ocean swimmer is no stranger to travel but always enjoys returning to WA.
“Perth has been home for over 20 years now and I love the great lifestyle on offer here in the West. I’ve had the opportunity to travel to many countries and cities but it’s always great to come back to Perth as my home base,” Steve said.
“I first moved to West Perth in 2010 when my work moved to St Georges Terrace. My partner and I chose to buy in West Perth as we were attracted to the idea of walking everywhere, the wide leafy streets, great cafes and grand historic homes. We really like how vibrant West Perth is during the working day and how close it is to everything.”
Sharing his pick of local places to check out, Steve said hidden gem Pony Express O was a ‘go-to’ spot for morning coffee, unwittingly tucked away in the stables of an historic West Perth manor house. The quirky laneway café, which is nestled on Mayfair Street, also backs onto another of Steve’s favourite places and a staple for baked goods since 1979; Joe’s Bakery.
A slice of local history, the family-run business has been operating for more than 40 years, specialising in freshly baked pies, pastries, sausage rolls, bread and cakes. It’s the perfect place to call in for a sweet snack or grab a delicious pre-made lunch to go.
With a coffee and delectable pastry in-hand, next on the bucket list is a stroll through one of the area’s idyllic green spaces.
Although Kings Park topped his list, Steve said there were other beautiful spaces nestled away in corners of West Perth.
“Totterdell Park is a great place to bring the kids or your dogs to play and Harold Boas Gardens is worth visiting for the duck ponds. But my all-time favourite place is the lawn at the Old Perth Observatory where you can sit on the lush grass, relax with a glass of WA’s best and watch the city view as the sunset reflects off the buildings.”
Recently added to this list of places to recline and watch the world go by is a brand new parklet installed at Colin and Mayfair Streets.
Inspired by ‘Bee Scene’ – a West Perth Local and WA Loves Nature initiative – the parklet’s seating emulates honeycomb, while flowering plants have been used to support the native bee population.
Steve said it had been creating a buzz around the town already.
“We are very thankful for the City in creating a great piece of street art that blends in perfectly with our West Perth Bee Scene.”
Of course, if outdoor spaces aren’t your bread and butter, West Perth boasts an eclectic mix of local businesses and restaurants too, paving the way for bespoke retail and dining discoveries throughout the afternoon and into the night.
Steve recommended gift store Cavania and café The Jaffle Shack as a pair worth visiting along Hay Street, offering the perfect combination of coffee, food and beautiful homewares.
For visitors seeking a bite or beverage to end the day, our guide’s top evening picks were Perugino for its fine Italian food and Mayfair Lane for its award winning wine list and fun gin making classes.
“Gangemi is also a favourite of mine for its great selection of fine wines, spirits and free tastings or Bar Bizu for a casual beer and burger,” Steve said.
With these and so many more pockets of pleasure to discover, from leafy parks to heritage homes, quaint cafes and boutique bars and restaurants, West Perth is perhaps a destination best discovered on foot.
“We are a nice friendly bunch of residents and business owners so please take time to stop, say hello and try some West Perth specialties,” Steve said.
Discover more to see and do in West Perth at visitperth.com.au
Original Source: City of Perth News – Bunuru 2020