Things To Do
in Perth

Perth is the sun-drenched capital of Western Australia, known for its wide river, expansive parks and long beaches on the Indian Ocean. The city combines a relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle with a growing culinary and arts scene anchored in the CBD, Fremantle and Northbridge. Perth is a practical base for exploring nearby wine regions, islands and vast natural reserves while offering high-quality services and infrastructure.

Friendly and multicultural, it balances modern urban comforts with access to dramatic coastal and bushland landscapes.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Perth Mint, where you can witness the gold pouring process and explore the fascinating history of gold mining in Western Australia. After that, stroll through the picturesque streets of St. George's Terrace, admiring the blend of heritage buildings and modern architecture. Enjoy a coffee at a local café, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city's historic heart.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head to the Art Gallery of Western Australia, where you can immerse yourself in a diverse collection of Australian and international art. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the lush surrounds of the Perth Cultural Centre, home to various museums and public spaces. Enjoy lunch at a nearby eatery, sampling some local flavors.

evening
:

As the sun sets, make your way to Elizabeth Quay for a scenic riverside walk, taking in the stunning views of the city skyline. Consider dining at one of the waterfront restaurants, where you can relish fresh seafood while enjoying the evening breeze. Conclude your day with a leisurely ferry ride on the Swan River, marveling at the illuminated cityscape.

day 2
Adventure at Kings Park
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing hike through Kings Park and Botanic Garden, where you'll be surrounded by stunning views of the city and the Swan River. Visit the War Memorial and the DNA Tower for panoramic vistas that will take your breath away. Don't forget to explore the unique flora of Western Australia in the botanic garden before the heat of the day sets in.

afternoon
:

After your morning hike, enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the park's tranquil areas, surrounded by native plants and wildlife. Spend the afternoon visiting the Aboriginal Heritage Cultural Centre, where you can learn about the rich history and culture of the local Noongar people. Engage in a guided tour to deepen your understanding of Indigenous traditions and their connection to the land.

evening
:

As twilight approaches, return to Kings Park for the free outdoor movie screening at the park during summer months. Bring a blanket and relax under the stars while enjoying a classic film. Afterward, head to a nearby pub for a casual dinner, experiencing the local nightlife.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee (flat white)$4-5
🚕Taxi (10 km daytime fare)$25-40
🍺Domestic beer (pub)$7-12
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$120-220

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Abundant sunshine, beaches and outdoor lifestyle
  • High-quality seafood and growing culinary scene
  • Good infrastructure, relaxed vibe and safety
  • Close access to wine regions, islands and natural parks
  • Geographically isolated — long flights from many international cities
  • Summer heat and strong sun can be intense
  • Public transport is good in the metro but limited in outer suburbs
  • Some attractions require significant driving to reach

Places to Visit in Perth

Visit one of these nice places.

Kings Park & Botanic Garden

Panoramic views of the CBD and Swan River, native flora, sunset viewpoints and framed skyline shots from Federation Walkway.

Cottesloe Beach

Iconic white sands, turquoise water and dramatic sunsets — great for beach, surf and long-exposure shoreline photos.

Rottnest Island (The Basin, Pinky Beach)

Crystal-clear bays, limestone cliffs and friendly quokkas — perfect for wildlife portraits and turquoise-water landscapes.

Fremantle (Cappuccino Strip & Harbour)

Historic streets, colonial architecture, busy port scenes and colorful markets provide lively urban and maritime photo opportunities.

Elizabeth Quay & Bell Tower

Modern waterfront precinct with reflective water, striking architecture and evening lights against the city skyline.

Swan River Foreshore and Matilda Bay

Riverside scenes, paddleboarders, and golden-hour reflections — ideal for tranquil photo compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Perth

Perth’s cuisine emphasizes fresh West Australian seafood, high-quality local produce and multicultural influences from Europe and Asia. The city has a vibrant café culture, acclaimed fine-dining restaurants and accessible markets and breweries. Nearby regions like Swan Valley and Margaret River supply excellent wines, cheeses and gourmet produce. Street food and markets offer casual options while city restaurants present modern Australian twists on classic dishes.

Perth Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fresh Local Seafood (snapper, WA rock lobster, oysters, marron)

West Australia is famed for seafood — enjoy freshly shucked oysters, grilled snapper or marron at Fremantle restaurants, Cottesloe beachfront cafés or fish-and-chip shops along the coast.

Must-Try!

Meat Pie and Sausage Roll

Classic Australian comfort food, available at bakeries across Perth and tasty at Fremantle Markets or local bakeries in the suburbs.

Lamington

A sponge cake coated in chocolate and desiccated coconut; found in bakeries, cafés and markets as a traditional Aussie sweet treat.

Modern Australian Small Plates

Many Perth restaurants serve contemporary small plates featuring local seafood, native ingredients (like lemon myrtle) and seasonal produce — look for tasting menus in the CBD and Scarborough.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Fremantle Markets

A lively weekend market (Fri–Sun) with street food stalls, fresh produce, baked goods and multicultural eats — try wood-fired pizzas, empanadas, and fresh seafood.

Sunday Upmarket / Local Pop-ups

Rotating markets and food trucks around Northbridge and South Perth offer diverse street food picks, coffee and desserts; check local listings for pop-ups and night markets.

Watertown Brand Outlet Food Court & Local Day Markets

Smaller local markets and food courts offer quick, affordable meals and snacks across suburbs; great for trying casual local foods.

Climate Guide

Weather

Perth has a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers (Dec–Feb) and cool, wetter winters (Jun–Aug). Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant with low humidity, making them ideal shoulder seasons for visiting. Rainfall is concentrated in winter months, but even winter days are often clear and comfortable. Strong sun and UV levels mean sun protection is essential year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Casual and Friendly

Australians in Perth are generally informal and approachable; a relaxed greeting like 'G'day' or 'Hi' is fine. First names are commonly used, even in business settings.

Respect Indigenous Culture

Acknowledge Noongar land when appropriate; ask permission before photographing cultural sites or artworks and be mindful of respectful behavior at heritage sites.

Beach and Wildlife Etiquette

Observe beach safety flags, avoid feeding wildlife (including quokkas) and follow park rules — fines can apply for feeding animals or removing vegetation.

Punctuality and Politeness

Be reasonably punctual for tours and restaurant bookings; politeness and queuing (lining up) are appreciated in public services.

Safety Guide

Safety

Perth is generally safe for travellers with low violent crime rates, but standard urban safety precautions apply (watch belongings, avoid isolated areas at night). Beach safety is important: swim between flags and be aware of rips. In summer take precautions against heatstroke and dehydration; carry sun protection and water, especially when hiking. If driving long distances to regional areas, carry supplies, inform someone of your route and watch for wildlife at dawn/dusk. Emergency number is 000 for police, fire and ambulance.

Tipping in Perth

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not compulsory in Perth; it’s appreciated for exceptional service. Rounding up a bill, leaving 5–10% in higher-end restaurants, or paying a few dollars for good service is common but not expected.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted, contactless payments and mobile wallets are common; cash is less used but handy for markets or small vendors. ATMs and EFTPOS are widely available.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

December–February: Hot and dry with long sunny days and sea breezes; ideal for beaches, snorkeling and outdoor dining. Protect yourself from strong UV with sunscreen, hats and hydration; beachgoers should swim between the red and yellow flags.

Autumn

March–May: Warm days and cooler nights with pleasant conditions for road trips, hiking and vineyard visits; crowds thin after summer school holidays.

Winter

June–August: Mild to cool with most of the year’s rain falling in winter; still comfortable for city sightseeing but bring a waterproof jacket for rainy days and chilly evenings.

Spring

September–November: Blooming wildflowers (especially in WA’s wildflower season inland and in parks), comfortable temperatures and great conditions for coastal drives and outdoor festivals.

Nightlife Guide

Perth at Night

Perth’s nightlife ranges from laid-back beachfront bars and craft breweries in Fremantle and Cottesloe to clubs and rooftop bars in the CBD and Northbridge. Live music venues and small theatres host local bands and touring acts; weekends bring vibrant crowds, while weekdays are quieter. There’s an emerging cocktail and craft beer scene with many neighbourhood bars in Subiaco, Leederville and Mount Lawley. Safety at night is good in central areas, but usual precautions apply in busier nightlife districts.

Hiking in Perth

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

John Forrest National Park

About 35 km east of Perth with several walking trails, waterfalls, scenic lookouts and historic picnic areas — good for day hikes and birdwatching.

Kings Park Trails

Short interpretive walks and riverside trails within Kings Park offering easy access to native flora, memorials and skyline views.

Bold Park

Coastal bushland near City Beach with trails that showcase WA native plants and provide quiet bushwalking close to the city.

Cape to Cape Track (south of Perth)

World-class multi-day coastal hiking route in the Margaret River region offering dramatic cliffs, beaches and wildflower displays (best planned as a longer trip).

Lesmurdie Falls

A short drive east offers trails to lookout points and the waterfall, popular for picnic stops and sunset views over the Perth plains.

Airports

How to reach Perth by plane.

Perth Airport (PER)

Primary international and domestic airport located ~12 km east of the CBD; regular shuttle buses, taxis, rideshares and car hire connect to the city. Terminals handle flights to Asia, the Middle East and domestic Australian destinations.

Jandakot Airport (JAD)

General aviation hub south of the city for private charters, flight training and some regional services; useful for private or scenic flights.

Busselton Margaret River Airport (BQB)

Regional airport about 220 km south of Perth with seasonal and limited domestic services — handy for accessing the Margaret River region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Central Perth, Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay and Fremantle are highly walkable with clear pedestrian routes and many attractions within walking distance. Edgier neighbourhoods like Northbridge and the Cappuccino Strip are pedestrian-friendly. Suburban sprawl means you’ll often need a car or public transport to reach beaches, wineries and regional attractions beyond the inner city.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Anglo-Celtic Australians

Historically the largest cultural group, influencing the city’s institutions and traditions.

Noongar People

The Indigenous people of the Perth region with deep cultural ties to the land and ongoing presence in local cultural institutions and events.

Multicultural Communities

Significant communities of British, Italian, Greek and increasingly Asian (Chinese, Indian) migrants contributing to diverse cuisine and cultural life.

Young Professionals and Families

Perth’s economy attracts skilled migrants and young professionals, especially in mining, tech and service sectors, balanced by a sizeable retiree population in coastal suburbs.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Australian Rules Football (AFL)

AFL is hugely popular with two local teams — the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers — attracting passionate crowds during the winter season.

Cricket

Cricket is a summer favourite, with domestic Sheffield Shield and Big Bash League matches and local club cricket widely played.

Surfing and Beach Sports

Surfing, beach volleyball and paddleboarding are popular along Perth’s coast, supported by surf schools and clubs.

Sailing and Watersports

Sailing, windsurfing and boating are common on the Swan River and offshore, with regattas and community clubs.

Transportation

Traffic

Perth has generally manageable traffic outside peak hours; morning and evening commutes can congest major freeways (Mitchell Freeway, Kwinana Freeway). Public transport (Transperth) includes an efficient rail network, buses and CAT free city buses; trains to Fremantle and Joondalup run frequently. Ferries operate to Rottnest Island and across parts of the Swan River. Driving times to regional attractions can be long, so plan trips and watch for seasonal holiday traffic.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Perth.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available across cafés and restaurants; many venues have full vegetarian menus or adaptable dishes. Farmers markets and health-forward cafés in suburbs like Mount Lawley and Leederville cater well to vegetarians.

Vegan

Vegan-friendly cafes and specialty bakeries are increasingly common, with many restaurants offering vegan mains, dairy-free milks and desserts. Use apps like HappyCow for up-to-date listings.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free bread and pasta options are common; most restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests but always mention severe allergies to staff. Markets and bakeries often label GF items.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Perth has excellent healthcare facilities including major hospitals (Royal Perth Hospital, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Fiona Stanley Hospital) and many private clinics. For visitors, travel insurance is strongly recommended — Medicare only covers eligible residents. Pharmacies are widespread, and urgent care clinics and GP services are readily available in the city and suburbs.

Discover Australia

Read more in our Australia 2025 Travel Guide.

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