Perth - Winter Escape

Where to go

If you find yourself located on the opposite side of the country to Splendour in the Grass this year, fear not! On the Bright Side brings some of the best Splendour acts over to Perth for an exciting mini festival. Catch Pulp, the Hives, Modest Mouse, the Kills, Warpaint, the Grates, James Blake and Tim and Jean. Supertop (Esplanade Park), Riverside Dr, Perth, WA 6000. Sat 23 Jul, $99.

Nobody does the Bard like Bell Shakespeare. Immerse yourself in the ultimate story of political betrayal in Ancient Rome in Julius Caesar. State Theatre Centre, 174-176 William St, Perth, WA 6000. (08 9484 1133). 17-20 Aug, $25-$65.

Opening up the premiere season at the State Theatre, the West Australian Ballet present Neon Lights, which includes the Australian premiere of Gary Stewart's The Centre and its Opposite, new works by Reed Luplau and David Jonathan, and the reprise of Jiri Kylian's Un Ballo. Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre, 174-176 William St, Perth, WA 6000. (08 9484 1133). 23-30 Jul, $48-$63.

Where to eat

The Rockpool Bar and Grill machine rolls into Perth, serving up the legendary wagyu burger with Zuni pickles as well as steaks and sides galore. Burswood Entertainment Complex, Burswood, WA 6100. (08 6252 1900).

Got a streak of do-gooder in you? Eat at the environmentally friendly Greenhouse, where you'll warm your soul as well as your belly. 100 St Georges Tce, Perth, WA 6000. (08 9481 8333).

Restaurant Amuse is your best bet for soils, foams and such, though their feet are still firmly on solid culinary ground. 64 Bronte St, East Perth, WA 6004. (08 9325 4900).

Where to drink

Deville's Pad is a little like a tiki den in hell. Order one of the cocktails to share, served in one of the many outrageous-looking vessels they have on display. u1/3 Aberdeen St, Perth, WA 6000. (08 9225 6669).

Big fan of vodka lime and sodas, or just enjoy the kind of bartending where they actually bother to find out your name? Mint Nightclub is your medicine. 78 James St, Northbridge, WA 6003. (08 9226 0322).

Helvetica is your classic laneway bar - impossible to find, but worth the journey once you sniff it out. Classics and new favourites appear on the drinks menu here. 101 St Georges Tce, Perth, WA 6000. (08 9321 4422).

Where to stay

Perth hasn't had the accommodation the east coast has, but a few cool dens have opened here are there in recent years, including the city's only boutique hotel, The Richardson. Boasting 74 rooms and suites over eight floors, the Richardson is all about plush furnishings, contemporary décor and rich golden textures. Most rooms in the five-star hotel have a private balcony and the property also boasts one of the best spas in town. 32 Richardson St, West Perth, WA 6005. (08 9217 8888).

On the four-star level, Time Out recommends bedding down at the Citigate Perth, close to the Northbridge entertainment precinct and Kings Park. 707 Wellington St, Perth, WA 6000. (08 9327 7000).

How to get there

Virgin Australia flies several times daily from Sydney to Perth, including some services on the airline's new Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft. The A330s feature a revamped economy class product and for the first time, Business Class. On board, guests can expect an excellent choice of in-flight entertainment and great fare from Sydney chef Luke Mangan.

For more information go to Amex Velocity.