Hey guys,Just wanted to share a few or my favourite (mostly free) places to keep fit and active in my own home town.
I may be biased but Perth- Wow. What a beautiful place to live.
We don't have the best of everything, GOOD LUCK trying to find something to do past 9pm on a school night. However when it comes to the fit and healthy life we really are spoiled for choice. Amazing weather, people, beaches, great places to eat out, and improving infrastructure with plenty of parks, bike trails and places to socialise and 'throw a shrimp on the Barbie', there is an abundance of opportunities to get out and be active *So no excuses to be lazy and sit indoors!
Why Visit?
Perth is the sunniest capital in Australia, with mild winters and hot dry summers (Perfect for hitting the beach, maintaining a tan and of course keeping active outdoors). We have some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches you'll ever see, but don't be fooled that Indian Ocean is FREEZING most of the year. Fortunately because of our sunny days and clear blue skies Perth is a great place to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. If you drive down the coast on the weekend you'll see dozens of people out running, walking their dogs or cycling with their families and friends. The same goes for our many parks (i.e. South Perth foreshore, Kings Park, Hyde Park) with people out playing, exercising and spending quality time with loved ones. There is a massive ever-growing culture of healthy eating, and you'll get some fantastic barista made Coffee from Perth's wide selection of beautiful cafe's and health food stores popping up on a near daily basis.
Summer Months (December-February) are hot with little rainfall range from about 17-30*C degrees celsius with warm sunny days and cooler nights. Don't be fooled we get some chilly winds coming off the coast like the Fremantle Doctor so take a cardigan with you. Winter (June-August) is relatively moderate with temperatures ranging from 8-19*C with occasional storms and rainfall. The rest of the year is relatively warm and sunny with the occasional shower.
The best time to visit? Any time- depending on how well you handle the heat. If you're not down for some hot and sweaty days then maybe avoid the hotter months of the year.
Some Of My Favourite (Mostly Free) Fitness Activities In Perth
Jacobs Ladder
Head to the intersection of Cliff & Mount Streets in West Perth and you'll always see plenty of sweaty people knocking down water after running up and down the 242 stairs of jacobs ladders 'Stairway to Heaven'. Ladies you'll often be lucky enough to see some really sexy shirt-less guys parading up and down. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city and have a casual walk up Mount Eliza, or hit the stairs hard for a more serious workout (see attached). Enjoy a healthy feast or a coconut Latte at the Health Freak Cafe down the bottom afterwards and stretch your poor calves.
Kokoda Track
The Kokoda track is a memorial walk and a tribute to Aussie troops who fought in Papua New Guinea. Want an extra challenge? Take the Kokoda/ Jacobs loop- run from Jacobs (down 242 stairs) along Mounts Bay Road and up the 150 steep steps of the Kokoda track, through Kings Park and back to Jacobs. You'll get to enjoy the beautiful views of the Park, Swan River and Perth City (My fave view of Perth).
Kings Park
A beautiful 4.06km squared park and botanical gardens situated in West Perth. Boasts (in my opinion) the best views of the city, beautifully manicured lawns, gardens and plenty of places to play for kids and adults alike. Kings Park is a great place to go for a run/ ride/ take the family or head there with a workout plan or a friend and get sweat. Check out this link if you want to find out more about the park and its trails
If you want more walking and jogging tracks of Perth check out this awesome Guide which shows just how healthy and active Perth is becoming.
Todays Jacobs Workout:
Rottnest Island (Not Free unfortunately- unless you can manage to make friends with someone who owns a boat!)
Is a touristy MUST but comes at a cost with the average return ferry trip and island entry approx. $50/ child and $80/ adult. Bike hire approx. $30/day. Bus Tours of the island cost from $30. However, walking around the beautiful island is FREE.Rottnest Island is a 25m ferry ride off the coast of Fremantle (90m from Perth & 45m from Hillaries Boat Harbour) with its idyllic beaches and the 'Happiest animals on the planet' you will not be disappointed if you pop over to visit for a day of waking/ cycling around the island and taking a dip in its beautiful clear beaches. Check out the Rottnest website for more info.
If you're a crazy person/ swimming enthusiast the Rotto Swim might interest you!
Once a year the craziest people in perth embark on the 19.7km Rottnest channel swim braving the fierce waves, and shark-filled waters swimming from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest island to get there and have a bevy at the Hotel Rottnest...Worth it?! I'll never swim it so I can't say- what an achievement though.
The Quokka:
An Irresistibly adorable & happy looking marsupial native to Rottnest Island.
<- With Quokka Selfie's apparently being the 'Cutest Trend in Australia Right Now' according to bored panda .comWest Coast Highway
Grab your bike or put on your joggers and take a cruise down this spectacular coastal track from Scarborough to Hillaries (approx 7.6km's) with a decent path for cyclists and walkers and the most amazing views of the coast line with little cafe's along the way its always a great way to start the day.Surfing & Stand Up Paddleboarding
Perth has amazing beaches and the conditions are pretty sweet for surfing. Personally, i'm too scared of sharks to brave the waters but if its your cup of tea head on down with your surf board and get in there. If you're too chicken like me than you can take what feels like the 'safer' option and stay above the water by hiring a stand up paddle board in places like Point Walter and work your core paddling around the river. Check out Elemental if you're interested in lessons/ hire.
For a laugh & tips on how to avoid shark attacks in Perth check out this typical yobbo YouTube Clip but ignore tip #5 thats a bit cray...
Perth is such a beautiful place to live, and a fantastic destination definitely worth a visit. Whether you are a local or just looking for some fitness/ touristy outdoor activities hopefully these might inspire you :) Feel free to comment and share more of your favourite places to checkout and workout.
Until next time, Catch ya later Mates xxx
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