Perth holidays and package deals

Where to stay in Perth

Choosing where to stay in Perth depends on the kind of holiday you're planning. Base yourself in Perth CBD for city sightseeing and easy transport, stay in Northbridge for food, culture and nightlife, head to Fremantle for history and a laid-back coastal feel, or choose Scarborough Beach if spending time by the ocean is high on your list.

Perth CBD – for first-time visitors and city sightseeing

Perth CBD puts Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Elizabeth Quay, the Swan River, shopping, dining and cultural attractions within easy reach. It's also well connected by public transport, making it a convenient base for first-time visitors and shorter Perth holidays.

Northbridge – for culture, dining and nightlife

Just north of Perth CBD, Northbridge is home to the Perth Cultural Centre along with independent galleries, restaurants, bars and boutiques. Stay here if you want easy access to the city with plenty of food, culture and nightlife close to your accommodation.

Fremantle – for history, food and a coastal atmosphere

Fremantle combines maritime history, heritage architecture, markets, restaurants and nearby beaches with a relaxed port-city atmosphere. It's also a convenient departure point for Rottnest Island, making it a good base if you want to combine culture, food and time on the coast.

South Perth – for families and river views

South Perth offers a quieter base across the Swan River from the CBD, with parks, playgrounds, riverside walking trails and Perth Zoo nearby. It's particularly well suited to families and travellers who want easy access to the city without staying in the middle of it.

Scarborough Beach – for a beach holiday

Choose Scarborough Beach if you want the coast to be a central part of your Perth holiday. The area combines swimming and surfing with oceanfront cafés, restaurants and bars, giving you a classic beachside stay within easy reach of Perth CBD.

Subiaco – for boutiques, dining and a neighbourhood feel

Leafy Subiaco offers boutique shopping, restaurants, wine bars and entertainment west of the CBD. It's a good option if you'd prefer a stylish neighbourhood base while remaining close to central Perth.

Burswood – for sport and entertainment

Burswood is a convenient choice for travellers attending sport, concerts or events at Optus Stadium. The riverside precinct also offers restaurants, entertainment, accommodation and walking trails within easy reach of Perth CBD.

Read our guide to where to stay in Perth to find the area that best suits your holiday.

Things to do in Perth

Perth makes it easy to mix city sightseeing with beaches, nature, wildlife and day trips. Explore Kings Park and the Swan River, spend a day on Rottnest Island, discover Fremantle's history or head into the Swan Valley for food and wine.

Explore Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Overlooking Perth CBD and the Swan River, Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the city's defining attractions. Explore walking trails and native bushland, discover Western Australian flora or simply find a spot to take in the views across the city.

Spend a day on Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is one of the most popular day trips from Perth, known for its beaches, clear water and famous quokkas. Hire a bike to explore the island, swim or snorkel in its bays, follow the walking trails or simply slow down for a day by the water.

Discover Fremantle

Head to Fremantle to explore the city's maritime history, heritage streets and markets. Visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison, explore the WA Maritime Museum or combine sightseeing with lunch, shopping and time by the coast.

Explore Elizabeth Quay and the Swan River

Elizabeth Quay brings restaurants, public spaces, attractions and river views together on the edge of Perth CBD. Walk along the waterfront, take a ferry across to South Perth or join a Swan River cruise to experience the city from the water.

Discover Perth's art and culture

Head to Perth Cultural Centre in Northbridge for WA Museum Boola Bardip, the Art Gallery of Western Australia and other cultural venues. The city also has public art, museums, historic attractions and performance spaces to explore throughout your stay.

Spend a day in the Swan Valley

Just outside Perth, the Swan Valley is Western Australia's oldest wine region and a popular day trip for food and wine lovers. Explore wineries, breweries, local producers and restaurants, or join a tour if you'd prefer to leave the driving to someone else.

Discover more things to do in Perth and top Perth attractions.

Beaches in Perth

Perth's coastline is a major part of the city's appeal, with white sand, clear water and plenty of places to swim, surf or watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. From well-known Cottesloe and Scarborough to beaches around Fremantle and the northern suburbs, it's easy to add time by the water to a Perth holiday.

Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe is one of Perth's best-known beaches, with soft white sand and clear water suited to swimming, snorkelling and relaxed days by the coast. Cafés and restaurants nearby make it easy to turn a beach visit into a longer afternoon or stay for sunset.

Scarborough Beach

Scarborough is a lively beach and surf destination north of Perth CBD. Swim, surf or spend time along the foreshore during the day, then stay on for oceanfront dining, bars and sunset views.

Fremantle beaches

Fremantle gives you easy access to several beaches alongside its historic and cultural attractions. Combining a morning exploring Fremantle with an afternoon by the coast is an easy way to experience both sides of the area.

Beaches beyond the city

Perth's coastline stretches well beyond its best-known beaches, with more swimming, surfing and coastal experiences to discover north and south of the city. If beach time is a priority, consider staying near the coast or hiring a car to explore more of the shoreline.

When is the best time to visit Perth?

Perth is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the kind of holiday you're planning. September to November is generally the best time overall, with mild spring weather, wildflowers in bloom and good conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. March to May is another great option for warm days, cooler nights and exploring without the peak summer heat.

Perth in summer

December to February brings hot, dry and sunny weather, making summer a great time for Cottesloe, Scarborough and Perth's other beaches. It's also a popular period for outdoor events and evenings by the coast, although daytime temperatures can get very hot.

Perth in autumn

March to May brings warm days, cooler evenings and generally comfortable conditions for sightseeing, walking, cycling and outdoor activities. It's a good time to combine city attractions with beaches and day trips around the region.

Perth in winter

June to August is Perth's coolest and wettest season, with mild days and a greater chance of rain. Winter is still a good time for museums, galleries, food and wine experiences and exploring the city, with fewer crowds than the warmer months.

Perth in spring

September to November brings mild temperatures, plenty of sunshine and Western Australia's famous wildflowers. It's one of the best times to explore Kings Park, walk the city's outdoor spaces and enjoy day trips without the stronger heat of summer.

For a beach-focused Perth holiday, December to March generally offers the warmest conditions for swimming and exploring the coast.

Read our guides to the best time to visit Perth and Perth climate and weather for more information.

Getting around Perth

Perth CBD is compact and easy to explore on foot, while buses, trains and ferries connect the city with neighbourhoods, beaches and surrounding areas. You can comfortably enjoy a Perth city holiday without a car, although hiring one gives you more flexibility if you're planning to explore further afield.

Walking around Perth

Many central attractions, restaurants, shops and bars are within walking distance of each other. Elizabeth Quay, Perth Cultural Centre and Northbridge can all be explored on foot from the CBD, while public transport can take you further when needed.

Buses and trains

Transperth operates Perth's bus and train network, connecting the CBD with surrounding suburbs and destinations including Fremantle and the coast. Free CAT buses also operate around central Perth, making it easier to travel between key city attractions.

Ferries

Ferries cross the Swan River between Elizabeth Quay and South Perth, offering a scenic way to travel while taking in views of the Perth skyline. South Perth is also home to Perth Zoo and riverside dining and parklands.

Getting to Perth's beaches

Several of Perth's popular beaches can be reached by public transport. Trains and buses connect the city with areas including Fremantle, Cottesloe and Scarborough, although journey times vary depending on where you're heading.

Hiring a car

You generally won't need a car if you're staying around Perth CBD and visiting attractions connected by public transport. A hire car becomes more useful if you're planning to explore the Swan Valley, beaches further along the coast or more of Western Australia at your own pace.

Read our getting around Perth guide for more information on public transport and exploring the city.