Kylie Radford’s Perth

The cosmopolitan capital gets a glowing report from this fashion designer. As told to Jessica Irvine.

When Kylie Radford, the designer behind Australian fashion label Morrison, first moved to Perth from Tasmania in the 1990s, she was struck by its relaxed, down-to earth feel. “It was kind of like a big country town,” she says. These days, she loves the cosmopolitan vibe of the city and its environs; there’s a swag of cool places where you can chill, dine and shop. Here are her favourites.

Best place to stay

Como The Treasury

“This hotel is unbelievable. It offers true luxury, is central to everything and has great restaurants. The attention to detail is just superb.” 1 Cathedral Avenue, Perth

SEE ALSO: Read our review on the Como The Treasury

Best for breakfast

Propeller

“At this quirky café-restaurant, there’s an outdoor eating area with a shipping container that serves as a kitchen and bar. I love their honey, sour cherry and tahini toasted muesli.” 222 Queen Victoria Street, North Fremantle

Best for coffee

Ootong & Lincoln

“Every morning I come here for a Prana Chai then I grab a coffee in the afternoon. It used to be an antiques store and the walls and ceiling are adorned with cool vintage pieces, including old phones and a large collection of bikes and trikes.” 258 South Terrace, South Fremantle; ootongandlincoln.com.au

Best restaurants

Bread in Common and Ruocco’s

“I’ve been to Bread in Common many times. I recently went for lunch and had the lamb ribs with lime, mint, black garlic and sherry, which was really good. And the bread – all baked on site – is wonderful. Once a week, I take my kids to Ruocco’s, a traditional Italian restaurant that’s perfect for families.” Bread in Common, 43 Pakenham Street, Fremantle; Ruocco's, 217 South Terrace, South Fremantle

Best for cocktails

Strange Company

“This place has a great mix of people and is really chilled. Not so long ago, I came here with some girlfriends and had an amazing cocktail, called Airmail, made from rum, lemon, spiced honey and bubbles. And the share plate of broccoli fritters with mint chutney was delicious. 5 Nairn Street, Fremantle; strangecompany.com.au

Where to Eat in Perth on a Weekend Getaway

Best place to refuel

Fremantle Markets

“The fresh produce from local growers is fantastic at this market. While you’re here, make sure you check out Levi’s Doughnuts; you can have plain sugar, blackberry jam or chocolate-filled ones. Corner of South Terrace and Henderson Street, Fremantle

Best designer shopping

Dilettante and Cult Status

“Dilettante is my go-to for brands like Acne Studios, Ann Demeulemeester, Comme des Garçons and Maison Margiela. And for designer accessories, Cult Status is where you’ll find Balenciaga, YSL and more.” Dilettante, 4 Bayview Terrace, Claremont; Cult Status, 66 King Street, Perth

Best for children

Rottnest Island

“Kids can run free on ‘Rotto’. When we visit, we get a little chalet and give the kids some pocket money and they’re gone. The beaches are safe, there’s a pub that serves great meals and you can catch a shuttle bus around the island, jump off and go snorkelling.” 66 King Street, Perth