Known for its crystal clear beaches, vibrant food scene, and laid-back vibe, Perth is the capital city of Western Australia and is the fourth most populated city in Australia.
If you’re planning a trip to Western Australia’s sunny capital, this guide has everything you need to know to make the most of your time there.
Don’t miss Perth’s must-see spots like Kings Park and Botanic Garden, the stunning Swan River, Cottesloe Beach for sunset and Elizabeth Quay for waterfront dining and city views.
Some of Perth’s best neighborhoods to explore include Fremantle, Subiaco, Cottesloe, Scarborough, Coogee, and South Perth.
Ready to plan your adventure? Dive into my go-to guide for the best things to do in Perth, Australia.
Best Time To Visit
Perth pretty much guarantees sunshine, but the vibe changes a lot with the seasons. Whether you’re chasing wildflowers, wine tasting, or relaxing on the beach, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s what to expect for the weather throughout the year.
I personally love visiting Perth in the spring. The weather’s just right, the wildflowers are out and it’s not too crowded. If you’re after a mix of sunshine, chill vibes, and plenty to do, spring or autumn are the way to go.
Summer (December to February) Hot and beach ready.
Perth turns up the heat in summer – literally! With temperatures often soaring past 95°F (35°C) most days. It’s prime time for beach days and sunset swims.
Autumn (March to May) Golden and laid-back.
Autumn in Perth is a more relaxed vibe, it’s all about warm days and cooler evenings. The temperatures during this period range from 55°F to 82°F (13°C to 28°C), perfect for city exploring.
Winter (June to August) Cool and cozy.
Winter in Perth is mostly mild, nowhere near as cool as Melbourne, with temperatures hovering between 46°F to 66°F (8°C to 19°C). This is a great time to explore more indoor spots like local cafes and museums, especially on rainy days.
Spring (September to November) Sunny and in bloom.
Spring is when Perth really shines! You can expect clear blue skies, flowers blooming, and temperatures ranging from 54°F to 79°F (12°C to 26°C). This is peak wildflower season, perfect for adventuring.
What To Expect
Perth is where city vibes meet salty air, and honestly, it’s a dream. Think golden hour along the Swan River, relaxed afternoons at quiet beaches, and cafes that feel more like a lifestyle than a vacation. The pace is so much slower here than in Melbourne, in the best way possible, and the sunshine feels endless.
Can we also talk about the coastline? I mean, absolutely unreal. Perth is home to some of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever laid my eyes on, soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and that peaceful kind of quiet you only get when you venture to those smaller towns. Cottesloe is truly iconic, especially at sunset when the sky turns cotton candy pink, a definite must-see.
If you’re after something more low-key, Mullaloo has that perfect mix of surf culture and oceanfront cafes, while Leighton Beach feels like your own private slice of heaven. The beaches here have a way of making you forget what time it is, and honestly, that’s the magic.
Wander Kings Park and WA Botanical Gardens
Kings Park and the WA Botanical Gardens is where Perth really shows off. Think panoramic city views, wildflower-lined walking trails, and diverse flora and fauna.
It’s one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, and it’s even bigger than New York City’s Central Park, covering around 400 hectares. The park is also home to over 3,000 species of Western Australian flora, making it an incredible spot to see native plants that you won’t find anywhere else.
It’s the kind of spot where you can enjoy your morning coffee, eat lunch under the eucalyptus trees, or soak in the city lights at sunset.
It’s easy to spend a few hours or an entire afternoon here, especially if you’re into nature without straying too far from the city.
To get to Kings Park from the city, you can jump on the free Blue CAT shuttle bus that operates from Elizabeth Quay Bus Station directly to Kings Park. The bus runs every 10 minutes, every day.
Enjoy a city walking tour
One of the best ways to get to know Perth is to simply hit the streets and join a walking tour. It’s such an easy and relaxed way to uncover the city’s hidden laneways, colourful street art and cool coffee spots and restaurants you might otherwise miss.
The city is quite small, so you could easily cover some ground and see most of the city’s attractions without a car, which is great for budget travelers.
Many walking tours are led by locals who know all the quirky, behind-the-scenes stories that don’t make it into the guidebooks.
Oh, Hey WA is a great walking tour company with a variety of tours to choose from. Their ultimate Perth walking tour is a great way to get your bearings and hear all the fun stories that bring the city to life.
Climb Matagarup Bridge
If you’re looking for adventure and a fun way to see the city skyline, climbing the iconic Matagarup Bridge is an epic way to soak in Perth from a completely unique angle.
If you’ve ever climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this is a similar experience as you’re suited up, strapped in, and physically scaling the arches of this unique structure. It was actually designed with a bridge climb in mind and later a zipline, which is cool.
The bridge stretches about 1,213 feet (370 m) and sits 236 feet above water (72 m), which makes the climb quite a workout. Hello, 314 steps! But it’s absolutely worth it for the incredible panoramic views over the Swan River and the city.
Just the bridge climb and no zipline, prices start at $ 99 AUD. If you’re looking to experience both the climb and zipline, you’re looking at $165+ AUD. Check it out here.
Discover gold at the Perth Mint
This was honestly one of my favourite experiences in Perth. Stepping into the Perth Mint felt like walking straight into a treasure chest. I’ve always loved anything to do with mining for gold, so this was high on my Perth bucket list.
The Perth Mint is one of the oldest operating mints in the world, and the history here is seriously cool, think gold rush stories, rare coins, and the opportunity to watch pure gold being poured right in front of you.
You can also weigh yourself in gold, check out the world’s largest gold coin, and even try to lift a real solid gold bar – it’s way heavier than you’d expect! It’s such a fun experience and perfect for families. I highly recommend adding this to your Perth itinerary.
Visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia
The Art Gallery of Western Australia is one of those places where you can easily lose track of time in the best way. It’s also the perfect spot to escape the heat when the Perth sun really turns up.
Tucked right in the heart of Perth’s Cultural Centre, the gallery has been around since 1895, making it the oldest visual arts organisation in the state.
The gallery houses an incredible mixture of classic and contemporary art installations, with a strong focus on regional and indigenous artists.
It’s the kind of place that feels approachable, even if you’re not usually into art. One of the coolest spots is the rooftop, with an open-air sculpture walk, a rooftop bar, and a 34-metre light-based artwork by Noongar artist Christopher Pease.
The gallery is free to visit and packed with bold installations and seriously cool sculptures that are worth checking out. See here for upcoming exhibitions and events.
Elizabeth Quay and Swan Bell Tower
Strolling around Perth’s waterfront precinct is a must when touring the city.
Elizabeth Quay has plenty to keep you busy, from colourful art installations and the blue Elizabeth Quay Bridge to a great selection of waterfront restaurants and cafes. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed wander with river views.
Nearby is the iconic Swan Bell Tower. This building really stands out with its glass spire and copper sails.
Inside, you can ring the tower’s historic bells, which are some of the oldest in the world, originally from St Martin-in-the-Fields in London.
The panoramic views from the observation deck are definitely a sweet bonus when you reach the top.
Read More
36 Best Things To Do In Perth, Australia
Visit Fremantle
Known by the locals as “Freo,” Fremantle is a super relaxed, slightly artsy suburb where you can easily spend the day wandering historic streets, checking out heritage buildings, and hopping between quirky shops and cozy cafes.
It’s also one of the best places to hunt down great food, especially seafood.
The Fishing Boat Harbour is buzzing with cafes, restaurants, and craft breweries where you can eat your way through local produce and the freshest seafood.
I absolutely loved visiting Fremantle. If you’ve got time for a day trip, I highly recommend checking it out.
It’s got that perfect blend of history, creativity, and just the right amount of seaside grit.
Explore the outer suburban beaches
Perth’s beautiful coastline is home to some of the best beaches in Australia. From the surf-ready waves at Trigg to the wide, sandy stretches of Scarborough, you’re sure to find a beach that suits your vibe.
Local favorites like Cottesloe, Coogee, and Leighton are super easy to get to and perfect for a relaxed beach day, with plenty of waterfront eateries to keep you fuelled along the way.
It’s hard to pick a favorite here; they all have their own vibe, which I love. You definitely want to plan for at least one full beach day, because WA beaches just hit differently.
Croff Bakehouse
131 Barrack St, Perth WA 6000
A great little place to grab delicious French croissants with bold, unexpected flavors – a go-to spot for sweet treats with a twist.
Namoo Korean BBQ
78 Barrack St, Perth WA 6000
A fun, interactive dining experience offering authentic Korean flavors, perfect for group dinners. Highly recommend.
Indigo Oscar
99 Marine Pde, Cottesloe WA 6011
Located right above the Cottlesoe Tea House is this cute Latin American pop-up. A beautifully designed venue with sweeping ocean views and a relaxed, beachy vibe.
Mullaloo Beach Hotel
10 Oceanside Prom, Mullaloo WA 6027
After a day at the beach, head across the road to the Mullaoo Hotel for a casual seaside dining experience with sunset views. Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere by the water with a classic pub meal. Also, the margaritas here are some of the best I have ever had.
The Orange Box
14 Leighton Beach Bvld, North Fremantle WA 6159
If you’re visiting Leighton Beach for the day, then you will want to hit up The Orange Box. A laid-back beachfront café serving up great coffee and fresh bites. An unbeatable spot for post-swim brunches.
Lola Underground
Hay St and Cathedral Ave, Perth WA 6000
Looking for something a little fancier? Try Lola Underground. An intimate, mood-lit bar and eatery offering cocktails and tasty small plates, hidden just below street level.
The Shorehouse
278 Marine Pde, Swanbourne WA 6010
Perth’s exclusive beachside restaurant with incredible views. The Shorehouse is best known for its modern Australian menu, deck seating, and coastal sophistication.
The Westin Perth
480 Hay St, Perth WA 6000
A luxurious escape in the heart of the city, blending chic design with wellness-focused amenities and serene spaces.
The QT Perth
133 Murray St, Perth WA 6000
A quirky boutique hotel in the heart of Perth’s CBD, offering fun rooftop vibes and easy access to the city’s best shopping and dining.
Tradewinds Hotel and Suites
1 Sewell St, East Fremantle WA 6158
Think relaxed beach vibes meets contemporary! The Tradewinds Hotel is perfect for extended stays and Fremantle explorations.
Intercontinental Perth
815 Hay St, Perth WA 6000
One of Perth’s more elegant and sophisticated 5-star hotels. The Intercontinental provides tasteful luxury, city views, and impeccable service right in the heart of Perth.
The Carlton Ritz
1 Barrack St, Perth WA 6000
If you’re looking to stay in the heart of all the action, The Carlton Ritz is the perfect spot. Located in Elizabeth Quay, this hotel offers world-class dining, an infinity pool, and amazing panoramic views of the Swan River.
Making the most of your Rottnest Island trip
I recommend booking the ferry to Rottnest Island in advance, as tickets can sell out quickly, especially during peak times. If you’re planning a day trip, aim for the earliest ferry to make the most of your time on the island.
Also, if you’re planning to hire bikes, particularly electric bikes, be sure to book them ahead of time too, as they’re often fully booked on the day.
Consider hiring a car
If you plan to explore Perth’s outer suburbs, hiring a car is highly recommended.
The city’s public transport system is great for getting around the CBD, but if you want to visit places like Fremantle, Cottesloe, or other coastal towns, having a car will give you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Sunrise at Kings Park
Kings Park at sunrise is peaceful and beautiful, with panoramic views over the city and the Swan River. Watch the sun come up, then enjoy a coffee at one of the nearby cafés.
Plan ahead for The Lobster Shack
If you’re keen to enjoy fresh seafood at the famous Lobster Shack in Cervantes, it’s worth planning your trip in advance.
The Lobster Shack is known for its delicious seafood and coastal views, but the kitchen is only open from 11 am to 3 pm, and they are not open for dinner. Since Cervantes is a two-hour drive from Perth, make sure to time your visit so you can arrive in time for lunch.
Free public transport in the CBD
I highly recommend taking advantage of Perth’s free public transport. Popular places like Kings Park and Elizabeth Quay have access to the free bus network called the CAT.
This is great if you plan to hop between major attractions and shopping precincts.
Wildflower Season
Plan your visit in time for wildflower season. Perth and its surrounding regions burst into color during this time, one of the largest displays of its kind in the world.
From September to November, places like Kings Park come alive with vibrant, blooming wildflowers.
Elizabeth Quay at night
Elizabeth Quay comes alive after dark with beautifully lit bridges, waterfront dining, and the occasional pop-up events, especially in the summer. It’s a great spot to soak in the city atmosphere by the river.
