Sandwiched between the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the vast red expanses of the outback, Perth may be one of the most remote cities in the world—but that's just part of its charm. A jam-packed cosmopolitan oasis, the best things to do in Perth include spotting street art among the towering skyscrapers in the CBD, museum-and-market-hopping in Fremantle, wine-tasting in the Swan Valley, making friends with the lovable quokkas on Rottnest Island, and taking in the sunset from any one of the coastal city’s postcard-perfect beaches.
Perth usually has a mild but wet winter, so most locals are breathing a sigh of relief by the time spring rolls around. Not only does September bring warmer weather, it’s also prime time to see wildflowers, with colorful displays popping up around the city and a month-long wildflower festival held in Kings Park. Summer is also Perth’s time to shine, with nearly 80 miles (125 kilometers) of beautiful Indian Ocean coastline to explore.
Perth is one of those cities you can easily navigate by bicycle, bus, train, or car, depending on how far you want to go. Around the city center, public transport is a good option, with trains and buses out to some of Perth’s best attractions, including Elizabeth Quay, Perth Cultural Precinct, Northbridge, Scarborough, and Fremantle. However, if you want to cruise along the coastline, and enjoy the freedom of the open road, nothing beats renting a car and going exploring.
For a city of its size, Perth is still very connected to nature. Around the city you’ll find an island filled with penguins, flower-dotted nature reserves, riverside parks, waterfalls, and even ancient caves that were once a hidden dancehall for the city’s elite. Lovers of the stars will also find two observatories, where you can join stargazing sessions led by Aboriginal elders and learn about the mysteries of the night sky told by the world’s first astronomers.
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In 2019, after six years traveling the world, a fateful coin flip led Cassie to Perth, where she fell in love with the beaches and bush. Now based in the Swan Valley, she spends her days exploring and weekends road-tripping.
go to Kings Park and look out over the city. One of the largest inner city parks in the world, Kings Park has a rich Aboriginal heritage, an awesome botanic garden, and it was once home to Perth’s first observatory.
Head to the beach for coffee and a swim, cruise out to the Swan Valley for wine tastings, or go out to Fremantle for art and culture, and finish up the day with a sunset drink at Elizabeth Quay.
the quokkas on Rottnest Island — beautiful beaches, interesting history, and the friendliest animal in the world—what could be better?! Jump on the ferry from Hillarys, Freo, or the city to spend the day in Rotto.
visit the WA Museum Boola Bardip. The city's past is so entwined with its present that the best way to experience it is to learn about it—and there’s no better place to do that than the city’s flagship museum.
head up to the Perth Hills at sunset. Zig Zag Scenic Drive in Kalamunda is a great spot, while the views from Lesmurdie Falls and Sixty Foot Falls are epic—especially in winter when the waterfalls are in full flow.
is thinking that Perth lacks substance. One of the world’s most remote cities may not compete with the cultural richness of the east, but it has its own allure, with beautiful beaches, amazing national parks, and a unique, vibrant character.
Perth is known as one of the most isolated cities in the world—and for being the capital of the state of Western Australia. With the Indian Ocean to the west and the vast expanses of Western Australia in every other direction, Perth is an ideal jumping-off point for this dramatic region of Australia.
...MoreWith three days in Perth, you can see the central city's best, plus surrounding areas. Visit top attractions such as Kings Park and the waterfront on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Swan River. Make day trips to Rottnest Island, Swan Valley, and Pinnacles Desert.
...MorePerth offers a range of cultural and outdoor activities. In the city, cruise the Swan River, visit the bush-covered Kings Park, and take a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Nearby, enjoy a Swan Valley wine tour, whale watch on the way to Rottnest Island, and admire the otherworldly Pinnacles Desert formations.
...MorePerth is unusual as such an isolated city, with the Indian Ocean to the west and the vast deserts of Western Australia everywhere else. Residents embrace a frontier spirit, born out of isolation. There are many unique and dramatic natural attractions nearby, from Rottnest Island to the Pinnacles Desert.
...MoreVisitors to Perth can enjoy loads of free activities, many of which are outdoors. Swim or snorkel at the beaches, follow a city or mountain biking trail, hike in the forests east of the city, browse farmers markets, and stroll among more than 200 public art installations around the city.
...MoreAttractions and sights of interest near Perth include Rottnest Island, famous for its quokkas; Pinnacles Desert, with dramatic rock formations; Swan Valley, with vineyards that produce some of Western Australia’s finest wine; and Margaret River, a town with white sand beaches and more fine wine.
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