A picture-perfect gem on Australia's west coast, Perth's stunning white sand beaches, vibrant food scene and relaxed atmosphere offer everything you need for a break from your everyday.
Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is known for its pristine coastline, endlessly sunny climate, and dynamic cultural scene. From the scenic Swan River and Kings Park to the lively Elizabeth Quay and nearby Rottnest Island, the city offers something for every traveller no matter how long your trip. Whether you're here for the beaches, the buzzing nightlife, or day trips to the wine regions, our Perth travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip.
Top attractions in Perth
Everything you need to know before you go...
Popular flights to Perth
Frequently asked questions about travelling to Perth
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When is the best time of year to visit Perth?
Overall, September to November is the best time to visit Perth, as the spring season offers the best combination of great weather, fewer crowds, and a better chance for cheaper airfares and accommodation. That said, Perth offers plenty of things to do year-round and an enviable climate to explore the best the city has to offer, so there’s never a bad time to visit.
Read more on the best times to visit Perth depending on your preferences and priorities.
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What is the weather like in Perth?
Perth boasts approximately 300 days of sunshine a year and has a Mediterranean climate, which means it experiences hot and dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
Here’s what kind of weather you can expect by season:
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Little rain and incredibly hot, with temperatures often in the mid-high 30s and highs that can reach beyond 40°C
- Autumn (Mar – May): Warm days and cooler nights with average highs of 29°C.
- Winter (June – Aug): Mild temperatures, averaging between 8°C to 19°C, with greater chance of rain.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): Comfortable temperatures with cooler mornings and evenings, but daytime highs averaging 25°C.
Read more in our detailed guide to Perth’s weather and climate.
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What to pack for your trip to Perth?
No matter when you visit Perth, make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, light layers, sun protection and a hat. Here are a few other essentials to pack depending on the season.
- Summer: Lightweight clothing in breathable materials, shorts, singlets.
- Autumn: Mostly summer wardrobe with options for layering.
- Winter: Jacket, small umbrella or rain jacket
- Spring: Activewear, swimwear, light layers, compact umbrella.
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How many days do you need to visit Perth?
Plan for at least three days for your trip to Perth. This will give you some time to get a feel for the city and its main areas, as well as allowing you the opportunity to tick off some of the main attractions like Cottesloe Beach, Elizabeth Quay and Kings Park and Botanic Gardens. You can even fit in a day trip to Rottnest Island on a three-day trip to Perth.
A five-day trip will give you extra time to explore more in Perth and beyond – like the Pinnacles or Busselton – while a 7–10-day trip gives you ample time to explore Perth, Rottnest Island, Fremantle, Yanchep National Park or the famous Bungle Bungles.
Need help planning your trip to Perth? Whether it's a 3-day trip or 10, get some inspiration from our Perth itineraries.
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What are Perth’s top attractions?
There are so many beautiful places to visit in Perth - from historic buildings and cultural sites to parks, galleries and landmarks. Here are some of the top attractions to visit on your trip to Perth:
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden
- Rottnest Island
- Elizabeth Quay
- Fremantle Prison
- The Perth Mint
- WA Museum Boola Bardip
- Optus Stadium
- Cottesloe Beach
- Art Gallery of Western Australia
- Perth Zoo
Read more on Perth’s attractions and the top things to do in Perth.
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What are the best beaches in Perth?
Perth has an incredible 197km stretch of stunning coastline and dazzling beaches. A few of the best are:
- Cottesloe Beach
- Scarborough Beach
- Trigg Beach
- City Beach
- Coogee Beach
Read more about Perth’s best beaches.
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Is Rottnest Island worth visiting?
Yes, Rottnest Island is absolutely worth visiting! As one of the best places to visit in WA we recommend planning enough time on your trip to Perth to factor in an adventure on Rottnest Island. With is picture-perfect beaches, clear waters, and famous quokkas, a trip to Rottnest Island is like no other experience – and one of the best places near Perth for swimming, snorkelling, and cycling.
Rottnest Island is a short ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle and the best time to visit is between September and May when the weather is ideal for beach activities – just keep in mind it could get busy during school holiday periods!
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Where can I see wildflowers when visiting Perth?
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the best places to see the wildflowers near Perth city, while some of the best wildflower spots a bit further include:
- Bold Park
- John Forrest National Park
- Araluen Botanic Park
- Walyunga National Park
- Yanchep National Park
- Lesueur National Park
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What are some unique things to do in Perth?
Perth has so many unique experiences, so if you’re looking to do something a bit different to the usual, here are some ideas to add to your list:
- Swim with dolphins in Rockingham
- Go on a nocturnal tour at Perth Zoo
- Kayak in the underground waterways of Fremantle Prison
- Sandboard down the dunes of Lancelin
- Get a Rickshaw tour of Perth’s best bars and pubs
- See the penguin colony on Penguin Island
Read more on some of the unique places to visit in Perth.
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What are the best free things to do in Perth?
There are plenty of things to do in Perth to do for free, including:
- Experiencing a Cottesloe sunset
- Walking through Kings Park and WA Botanic Garden
- Perusing the permanent exhibitions at AGWA
- Exploring the 150-plus stalls at the Fremantle Markets
- Snapping a selfie with The Containbow sculpture by Marcus Canning
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What are the best day trips from Perth?
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to day trips from Perth! Some of the best include:
- Swan Valley (30 minutes): Heaven for food and wine lovers, just 30 minutes from Perth.
- Fremantle (30 minutes): A vibrant atmosphere with historic attractions and one of the most famous markets in WA
- Rottnest Island (1.5 hours): Pristine beaches, cycling trails, and friendly quokkas.
- Lancelin Sand Dunes (1.5 hours): Kitesurfing, windsurfing and sandboarding with the most incredible view of the coast.
- The Pinnacles Desert (2 – 2.5 hours): Unique limestone formations in Nambung National Park.
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What’s the best wine region near Perth?
The Swan Valley is the closest wine region near Perth, located just 30 minutes from the city. It’s Western Australia’s oldest wine region, with over 40 wineries, gourmet food, craft breweries, and distilleries. Margaret River is also a world-renowned wine destination near Perth, but it’s about three hours from the city, making it better suited for a weekend trip.
Check out some of the best wineries to visit in Swan Valley.
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What are the best areas to stay in Perth?
The best area to stay in Perth depends on your priorities and preferences, but generally, the best places are:
- For first time visitors: Perth CBD or Elizabeth Quay
- For families: Perth CBD, South Perth or Subiaco
- For business travellers: Perth CBD or South Perth
- For beach lovers: Scarborough Beach or Cottesloe
- For a local experience: Northbridge or Subiaco
- For nightlife and restaurants: Fremantle or Northbridge
Read more on where to stay in Perth.
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Where should I stay in Perth for nightlife?
For those wanting to stay close to nightlife hubs, book your accommodation in Northbridge, Perth CBD or Fremantle. Northbridge is known for its bars, nightclubs and late-night food options, while Fremantle has a more laidback nightlife scene of pubs, live music venues and breweries. The CBD is home to rooftop bars and small bars, and is centrally located.
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What’s the best family-friendly area to stay in Perth?
For a holiday with the kids, consider booking your accommodation in one of these areas:
- South Perth: Close to the CBD and well-connected to public transport, but a bit quieter and more scenic than the city.
- Perth CBD: Convenient for public transport and easy access to family-friendly attractions.
- Scarborough Beach: Great for beach-loving families, with a kids’ playground and ocean views.
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How do I get around Perth?
You have a few options for getting around Perth, including:
- Buses
- Trains
- Ferries
- Rideshare and taxis
- Cycling
- Walking
- Driving
Read more about getting around Perth.
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Does Perth have good public transport?
Yes! Operated by Transperth, Perth’s public transport system is made up of buses, trains and ferries, which can get you around the city with ease.
The trains and buses connect the city with outer suburbs, while free CAT buses run in Perth CBD and Fremantle. The ferry that runs to South Perth – where Perth Zoo is located – offers one of the most scenic ways to get around Perth!
You’ll need to use a SmartRider card for seamless travel on buses, trains, and ferries.
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Is Perth a walkable city?
Yes, Perth is an incredibly walkable city, especially in the CBD and inner suburbs. For longer distances like going to the beaches, national parks or outer suburbs, the public transport network, taxi, rideshare or a rental car will get you to your destination.
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