Business Travel Guide to Perth

To know what a city really has to offer, local insider knowledge is key. From the best area to stay in, the perfect spot for a business lunch to Perth’s hidden gems, CTM’s newly appointed General Manager for Western Australia and Northern Territory, Jonathan Nelson has all the tips and tricks.

What makes Perth a great place to conduct business? 

Aside from the beautiful riverside aspect, Perth is a great place to quickly build a professional network. Due to the smaller size of the market and the friendly nature of the people, it is easier to forge relationships and make connections with the locals. Invariably the people you do business with will know other people in your network, which helps to break the ice at a meeting and tends to be very enabling. But if you still don’t know anyone… just talk about the footy!

Which is the best area in Perth to stay in when travelling for business, and why?

With so many new hotels opening in Perth lately, there is a great variety of accommodation options available across the board. We recommend any hotel in the area bordered by Victoria Avenue, Wellington Street and Riverside Drive, including Mecure Perth, Adina Apartment Hotel, QT Perth, InterContinental Perth City Centre and the Holiday Inn Perth City Centre. All hotels in this area are within walking distance of the Central Business District’s busiest districts.

Best places to conduct a working lunch/dinner in Perth?

For lunch, take a trip out to Fraser’s Restaurant situated atop Kings Park. This is a superb working lunch venue with a quiet atmosphere and great views overlooking Perth City and the Swan River. It is easily accessible from the Perth CBD via the free bus service or a quick taxi (approx. $10).

In the evening, Perugino Restaurant in West Perth is highly recommended as a dinner venue. It has been an institution for the past 33 years, serving some of the best Italian cuisines you will find. You are also likely to meet its vivacious owner and head chef – Giuseppe, who loves to introduce himself to guests and share stories of his notable guests, including The Rolling Stones and royalty!

What is the best way to get from the airport to Perth? 

Until the train line is completed in 2020, it is currently best to get a taxi or Uber. This trip takes 20 minutes or less to get from the airport to the CBD and costs approx. $30. Once the train line is open, it is expected to take travellers between the CBD and Perth Airport in 18 minutes.

Where is your most recommended place to conduct business meetings for visiting business travellers, and why?

QT Perth has a great variety of brand-new meeting spaces, with the latest technology and is very well priced due to the current, highly competitive environment in the city. It also features an exceptional restaurant and bar for break-out functions of morning and evening events.

What should every business traveller experience while in Perth?

We recommend booking a corporate box experience at the new, state-of-the-art Optus Stadium – it is a world-class venue! Impress guests in your own Private Suite or entertain in style at one of the stadium’s exclusive dining rooms, both with stunning views across the Swan River.

What is your top tip for getting the best value out of a business trip to Perth? 

Book all facets of your travel via the team at Corporate Travel Management!

What hidden gem would you recommend for out of towners?  

Take a visit to Rottnest Island. If you have a free day whilst travelling to Perth on business, especially between November to May, a day trip via a 90-minute ferry ride from the CBD to this little paradise just 19km offshore is a must. Its beaches rival some of the best in the world and it’s the only place on earth you will see the adorable Quokkas! While on the island, rent a bike, snorkel the water, or take a bus tour with lunch package options.

In your experience, what is the most common mistake business travellers make when visiting Perth?

As the Perth CBD is relatively small (geographically) it’s hard to make too big a mistake, be it choosing accommodation, mode of transport or booking function space. However, when some business travellers are planning a ‘free day’ they often fail to check just how far our other attractions are away from the CBD. It is highly recommended to check just how far any attraction, such as the dolphins at Monkey Mia which is an 1800km round trip from Perth!

What is the best and worst time of year to travel to Perth, and why?

The best time to visit Perth is between November and late May, simply because the weather and vibe are at their peak. From June to October, it can rain… a lot! Hotel demand in Perth is relatively consistent (as at 2019) so other than school holidays, the time of year shouldn’t have too much of an impact on the price of accommodation.

All opinions and recommendations are the interviewee’s own. CTM recommends all travellers conduct their own thorough, independent research into their travel destination(s) prior to making any travel decisions, and take out adequate travel insurance prior to travel.

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