Perth is one of Australia’s most laid-back and liveable destinations, known for its sunny climate, riverside setting, and relaxed city lifestyle. As the capital of Western Australia, Perth blends modern city living with natural beauty, offering visitors a diverse mix of experiences across dining, culture, outdoor activities, and coastal escapes.
From strolling along the Swan River foreshore and Elizabeth Quay to exploring landmarks like Kings Park and the Perth CBD, the city delivers a scenic and easy-going urban experience. Visitors can enjoy waterfront dining, local bars and cafés, river cruises, cultural precincts, and sunset views — all within a compact and accessible city centre.
Whether you’re planning a short city break, a coastal getaway, or using Perth as a base for day trips to Fremantle, Rottnest Island, or the Swan Valley, the city’s variety makes it easy to shape your itinerary. From relaxed outdoor exploration to vibrant city experiences, Perth offers something for every type of traveller.
Couples – waterfront dining, sunset walks, relaxed bars, beach views, and scenic day trips to Rottnest Island or the Swan Valley
First-time visitors – an easy-to-navigate CBD, riverside landmarks, Kings Park views, and simple access to tours, ferries, and day trips
Families – beaches, parks, wildlife encounters, outdoor attractions, and family-friendly experiences around Perth and nearby islands
Solo travellers – cafés, coastal walks, river cruises, cultural precincts, and guided city, food, or wine tours
City break travellers – ideal for short stays focused on sunshine, waterfront scenery, relaxed dining, and easy-to-plan experiences
Perth offers a relaxed mix of waterfront attractions, outdoor experiences, cultural highlights, and easy day trips. These are some of the most popular things to do in Perth (and the easiest to plan ahead):
Explore the Swan River foreshore, Elizabeth Quay, and the Perth CBD
Visit iconic landmarks such as Kings Park, Perth Bell Tower, and the city skyline
Enjoy Perth’s dining scene, from riverside restaurants to local cafés and bars
Take a Swan River cruise or ferry to nearby precincts
Plan a day trip to Rottnest Island, Fremantle, or the Swan Valley
Experience Perth’s outdoor lifestyle, markets, cultural events, and sunset viewpoints
If you want your trip to feel organised without overplanning, booking one or two key experiences (such as a Rottnest Island tour, river cruise, or wine tour) and keeping the rest flexible is usually the best approach.
Perth offers a variety of accommodation areas, each suited to different travel styles, budgets, and trip lengths.
Staying in the city centre places you close to major attractions, dining precincts, public transport, and the Swan River waterfront. This area is ideal for first-time visitors who want easy access to Perth’s landmarks and walkable city experiences.
Areas such as East Perth, West Perth, and Subiaco offer a quieter atmosphere while remaining close to the CBD. These neighbourhoods suit travellers who prefer a relaxed local feel with cafés, parks, and river walks nearby.
Neighbourhoods like Scarborough, Cottesloe, and City Beach offer a laid-back coastal lifestyle with beaches, cafés, and ocean sunsets. These areas are ideal for travellers who want a beach-focused stay while still being within reach of the city.
Choosing where to stay depends on whether you prefer central convenience, riverside tranquillity, or a coastal escape.
Walk along Elizabeth Quay and the Swan River foreshore
Visit Kings Park for city views, gardens, and walking trails
Explore Perth’s cultural precincts, museums, and galleries
Take a guided city walking tour to learn about Perth’s history
Visit local markets and enjoy seasonal events and festivals
Join a Perth food or wine tour
Enjoy waterfront dining and relaxed cafés across the city
Visit the Swan Valley for wine tastings, breweries, and local produce
Experience Perth’s laid-back bar scene and sunset dining spots
Take a ferry or tour to Rottnest Island to see beaches and quokkas
Explore Fremantle’s historic streets, markets, and harbour
Visit nearby beaches such as Cottesloe, Scarborough, and City Beach
Enjoy scenic drives and countryside experiences around the Swan Valley
Perth’s easy layout makes it simple to combine city highlights with coastal escapes and day trips during a single visit.
Perth Airport is Western Australia’s main international and domestic gateway, with regular flights from major Australian cities and selected international destinations.
Perth is a popular starting point for Western Australian road trips, including coastal routes, inland adventures, and extended journeys through the state.
Perth also receives cruise ships, with terminals located at Fremantle Harbour.
Perth has an efficient public transport network including trains, buses, and ferries. The city centre is walkable, and ferry services along the Swan River provide a scenic way to travel between key locations. Public transport connects easily to nearby suburbs, beaches, and Fremantle.
Perth is a year-round destination.
Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures and ideal sightseeing conditions
Summer is hot and sunny, perfect for beaches, river activities, and outdoor dining
Winter is mild and quieter, with cooler weather and fewer crowds
★★★★★
PLAN YOUR PERTH TRIP
Planning a trip to Perth is easier when you know which experiences to book ahead and where to stay flexible. From choosing the best areas to stay to deciding when to lock in popular experiences or day trips, a little preparation can help you make the most of your time in Western Australia without over-planning your itinerary.
Discover more iconic Australian destinations, from coastal road trips and city breaks to tropical escapes and outback adventures. Browse popular locations to help plan your next stop or build the perfect multi-destination itinerary.
Perth is known for its sunny climate, waterfront lifestyle, and easy access to beaches and natural attractions, and planning a visit often comes with a few key questions. Below you’ll find helpful answers covering transport, must-see sights, and tips for making the most of your stay in Perth.
Perth is one of Australia’s most relaxed and liveable cities, known for its sunny climate, waterfront setting, and easy access to beaches and natural attractions. Visitors love the mix of city convenience, outdoor lifestyle, riverfront experiences, and nearby day trips — all without the crowds of larger cities.
Some of the most popular things to do in Perth include exploring the CBD and Elizabeth Quay, visiting Kings Park for city views, enjoying Swan River walks or cruises, and relaxing at nearby beaches. Many visitors also plan day trips to Rottnest Island, Fremantle, or the Swan Valley.
Most visitors spend 4 to 5 days in Perth, which allows time to explore the city, enjoy Kings Park and the waterfront, visit beaches or Fremantle, and include at least one day trip such as Rottnest Island or the Swan Valley.
No — Perth has a reliable public transport network including trains, buses, and ferries, and the city centre is easy to walk around. Ferries along the Swan River are a scenic way to travel, while hiring a car can be useful if you plan to explore beaches, wineries, or regional areas outside the city.
Yes — Perth suits a wide range of travellers. Families enjoy beaches, parks, and outdoor attractions, couples love waterfront dining and scenic day trips, and solo travellers appreciate the relaxed pace, walkable areas, and variety of guided tours and experiences.
Start your trip by exploring the heart of Perth.
Walk through Perth CBD, Murray Street Mall, and Hay Street
Explore Elizabeth Quay and enjoy views along the Swan River foreshore
Lunch at a waterfront restaurant or city café
Visit the Perth Bell Tower or take a short river walk
Evening dining or drinks at Elizabeth Quay or along the river
Focus on Perth’s green spaces and cultural highlights.
Visit Kings Park for panoramic city and river views
Walk through the Western Australian Botanic Garden
Explore nearby museums or galleries in the Perth Cultural Centre
Lunch in the CBD or Northbridge
Sunset views from Kings Park or an evening river stroll
Experience Perth’s coastal or harbour-side lifestyle.
Option 1: Fremantle
Travel to Fremantle by train or ferry
Explore Fremantle Markets, historic streets, and the harbour
Lunch at a café or brewery
Visit the Fremantle Prison or walk the foreshore
Dinner by the water or return to Perth for evening dining
Option 2: Beaches
Visit Cottesloe Beach, Scarborough Beach, or City Beach
Walk the coastline and enjoy ocean views
Lunch at a beachside café
Relax with swimming or sunset views over the Indian Ocean
Choose a memorable day trip to finish your stay.
Option 1: Rottnest Island
Take a ferry to Rottnest Island
Explore beaches, cycle the island, and spot quokkas
Swim, snorkel, or relax by the coast
Option 2: Swan Valley
Visit the Swan Valley for wine tasting and local produce
Enjoy breweries, distilleries, and scenic countryside
Relaxed lunch and tastings before returning to Perth
Four to five days is ideal to experience Perth without rushing. This allows time for the CBD, Kings Park, beaches or Fremantle, and at least one day trip such as Rottnest Island or the Swan Valley. Travellers with extra time often add more coastal stops or additional regional day trips.
✅ Decide where to stay — choose the Perth CBD or Elizabeth Quay for easy access to attractions, or coastal areas like Cottesloe, Scarborough, or City Beach for a more relaxed, beachside stay
✅ Book popular experiences in advance, including Rottnest Island ferries or tours, Swan Valley wine tours, and river cruises during peak travel periods
✅ Check the best time for your visit, factoring in Perth’s sunny climate, seasonal events, and peak summer travel periods
✅ Plan how you’ll get around — Perth’s train, bus, and ferry network makes it easy to explore the city, with car hire useful for beaches or regional trips
✅ Leave time in your itinerary to enjoy waterfront walks, relax at beaches, explore parks, and discover cafés and dining spots at your own pace
