Ultimate Guide to Exploring Perth and surroundings: Top Attractions & Insider Tips

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Australian Desert. Closer to Jakarta in Indonesia than to Sydney or Melbourne and with the nearest city 2000 km away, it is the most distant city in the world! Which does make you think if it’s worth travelling to? However, with over 2.2 million inhabitants, it must be a welcoming place to live especially, as it enjoys 320 days of sunshine a year. If you want to experience real Australian life – laid back and chilled out, visit Perth. 

How to Get to Perth?

From Europe

If you’re flying from Europe and have chosen Perth as your destination, logically, the plane will be your primary mode of transport to Australia. Prepare for a long journey – about 24 hours of flight time – with at least one stopover depending on the airline. Of course you have the option to use Qantas and their direct flight. This long-haul flight from London (LHR) to Perth (PER) takes about 17 hours. There are 7 direct flights between London and Perth every week.

As with all flights, book your ticket as early as possible and avoid school holiday periods.

You can do your own research, we advise you to use a price comparison website such as Skyscanner.

Getting to the City from the Airport

To get to the city from the airport, you can take a public bus. Depending on whether you arrive at Terminals 1, 2, or 3 and 4, the bus you need will be different. For T1 and T2, it’s usually bus 380 that will take you to the city. For T3 and T4, take the 40. The fare costs the same as a normal city trip (about $5).

You can also opt for a taxi or Uber, in which case, expect to pay around $40 to reach the city center.

From Another City in Australia

If you’re traveling within Australia, two options are available to you: plane or bus. You can also choose the train, but it might take a while to cross the country! Bus travel is the cheapest option (expect about $60 for an overnight bus from Sydney) but takes much longer… If you book in advance, it’s possible to find cheaper flights. For domestic flights in Australia, compare low-cost airlines like Virgin and JetStar.

For those who have their own vehicle and are on a road trip, you can reach Perth from the East coming from Adelaide or from the North. If you’re arriving from the north, we recommend checking out our article Itinerary Perth – Darwin to make sure you don’t miss anything on the road.

When is it best to visit and how long to stay?

Being the sunniest city in Australia, it is best to visit Perth from October to the end of April. It’s a Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and mild, wet winters. Note that evenings are cool from the end of March.

As for the sea, it remains rather cool; however, the warmest time of year is March when the sea reaches 23 degrees.

Other than the good weather, it is nice to come to Perth in Summer for some of its festivals like the Perth festival.

Once you’re there, we recommend dedicating at least 2 days to exploring Perth. If you have more time, then take advantage of the region and discover the surrounding wonders (we’ll talk more about this below).

Where to stay in Perth?

As in all major Australian cities, there are many ways to find accommodation.

For hotels prices can be quite high in the city center. Consider staying in the surrounding neighborhoods for better rates. For a mid-range hotel, we recommend the Novotel on Murray Street. We loved the hotel’s location, convenient for exploring the city, with easy access to nearby train stations and attractions like Elizabeth Quay and King’s Park. The hotel’s amenities, especially the pool, perfect for a relaxing swim, were also a highlight.

🏨 Our top picks for hotels in Perth

Here’s a selection of recommended accommodations to suit your budget:

• Best Luxury Hotel: Crown Towers Perth
• Best Hotel average budget: Novotel Perth Murray Street
• Best cheap hostel: Spinners Hostel

The most common are the backpacker hostels, you can find several in the city centre. Many offer free nights’ accommodation in exchange for cleaning or reception work. 

You can also join a Flatshare and find roommates. You will find several ads on social media where rent is paid weekly or monthly as you share an apartment with a few others.

There is also Airbnb, where you can rent a room, allowing you to immerse yourself in Australian family life and learn about the host’s culture and local gems.

This is also the case if you experience HelpX or Woofing. In exchange for your skills (such as childcare, farming or decorating) you are rewarded with free housing and meals. Similarly, there is Couchsurfing, where no work is involved, it is a cultural exchange. Also don’t forget the option of housesitting which is a great way to live in a beautiful place for free 🙂

The must-see sights in Perth

Founded in 1829, Perth is a modern and dynamic city which is established on the banks of the Swan River. The city is a clever mix of modern buildings and old 1900-style buildings. So take the time to stroll through the different neighborhoods to appreciate all its diversity!

City Centre

Perth train station is located in the heart of the city centre, opening directly onto Murray Street and commercial street. You can find big brands such as H & M, Lush etc. but with small-town vibes as all shops close at 5 pm in Perth! It’s a very chilled city where you do not work late. Instead, you play sports after work or go for a drink. A further unique trait of Perth is that Australians eat relatively early in this region, with dinner time around 18:30. 

To the right of the train station, you will find Yagan Square with its famous giant screen. There is also a set of several outdoor bars and breweries. This place is also often the meeting place for Australian Footy fans.

Tip: Perth is a very green city, with many parks and an impressive coastline with long beaches as far as the eye can see. You only have to wander around the city’s many districts to realise this. Perth has a very relaxed atmosphere and the pace of life is pretty cool. If you are keen to go sightseeing on foot, there is a free walking tour. ICity Tours offer daily 90-minute tours with passionate volunteers.

Elizabeth Quay

Elizabeth Quay is the next highlight. A neighbourhood on the banks of the Swan River. There, you’ll find very charming bars, cafes, and restaurants such as the Lucky Shag, The Island, or Gusto Gelato. You can discover “The Bell Tower,” a rather futuristic building that houses 14th-century bells. You can even visit the tower (10$ per person) and enjoy a 30-minute interactive bell-ringing experience and a 360° view of the city.

Elizabeth Quay is also the starting point for a cruise along the river. If you can, go for a sunset cruise 🙂

Northbridge District 

Above all, Northbridge is the party district! Full of bars, nightclubs, restaurants and shops of all kinds, this is the place that moves in Perth. William Street is the street with all the Asian restaurants at low prices. The surroundings of Russell Square come alive every night. Many bars in the neighborhood offer happy hours.

Northbridge also hosts several cultural sites to visit: The Western Australian Museum, The Art Gallery of Western Australia, The contemporary State Theater Centre, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts.

Kings Park and the Botanical Garden

This is Perth’s most iconic park. Covering an area of more than 4km, it overlooks the City and offers breathtaking views of the Swan River and the city’s skyscrapers. Kings Park is the ideal spot to spend an afternoon with a picnic, relax on the lawn, meditate or join one of the many yoga classes. You can also admire flora and fauna, including multicoloured parrots and numerous species of flowers. Kings Park offers a peaceful oasis and calming atmosphere. 

South Perth Foreshore

Enjoy the view of the city from the other side of the shore. South Perth Foreshore is the perfect place for a picnic on the grass. You will also find a large number of barbecues, games for children, cafes and restaurants. Then go to Mends Street Jetty, where you can take the ferry back to town (10 min crossing). It is also a perfect place to watch the fireworks at New Year or Australia Day.

The Beaches 

Finally, the beaches of the West coast are famous for surfing, so be careful as the tide can get crazy! Here is not the place for those who are used to the small beaches of the Riviera, as large waves crash against the vibrant sands.

The unmissable beaches include

• Scarborough Beach: the meeting point for young people, surfers and skaters! You will also find many bars, surf shops and restaurants here. Enjoy the Scarborough Sunset Market from November to April. To get there, take the Joondalup Line to Perth train station then buses 990, 421 or 410.
• Cottesloe Beach: Perth’s iconic beach, it is considered the most beautiful in the city. It is also a privileged place to watch the sunset! Once a year, the Sculptures by the Sea festival is held there, an open-air modern art exhibition. To get there, take the Fremantle Line and bus 102. Allow around one hour from the centre by public transport.
• Trigg Beach: the ideal spot for beginners or experienced surfers depending on the weather conditions…
• City Beach: a beach of choice for a picnic or a swim just 15 minutes by car from Perth city center
• Coogee Beach: ideal for a family swim due to its shallow waters. Coogee is also known for its pier, especially among fishermen.
• Swanbourne Beach: for fans of tanning without swimwear brands, Swanbourne is home to a portion of nudist beach 300m from the main entrance to the beach…

Main activities in Perth

If you’re looking for what to do in Perth, we’ve put together a list with all of our must-sees. Here are our top things to do in this multifaceted city!

Take a cruise on the Swan River

If you want to see the city from a unique perspective, what could be better than a cruise along the river! Indeed, the Swan River flows through the city amidst skyscrapers, providing residents with numerous opportunities for water sports.

Visit Perth Zoo

The Perth Zoo, spanning 17 hectares, is home to nearly 1,300 animals from 164 different species. Open to the public since 1898, it is a member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) of Oceania and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). Located in South Perth, it welcomes an average of 600,000 visitors annually. It’s a fantastic place to discover animals from tropical regions and learn more about their lifestyles! However, visitors should be mindful to follow guidelines to ensure the well-being of the animals present.

Heirisson Island

A few minutes by bus from the city centre, you can reach Heirisson Island which offers the opportunity to tick kangaroos off your Australia bucket list. They live here in freedom! Put on your sneakers and go around the island, the walk is about 5 km.

See Dolphins in Mandurah

Located about 50 minutes from Perth, the quaint town of Mandurah is home to a colony of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. They inhabit the Peel-Harvey estuary and the adjacent coastal waters, an area particularly conducive to their reproduction with an abundance of fish for feeding. These are very social creatures that travel in groups of 5 to 15 dolphins. You can take a cruise to watch the dolphins (1 to 1.5 hours – about 30 AUD per person) and enjoy a unique experience!

Whale Watching

You can witness the migration of Blue Whales between March and April, and then the Humpback Whales from September to November. If you’re in Perth during one of these periods, we highly recommend planning a whale-watching cruise (around $60 per person). This is a fantastic opportunity to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Kite Surfing

What could be better than learning to kite surf in Australia? You’ll find several schools like SoulKite or Seebreeze Kitesurf School offering lessons on the beautiful Swan River. The instructors are there to guide you with a relaxed yet professional teaching style! After your session, you can chat with other kite surfers on the beach and maybe even enjoy a beer over a barbecue! For kite surfing enthusiasts, the top spots not to miss are Woodman Point and Safety Bay.

Where to go out in Perth?

Despite the appearance of a quiet city, Perth is lively, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. There are also options in some bars and restaurants on other nights of the week (quiz night, karaoke etc).

Tuesday nights are ideal for movie lovers as the price of cinema tickets are cheaper. There are also offers in some bars and restaurants early in the week. On Friday nights, all the shops, malls and superstores are open later and close at 9 pm. You can also enjoy the world’s food market which is held every Friday night starting at 5 pm on Murray Street. You can discover all the flavours of the world, accompanied by live music.

Finally, the favoured party district is Northbridge. It is a very lively area on weekends with many bars and trendy clubs, including The Court gay box, consisting of 4 rooms with different music. There is Free entry before 9 pm, otherwise $10 per person.

Among the other trendy places to go out, we find The Aviary (rooftop in the city centre), The Market Grounds and its many bars and atmospheres, Henry Summer and its large outdoor garden in Northbridge, Connections and its drag-queen shows or The Geisha Bar.

Remember to bring your passport because there are strict rules enforced with the legal drinking age and licensing laws. 

Where to eat in Perth?

Perth is filled with exceptional restaurants that will delight food enthusiasts. Here are some of the best places to eat in Perth:

• Wildflower: Located at the top of COMO The Treasury, this restaurant offers contemporary Australian cuisine with a breathtaking view of the city. The menu is inspired by the six seasons of the Noongar indigenous people.
• Nobu Perth: Nestled in Crown Perth, Nobu is famous for its unique fusion of Japanese cuisine and South American flavors. It’s a must-visit for sushi lovers and those who enjoy innovative dishes.
• Canteen Pizza: For a more relaxed atmosphere, with its ocean view, this restaurant offers excellent wood-fired pizzas and a fine selection of wines (in Cottesloe).
• Petition Kitchen: Located in the historic State Buildings, Petition Kitchen is known for its seasonal approach and varied menu that showcases fresh local produce.
• Little Creatures Brewery: For a unique experience, head to Fremantle. Along with their craft beer, they serve great food in a lively and friendly atmosphere.
• The Shorehouse: Located on Swanbourne Beach, it is perfect for a seaside meal. Their menu features fresh seafood and modern Australian dishes, with stunning ocean views.

Tips

The food court on James Street in Northbridge offers generous meals for under $15, as do several restaurants on the same street. Like most Australian cities, Perth has its own Chinatown, full of small, inexpensive restaurants. One of the institutions here is called ‘Taka’, where you can enjoy tasty Asian dishes, sushi and bento boxes for under $10!

In the city centre, many restaurants offer special deals every night of the week. Half-price pizzas on Mondays, a burger and a beer for $15 on Tuesdays, steak frites for $15 on Wednesdays, and so on. Keep an eye out for these great deals!

Just a little hungry? Stop off at Toastface Killah and their graffiti-filled walls for a delicious toasty sandwich for $5, or $5.50 for a vegetarian option ($9 with a coffee).

From November to April, stroll along the Scarborough Sunset Markets from 5pm to 9pm and try out one of the many food-trucks that set up along the esplanade. There are plenty of budget-friendly options to sample delicious dishes from all over the world!

Shopping in Perth

Clothing

In Perth’s city center, you’ll find numerous shops, especially along Hay Street Mall. For a more extensive shopping experience, Westfield Carousel, the largest shopping center in Perth, is located 12km from the city. Alternatively, for outlet shopping, you can visit Watertown Brand Outlet Centre or DFO, where you’ll find a variety of brands at discounted prices.

Second Hand Shops are a great way to find clothes and accessories, such as board games and cooking utensils. You find the biggest Op Shops called Vinnies, the Salvation Army, and Red Cross, everywhere in Australia. Visit Salvos Stores Perth City on Barrack Street to find some good clothes.

Camping equipment / Furniture

Prices at Kmart, Target and Big W are unbeatable. You’ll find a wide selection of items for camping, vehicle conversion (crockery, bedding, storage, etc.), clothing and anything else you might need.

Also have a look on Gumtree.com.au, where you find hundreds of advertisements. Sometimes people give away what they don’t need anymore. So if you’re on a small budget, spend some time on this website and you will surely find what you need for free.

Facebook’s Marketplace has also become very popular for finding cheap hardware. In particular, there are neighbourhood-based self-help groups called “Buy Nothing – the name of the suburb -“. These groups allow neighbours to swap and donate items to each other, and sometimes you can really unearth some treasures!

Public transport 

You can reach the city centre of Perth easily by bus or train. There are several good tips for visiting Perth to assist with these various transport routes. 

By bus 

To get around the center and nearby surroundings, there are free CAT buses. They operate for free every day of the week from 6am or 6.45am on weekdays and later on weekends. You will find the schedules of the shuttles on the Transperth website.

Transperth is the main bus and train company of the region. The price of the ticket depends on the area you are heading to. Perth and its surroundings are divided into 8 zones, covering a very large area. A ticket is valid for two hours and can be used indefinitely within the same zone for two hours, taking the bus or the train interchangeably. Perth city also has a Free Transit Zone for buses and a SmartRider Free Transit Zone for trains.

There is a free mobile app for Transperth that can help schedule your trip. It suggests several itineraries and costs for your journey, updated in real time. Tickets can be purchased on the bus, however, make sure you have correct change on hand because bus drivers rarely accept large cash notes. Otherwise, there are terminals in the train stations to receive change.

 If you decide to stay for more than three weeks, you can purchase the $10 card SmartRider Card. It will automatically give you a 20% discount on all your tickets. The card costs $10 and is available from the Transperth office in Central Station. You must credit it with at least $10.

It is important to note, the names of the bus stops can be very confusing for tourists as they have no names but instead just numbers. Unfortunately, the drivers do not know all the numbers of each stop so; the app can be very helpful as a guide to each stop. ,

By train

There are different lines such as Mandurah line, Joondalup Line etc. with each stop also having a name (instead of a number)! It may be handy to know; there is a ” family day rider” ticket for  $12.40, which allows two people (or more) to enjoy unlimited travel. This is from 5 pm and all day on weekends. 

With the ferry

You can cross the Swan River by ferry or even head to Perth Zoo. A ferry departs from Elizabeth Quay every 15 minutes starting at 6:30 in the morning.

To reach Rottnest Island, you’ll need to take a ferry operated by SeaLink (a private company).

Visit the Perth Region

Here are the must-see attractions not to be missed in the Perth area.

Fremantle

For starters, head to Fremantle known as “Freo”, a hippie town that has kept the imprint of its history, which adds to its charm. You can get there in around 30 minutes by taking the Fremantle Line from Perth Station. Then, let yourself get carried away in the alleys filled with vintage clothing stores, second-hand books and organic food shops.

The Fremantle Arts Centre is housed in a former insane asylum and tells the story of the town. You can also visit the Western Australian Maritime Museum which is dedicated to maritime exploration.

The old prison, built in 1850 by convicts, was used as a place of incarceration for almost 140 years. Today, it allows you to travel back in time to relive the conditions of the former prisoners.

The Fremantle Market, in a huge Victorian hall, is a must-see (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays). You’ll find clothes, fresh produce, jewellery, local art, performing artists and more.

For beer lovers, take a diversion to Fremantle’s fishing harbour, and stop by Little Creatures Brewery. This was a popular micro-brewery at its inception and has now become an international brand. Housed in a former boathouse, it’s the perfect place to enjoy lunch and a delicious beer overlooking the sea.

If you’re visiting Fremantle, be sure to check out a festival that’s going on. The city is known for its many festivals that keep the streets alive throughout the year.

For more details: www.visitfremantle.com or www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/festivals

Rottnest Island

The paradise island of Rottnest Island, located just 19km from the coast, is a favourite destination for Perth residents and tourists alike!

Discovered in 1696 by a Dutch navigator, he named it Rats Nest! It is the only place where you can see the small and adorable Quokkas.

The island is entirely pedestrianised and is full of beautiful white sandy beaches! Once there, you can take the bus or visit the island by bike. It’s worth booking this package that includes a shuttle service from your accommodation in Perth. The package covers the round-trip to Rottnest Island and bike rental, making your trip convenient and enjoyable.

The road trip around the island is 22 kilometres long, with quite hilly roads, so it will be a fairly athletic day. But the scenery and the beautiful beaches will motivate you, especially The Bassin, Little Armstrong Bay or Little Salmon Bay.

Don’t forget to bring food and drink! Apart from in Thomson Bay, you won’t find anywhere to purchase food or drink, and where you do it can be pricey. Don’t forget to bring your masks and snorkels, as well as closed shoes. Definitely bring your camera, you won’t want to miss out on taking a selfie with a quokka.

Margaret River

Margaret River is 270km south of Perth, at the tip of Western Australia. The road is in excellent condition and accessible by van, car and 4×4. Allow about 3 hours for the drive. With world-famous surf spots and renowned vineyards, you can discover the beauty of this wild and picturesque region. Special mention goes to the unforgettable sunsets at Prevelly. The Margaret River region is also spectacular for its underground. Over 100 limestone caves are spread beneath the surface of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. It is possible to visit the natural caves of the park, in particular the Mammoth Cave (from $22.50) and the Ngilgi Cave (from $22.50). Some companies also offer different packages to visit several caves in one day.

If you have the opportunity to visit Margaret River in November, take a trip to the Gourmet Escape: a renowned event in Australian gastronomy where several renowned chefs meet. The Gourmet Village is made up of many stalls and takes place over a weekend. Entrance prices can range from $40 to $230 depending on the package you choose (wine / wine + meal etc.).

If you have time, drive a little further south to Hamelin Bay. Here you can see the beautiful and huge stingrays on the beach. The water is so clear that you can see them perfectly! Be careful, however, not to touch them. Definitely an unforgettable experience!

Rockingham

Located 45 minutes south of Perth, Rockingham is renowned for its marine attractions. In particular, swimming with dolphins. You can see the dolphins from the special boats with transparent hulls (about $55/person).

All along the coast, you can observe the marine life with the migration of humpback or southern whales from June.

Penguin Island is a 5 minute ferry from Rockingham and is a small island of 12.5 hectares with beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife. As its name suggests, it is famous for being home to the largest colony of penguins in Western Australia (approx $35/person).

Swan Valley

Perth is also known for the Swan Valley and its vineyards, just 30 minutes drive from the city centre. Many buses and boat tours are available from Perth City. They will take you to discover the many vineyards, breweries and restaurants including tasting stops.

Avon Valley

Located about 100km east of Perth, the Avon Valley is crossed by the Avon River. This river is the Swan River which flows through Perth. At the time of its discovery, the settlers thought it was two different rivers. The name Avon River has remained unchanged since then and is now the Swan River in Walyunga National Park. Over the years the river has seen the development of small towns along its banks: Toodyay, Northam and York (the largest).

Northam is just over an hour from Perth on the Great Eastern Highway. It is the ideal starting point for exploring the Avon Valley. The road from Perth to Toodyay passes through dense forests and sheep plains. A viewpoint on the Toodyay road allows you to see the city’s skyline in the distance.

On a map, the Avon Valley looks like a green artery in the middle of the Australian bush. It is said that the landscape is even more beautiful from the air. This leads to dozens of ballooning enthusiasts gathering in the area every weekend. If you are interested in the experience, don’t hesitate to go to one of the many hot air ballooning centres to find out more! For the more adventurous, the programme of available activities in the area also includes parachute jumping and skydiving…

Penguin Island

Finally, do not miss Penguin Island, which is just 45 minutes south of Perth and lies a five-minute ferry ride away, amongst the spectacular Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. 

There is actually a sandbar which runs between Penguin Island and the mainland at Mersey Point in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park which you can walk across. However, the walk is not advised as the tide can be unpredictable, leaving you stranded or the water too deep in parts. 

You can otherwise reach the island by boat; however, it is a very high price for a 5-minute trip. It is around $25 per person if you want to feed the penguins. Of course, as its name suggests you will see penguins so I’d say the fee is worth it. Ideally, rent a kayak to visit the two other small islands nearby where you can admire birds and seals as well.

Nambung National Park

If you’re heading north, don’t miss Cervantes and its famous Pinnacles. Only a 2 hour drive from Perth, Nambung National Park is an incredible sight. This vast desert has a multitude of rock formations sculpted by nature. These limestone rocks are up to 5 metres high and 2 metres wide and are thought to have appeared around 30,000 years ago! There is an entrance fee of $15 for the national park. We recommend visiting the Pinnacles Desert at sunset for great photos.

In Nambung National Park you can also visit the beautiful beaches of Kangaroo Point and Hangover Bay. In the north of the national park, just outside Cervantes, you can enjoy a leisurely walk to Lake Thetis to see the rock formations.

A little further north, don’t miss Jurien Bay Marine Park. A vast limestone reef system has created a huge shallow lagoon where you can see sea lions, dolphins and a multitude of fish. The marine park surrounds dozens of beautiful islands with many rare and endangered animal species found nowhere else.

Wave Rock

Located 4 hours inland, nature has left an incredible gift to Australians: Wave Rock. This natural rock formation looks like an ocean wave and is 14m high and 110m long. More than 140,000 tourists visit each year to see this huge granite wave and leave with a “surf on rock” photo.

Albany

Located 400km from Perth, 480km from Esperance and 360km from Margaret River, Albany is accessible by car or a Transwa bus (from Perth).

Albany has a rich history. This gives a certain charm to the city, which boasts many well preserved historic buildings, including the Town Hall, St John’s Church, Old Farm Strawberry Hill, and the Old Post Office. You can take in all of these buildings on a walk through the city centre. Also head to the Anzac Peace Park. From here, 41,000 men and women left Australia in 1914 to fight alongside the Allies during the First World War. The National Anzac Centre tells the story of this historical event. The centre has received several awards for its originality, and is well worth a visit.

Nearby, from the Princess Royal Fortress (one of the first fortresses of the Australian Defense of 1893) you can also enjoy a stunning view of the bay, as well authentic canons from the time.

35km east of Albany, the Two People’s Bay National Park is a must-visit. Admission costs $15 per vehicle and gives you access to many beautiful beaches. Don’t miss the picturesque Little Beach, a heavenly cove with fine sand and clear water, ideal for a siesta after all your exploring! If you’re feeling brave, set off on the superb Peak Head Walk trail, a hike of about 2 hours with superb views of the national park and the ocean. The trail is especially beautiful in the spring when the park is covered in wildflowers.

Practical Info – Perth

Events & Festivals

Perth Tips