Perth

Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Perth, Australia

Overview

Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is a vibrant and exciting destination offering a unique blend of urban sophistication, natural beauty, and rich cultural experiences. This guide will provide you with essential information on places to visit, activities, food, accommodation, transportation, tips, and other useful insights for a memorable trip to Perth.

Places to Visit

  1. Kings Park and Botanic Garden: The largest inner-city park in Australia, offering stunning views of the city skyline, native flora, and walking trails.
  2. Fremantle: A historic port city known for its maritime heritage, Fremantle Markets, and the iconic Fremantle Prison.
  3. Rottnest Island: Accessible by ferry from Perth or Fremantle, Rottnest Island is famous for its pristine beaches, unique wildlife (quokkas), snorkeling, and diving opportunities.
  4. Penguin Island: Home to the largest colony of little penguins in Western Australia, Penguin Island offers guided tours and penguin feeding experiences.
  5. Swan Valley: Western Australia’s oldest wine region, Swan Valley is a must-visit for foodies and wine enthusiasts, offering tastings, breweries, chocolate factories, and more.
  6. Cottesloe Beach: One of Perth’s most popular beaches, Cottesloe offers a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, and the iconic Sculpture by the Sea event in March.
  7. Perth Cultural Centre: A hub for arts, culture, and entertainment, featuring the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, and the State Library of Western Australia.
  8. The Bell Tower: Located on the Swan River, The Bell Tower houses the largest collection of bells in the southern hemisphere, including the Swan Bells, and offers performances and tours.
  9. Burswood Casino: For those interested in gaming, Burswood Casino offers a range of games, dining options, and live entertainment.
  10. Pioneer Park Heritage Museum: Step back in time and explore Perth’s history at this outdoor museum featuring heritage buildings and artifacts.

Activities

  1. Surfing: Perth offers excellent surfing conditions year-round, with popular spots including Scarborough Beach and Yallingup Beach.
  2. Swimming with Whale Sharks: From November to March, join a tour to swim with the gentle giants of the sea in Ningaloo Reef.
  3. Wine Tasting: Visit wineries in the Margaret River region for wine tastings, tours, and vineyard lunches.
  4. Wildlife Encounters: Encounter unique Australian wildlife such as quokkas, kangaroos, and dolphins at various locations around Perth.
  5. Hiking: Explore Perth’s stunning landscapes on foot with trails like the Bibbulmun Track or the Darling Scarp Range.
  6. Outdoor Adventures: Go rock climbing, abseiling, canyoning, and more in the scenic Swan Valley and surrounding areas.
  7. Fishing Charters: Join a fishing charter for a day of catching fish and enjoying Perth’s stunning coastline.
  8. Hot Air Balloon Rides: Experience breathtaking views of Perth from above on a hot air balloon ride.
  9. Cycling Tours: Explore Perth on two wheels with guided cycling tours through the city and surrounding areas.
  10. Sunset Yoga: Practice yoga while enjoying stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean at Cottesloe Beach or other popular beaches.

Where to Eat

Perth offers a diverse range of dining options, from haute cuisine to casual eateries. Some must-try places include:

  1. Petition Kitchen: Modern Australian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
  2. Long Chim: Authentic Thai street food in the heart of Perth City.
  3. The Old Brewery: A historic brewery turned gastropub serving delicious pub fare and local craft beers.
  4. Leeuwin Estate: Dine on exquisite contemporary Australian cuisine while enjoying stunning views at this winery in Margaret River.
  5. Bobby & Charlie’s Butcher Shop and Kitchen: A charming butcher shop and eatery serving up delicious cuts of meat, burgers, and more.
  6. The Naked Fin: Sustainable seafood served in a relaxed setting with beautiful river views.
  7. Kailis Fish Market Cafe: Fresh, sustainable seafood caught daily and cooked to perfection.
  8. Mary Street Bakery: Artisan breads, pastries, and delicious breakfast and lunch options.
  9. Tuck Shop: A retro-style eatery serving up tasty comfort food in a casual setting.
  10. Post Mark Cafe: A trendy café offering unique coffee blends and delicious brunch dishes.

Where to Stay

Perth offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Some popular choices include:

  1. The Westin Perth: Luxury 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city with stunning views and world-class amenities.
  2. COMO The Treasury: A boutique luxury hotel housed in a historic building offering elegant rooms, a spa, and multiple dining options.
  3. QT Perth: Stylish 4.5-star hotel offering contemporary rooms, a rooftop pool, and various dining options.
  4. Adina Apartment Hotel Perth Barrack Plaza: Modern apartment-style accommodation with kitchenettes, perfect for longer stays.
  5. YHA Perth Central Hostel: Budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of the city with dormitory rooms, private rooms, and communal areas.
  6. Scoresby Rise: Stylish self-contained apartments located in a peaceful, suburban setting close to transport links.
  7. The Colony at Swanbourne: Luxury beachfront accommodation offering spacious villas with private gardens and swimming pools.
  8. Rottnest Lodge: Accommodation on Rottnest Island featuring various room types, a restaurant, and stunning island views.
  9. Margaret River Holiday House: A luxurious holiday house in Margaret River offering spacious accommodation, a private pool, and stunning vineyard views.
  10. Bunk Perth Backpackers: Budget-friendly hostel located in Northbridge with dormitory rooms, private rooms, and a rooftop terrace.

Things to Know

  1. Climate: Perth has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (November to February) and mild, wet winters (June to August).
  2. Currency: Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD).
  3. Transportation: Perth has an extensive public transportation network, including buses, trains, and ferries, as well as a thriving ride-sharing scene.
  4. Language: English is the primary language spoken in Perth.
  5. Electrical Outlets: Australia uses Type I electrical outlets (240V). Travelers from countries with different voltage or plug types should bring an adapter.
  6. Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended to have travel insurance when visiting Perth, covering medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
  7. Tipping: Tipping is not expected but appreciated in Australia, especially for excellent service in restaurants and taxi rides.
  8. Emergency Services: Dial 000 for police, fire, or ambulance services.

Tips

  1. Plan your trip during the Perth International Arts Festival (February) or Fringe World Festival (January/February) for a cultural extravaganza.
  2. Purchase a SmartRider card to save on public transportation costs.
  3. Rent a car to explore Perth and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
  4. Bring plenty of sunscreen, hat, and water when exploring outdoors.
  5. Be mindful of swimming safety when visiting beaches and never swim alone.
  6. Visit local farmers markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods.
  7. Learn about the Aboriginal culture and history at various museums and galleries around Perth.
  8. Take advantage of free city tours offered by the Visitor Centre in Perth City or Fremantle.
  9. Join a guided tour to experience Perth’s wildlife, wine regions, and scenic landscapes.
  10. Have a fantastic time exploring Perth, Australia!