Perth City
The heart of Perth, home to Elizabeth Quay, the Bell Tower and free CAT buses that loop through the centre.
Best for: First-time visitors and city sightseeing
Overview
Popular Perth Cruises
Perth cruises make the most of its Indian Ocean coastline, just a short trip from the city. Each one offers a very different way to experience it. On a lunch cruise around Rottnest Island, guests pull lobster straight from the ocean before it is served as part of a long lunch on board. With time for a swim in the island's waters, it is a relaxed way to spend an afternoon at sea.
From September to November, humpback whales pass Perth's coast on their annual migration, and whale watching cruises from Fremantle head out to meet them. With underwater cameras and hydrophones on board, guests can watch and listen to the whales beneath the surface too.
Perth Cruise Experiences
Famous Perth Attractions
Perth's attractions range from riverside parklands and world-class museums to convict history and the Indian Ocean coast. These are some of them:
Kings Park & Botanic Garden
Perth's green heart and one of the biggest inner-city parks in the world, Kings Park spreads across 400 hectares, with views of the city skyline and the Swan River. Known to the Whadjuk Noongar people as Kaarta Koomba, the park is free to enter and open every day.
The Botanic Garden showcases more than 3,500 species of Western Australian plants. The arched-glass bridge is a highlight along the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, a 620m walking path through the park. Climb the 101 steps of the DNA Tower, the highest viewing point in Kings Park, and on a clear day, the view may stretch as far as the Indian Ocean.
Elizabeth Quay & The Bell Tower
Elizabeth Quay is Perth's waterfront entertainment precinct on the Swan River, with riverside dining, public art and plenty of space for families. Its most recognisable landmark is Spanda, a striking 29m white sculpture, while a free water park and an island playground keep younger visitors busy.
Just nearby, the Bell Tower houses the bells of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, gifted to mark the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. The bells ring on Thursdays and Sundays at midday, and the tower offers 360° views of the city and the river.
WA Museum Boola Bardip
This state museum is in the Perth Cultural Centre, where five restored heritage buildings are joined by a striking new one. The name means ‘many stories’ in the Whadjuk Noongar language, and its eight permanent galleries share the stories of the state's land, wildlife and people, including its Aboriginal culture.
The museum's best-known resident is Otto, a 24m blue whale skeleton that has been part of its collection for more than 120 years. Entry is free for children aged 15 and under, and the Art Gallery of Western Australia next door is free for everyone.
The Perth Mint
The Perth Mint opened in 1899 as a branch of London's Royal Mint, set up to process the gold found across Western Australia. Today, guided tours take visitors through its historic premises and the story of the state's gold discoveries. Along the way, they see some of the world's largest gold nuggets and get to hold a real gold bullion bar.
The biggest draw is the One Tonne Gold Coin, which Guinness World Records names the largest gold coin ever made. Tours run every hour. For the grand finale, watch molten gold become a gleaming solid bar during a live gold pour in the original Melting House.
Cottesloe Beach
A local favourite for more than 100 years, Cottesloe stretches for over a kilometre of white sand along the clear blue Indian Ocean. It is known as the birthplace of surfing and surf lifesaving in Western Australia. Giant Norfolk pines shade the grassy Cottesloe Esplanade, a popular spot for picnics and sunsets, while the colourful reefs draw snorkellers. Every March, ‘Sculpture by the Sea’ turns the beach into a free outdoor art exhibition. Swim between the red and yellow flags, then stay on for sunset drinks at one of the beachfront venues.
Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo opened on 17 October 1898 in South Perth, just across the Swan River from the city centre. It is split into zones. In the African Savannah, lions, rhinos and giraffes roam, while the Asian Rainforest is home to Sumatran tigers, sun bears and a red panda. Closer to home, the Bushwalk and Wetlands zone showcases Australian animals, from kangaroos and koalas to little penguins and a saltwater crocodile. Free keeper talks run throughout the day, and the zoo is open every day of the year, including Christmas Day. To get there, take the ferry from Elizabeth Quay to Mends Street Jetty, about 10 minutes across the river, then walk 500m to the gates.
Fremantle Prison & The Round House
Two of the oldest landmarks in Western Australia, in the port city of Fremantle. Fremantle Prison held prisoners from the 1850s until 1991, and today, it is World Heritage-listed as one of 11 Australian Convict Sites. Also in Fremantle, on the clifftop at Arthur Head, the twelve-sided Round House opened as a jail in 1831 and is the oldest public building in the state. A cannon is still fired at 1 pm every day, recreating the time signal once used by ships to set their clocks.
Honourable Mentions
AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia): Underwater tunnel and marine life from Western Australia’s coastline.
WA Maritime Museum: Maritime history, historic vessels and Cold War-era submarine tours.
Fremantle Markets: Heritage-listed market with local crafts, fashion and fresh produce, open Friday to Sunday.
Perth's green heart and one of the biggest inner-city parks in the world, Kings Park spreads across 400 hectares, with views of the city skyline and the Swan River. Known to the Whadjuk Noongar people as Kaarta Koomba, the park is free to enter and open every day.
The Botanic Garden showcases more than 3,500 species of Western Australian plants. The arched-glass bridge is a highlight along the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, a 620m walking path through the park. Climb the 101 steps of the DNA Tower, the highest viewing point in Kings Park, and on a clear day, the view may stretch as far as the Indian Ocean.
Elizabeth Quay is Perth's waterfront entertainment precinct on the Swan River, with riverside dining, public art and plenty of space for families. Its most recognisable landmark is Spanda, a striking 29m white sculpture, while a free water park and an island playground keep younger visitors busy.
Just nearby, the Bell Tower houses the bells of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, gifted to mark the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. The bells ring on Thursdays and Sundays at midday, and the tower offers 360° views of the city and the river.
This state museum is in the Perth Cultural Centre, where five restored heritage buildings are joined by a striking new one. The name means ‘many stories’ in the Whadjuk Noongar language, and its eight permanent galleries share the stories of the state's land, wildlife and people, including its Aboriginal culture.
The museum's best-known resident is Otto, a 24m blue whale skeleton that has been part of its collection for more than 120 years. Entry is free for children aged 15 and under, and the Art Gallery of Western Australia next door is free for everyone.
The Perth Mint opened in 1899 as a branch of London's Royal Mint, set up to process the gold found across Western Australia. Today, guided tours take visitors through its historic premises and the story of the state's gold discoveries. Along the way, they see some of the world's largest gold nuggets and get to hold a real gold bullion bar.
The biggest draw is the One Tonne Gold Coin, which Guinness World Records names the largest gold coin ever made. Tours run every hour. For the grand finale, watch molten gold become a gleaming solid bar during a live gold pour in the original Melting House.
A local favourite for more than 100 years, Cottesloe stretches for over a kilometre of white sand along the clear blue Indian Ocean. It is known as the birthplace of surfing and surf lifesaving in Western Australia. Giant Norfolk pines shade the grassy Cottesloe Esplanade, a popular spot for picnics and sunsets, while the colourful reefs draw snorkellers. Every March, ‘Sculpture by the Sea’ turns the beach into a free outdoor art exhibition. Swim between the red and yellow flags, then stay on for sunset drinks at one of the beachfront venues.
Perth Zoo opened on 17 October 1898 in South Perth, just across the Swan River from the city centre. It is split into zones. In the African Savannah, lions, rhinos and giraffes roam, while the Asian Rainforest is home to Sumatran tigers, sun bears and a red panda. Closer to home, the Bushwalk and Wetlands zone showcases Australian animals, from kangaroos and koalas to little penguins and a saltwater crocodile. Free keeper talks run throughout the day, and the zoo is open every day of the year, including Christmas Day. To get there, take the ferry from Elizabeth Quay to Mends Street Jetty, about 10 minutes across the river, then walk 500m to the gates.
Two of the oldest landmarks in Western Australia, in the port city of Fremantle. Fremantle Prison held prisoners from the 1850s until 1991, and today, it is World Heritage-listed as one of 11 Australian Convict Sites. Also in Fremantle, on the clifftop at Arthur Head, the twelve-sided Round House opened as a jail in 1831 and is the oldest public building in the state. A cannon is still fired at 1 pm every day, recreating the time signal once used by ships to set their clocks.
AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia): Underwater tunnel and marine life from Western Australia’s coastline.
WA Maritime Museum: Maritime history, historic vessels and Cold War-era submarine tours.
Fremantle Markets: Heritage-listed market with local crafts, fashion and fresh produce, open Friday to Sunday.
Perth Neighbourhoods
Northbridge
A multicultural melting point of food and a buzzing bar scene, minutes from the city centre.
Best for: Food, nightlife and culture
Fremantle
A historic port city of narrow streets, heritage buildings, one-off shops and street buskers.
Best for: History, markets and craft beer
Scarborough
A coastal suburb about 15 minutes from the city, with a long beachfront and a heated open-air pool.
Best for: Beaches and ocean views
Subiaco
A leafy suburb 5 kms from the city, known for its eclectic architecture, shopping and dining.
Best for: Shopping and dining
Leederville
A culinary and cultural melting pot just 3 kms from the city, centred on Oxford Street.
Best for: Cafés and local culture
Mount Lawley
One of the most stylish suburbs in Perth, home to Beaufort Street and the 1919 Astor Theatre.
Best for: Dining, nightlife and live entertainment
Things To Do In Perth
On The Water
Cruise to Rottnest for a lobster lunch- Whale watch from Fremantle (Sep–Nov)
- Swim at Cottesloe Beach
- Watch an Indian Ocean sunset
- Spot dolphins in Mandurah estuary
Wildlife & Outdoor Adventures
- Meet Rottnest's famous quokkas (recommended)
- Hand-feed kangaroos at Caversham
- Meet Perth Zoo's Sumatran tigers
- Walk Kings Park's Federation Walkway
- Climb Kings Park's DNA Tower
Food & Nightlife
- Taste Swan Valley wines (recommended)
- Try global flavours in Northbridge
- Enjoy beachfront drinks at Cottesloe
- Sample Fremantle's craft breweries
- Dine on Beaufort Street
Family-Friendly Experiences
- Explore Perth Zoo, South Perth (recommended)
- Waterpark fun at Elizabeth Quay
- Watch gold bar making live
- Hear the Round House cannon
- Picnic at King’s Park
History & Culture
- Explore Fremantle Prison (recommended)
- Hear the Bell Tower ring (Thu & Sun)
- Browse Fremantle Markets (Fri-Sun)
- Walk Fremantle's heritage streets
- Explore the Boola Bardip
Popular Day Trips From Perth
Perth is the gateway to some of the most striking landscapes in Western Australia. From island escapes and wine country to desert spires and giant sand dunes, these day trips are all within a few hours of the city.
Rottnest Island
A car-free island reserve with 63 beaches and more than 45kms of trails. Hire a bike or e-bike to get around, or follow the underwater snorkel trails at Parker Point and Little Salmon Bay. Don't miss a sighting of the quokka, the small marsupial that appears to smile.
Swan Valley
The oldest wine region in Western Australia, with more than 40 wineries alongside breweries, distilleries and cideries. The region is also home to Guildford, Perth's oldest inland town. Don't miss Caversham Wildlife Park, where visitors can hand-feed kangaroos and meet koalas and wombats.
Mandurah
A waterside city south of Perth on the Peel-Harvey Estuary, twice the size of Sydney Harbour and home to one of Australia's healthiest dolphin populations. Explore the canals that wind between waterfront homes, or visit during the annual Crab Fest, which celebrates the region's blue swimmer crabs. Don't miss the Giants of Mandurah, five giant sculptures by artist Thomas Dambo
Lancelin
A coastal town north of Perth, home to massive 45-degree dunes, the biggest in Western Australia. Visitors can head out across the sand by dirt bike or four-wheel drive. Don't miss sandboarding down the dunes.
The Pinnacles
Thousands of tall limestone spires rise from yellow desert sands in Nambung National Park, just outside the coastal town of Cervantes. The drive follows the Indian Ocean Drive, and from August to October the park bursts into wildflower season. Don't miss nearby Lake Thetis, home to stromatolites that resemble the earliest forms of life on Earth.
Wave Rock
A 15m-high granite cliff near the Wheatbelt town of Hyden, shaped like a giant ocean wave by more than 2.7 billion years of wind and rain. It is a long day, with close to 8 hours of driving there and back, so a guided tour is the easier option. Don't miss Mulka's Cave nearby, with more than 450 Aboriginal rock paintings.
Suggested Itineraries
Day One: Kings Park, Gold & Northbridge Dining
- Morning: Kings Park & the Federation Walkway
- Afternoon: Live gold pour at the Perth Mint & WA Museum Boola Bardip
- Evening: Sunset at Elizabeth Quay & dinner at Northbridge
Day Two: Quokkas & Lobster Lunch Cruise At Rottnest Island
- Morning: Ferry across to Rottnest & quokka spotting around Thomson Bay
- Afternoon: Lobster lunch cruise around the island
- Evening: Return ferry to Fremantle & a relaxed night in
Day Three: Fremantle Heritage, Markets & Cottesloe Sunset
- Morning: Fremantle Markets & the heritage streets
- Afternoon: Fremantle Prison & the Round House
- Evening: Indian Ocean sunset at Cottesloe Beach * With an extra day, add Caversham Kangaroos and Swan Valley wineries.
* You can mix and match these itineraries according to your time, interests and convenience to create your own Perth experience.
How To Get To Perth
Perth is the main gateway to Western Australia. Most visitors fly into Perth Airport (PER), which welcomes direct international flights from Asia, Africa and New Zealand, along with domestic flights from across Australia.
International travellers
Fly directly to Perth from cities including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Manila, Auckland and Johannesburg. Compare fares across airlines and travel sites when booking flights.
NOTE: Some long-haul routes, including flights between Perth and London, are currently operating with a stop because of airspace restrictions in the Middle East. Check the latest schedules with your airline or on the Perth Airport website before booking.
Domestic travellers
Perth has direct flights from other Australian capital cities. The Indian Pacific rail journey links Sydney and Perth over four days and three nights, arriving at the East Perth Terminal, about five minutes from the city centre.
Important Links
| Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Visit Perth | Find things to do, events, food experiences and local travel inspiration in Perth |
| Tourism Western Australia | Plan trips beyond Perth, including Rottnest Island, the Swan Valley, Margaret River and the Pinnacles |
| Transperth | Plan journeys by train, bus and ferry, and check routes, timetables and fares |
| Perth Airport | Check flight information, terminal details and transport options to and from Perth Airport |
| Rottnest Island | Check ferry options, island information and things to do on Rottnest Island |
| Explore Parks WA | Check park information, walking trails, closures and alerts before visiting national parks |
| The Bureau of Meteorology | Check Perth's current weather, forecasts and warnings before heading out |
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.
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.
Australia-wide Holidays
1 Jan (Thu) – New Year’s Day
26 Jan (Mon) – Australia Day
3 Apr (Fri) – Good Friday
4 Apr (Sat) – Day following Good Friday
5 Apr (Sun) – Easter Sunday
6 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday
25 Apr (Sat) – ANZAC Day
25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
26 Dec (Sat) – Boxing Day
Western Australia observed holidays:
28 Sep (Mon) – King’s Birthday
2 Mar (Mon) – Labour Day
1 Jun (Mon) – Western Australia Day
28 Dec (Mon) – Additional Public Holiday (Christmas Period)
1 Jan (Thu) – New Year’s Day
26 Jan (Mon) – Australia Day
3 Apr (Fri) – Good Friday
4 Apr (Sat) – Day following Good Friday
5 Apr (Sun) – Easter Sunday
6 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday
25 Apr (Sat) – ANZAC Day
25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
26 Dec (Sat) – Boxing Day
Western Australia observed holidays:
28 Sep (Mon) – King’s Birthday
2 Mar (Mon) – Labour Day
1 Jun (Mon) – Western Australia Day
28 Dec (Mon) – Additional Public Holiday (Christmas Period)
Fringe World (TBC)
Fringe World is one of Perth’s most popular summer festivals offering everything from comedy, music, theatre, circus and plenty more! The event is staged across multiple venues in Perth with both free and ticketed events available.
Perth Festival (Feb - March)
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.
Strange Festival (TBC)
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.
Fringe World is one of Perth’s most popular summer festivals offering everything from comedy, music, theatre, circus and plenty more! The event is staged across multiple venues in Perth with both free and ticketed events available.
Perth Festival (Feb - March)
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.
Strange Festival (TBC)
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.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2026
Term 1: 3 April to 19 April
Term 2: 4 July to 19 July
Term 3: 26 September to 11 October
Term 4: 18 December 2026 to (end date not confirmed)
Term 1: 3 April to 19 April
Term 2: 4 July to 19 July
Term 3: 26 September to 11 October
Term 4: 18 December 2026 to (end date not confirmed)
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.
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.
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
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.