Perth is ranked again and again as one of the cities with the highest quality of life in the world, and the moment you feel the clear blue Indian Ocean beaches and the more than 300 days of sunshine a year, you understand why. Its geographic isolation — more than 2,700 km from the nearest big city turns out to be the very charm that keeps Perth calm, clean and clearly itself, with no need to elbow through an overcrowded tourist scene.
#1 Kings Park and Botanic Garden
One of the largest inner-city parks in the world, covering 400 hectares on Mount Eliza. Two-thirds of it is original bushland, and the rest is a botanic garden showcasing the wildflora of Western Australia. The view from the top of the hill of the Perth CBD and the Swan River is the finest in the city. From September to October, vibrant wildflowers bloom in colour right across the park. Free to enter all year round.
- The Federation Walkway is a glass bridge floating above the treetops, 620 metres long, with the best city view and no charge
- For the sunset spot at the DNA Tower, arrive 30 minutes early because it gets crowded on holiday evenings
- Free guided garden walks leave every day at 10am and 2pm from the visitor centre — well worth it for understanding the local plants
#2 Cottesloe Beach
Perth's most iconic beach and the one locals and travellers choose most. The Indian Ocean water is turquoise and so clear you can see the rocks, good for swimming, snorkelling and watching the sunset. Along the shore, the white colonial-era Indiana Tea House makes a popular photo backdrop. A coastal walking path links to several nearby beaches, and the surf isn't too strong, so it suits all ages.
- Park free on the streets around the beach if the beachfront car park is full (it often fills up after 2pm on weekends)
- Watch for jellyfish in spring (September-November), which some years arrive in large numbers — there are warning signs on the beach
- The Cottesloe Beach Hotel restaurant on the rise looks out over a panoramic beach and sunset view — booking ahead for dinner is recommended
#3 Rottnest Island
A small island off the Perth coast, world-famous as the home of the quokka — a marsupial whose face looks like it's smiling and happy all the time. The island has more than 63 beaches, with water clear enough for snorkelling to see coral and bright fish. Cars are not allowed on the island; the main way to get around is hiring a bike and cycling the 22 km loop. The quokkas aren't afraid of people, but feeding or touching them is against the law.
- The ferry from Barrack Street Jetty or Fremantle takes 25-90 minutes; book tickets ahead, especially on holidays
- Hire a bike at the jetty — arrive early for a better one; if you can't manage the ride, there's a cheap island bus on the main routes
- Quokkas are seen most around Wadjemup Lookout and in the small town by the jetty — no need to head deep into the bush
#4 Fremantle
A historic port town that has preserved its Victorian-era architecture more completely than anywhere else in Australia. High Street is full of beautiful cream sandstone buildings. The Fremantle Market sells food, art and local souvenirs every Friday to Sunday. The local fishing harbour sells fresh seafood straight off the boats, and the old Fremantle Prison (World Heritage) is open for tours. This town has a clear creative energy, different from the Perth CBD.
- The Fremantle Market is open Friday 8am-9pm and Saturday-Sunday 9am-6pm; closed Monday to Thursday
- Walk to Fishermen's Wharf for fresh fish and prawns, fish-and-chips style, far cheaper than the restaurants in town
- Fremantle Prison: daytime tour AUD 25, night torchlight tour AUD 32; book online ahead
#5 Swan River (Western Australia)
The broad Swan River that flows through the heart of Perth is the main meeting point for locals and travellers alike. Elizabeth Quay, the newest redevelopment, is one of the loveliest waterfront precincts in Australia, with the WACA museum, parks, restaurants and a jetty. A 30 km riverside path links to Fremantle and is great for cycling, and at night the reflection of the towers and cruise boats on the water is beautiful.
- Hire a bike from a nextbike share station around Elizabeth Quay and ride along the river to Fremantle, 19 km, taking 1-1.5 hours
- Captain Cook Cruises river trips on the Swan leave from Barrack Street Jetty several times a day, AUD 35-50
- The South Perth district across the water has the best spot in the city to photograph the CBD reflected in the river
#6 Northbridge, Perth
The cultural and nightlife heart of Perth, gathering museums, galleries, international restaurants and bars in one compact area. The Perth Cultural Centre is home to the Western Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of WA and the State Library, all free to enter. The small Chinatown in Northbridge has excellent Asian restaurants, and from Thursday to Saturday nights the atmosphere is buzzing.
- The Art Gallery of WA has the best Western Australian Aboriginal art in the country; free entry, open daily 10am-5pm
- The Western Australian Museum, after its renovation, has reopened as the WA Museum Boola Bardip — beautifully done, free to enter
- This area is just a 5-minute walk from Perth Station; no car needed
Where to stay in Perth for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Perth — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Parmelia Hilton Perth
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Holiday Inn Perth City Centre
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Pan Pacific Perth
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Citadines St Georges Terrace Perth
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Tours, tickets & activities in Perth
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Perth — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Before You Pack
Perth is best from September to November (spring), when wildflowers bloom across Western Australia, or from March to May (autumn), when the air is cool and pleasant. Avoid January-February, the peak of the heat, when temperatures reach 40-45 degrees. Plan at least 4-5 days to cover both the city and Rottnest Island.