The QT: Perth's glamorous new hotspot

Not long ago just about the most ubiquitous fashion statement in the capital of our most mineral -rich state seemed to be a familiar ensemble of hi-vis vest, work shorts and steel-tipped safety boots.

That was then and this is wow: these days Perth is experiencing another boom in the form of a flurry of fashionable new hotels combined with a surge of bold public amenities including a state of the art 60,000-seat stadium linked by a striking footbridge across the Swan River.

One of the most recent hotels openings is the latest manifestation of the enterprising and ever-expanding Australasian QT brand. The QT Perth, with its 184 alluring rooms, is handily-located in the middle of the city's CBD and a short stroll from the stunningly-restored heritage 140-year old State Buildings, now full of fine restaurants, bars and cafes.

But you needed go further for a feed than QT Perth's itself. Its Mediterranean-inspired Santini Bar & Grill was recently awarded the title of Perth's best new restaurant, and it's clearly a hit with the city's cool set and out-of-towners alike.

The hotel, the design and palette of which reflects Western Australian industrial and mining history, is hitting the heights in another respect. Its glamorous and frequently packed rooftop bar is the subject of long lines of locals in the sexy aubergine and emerald-toned lobby (house-guests get to jump the queue). Hi vis is definitely not de rigueur in this part of Perth these days.

Doubles from $295. See qthotelsandresorts.com; westernaustralia.com