Perth

City of Lights

About Perth

Perth – land of two worlds – where lush green parklands and soft-sand beaches meet a sprawling metropolis of chic bars, authentic restaurants and inspiring street art. This riverfront capital city is situated on the enchanting Swan River. What awaits you here is not just breezy beaches, but historic art galleries, bustling neighbourhoods and incredible events!

The ‘perthfect’ location of the city on the banks of Swan River has made cruising a popular attraction among both tourists and locals alike. These scenic river cruises in Perth offer an unrivalled experience in exploring the city and its surrounds from an on-water perspective. From joining an exclusive blue whale encounter along the canyon, to swimming with wild dolphins, or indulging in a relaxing seafood affair, Perth cruises are just as diverse as the city skyline.

The abundance of beaches means there’s also plenty of space to enjoy outdoor activities like surfing, swimming, and snorkelling off the coast. From iconic destinations like Cottesloe Beach and Scarborough Beach to hidden gems like Mettams Pool and Trigg Beach, there's a stretch of coastline to suit every interest.

Within easy reach of the city, you'll find breathtaking natural wonders. Take a short ferry ride to Rottnest Island, home to adorable quokkas and stunning beaches. Venture further to explore the unique rock formations of the Pinnacles Desert or the majestic beauty of Kings Park and Botanic Gardens. Another crown jewel of Perth is the Swan Valley Wine Region, the state’s oldest wine region.

Perth offers a captivating blend of ideal weather, a bustling city centre, a dynamic calendar of events and festivals, and breathtaking natural wonders, making it an irresistible destination to discover and explore.

Perth Cruise Experiences

Pod of dolphins spotted during a Perth dolphin watching cruise

Dolphin Watching cruises

1 Cruise

From $299

A famous pedestrian bridge connecting two Perth towns

Lunch Cruises

3 Cruises

From $150

Scintillating view of the Perth skyline during sunset

Sightseeing Cruises

2 Cruises

From $150

A giant Humpback leaping out of the water near Perth's coastline

Whale Watching Cruises

3 Cruises

From $95

Featured Cruises

7 Cruises

7Hr Perth Canyon Blue Whale Research Tour

Cruise to Perth Canyon, Australia's only spot to see Blue Whales. Join the expert team to track and research these incredible creatures. March- may.

Duration 7hr

From $385

2Hr Perth Whale Watching Experience

Thrilling whale watching experience aboard a luxury catamaran with 5 viewing decks across 3 levels. Expert commentary included. September to December.

Duration 2hr

From $95

2Hr Perth Whale Watching Cruise - VIP Captain's Lounge

First-class VIP Captain's Lounge experience to watch the whales. Grandstand position, premium service, and other privileges. (September to December).

Duration 2hr

From $165

See All Cruises

Know Before You Go

Best Time To Visit

Perth enjoys very consistent weather throughout the year. The summer falls between December and February and is hot and dry. Winter is between June and August and is mild. September to November is the best season to spot the whales migrating along the coast.

Public Holidays

Monday, 1 January: New Year's Day
Friday, 26 January: Australia Day
Friday, 29 March: Good Friday
Saturday, 30 March: Easter Saturday
Sunday, 31 March: Easter Sunday
Monday, 1 April: Easter Monday
Thursday, 25 April: Anzac Day
Wednesday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Thursday, 26 December: Boxing Day

Other public holidays declared by the state and territory governments:

Monday, 4 March: Labour Day
Monday, 3 June: Western Australia Day
Monday, 23 September*: King's Birthday

*Regional areas in Western Australia may celebrate the King's Birthday Public Holiday on an alternative date

Events & Festivals

Perth Festival
This renowned multi-arts festival takes place annually during the first months of the year and features a diverse program of music, dance, theatre, visual arts, film, and literature. It showcases local and international artists and performers.

Sculpture by the Sea
This outdoor sculpture exhibition takes place annually during March along the stunning Cottesloe Beach. It features captivating artworks by local and international artists, transforming the beach into an open-air gallery.

Strange Festival
One of the crowd-favourites every year, Strange embraces the misfits and misunderstood, by celebrating the forgotten places of Perth through music, movies and art.

School Holidays

TERM 1 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
Western Australia: 29 March to 14 April

TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
Western Australia: 29 June to 14 July

TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
Western Australia: 21 September to 6 October

TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024 - 2025
Western Australia: 13 December 2024 to 4 February 2025

Accommodation

Perth has some of the best hotels in the country. There is an excellent array of accommodation in the city that caters to different tastes and budgets. Choose from luxurious heritage stays to simple and comfortable hotels or B&Bs.

Dining

Perth offers a wide variety of options when it comes to food. Whether you want to treat your tastebuds to local or international flavours, Perth has it all! It is a melting pot of ethnic restaurants that serve great food with the season’s best produce.

Transport

Perth has a convenient public transport system of buses, trains, and ferries. This makes exploring the city an easy feat. In addition, exploring the city of Perth is made easy by renting a car, hiring a taxi, or utilising rideshare services. The Perth Explorer Hop-on, Hop-off is a great option if you are looking for a fun experience of seeing the city’s attractions. As Perth has separated bike paths and a well-established network of routes, travelling by bicycle is an easy feat. Cruising on the Swan River is also an excellent way to see Perth.

Perth Tourist Information

Public Conveniences

Popular locations in Perth such as Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay, Northbridge Quay, etc. have numerous public toilet facilities. There are many information centres in the city for the benefit of the tourists.

Shopping & Market Hours

Perth offers a mix of modern shopping malls, high-end luxury boutiques, eclectic markets, and unique local stores. You can find an extraordinary range of Aboriginal arts and artefacts in the city. Do make sure that you browse the many souvenir shops in Perth.

Medical Services

In case of a medical emergency, you can seek immediate assistance from one of Perth’s many advanced hospitals such as Royal Perth Hospital, South Perth Hospital, Mount Hospital etc. The city offers high-quality medical facilities and well-stocked pharmacies.