Sun, Surges, and Selfless Acts: Your Perth Morning Briefing

A City of Contrasts: Sun, Scarcity, and a Local Hero

Good morning, Perth. As the sun rises on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, our city is buzzing with the energy of mid-summer, yet many are waking up to a sharpened economic reality. With the mercury set to hit a bright 31°C today, it is a perfect day for the coast, provided you can afford the drive there.

The Mood: Festive Spirit Meets Financial Friction

Perth currently wears two faces. In Northbridge and the CBD, the mood remains electric as the Fringe World Festival enters its peak weeks. The Pleasure Garden is alive with laughter and circus stunts, drawing thousands of locals into the warm summer nights. However, this festive glow is being challenged at the kitchen table. Between the recent announcement of interest rate hikes and a significant jump in the cost of living, the carefree summer vibe is giving way to a more cautious, belt-tightening sentiment across the suburbs. The city feels crowded and vibrant, but there is an undeniable undercurrent of anxiety regarding the future of local housing and affordability.

The Key Talking Point: The Double-Whammy Squeeze

If you did not fill up your tank yesterday, you may have missed the window for a bargain. The dominant conversation across Perth today is the massive 20-cent-per-litre hike in petrol prices. FuelWatch has confirmed that average unleaded prices have soared to 178.2 cpl across the metropolitan area this morning, with some major retailers pushing past the 200 cpl mark. This spike coincides with the immediate fallout from the Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to lift the official cash rate to 3.85 per cent. With Perth’s median house price officially smashing through the $1 million barrier, the pressure on homeowners and renters alike has reached a fever pitch. Discussions today are firmly centered on the vanishing Australian Dream in a city that was once the nation's most affordable capital.

Feel-Good Story: A Heroic Four-Hour Swim

In a story that has captured the heart of the state, 13-year-old Perth local Austin Appelbee is being hailed as a hero this morning. While holidaying in Quindalup, Austin’s family was swept out to sea on inflatable boards and a kayak due to sudden strong winds. With no other way to call for help, the teenager made the incredible decision to swim back to shore alone. Battling rough seas and fading light for four grueling hours, Austin eventually reached land and ran two kilometers to find a phone and alert emergency services. His bravery ensured the safe rescue of his mother and two younger siblings, providing a powerful reminder of the resilience and courage found within our community.

Morning Essentials

• Weather: Sunny with a high of 31°C. UV levels are extreme, reaching 11+, so ensure you are protected if heading outdoors.
• Commuter Alert: Petrol prices are up significantly today; use local tracking tools to find the few remaining independent stations offering fuel under 150 cpl.
• Fringe Highlight: Tonight features the eerie and immersive show "Alone: The Sacred Riana LIVE" at the Perth Town Hall, along with "Campfire" at the Pleasure Garden.