Perth trips and vacations

Western Australia’s capital city is a playground for surfing, snorkeling and dining with views of the beautiful Swan River. Famous for its abundance of sunny days, outdoor enthusiasts can spend a holiday in Perth hiking bushland trails and enjoying wine tasting at the many nearby vineyards that decorate the rolling green hills.

Perth vacation highlights

Perth
Tourism Western Australia

Beach adventures

Perth’s famous postcard shot is of the powdery white sand and aquamarine water in front of the Cottesloe Beach Hotel. But this is only one of many gorgeous beaches you can visit on your trip to Perth. Spot starfish in the natural lagoon at Mettams Pool, or grab your flippers and snorkel and explore the calm waters of Port Beach in Fremantle.

Performing arts

Movie star Heath Ledger and rock band Tame Impala both hail from Perth, a city renowned for nurturing talent at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Check the schedule at the Perth Concert Hall for the symphony orchestra, opera and ballet. Book show tickets in advance to avoid missing a sold-out show during your vacation to Perth.

Kings Park

One of the world’s largest urban parks, Kings Park is situated on the north side of Swan River. The park houses the Western Australian Botanic Garden, as well as nature trails and picnic areas. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love the Ivey Watson Playground. Visit in September to see the wildflowers in bloom and attend the Kings Park Festival.

Perth: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

Australian dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC+8 (AWST)

High season

December – January

Low season

February

Find the best time to go to Perth

Weather in Perth

March – May: Fall starts out warm before things cool down and rain becomes more frequent. This is a good time for sightseeing.

June – August: It may be winter, but a midday ocean dip is still a possibility. Cold afternoon downpours or thunderstorms aren’t uncommon, so pack waterproof layers.

September – November: Wildflowers take center stage in spring with banksia, Swan River myrtle and wild violets headlining the show. Expect warm, pleasant days with passing showers.

December – February: Beaches are packed, the patios are full, and cicada song fills the air. This city hums in summer, and the weather cooperates with plenty of warmth, little rain and cool evenings.

Events in Perth

Perth Festival (February to March): This month-long arts festival offers a busy program of music, performing arts, installations and films.

Margaret River Pro (April or May): An exciting stop on the World Surf League tour, this surf competition three hours south of Perth is worth the drive to see monstrous swells and some of the best wave-riders in the sport.

Everlasting Kings Park Festival (September): It takes all year to plant and prepare for this wildflower celebration. Wander the huge city park to see thousands of native flowers in bloom, or check out a free guided walk.

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The best neighborhoods in Perth

Perth City Centre

The city center is the best area to stay in Perth for restaurants, boutiques and art galleries all within walking distance. Cool down from the hot weather at the BHP Billiton Water Park. Visit The Bell Tower observation deck, or hop on a river cruise from Barrack Street Jetty. CAT city buses get you to most attractions for free.

Good for: Shopping, restaurants, tourist attractions

Fremantle

Known as Perth’s Old Town, Fremantle is a 30-minute drive from the city center. Built during the 19th-century gold rush, this area is known for its more than 200 historic buildings, including the 1830s Round House former jail. Sip coffee with the locals along South Terrace (known as Cappuccino Strip), and swim at Bathers Beach.

Good for: Heritage buildings, breweries, art galleries

Cottesloe

Cottesloe Beach is where to stay in Perth for surfing and snorkeling action. Stroll along the boulevard to dine in a chic restaurant or enjoy a picnic beneath shady Norfolk Pines. Sunday afternoon drinks at beachside bars are legendary, and it’s always a good time to sip local Margaret River wine and watch the sun sink into the sea.

Good for: Beach, water sports, bars

Things to do in Perth

Perth
Tourism Australia

Shopping

For designer bling and high-end fashion, visit the shops at Raine Square. If you like vintage stores better than Tiffany & Co., search for retro treasures in the hipster Northbridge neighborhood. Lined with historic buildings, Hay Street Mall is the main open-air shopping strip, with a mix of homewares, streetwear and gourmet food shops.

Places to eat

Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, international flavors or fine dining, you’ll find it at restaurants in Perth. Located in a 1930s cabaret hall at Cottesloe Beach, Il Lido hits the spot for Italian food cravings. Try Western Australian brews with pizza and pint specials at Ruinbar, or devour gourmet farm-to-fork dishes with rooftop views at Wildflower.

Take in the culture

Many art galleries and museums are free to visit, including the Art Gallery of Western Australia in the Perth Cultural Centre. Don’t miss their rooftop sculpture walk and in the warmer months stay for stunning sunsets at the rooftop AGWA Bar. Make sure to also visit the WA Museum Boola Bardip to discover the traditions of local First Nations peoples.

Beaches

From Cottesloe to Bathers Beach, sugary white sand and transparent blue water are guaranteed at the beaches in Perth. The closest to the city center is City Beach, with waves big enough to surf. Take the kids to Leighton Beach for shallow water they can splash around in. It’s worth renting a car to beach-hop along the Sunset Coast Self Drive Trail.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Perth might see you partying on rooftops or beachfronts, with plenty of lively bars and pubs around the city. Put your dancing shoes on for live bands at the Rosemount Hotel or DJs and disco balls at Paramount Nightclub. Check the schedule for theater shows and blockbuster musicals at the Edwardian-era His Majesty’s Theatre. 

Free things to do

The best free things to do in Perth include sunny beach days and guided walking tours from the Perth City Visitor Kiosk. Or download the Perth Trails App to set out on your own. Pack a picnic to enjoy at Heirisson Island in the middle of the Swan River, and meet the friendly resident kangaroos.

Plan your trip to Perth

Budget

A cheap trip to Perth is extra fun when it includes visits to local bakeries stocked with cinnamon rolls (called ‘scrolls’ here) and meat pies for an affordable snack. Meals at pubs, surf clubs and neighborhood restaurants cost around 25 Australian dollars ($). Coffees are made with expertise, so expect to pay $5 or more for a cappuccino. A short taxi ride is usually less than $18.

Day trips from Perth

No trip to Perth is complete without spotting a cute quokka in the wild. A 90-minute ferry will land you on Rottnest Island, the home of quokkas and fantastic beaches. For raw natural beauty, don’t miss the limestone pinnacles in Nambung National Park, some three hours north of the city. For world-class chardonnay, beeline for Margaret River, three hours south.

Getting around Perth

It’s easy to navigate the city center on foot, by bicycle or by catching the free CAT city buses. For longer trips, buy a rechargeable SmartRider card for buses, trains and ferries. Taxis and rideshares are also available. Rent a car to explore the coast or take a trip into the countryside.

FAQs about Perth vacations

The rainiest month is July, which gets an average rainfall of 4.5 inches. But don't let the weather take the shine off your Perth trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like shopping for unique finds, visiting museums, or enjoying a long lunch.
You’ll likely find good deals on trips to Perth outside of school vacation in winter from June to August. With average highs of 66°F and sunny days, you’ll still enjoy the beach — without the crowds.
August brings the coolest weather. Plan your Perth trip then and you can anticipate lows of 46ºF.
The Australian dollar (AUD) is the official currency. From tipping to shopping at local markets, having a small amount of cash during your trip to Perth is a good idea.
English is the language you'll encounter most often while on your city break in Perth.
The warmest month in Perth is January, when temperatures reach a maximum of 95ºF.
It’s possible to see the attractions in the city center over a long weekend. We recommend at least a week for holidays in Perth to beach-hop and take day trips to places including Rottnest Island.
Perth is a safe, friendly city that’s set up for tourists to enjoy with ease. Exercise normal common sense such as keeping an eye on your belongings at all times.
Whether your thing is history, culture, or anything else, there are loads of things to do in Perth. Mill Point Swan River and Fremantle Prison are just a taste of what awaits in this vacation-worthy destination.
When you visit, how you travel, and where you stay will influence the price you pay for your city break in Perth. If you're looking to keep costs low, keep an eye out for deals or last-minute offers on Perth flights and hotels. Staying midweek and flying with budget airlines can also help you save.

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