As a flight attendant in my previous life I always explored the destinations that I was fortunate enough to have an overnight layover in. A layover often comprises of an afternoon to explore with a return flight to home base the following morning.

On occasion cabin crew make an appointment to try on Louise M shoes while on their Perth stay enjoying meeting me as the Founder and trying on the complete shoe range rather than shopping online. When this occurs I do my best to allocate time to personally drive them one way, giving some tips on what to do on an overnight layover. Travel and shoes are my passions and I love to share that with others.

Recently Sydney based Virgin Australia cabin crew contacted me for shoe shopping, and I was able to collect them from Crown Hotels in Burswood and drive them to Louise M headquarters in the leafy suburb of Claremont. As the ladies had not been able to explore Perth on previous occasions during Covid times, I took them the scenic route around the river to point out some attractions along the way.

Leaving Crown Hotels along Great Eastern Highway, over the Causeway bridge towards Perth city then along Riverside Drive a few great places to visit for walks, eats and drinks were pointed out. These included The Lucky Shag water front bar at Barrack St Jetty, and Elizabeth Quay for Gusto Gelato, The Revely Bar, and Transperth ferries to South Perth. These venues are all accessible by foot from Crown along the bike and walking paths, a great way to explore and exercise at the same time.

Continuing our drive past Kings Park Botanical Gardens situated grandly on a hill, Cooee restaurant at the Old Swan Brewery site, and Matilda Bay cafe and grassed area opposite University of Western Australia, also with stunning city and river views and a favourite picnic location. One final nostalgic place was pointed out, Steve's bar in Nedlands. This is where I met my husband Paul back in the 80's, a bit of a giggle was had.

Once the shoe shopping was completed at Louise M HQ, an Uber was booked to take the girls to Mister Walker located on South Perth Jetty about a 10 minute scenic drive from Claremont, approximately half way back towards Crown hotels at Burswood. The views across to Perth and Kings Park are incredible and at night stunningly beautiful with city lights reflecting on the Swan River.

There are additional venues to enjoy food and drinks in South Perth such as Rambla with it's outside bar and deck, Coco's a dining institution of the area for special occasions, and Miss Chows for casual dining. All with city and river views. The main shopping strip in South Perth is Mends Street where clothing, groceries and cafes are found as well as the Windsor Hotel pub for live music and pub style meals.

Perth Zoo is also located in South Perth, with a reference to this seen on the foreshore area near the Jetty with giant yellow lizard structures pointing the way. Also on the foreshore are small white sandy 'beach' areas, children's playgrounds  and surf cats for hire, particularly fun for those travelling with family on staff travel.

The public ferry regularly crosses the river between the city and South Perth, a great way to access both sides of the river when time is limited.

To return to Crown hotels simply walk the riverside scenic path all the way, approximately 45 minutes - 1 hour leisurely walk.  Whether by day light or moon light this is a beautiful walk to end your stay in Perth. As you approach the hotel you will see the architecturally impressive Matagurup Bridge, and home of Western Australia football Optus Stadium, awarded the most beautiful sporting facility in the world in international awards. The stadium offers tours and climbs, and the bridge has recently opened a climb and zip line experience for thrill seekers and want to be thrill seekers. Book in for your next layover!

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