Your guide to Perth
Perth highlights
Beach adventures
Perth’s famous postcard shot is of the powdery white sand and aquamarine water in front of the Cottesloe Beach Hotel. But this is only one of many gorgeous beaches you can visit in Perth. Spot starfish in the natural lagoon at Mettams Pool, or grab your flippers and snorkel and explore the calm waters of Port Beach in Fremantle.
Performing arts
Movie star Heath Ledger and rock band Tame Impala both hail from Perth, a city renowned for nurturing talent at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Check the schedule at the Perth Concert Hall for the symphony orchestra, opera and ballet. Book show tickets in advance to avoid missing a sold-out show during your time in Perth.
Kings Park
One of the world’s largest urban parks, Kings Park is situated on the north side of Swan River. The park houses the Western Australian Botanic Garden, as well as nature trails and picnic areas. If you’re travelling with kids, they’ll love the Ivey Watson Playground. Visit in September to see the wildflowers in bloom and attend the Kings Park Festival.
Perth: Know before you go
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | Australian dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (AWST) |
| High season | December - January |
| Low season | February |
Find the best time to go to Perth
Weather in Perth
March – May: Autumn starts out warm before things cool down and rain becomes more frequent. This is a good time for sightseeing.
June – August: It may be winter, but a midday sea swim is still a possibility. Cold afternoon downpours or thunderstorms aren’t uncommon, so pack waterproof layers.
September – November: Wildflowers take centre stage in spring with banksia, Swan River myrtle and wild violets headlining the show. Expect warm, pleasant days with passing showers.
December – February: Beaches are packed, the patios are full, and cicada song fills the air. This citybuzzesin summer, and the weather cooperates with plenty of warmth, little rain and cool evenings.
Events in Perth
Perth Festival (February to March): This month-long arts festival offers a busy programme of music, performing arts, installations and films.
Margaret River Pro (April or May): An exciting stop on the World Surf League tour, this surf competition three hours south of Perth is worth the drive to see monstrous swells and some of the best wave-riders in the sport.
Everlasting Kings Park Festival (September): It takes all year to plant and prepare for this wildflower celebration. Wander the huge city park to see thousands of native flowers in bloom, or check out a free guided walk.
The best neighbourhoods in Perth
Perth CBD
The city centre is the best area to stay in Perth for restaurants, boutiques and art galleries all within walking distance. Cool down from the hot weather at the BHP Billiton Water Park. Visit The Bell Tower observation deck, or hop on a river cruise from Barrack Street Jetty. CAT city buses get you to most attractions for free.
Good for: Shopping, restaurants, tourist attractions
Fremantle
Known as Perth’s Old Town, Fremantle is a 30-minute drive from the CBD. Built during the 19th-century gold rush, this area is known for its more than 200 historic buildings, including the 1830s Round House former jail. Sip coffee with the locals along South Terrace (known as Cappuccino Strip), and swim at Bathers Beach.
Good for: Heritage buildings, breweries, art galleries
Cottesloe
Cottesloe Beach is where to stay in Perth for surfing and snorkelling action. Stroll along the boulevard to dine in a chic restaurant or enjoy a picnic beneath shady Norfolk Pines. Sunday afternoon drinks at beachside bars are legendary, and it’s always a good time to sip local Margaret River wine and watch the sun sink into the sea.
Good for: Beach, water sports, bars
Things to do in Perth
Shopping
For designer bling and high-end fashion, visit the shops at Raine Square. If you like vintage stores better than Tiffany & Co, search for retro treasures in the hipster Northbridge neighbourhood. Lined with historic buildings, Hay Street Mall is the main open-air shopping strip, with a mix of homewares, streetwear and gourmet food shops.
Places to eat
Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, international flavours or fine dining, you’ll find it at restaurants in Perth. Located in a 1930s cabaret hall at Cottesloe Beach, Il Lido hits the spot for Italian food cravings. Try Western Australian brews with pizza and pint specials at Ruinbar, or devour gourmet farm-to-fork dishes with rooftop views at Wildflower.
Take in the culture
Many art galleries and museums are free to visit, including the Art Gallery of Western Australia in the Perth Cultural Centre. Don’t miss their rooftop sculpture walk and, in the warmer months, stay for stunning sunsets at the AGWA Bar. Make sure to also visit the WA Museum Boola Bardip to discover the traditions of local First Nations peoples.
Beaches
From Cottesloe to Bathers Beach, sugary white sand and transparent blue water are guaranteed at the beaches in Perth. The closest to the city centre is City Beach, with waves big enough to surf. Take the kids to Leighton Beach for shallow water they can splash around in. It’s worth hiring a car to beach-hop along the Sunset Coast Self Drive Trail.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Perth might see you partying on rooftops or beachfronts, with plenty of lively bars and pubs around the city. Put your dancing shoes on for live bands at the Rosemount Hotel or DJs and disco balls at Paramount Nightclub. Check the schedule for theatre shows and blockbuster musicals at the Edwardian-era His Majesty’s Theatre.
Free things to do
Visiting Perth on a budget is possible with lots of free things to do including sunny beach days and guided walking tours from the Perth City Visitor Kiosk. Or download the Perth Trails App to set out on your own. Pack a picnic to enjoy at Heirisson Island, in the middle of the Swan River, and meet the friendly resident kangaroos.
Get ready for Perth
Budget
Experiencing Perth on a budget is extra fun when it includes visits to local bakeries stocked with cinnamon rolls (called ‘scrolls’ here) and meat pies for an affordable snack. Meals at pubs, surf clubs and neighbourhood restaurants cost around 25 Australian dollars ($). Coffees are made with expertise, so expect to pay $5 or more for a cappuccino. A short taxi ride is usually less than $18.
Day trips from Perth
No trip to Perth is complete without spotting a cute quokka in the wild. A 90-minute ferry will land you on Rottnest Island, the home of quokkas and fantastic beaches. For raw natural beauty, don’t miss the limestone pinnacles in Nambung National Park, some three hours north of the city. For world-class chardonnay, beeline for Margaret River, three hours south.
Getting around Perth
It’s easy to navigate the city centre on foot, by bicycle or by catching the free CAT city buses. For longer trips, buy a rechargeable SmartRider card for buses, trains and ferries. Taxis and rideshares are also available. Hire a car to explore the coast or take a trip into the countryside.
