There’s nothing more exciting than hearing that friends or family are coming to visit you in Australia – but let’s be honest, it can also come with a bit of pressure.
Suddenly, you feel like you need to become a tour guide, entertainer, chef and chauffeur all rolled into one.
Over the years, I’ve hosted quite a few loved ones here in Perth, and learnt a few tricks to keep it fun and relaxed – for them and for me.
So, if you’re expecting visitors soon and wondering how to show them the best of your new home without burning yourself out, here is my best advice on how to host family and friends like a local, and not get overwhelmed in the process!
How to Host Friends & Family Like a Local
Ditch the Jam-Packed Itinerary
When I first moved here, I felt like I had to cram everything into a few days – beaches, city, wine country, kangaroos, you name it. But I quickly realised that not only was it exhausting for all of us, but my visitors actually preferred to take it slow and allow them to ease into things.
Now, I plan one or two “bigger” outings and leave plenty of time for relaxed mornings, local cafés, and spontaneous detours. After all, they’re here to see you, not just the sights.
Much of course will depend on how long they’re staying and what their interests are. You probably know much of what they might want to do and see, allowing you to you plan ahead. If they are staying for a fairly long time, there’s no need to run yourself ragged and you can pace yourself accordingly.
Tip 1: Ask them what they’d love to do most before they arrive anyway – don’t assume everyone wants to tick off all the touristy stuff day in and day out.
Tip 2: Make an activities list. Make it as long as you can, knowing that you may not get to do everything, but it will give more options. This will help you to plan better arranging an even mix of demanding activities with relaxed outings in between, to places nearby or just spending a morning or evening at home together catching up and reconnecting.
Tip 3: You don’t need to pack every moment of their stay with non-stop entertainment – it’s exhausting. Turn on the telly and introduce them to some of our Aussie shows and enjoy your time together on the sofa
Play Tourist… Just a Bit
Fortunately, Perth has no shortage of things to do, see and experience that will appeal to and impress most holidaymakers, particularly if it’s their first trip.
We have a stunning coastline filled with gorgeous white sandy beaches, quaint rocky coves and promenades lined with cafes, bars and restaurants, picturesque parks and gardens scattered across the city. For shoppers and culture vultures, we have unique markets, great shops and loads of museums and heritage sites to showcase our Australian lifestyle, history and heritage.
I do still love doing a few classic “Perth” things when people visit – because hey, they’re popular for a reason!
Some of my go-to favourites:
- A day in Fremantle for markets, fish & chips, and a sunset at South Beach
- Kings Park for that jaw-dropping view and a casual stroll and picnic
- A Swan Valley day trip – wineries, gin, chocolate & cheese, what’s not to love?
- Brunch at Sista’s Burns Beach, followed by a walk along the beach or coastal path
- A trip to Caversham Wildlife Park to see kangaroos, koalas, wombats and other wildlife unique to Australia
- A morning soaking up the sun on Mullaloo Beach
But I try not to do it all in one go. I mix these in between everyday local spots to keep it balanced.
My parents have luckily been here enough times to have done pretty much all the main touristy things, so we love just doing ‘regular’ things and finding new hidden gems that have popped up since they last visited.
Introduce Them to Your Local Life
One thing my family and friends always say they love most is seeing what real life looks like here. I like to show them my usual spots – our neighbourhood café, the local farmer’s market, even the school pick-up line back when mini-C was in primary school.
Even a visit to our local Woolies is an exciting outing for them the first few times, seeing the variety of food stuff and fresh produce available in Australia. Point out some of our local and unique foods which they might not have seen before. My mum loves the sweetness of the Aussie mandarins which they don’t often get in Ireland where she lives.
It’s these little things that really help them understand what life in Australia is like. It also gives me an opportunity to show off some of the qualities of my new adopted country and help them understand why I chose to move here.
We’ll do a Sunday BBQ at home, or grab our favourite fish and chips from the Great British Chippy to enjoy on the beach, watching the sunset at Burns Beach – it’s relaxed, fun, and feels authentically Aussie.
Let Them Explore on Their Own
It’s okay to let go of the reins sometimes. If your guests are comfortable driving or using public transport, encourage them to do a few things solo – they may also want to spend some time on their own doing what they want at their own pace.
In a house packed with guests, it gives you a breather to regain some sanity and also lets them have their own sense of independence and adventures too.
I usually give them a little local guide with things like:
- Great coffee shops nearby
- Local walks or beaches we love (Pinnaroo Point is one of my hidden gems)
- Where to find a decent biltong stash (very important!)
- Public transport basics (like using the Transperth app)
Be Honest About Boundaries
This one took me a while to learn. It’s perfectly okay to have your own routine while guests are here. They may be on holiday but you may not, having still to attend to your job or other daily chores. If you need to work, go to the gym, or just have a quiet hour to yourself, say so. Most people totally understand, especially if they are close family and you set the tone early on.
Now I’ll often say something like, “I’ll be out for a bit this morning, but you’re welcome to relax here or take a wander around.” Simple, respectful, and makes everything more relaxed. They enjoy that too.
My parents visit most years and stay for 3 months or so, so we know all about boundaries now!
Share a Bit of South Africa Too
Of course, when South Africans visit, you can’t not bring a little taste of home into the mix. I usually have a stash of Ouma rusks, Mrs Ball’s chutney, and maybe a packet of ProVita on hand – it makes everyone feel instantly at home.
And if they’ve brought any goodies with them, as they normally tend to do (like a Durban curry mix, Robertson’s spices or Spur sauces), it’s the perfect excuse for a braai night.
We are fortunate to have numerous SA shops and restaurants on our doorstep around Perth, allowing us to continue enjoying our comfort foods like biltong, boerewors, melktart, koeksisters and perhaps a good SA Pinotage or a shot of good ol’ Klippies to bring some nostalgia into the mix. We also throw in elements of our Aussie lifestyle with SA touches and make our own magic getting the best of both worlds.
Capture the Moments, Not Just the Sights
I used to stress about showing off everything – the best beaches, the coolest suburbs, the cutest wineries – but I’ve realised that the best moments are usually the simple ones. Laughing over a glass of wine in the backyard, taking a walk with the kids, watching the sunset together.
I never realised how much of a role food plays in connecting people until now. Sitting side by side around the dining room table sharing a simple meal at home or in a casual restaurant with my loved ones is the best way I know to enjoy out time together. Nothing can quite bring on such wonderful, warm and nostalgic feelings for us all – priceless memories that can never be forgotten.
So take photos, of course – but also just soak every moment in. These visits are precious, and it’s the connection, not the location, that stays with you.
Parting Is Sweet… and a Little Bit Sad
When visitors leave, it can be a bit emotional. I always feel a mix of homesickness and gratitude – grateful that we got to share our lives for a little while, even if just for a week or two. One never knows when the next time will come.
So I always remind myself: we’ve created new memories here together. And that’s what makes Australia feel more like home each time someone visits.
Make It Your Own
Hosting friends and family when they come to visit you in Australia doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Keep it simple, make it personal, and let go of the pressure to perform.
Whether you’re showing off the city skyline or just making a cup of tea in your PJs, the best visits are always the ones where everyone feels at home – including you.
Having showcased Australia to my parents several times over the years, not only made me proud of my new country but have also showed them how I live.
It also made them realise that I have made the right choice moving here having carved a little corner for myself and my family in Australia and am enjoying the wonderful Aussie lifestyle.
What are your tips for how to host friends & family when they come visit you in Australia? Pop a tip in the comments below and let’s create an awesome resource for everyone reading this in the future!
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