Cheap Melbourne to Perth flights (MEL to PER)

Arriving at Perth Airport

Perth City is approximately 14 kilometres from Perth Airport. The easiest and most value friendly commute option to Perth CBD is with Airport Shuttle Perth, running 24 hours, 7 days a week. Just make sure you pre-book the service prior to your flight with Airport Shuttle Service.

Alternatively use the public transport Transperth with its many connections from Perth Airport through to Perth City. Other options include taxi, rideshare, and rental car booked through Virgin Australia.

You will arrive into Perth’s Domestic Airport at either Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 - from there make your way outside the terminal to the various transport services.

Transfer times and cost guide (to Perth City):

• Taxi and rideshare: 20mins - approx. $25 to Perth City, $50-$55 to Fremantle
• Airport Shuttle Perth: approx. $24
• Transperth public transport: approx. $4.50 ($1.80 concession)

Read more in our Perth Airport Guide.

Departing from Melbourne Airport

Located 23 kilometres from central Melbourne, Melbourne Airport is best accessed by the Skybus service which runs regular services from various central city locations including Southern Cross Station, 24-hours a day.

Another commute option to Melbourne Airport is via taxi and rideshare - or self-drive utilising the Melbourne Airport parking facilities.

The drive time is approximately 25-minutes from central Melbourne in non-peak hour, however allow plenty of time during peak times as the journey may potentially take longer in traffic.

What time do I need to arrive at Melbourne Airport?

If you’re planning to check in luggage we recommend that you plan to arrive at the airport 60 minutes prior to your flight time, as check-in is 45 minutes prior departure. This should allow you enough spare time to grab a coffee on your way to the departure gate, without feeling rushed.

Perth Itinerary – What to do in a day?

Only have 24 hours in Perth? Here’s a handy guide so you can squeeze in lots of key attractions and things to do, without feeling like you’re a contender on The Amazing Race.

8.30am – Good Things for Breakfast

After a good night’s sleep post your flight from Melbourne, you’re now ready to explore Perth. For breakfast you’re off to Good Things in Mosman Park, their all-day menu offering a range of tasty options from a Good Vibes Bowl to a Cheeseburger.

10.00am – Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA)

Next up is a cultural stop at Art Gallery of Western Australia, located in the Perth Culture Centre. Visit the Gallery’s newest architecturally designed rooftop venue, featuring an open-air sculpture walk and gallery spaces showcasing the latest exhibitions.

11.30am – Perth Waterbike Adventure

Your next adventure is the fun eco-cycling on-water experience with Perth Waterbike Adventures based in Matilda Bay Reserve, Nedlands. Glide along on your waterbike and take in Perth city and Kings Park.

12.30pm – Lunch with a view at C Restaurant

Today’s culinary treat is equally matched with killer views, you’re off to Perth’s only revolving restaurant, C Restaurant, located on the 33rd floor of St. Martin’s Tower. C Restaurant offers a la carte dining with incredible 360-degree views of Perth.

2pm – Conquer the Matagarup Bridge Climb

Time to put your brave pants on, next up is a climb to the top of Perth’s Matagarup Bridge, with its 314 steps on a 45-degree angle. You’ll be entertained by your guide and rewarded with incredible views from Skyview Deck.

3pm – Kings Park and Botanic Garden

After that adrenalin hit you’re ready to slow down the pace with time at Kings Park and Botanic Garden – a park even larger than New York’s Central Park, this city-fringe park offers majestic views of the city skyline, darling ranges to the east, and Swan and Canning Rivers.

4.30pm – An Afternoon Brew at The Lucky Shag

Next on today’s itinerary is The Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar. Enjoy a local brew while you listen to local live music and lap up the fantastic views across Swan River to South Perth.

7pm – A Bite at Bivouac

If you can peel yourself away from drinks make your way to Northbridge, an area full of galleries, stylish cocktail lounges, upscale clubs and eateries. Tonight’s dinner is at Perth’s favourite, Bivouac, with its eastern-inspired menu featuring delicious share plates.

9.00pm – A Nightcap at Bar Lafayette

The last stop for your Perth adventure is a nightcap at Bar Lafayette, an artisan cocktail bar adorned with antique décor, and artwork to match. Reminisce on the incredible day you experienced in Perth.

Where to stay in Perth?

Perth offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit all budgets and styles, throughout the city winding around Swan River, and its inner-city precincts each with their own flavour.

Perth CBD

Perth CBD is a handy area to stay in with key attractions all within easy reach. Enjoy being close to Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Art Gallery of Western Australia, Museum of Performing Arts, WA Museum, plus Optus Stadium just 3 kilometres away in Burswood. You’ll find an extensive and diverse range of accommodation options in the City.

South Perth

If you’re after culture and coffee South Perth is an ideal area to stay in - peppered with cafes, hidden gardens, fresh food markets, cool street art, and funky shops. South Perth is easily accessible by ferry from Elizabeth Quay in the CBD. It’s also home to a range of events including Fringe World music festival held during January/February.

East Perth

If you’re after an inner-city local feel, stay in East Perth, with its easy access to central Perth. East Perth offers specialty stores. cafes, and boutique breweries – plus Perth landmarks such as The Perth Mint.

Northbridge

Arty-types, look no further than a stay in Northbridge, the creative mecca home to designers, cultural institutions, vintage shops, local fashion, nightlife and restaurants. An easy 5-minute stroll from Perth City Centre, this area features a range of accommodation from boutique hotels to Double Tree by Hilton.

Subiaco

Leafy Subiaco, known as ‘Subi’ by the locals, is an ideal area to stay if you want to be immersed in wine bars, cafes, theatre and live music. Catch a concert outside in the Theatre Gardens, discover heritage buildings, and the electric mix of retail shopping, cafes and eateries. An inner-western suburb, you’re also near 16 beaches including Cottlesloe Beach and Scarborough.

West Perth

For an inner-city commercial vibe, alongside vibrant cafes and Kings Park is West Perth, accessible from the city on the free CAT bus. A great area to stay in for both business and leisure travellers, West Perth offers the perfect mix of nature and city wrapped into one.

Explore More with Our Perth Travel Guide

When to visit Perth?

Perth offers plenty of things to do year-round, and the perfect climate to do so.

Spring

Spring (September to November) is the ideal time to visit from Melbourne, with comfortable average temperatures from 12 to 19 degrees, colourful wildflowers in bloom, and a full calendar of events and festivals.

Summer

If you’re planning on time at the beach the summer months (December to February) are ideal if you can handle the top temperatures. It’s also when the city comes alive with markets, events and music – Fringe World and Perth Festival blaze the city – as do the many food, arts and wine experiences.

Autumn

Autumn (March to May) is the best time to visit if you want to experience outdoor adventures, such as the many walking and cycling trails, events such as motorsports, and festivals.

Winter

With daytime temperatures sitting around 20 degrees in winter (June to August) Melbourne folk will find this a pleasant time to visit, with sunny skies and a much milder winter than home. 

What to pack for your trip to Perth?

Perth enjoys an enviable temperature year-round, so pack light and breathable clothes. Compared to Melbourne Perth is casual – so a mix of shorts, long pants, dresses and a light jacket should suffice for most of the year.

Bring comfortable shoes for your urban and trail adventures, swimwear if planning on time at the many Perth beaches, and of course, sunscreen.

Winter is mild in Perth compared to Melbourne, so for the cooler months you’ll only need to throw in some extra layers or light-medium weight jacket.

Must Packs

• • Summer: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, comfortable dresses for women, short- sleeved shirts for the men
  • Autumn: a light jacket
  • Winter: jeans, boots, short and long-sleeved tops, light to medium weight jacket
  • Spring: a light jacket for cooler evenings