Hit the beach, stroll through the treetops, then sleep in a prison…Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Perth

THIS foodie haven on Australia’s stunning west coast may be closer to Singapore than Sydney, but it’s definitely worth a stop-off.

Expect beach-side neighbourhoods, a buzzing waterfront and beautiful open parks from the country’s third largest city. 

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Hit the treetops

Not quite as dizzying as Sydney Harbour Bridge, but just as thrilling, is a tiptoe among the tops of eucalyptus trees in Kings Park.

Take the free for a bird’s-eye view of cockatoos.

Or catch the ferry to car-free 40 minutes away – tickets cost £35 return.

Hire a bike for £18 and cycle around the rugged coastline.

Then take a to spot dolphins, from £16.

Visit Swan Valley

Check out the city’s street-art scene with a £28 that includes a gallery visit and free drink, then hit The museum to battle it out on retro games consoles, entry £10.

Half an hour north-east lies Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region.

Indulge in tastings at the , £15, then tuck into The Big Board, £40 – an epic spread of ham, cheese and olives at artisan shop .

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Soak up the sea air

Perth boasts an impressive 19 beaches.

Stroll along the white sands of Cottesloe Beach, which hosts a Sculptures By The Sea festival every March, then head to for a huge seafood platter for two on the Fremantle shore, £45.

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Scoff burger spring rolls

Housed in a restored Victorian building, does creative pub grub.

Try the bao buns, £7, and cheeseburger spring rolls, £8.50.

makes the best pizzas in town – go for the roast pork, £15.60.

Feeling fancy?

Book a table at , celeb chef David Thompson’s Asian-inspired urban restaurant, and order the pad Thai, £21.

Food perfection.

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Sip at secret bars

At bar, shelves are laden with all manner of alcoholic botanical blends, plus there’s Tanqueray gin and tonic on tap, £7.

Next, pop over to Laundry & Noodle Bar for a delicious lychee mojito bubble tea, £7.

Then hit Sneaky Tony’s bar – whisper the password supplied at Facebook.com/sneakytonys to sip rum cocktails into the wee hours.

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Sleep in a prison

Beds at YHA are housed in the cells of an old Victorian women’s prison.

cost from £16 a night, while private doubles are £69.

Take a torchlight tour of the men’s prison next door, £16.

Or try stylish , where rooms are made from sea containers.

Doubles cost £130. to Perth cost from £506 return.