Our great city may have a reputation for being laid back or even boring — OK, mostly to out-of-towners.
But there are plenty of weird and wacky things to try that you may have never considered. Here are 10 that’ll surely scare, educate and excite!
Scare yourself silly
Over the same boring date ideas?
Take a trip underground at Fremantle Prison, where you might just come in contact with spirits of the underworld. Travel on foot and water through a labyrinth of tunnels built 20m below the surface by hardened prisoners, or roam the halls where each wall tells a story, and may even whisper one in your ear.
“Underground adventures, entertaining prison tours by torchlight, prisoner art for sale — there are so many unique experiences available,” Fremantle Prison director Paula Nelson said.
Guides on the Torchlight Tour will plug into your senses after they’ve switched off the lights. Warning: Not for the faint-hearted.
Enjoy a miniature adventure
Once upon a time, there was a little town called Gnomesville, just over two hours’ drive from Perth in the Ferguson Valley.
This home for pint-sized gnomes now has a population of thousands, with human visitors often leaving their own red-hatted figures for others to enjoy. Easily covered in a day trip, why not maximise this mini outing with a picnic at Black Diamond Lake, near Collie, or Honeymoon Pool in Worsley.
Feel the buzz
Opening in 2010 as a sanctuary for bees and a honey showroom, The House of Honey in the Swan Valley is a must for all sweet tooths. It claims to house 50 million bees and offers safaris and bee-keeping workshops, where you’ll learn to cultivate a hive that thrives at home. With delicious treats and locally sourced knick-knacks, they’re putting the beeswax back in business.
Sharpen your skills
Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) draws inspiration from European martial arts dating back to the Renaissance in the 1300s.
Commonly referred to as historical fencing, HEMA employs a range of weapons with the goal of replicating combat scenarios as seen in medieval duels. The Ursa Major HEMA Academy offers training sessions in Wembley and North Beach, and is open to new participants keen to hone their battle craft in a safe environment.
Fall in love … fast!
You’d be forgiven for thinking the only way to find love these days is via dating apps. However, speed dating is still very much a viable option to ignite that spark.
Cityswoon offers dedicated nights to meet “the one” in person before you’ve had a chance to browse their online presence and even hosts a virtual experience for introverted romantics feeling more comfortable at home. Encounter Dating promotes trivia nights among other mixers for singles seeking that special connection.
Get stuffed
It’s not often you see a shark, T-Rex and flamingo in the same room.
The Academy of Taxidermy in Guildford is home to a world-class display of well-known and obscure species, exhibited in its Museum of Natural History. Housed in the heritage-listed former Regent Theatre, master taxidermist Michael Buzza’s menagerie of expertly reproduced creatures illustrates his 40-year dedication to the craft.
“We have about 30 dinosaurs, including two velociraptors, an allosaurus, a brontosaurus and a very big T-Rex with her babies, which attracts the kids,” Mr Buzza said.
“We also have real dinosaur poo and fossilised bones that are 250 million years old, from the Natural History Museum in London.
“There’s even a full model killer whale hanging from the ceiling and a life-sized tiger that was once in a circus. It’s a unique and fascinating place for young and old and a popular spot for still-life drawing. We’ve even had a few weddings here.”
Solve mysteries of the universe
You may not learn to split the atom, but at Scitech your biggest challenge will be dividing your time between a range of fun shows and exhibits for the whole family.
Discover how scientists search for life on other planets in the We Are Aliens tour, or step back in time to learn about dinosaurs at the Dino Shadows puppet theatre show. Hosting National Science Week activities on August 12-13 and 19-20, it’s time to put on your thinking cap!
Go long!
It’s not golf, it’s not Frisbee … it’s both? The highly underrated leisure sport of disc golf is played on a course similar to that of regular golf, but instead of clubs and a ball, players hurl a frisbee down the fairway towards a target — most commonly an elevated metal basket. With courses in Perth’s outer suburbs and beyond, Google your nearest facility and start stretching out that arm.
Spice up your workout
Ditch the dumbbells and treadmill for a more expressive full-body workout in the form of pole dancing.
Despite common misconception, this alternative to mainstream fitness can be enjoyed at all levels, with Bobbi’s Pole Studio in East Perth offering classes around the clock in a supportive environment.
Social media manager Taylor Clark said: “Lots of people associate pole dancing with seedy bars and nightclubs, but it is now a popular form of exercise.
Bobbi’s Pole Studio has been running classes for the last 18 years. With male and female students aged from 18 to 60-plus years of age, pole dancing is the perfect way to get the body of a stripper while working out in a supportive, inclusive environment.
“Our students love the benefits of pole dancing, which are making friends, stress relief, body confidence, empowerment and a massive endorphin kick while dancing to anything from rock to the latest hits. Bobbi’s Pole Studio offers classes seven days a week and is perfect for anyone brand new to dancing with no previous experience necessary.”
Another trend gaining popularity is burlesque dancing, which explores the world of illusion and allure. Attracting women keen to gain confidence and fun through exercise, Glamour Burlesque School Perth in Malaga teaches the classic art of the tease along with other vintage dance styles.
X marks the spot
Designed to bring the family together, the Great Valley Rally is a scavenger hunt adventure on four wheels through the Swan Valley. Begin your journey at the Swan Valley Visitor Centre in Guildford where you’ll be given a map and clue sheet to begin your three-hour treasure trawl.
Taking directions from Stirling the Swan, learn about the region’s historical landmarks, and don’t forget to claim your free gift and certificate right back where you started to truly mark the experience.
