Travelling from Sydney to Perth
Nestled between Australia's western coastline and the Swan River, Perth is where travellers can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Escape to Western Australia's laidback capital when you book flights from Sydney to Perth with Virgin Australia.
Ready to explore? Book Sydney to Perth flights with Virgin Australia now or read on for more information about flying to the wonderful west.
Arriving at Perth Airport
Perth CBD is approximately 14 kilometres from Perth Airport. The most value friendly and easiest commute option to central Perth is with Airport Shuttle Perth, running 7 days a week, 24 hours. Pre-book this service prior with Airport Shuttle Service.
Alternatively travel to Perth City using the public transport Transperth, with its many connections from Perth Airport through to Perth CBD. Other options include taxi, rideshare, and rental car.
You will arrive into Perth’s Domestic Airport at either Terminal 2 or Terminal 3. 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 Sydney Airport
Located 8km from central Sydney, Sydney Airport is best accessed by an easy 13-minute train ride on the Air Train service. Use your Opal Card for the service, or alternatively tap on with Amex, Visa or Mastercard.
You can also travel to Sydney Airport via shuttle or public bus, taxi or rideshare - alternative self-drive, utilising the short-term or long-term airport parking options available. In non-peak hour the drive is approximately 25-minutes from the centre of Sydney, however we all know Sydney traffic can get congested, so allow more time for the commute in peak travel times.
Virgin Australia operates from Terminal 2 (T2) for your domestic flight to Perth.
What time do I need to arrive at Sydney 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 or snack on your way to the departure gate, without feeling rushed.
Read more in our Sydney Airport Guide.
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 – Breakfast at Petition
You’ve had a good night’s rest after your flight from Sydney, and ready to explore all that Perth has to offer. For breakfast you’re off to Petition - based inside the stunning historic State Buildings established 1878 on Barrack Street, Petition is a lively all-day kitchen that’s also a boisterous beer corner by evening - it’s no wonder this is a locals’ favourite.
10.00am – The Perth Mint
You’re kicking off the day with a bit of national and local history – at Perth Mint. Book a spot on the guided tour and be introduced to the history of the gold rush in Australia including the fascinating stories of farmers who stumbled on the giant nuggets of gold.
11.30am – Western Australian Museum
Next, you’re off to Western Australian Museum, to the most recent addition, WA Museum Boola Bardi in Perth Cultural Centre. Home to both permanent and changing exhibitions, you can catch a film here too if you’re here during Perth Festival (mid-Feb to mid-March).
12.30pm – Lunch at Bivouac
Today’s lunch treat is booked at Bivouac in arty Northbridge, their ‘feed me’ menu a sharing 4-course banquet including Bivouac favourites, a secret or two, and sweets to finish – their menu founded on years of travel and culinary exploration. Enjoy!
2pm – Climb the Matagarup Bridge
Time to work off lunch, you’re booked on the climb to the top of Perth’s Matagarup Bridge, with its 314 steps on a 45-degree angle. You’ll be rewarded with incredible views from Skyview Deck and the entertaining guides’ stories.
3pm – Kings Park and Botanic Garden
After that adrenalin hit you’re ready to wind down, with time at stunning Kings Park and Botanic Garden – even larger than New York’s Central Park this city-fringe park offers phenomenal views of the city, darling ranges, and Swan and Canning Rivers.
4.30pm – Sunset Cocktails at The Flour Factory
It’s cocktail hour, you’re off to The Flour Factory, a fabulous inner-city public house across three floors of a historic 100-year-old flour mill. With a back bar serving over 100 gins from around the globe, beers, wines and a seasonal cocktail list, we think you’ll find something you fancy to drink here.
7pm – Dinner at Oyster Bar
It’s time to peel yourself away from drinks – dinner is booked at Oyster Bar located in the Elizabeth Quay precinct overlooking Swan River, their fun tag line says it all - ‘don’t just sit there ogling – come and visit us today’. With changing specials such a “Killa Thursdays” ($2 Kilpatrick oysters) and weekday happy hour, you’ve reached heaven.
9.00pm – A Nightcap at Bobeche
The last stop for your Perth adventure is a cheeky nightcap at one of Perth’s most charismatic cocktail bars Bobeche, with its basement ambience and their famous teapot punch amongst classic libations. 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 area is a handy spot to stay in, with key attractions all easily accessible. You’re 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 a great range of accommodation options to suit all budgets.
South Perth
If coffee and culture is your thing, South Perth is an ideal area to stay in – it’s littered with cafes, farmers markets, hidden gardens, funky shops and cool street art. South Perth is easily reached by ferry from Elizabeth Quay in the City. It’s also home to a range of events including Fringe World music festival held during summer (usually January/February).
East Perth
If you’re after a local-feel stay and inner-city vibe stay in East Perth, with its easy reach to central Perth. East Perth offers everything from cafes, specialty stores, and boutique breweries – plus Perth landmarks such as The Perth Mint.
Northbridge
Like an arty-vibe where you stay, look no further than Northbridge, the creative mecca for designers, cultural institutions, vintage shops and local fashion. An easy 5-minute walk from Perth CBD, this area features a range of accommodation from boutique style 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 cool cafes, wine bars, live music and theatre. Enjoy an outdoor concert in the Theatre Gardens, discover heritage buildings, and the diverse mix of retail shopping, cafes and eateries. An inner-western suburb, you’re also near 16 beaches including Scarborough and Cottlesloe Beach.
West Perth
Alongside vibrant cafes and Kings Park West Perth is an inner-city commercial hub easily accessible from the city on the free CAT bus. A handy area to stay in for both leisure and business travellers, West Perth offers the perfect mix of city and nature 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 Sydney, with comfortable temperatures from 12 to 19 degrees, the colourful wildflowers in full bloom, and a chock-a-block calendar of events and festivals.
Summer
If you’re planning on time at the beach in Perth the summer months (December to February) are ideal. It’s also when the city comes alive with events, markets and live music – Fringe World and Perth Festival blaze the city – as do the many arts, and food 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 throughout June to August, winter is similar to what Sydney folk will be used to.
What to pack for your trip to Perth?
Perth enjoys an enviable temperature year-round, so pack light and breathable clothes. Compared to Sydney, Perth is more casual and less corporate – 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 adventures, swimwear if planning on time on Perth’s beautiful beaches, and sunscreen.
Winter is a little cooler in Perth than back in Sydney, so for the cooler months throw in some extra layers and a 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, medium weight jacket or wool coat
- Spring: a light jacket for cooler evenings
Frequently asked questions
The average time for your direct flight from Sydney to Perth is 5 hours and 10 minutes, longer with stopovers involved.
*Note: flight times should be used as a guide only. Carefully consider your requirements before travelling and always allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
You will travel over 3,200 kilometres on your flight from Sydney to Perth.
During peak periods, Virgin Australia flies up to 4 direct flights a day from Sydney to Perth plus up to an additional 28 flights that include a stopover, operating regularly scheduled flights from 6.00am to 6.30pm.
Virgin Australia flies our Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 on the Sydney to Perth route. Find out more information on our fleet here.