Beyond the Dunes: A Duty-Free Traveller’s Journey Through Perth

When you think of Australia, Sydney’s sails or Melbourne’s laneways may spring to mind. But head west—far west—and you'll find a sun-soaked coastal gem that quietly dazzles: Perth, a city where nature, luxury, and unexpected retail therapy meet.

A City on the Edge — and Ahead

Perth is the world’s most isolated capital city, but what it lacks in proximity, it makes up for in attitude. Fringed by the Indian Ocean and blessed with over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, it’s the kind of place where boardroom meetings end in surfboards and vineyards greet the skyline.

Yet there’s a quieter luxury here—discreet, curated, and surprisingly global. In the city’s international airport, duty-free shopping has evolved into an art form. Think: curated skincare from Aesop and La Mer, rare Aussie gins, indigenous art-wrapped perfume bottles, and limited-edition Tim Tams you’ll never find at Coles.

Retail, Reimagined

What makes Perth’s duty-free scene different? Sustainability. Locality. Experience. At the Perth Airport T1 International Terminal, travelers are met with tasting bars, indigenous design corners, and AR mirrors that let you virtually try on sunglasses or lip shades from Dior.

Top-sellers include:

• Sandalwood-infused serums – Jurlique

• Shiraz Truffle Chocolate – Koko Black

• Kangaroo leather passport covers – R.M. Williams

• Wattleseed botanical gins – The West Winds Gin

Every purchase feels like a souvenir of place, not just product.

Beyond the Terminal

Once you’re outside the terminal, the sensory feast continues. Sip wine in the Swan Valley, Australia’s second oldest wine region, just 25 minutes from the city. Or ferry across to Rottnest Island, where quokkas photobomb every selfie.

Craving the beach? Skip Bondi. Perth’s City Beach and Scarborough have waves, cafes, and sunsets that look like a Rothko painting come to life.

Packing Light? You’ll Regret It.

Perth may look chill, but its shopping scene will seduce even minimalist packers. The King Street precinct downtown is where Louis Vuitton meets Aboriginal art galleries, and locals carry totes from both.

And before you leave? Circle back to duty-free. Load up on that honey myrtle hand cream. Grab another box of macadamia nougat. The plane can wait.