Megan Gale shares her top WA travel tips

The model, actress, brand ambassador, businesswoman and philanthropist on her secret spots to swim, shop, eat and stay and her favourite place in Perth to take her family while on holiday.

As a child, our family holidays were always to…

The south-west, mainly Bunbury. We stayed at the Bunbury Village caravan park, which was a heap of fun and also Lighthouse Beach Resort (now the Quality Lighthouse Hotel), which was on the beach. Busselton was also a popular spot to visit. One of my earliest holiday memories is visiting Busselton Jetty, which happens to be the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere.

Have a relaxing beach day at Cottesloe Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Now, if I have time for a short break back in WA, I head straight to…

See my family. If I am only in town for a short spell, my priority is to spend as much time as possible with family and loved ones. As recent times have taught us, with the way the world is, we don’t know when we will ever be prevented from seeing our loved ones, so taking the time while you can has never been more important.

My local’s tip for visitors to my birthplace of Perth is…

To have a swim at Cottesloe Beach, a picnic in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, a stroll around Fremantle Markets and a trip over to Rottnest Island.

Fremantle Markets, WA — Strolling in Fremantle Markets is a must!

My favourite place to dine in WA is…

Bib & Tucker. The setting, the food, the service are all fantastic. My favourite dishes are the fish tacos, and the pumpkin gnocchi. The banoffee bombe Alaska for dessert is a must!

My favourite place to stay in WA is…

Crown Perth is exceptional. There are three hotels to choose from for your accommodation and an array of dining options and pools for the kids to play in. Also, it’s within close proximity to the city.

Crown Perth Aerial shot — Crown Perth is Megan Gale’s favourite place to stay in Perth.

I try to travel more consciously by…

Supporting local businesses, eating local produce and packing light. I make time to be with loved ones, while ensuring I take little moments for myself and try to be mindful of my health, wellbeing and fitness.

When I’m on the road, I’m listening to…

Such a variety of music, it’s crazy. I’ve always had mixed tastes when it comes to music – I love everything from rock to R’n’B, hip-hop music to 1970s’ funk, and chill-out tunes. I’ve created some pretty cool playlists over the years.

My last holiday read was…

Blood, Sweat & Chrome: The Wild and True Story of Mad Max: Fury Road by Kyle Buchanan. A while back, I contributed several short passages in the book, as did most of the cast and crew of Fury Road, and I acquired a copy of the book just before my last trip away. It was good to see different perspectives of the individuals involved in this epic production.

Blood Sweat and Chrome: Mad Max Fury Road Book Cover — “It was good to see different perspectives of the individuals involved in this epic production."

My travel wardrobe always consists of…

Lots of layers. The weather can be so unpredictable these days, so I take different items that I can mix and match. As I get older I tend to travel with less clothes as the kids like to take a lot of stuff!

My carry-on is usually filled with…

Apple AirPods, my phone, a book, my wallet, snacks if I’m with the kids, and a few key beauty essentials to freshen up before landing.

My souvenir of choice is…

On my last trip I bought some beautiful hand-crafted sandalwood beads made from sustainably farmed wood sourced from Kununurra. They were from Heartwood Natural Harmony in Cottesloe.

Busselton Jetty, WA — Busselton Jetty which happens to be the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere.

My ultimate ‘best mum in the world’ tip is…

Taking the kids to Adventure World. I used to love going there as a kid and on our last visit we took them there and they had a ball.

The one place in WA that I want to visit is…

The Ningaloo Coast; I’d love to swim with the whale sharks and manta rays and see the humpback whales. I think it would be an incredible experience and it’s definitely on my bucket list.

Blend the addictive energy of dance, creative cinematic movies, captivating theatre, and energising music during Perth Festival.

Perth Festival has extraordinary roots. Born as a summer community experiment back in 1953, the brainchild of Professor Fred Alexander, it’s now Australia’s longest-running international art-based festival. From its first event at University of Western Australia, it now spans across Noongar Boodjar country (Perth City) bringing worldclass performances into the hearts of ardent festivalgoers. Hundreds of curtain calls, including numerous free events, are set to linger and leave a lasting impression on those who seek thrills that fill life’s in-between spaces. Featuring unmissable highlights from 6^th February to 1^st March, we’ve done the legwork for you – here’s what’s on, and where:

1. East Perth Power Station

East Perth Power Station during Perth Festival — See East Perth Power Station come alive. (Image: Jessica Wyld Photography)

Abandoned, run-down and shutdown in 1981, East Perth Power Station , located on the banks of the stunning Swan River, was reinvented in 2025 as an entertainment venue for the Perth Festival. Pack a picnic, bring the family and kick back under paperbark trees at Casa Musica – a free event featuring a melting pot of world-class musicians from Australian shores and around the globe. The diversity will have you bopping until the final encore.

A decade after David Bowie’s passing, his powerful music lives on in the electrifying show, Rebel Rebel . Powerhouse vocalists join Perth Symphony Orchestra for one incredible night showcasing the singer-songwriter’s iconic hits. Illuminate your world through the eyes of First Nation Noongar artist, Lance Chadd Tjyllyungoo in a free event. His distinctive paintings and Dreamtime stories decorate the Power Station’s walls depicting spiritual beliefs. Or settle in to watch British indie pop singer-songwriter, Nilüfer Yanya .

2. St Mary’s Cathedral

Take in Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth. (Image: Anja Schutz)

Step into the lofty ceilings of Perth’s grandest cathedral, St Mary’s, and soak up choral harmonies. Dating back to 1865, the stained-glass reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper are a talking point, add talented maestros, and the stage is set to enthral.

The international line-up is impressive. Master Irish fiddler, Martin Hayes takes to the stage with exquisite lyrical compositions from his native land. Åkervinda , an award winning Swedish quartet, weave stories of love, loss, and resilience into harmonious Nordic folk songs. The USA Grammy Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth , break all the rules. Hear their voices echo through the arched vaulted ceilings.

3. Lotterywest Films

guests at Lotterywest Films as part of Perth Festival — Discover the Lotterywest Films program. (Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy)

One of the festivals longest-running favourites, Lotterywest Films run a rich tapestry of cinematic features showing until 29th of March. Pack a picnic, cushions, popcorn and pop a cork under a Somerville Pine Tree as the sun sets and screenings begin. Cinema lovers, choose your poison from thrillers, deep-dive documentaries, tearjerkers, raunchy rom-coms and side-splitting comedies. The program is fantastically full, the filmmakers the best in the business, and the outdoor setting, unequalled.

4. The Embassy

guests at The EMbassy as part of Perth Festival — Step into the old world glitz of The Embassy. (Image: Franz Bato)

Modelled on Perth’s historic Embassy Ballroom, a devilish dance venue that operated in the 1900s, The Embassy in Perth Town Hall , serves sophistication in its A-list shows. Set your sequins a’sparkle at the, What’s TINA Got to Do With It extravaganza where guest artists play tribute as they belt out the glitzy star’s hits. The returning act, Ali Bodycoat & The Embassy Big Band, will have you jiving as you take to the dance floor reimagining a bygone era. Who doesn’t like chocolate? Black-bearded drag sensation, La Gateau Chocolat puts the raw in cacao. World-renowned for his feisty range of storied songs, he reveals the inner-man come artist through his deliciously sweet and intimate act.

5. Unusual locations

still from The Trial theatre — Watch a star-studded cast in The Trial. (Image: Cole Baxter)

We’ve all heard of the hit show, The Office, but a spinetingling operatic thriller acted out in disused office space? Philip Glass’ nail-biter, The Trial , has a star-studded line-up. Together they deliver a dramatic ordeal showcasing Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton’s libretto; the suspense lingers after the final bow.

Sit back under starry skies and soak up dynamic dance at Ballet at the Quarry: Incandescence . Four exclusive classical and contemporary acts illuminate the amphitheatre’s stage as Perth City twinkles at nightfall. Mystery excites the mind. West Australian Opera returns again with another ‘secret opera’. Be led from an undisclosed meeting point and let the music lead to the secret.

6. A View From A Bridge

A View From A Bridge special event at Perth Festival — Share your innermost thoughts at A View From A Bridge.

Free, connecting strangers, and inclusive to everyone, artist, Joe Bloom’s collaborative project, A View From A Bridge has one prop – an old red telephone. Talk into the receiver , share thoughts, innermost feelings, memories, hopes and dreams as Bloom captures you from afar. The freedom to speak through the telephone movement has a worldwide following. A range of clips will be shown online.

What else to do in Perth

Shadow Wine Bar in perth — Taste the best of Perth at eateries like Shadow Wine Bar.

Endless blue skies crown Perth during February, making it the perfect time to explore Australia’s most western capital city. The city might be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to what’s on. Perth Cultural Centre houses the city’s art-scene venues: Western Australian Art Gallery, WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).

After exploring the city’s alleyways, hidden corners, and main hub, savour worldclass food in Perth’s vibrant eateries. Award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes can be found throughout; the leisurely eat-and-drink scene is literally mouthwatering, so book extra nights.

Start planing your 2026 trip to Perth Festival at perthfestival.com.au .

Megan Gale shares her top WA travel tips

The model, actress, brand ambassador, businesswoman and philanthropist on her secret spots to swim, shop, eat and stay and her favourite place in Perth to take her family while on holiday.

Hunt for some of Australia’s best truffles on this dog-led adventure in WA

This magical outback feast is hidden amid boab trees and red cliffs

What it’s like to stay at Fremantle’s first 5-star hotel

Expect humpbacks and striking landscapes on this WA expedition cruise

Theatre, art and music: Our top picks from this year’s Perth Festival lineup