What to do in Perth

Are you looking for your next best getaway? It’s now the perfect time to visit Perth! The capital city of Western Australia is where urban living meets native wilderness. This vibrant metropolis boasts serene white-sand beaches, creative galleries, historic neighborhoods, and unique wildlife!

Check out our comprehensive guide and get travel inspiration, including many reasons to book your next flight to Perth!

Best time for a Perth Adventure 

If you’re looking for the ideal time to visit with sunny days, clear skies, and mild temperatures, try to visit from March to May (autumn) or September to November (spring). These are the shoulder seasons and provide the perfect weather for outdoor activities.

Want to make the most out of your holidays? Plan your trip to Perth ahead of time and book your getaway during Singaporean public holidays, such as the Hari Raya (March 31) and Good Friday (April 18) if you’re visiting in Australia’s autumn or Deepavali (October 20) if you’re visiting in spring. Just make sure to file a leave ahead of time so you can dedicate your entire long weekend to your vacation!

Weather in Perth

Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The summer season brings occasional downpours and thunderstorms. January is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures reaching an average of 25°C. The coldest is July, with the temperatures dropping as low as 13°C.

Whether you’re traveling to this city in autumn or spring, pack light, breathable clothing that you can easily layer and comfortable shoes. Don’t forget to pack clothes for a day at the beach, too — bring beachwear, flip-flops, plenty of sunscreen, and hats for sun protection!

Perth: Top things to do

From cultural heritage parks to art galleries to the best beaches — here are the must-try activities to do in Perth!

Must-Visit Attractions: Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay & More

Kings Park & Botanic Gardens

Kings Park is one of the world’s renowned inner city parks and cultural heritage sites. With a land coverage of almost 400 hectares, it’s home to several botanical gardens, grassed parklands, and native bushland. The botanical gardens feature over 3,000 native flora, which range from trees, shrubs, native wildflowers, and everything in between. Perched atop Mount Eliza and overlooking Perth Water, it offers one of the best vantage points to get panoramic views of Perth’s cityscape and skyline.

While you’re in Kings Park, pack a picnic basket and barbecue, then hold a family picnic at the Saw Avenue Picnic Area. You can also visit the iconic State War Memorial, pick up a brochure, and enjoy a self-guided tour. Additionally, there are a lot of cultural tours available in the area, which can provide you with a local, authentic experience and help you discover the history of Indigenous cultures in Kings Park.

Location: Fraser Avenue, WA
Website: https://www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/kings-park
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Entrance: FREE
How to get there: Ride the Transperth bus route 935 from St Georges Terrace. This bus travels right into the heart of the park at the Fraser Avenue Precinct.

Elizabeth Quay 
Located on the banks of Perth’s Swan River, Elizabeth Quay is a new waterfront precinct and vibrant destination in the city. It’s a free-for-all playground that caters to visitors of all ages. Here, you can find an island playground, landscaped gardens, public art, open spaces, and a range of bars and restaurants.

There are many ways to enjoy the quay. Go for a stroll along the riverside trail, hop aboard a river cruise from the Barrack River Jetty, or go kayaking. Grab your camera and snap a selfie with the iconic bridge, too, for fun memorabilia!

Location: The Esplanade, Perth, WA
Website: https://developmentwa.com.au/projects/redevelopment/elizabeth-quay/overview
Contact number: +61 8 6557 0700
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Entrance: FREE
How to get there: Take a train from Perth Underground Station 2 to Elizabeth Quay Station Platform 2. There are also ferry services that travel across the Swan River between Elizabeth Quay and South Perth.

The Art Gallery of Western Australia 
Museums provide an effective way to learn more about the history and culture of the place you’re visiting and this is why you should include the Art Gallery of Western Australia in your Perth itinerary. Founded in 1895, the museum sits in the heart of Perth’s Cultural Centre and serves as the home of the State Art Collection. The collection features works from both renowned local and international artists from the 1800s to today.

Enhance your experience in the museum by attending one of the many tours and talks that it offers. AGWA has a dedicated team of gallery guides who can walk you through and help you enjoy a deeper understanding of the artworks on display. Art aficionado or not, you’re guaranteed an informative and inspiring time in this museum!

Location: The Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth Cultural Centre, WA
Website: https://artgallery.wa.gov.au/
Contact number: +61 8 9492 6601
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, closed on Tuesdays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day
Entrance: FREE
How to get there: From the Perth Train Station, make your way across the pedestrian overpass to the Perth Cultural Centre. Additionally, Transperth’s Blue CAT buses provide the closest pick-up and drop-off points at the Museum stop on Beaufort Street.

Perth Zoo
Ready for a day out in the wild? Head over to Perth Zoo, home to over 1,300 animals and exotic species. See a wide range of animals up close, including the African Lion, the Sumatran Tiger, penguins, giraffes, birdlife, and many more!

Ever heard of the Numbat? It’s an endangered, marsupial species native to parts of Australia, and Perth Zoo is one of the few zoos in the world where you can see one. Want to take your animal encounter experience to new heights? For a fee, climb a tower and get eye-to-eye with the zoo’s giraffes, plus get the chance to feed them.

Aside from animal encounters, Perth Zoo also hosts free keeper talks that discuss the wildlife conservation efforts currently being done at the zoo.

Location: 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth, WA
Website: https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/
Contact no: +61 8 9474 0444
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily
Entrance: Starts at AUD 38.10 for adults, AUD 19.05 for children
How to get there: Take the bus route 30 or 31 from Elizabeth Quay station to Perth Zoo.

The Perth Mint 

The Perth Mint is Australia’s oldest and largest operating mint and one of Perth’s premier tourist destinations. Owned by the Western Australian government, the Perth Mint provides premium gold, silver, and platinum services all over the world.

Established in 1899, the Mint boasts opulent exhibition halls where you can experience up close how gold comes to life. Discover the history of gold, watch a live gold pour, and be amazed at the largest coin holding one tonne of pure gold, valued at AUD 1 million.

Location: 310 Hay StreetEast Perth, WA
Website: https://www.perthmint.com/
Contact no: (+61 8) 9421 7376
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and Anzac Day
How to get there: Take the bus from Wellington St Stand 5 – Cat Id 67 to Goderich St Mercedes College Cat Id 102.

Best Perth Beaches: Cottesloe, Scarborough, and City Beach

Discover your slice of paradise through the sandy shores of Perthy’s beaches. Here are our top picks!

Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe Beach, also known as ‘Cott’ among the locals, is as picture-perfect as it seems. Picture pristine white sands, crystal clear waters, and Norfolk pine trees. These charms make Cottlestoe Beach a popular hangout spot for swimmers and surfers. The offshore reefs and rocks invite snorkelers to the perfect opportunity to hit the waters, too.

Scarborough Beach

If you’re looking for more beachside adventures, then Scarborough Beach is the ideal beach destination for you.

Scarborough is famous for its long stretches of white sand, regular swells, and large waves. These draw in swimmers, surfers, and body-boarders alike. Afraid of swimming in the open sea? Try going for a dip in Scarborough Beach Pool instead. It’s a geo-thermally heated pool that’s been recently added to the area, ideal for both leisure swimming and practicing laps any time. There’s also an outdoor amphitheater which hosts all kinds of events, including beach cricket! The waters of Scarborough are patrolled year-round but be sure to always swim within the red and yellow flags.

City Beach 

City Beach has maintained its reputation as Perth’s ‘best beach’ for many years and it’s easy to understand why. It features white sand, turquoise waters, and well-maintained facilities, including landscaped areas, change rooms, toilets, and outdoor showers.

Ample picnic tables and barbecue areas line the stretch of City Beach, making it ideal for a family day out. There’s also a children’s playground where kids can play to their heart’s content after dipping in the sea. Plus, City Beach’s accessibility to the city center makes it a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike.

Day Trips from Perth: Rottnest Island, Whale Watching, and Pinnacles Desert

Explore Perth beyond the city center and discover more about the wonders of Western Australia through these day trips!

Rottnest Island 

Reconnect with nature on this sandy, car-free island loved for its native wildlife, beaches, and rich heritage. Rottnest Island, just 19 kilometers off the coast of Perth, is known for its vibrant marine life, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Secure your ferry tickets to Rottnest Island through KKday.

It’s also famous for its friendly quokka, known as the ‘happiest animal in the world’. Quokkas are nocturnal marsupials renowned for their distinctive smile and friendly demeanor. Their largest population resides in Rottnest Island and can’t be found anywhere else in the world other than Western Australia. This is why when you see one, take out your camera, mirror their smile, and take a selfie with them!

Traverse through the beautiful Rottnest Island with all-inclusive ferry tickets and an island tour. Book your tickets through KKday.

After exploring its seas, try touring the island on two wheels! The island has abundant space and with its scarcity of cars, cycling is the best way to get around the island on land. You can cycle the networks of roads and uphills with your bike or rent one.

Board a serene cruise to Rottnest Island, then hop on a bike and explore the island’s pristine beaches at your own pace.

Whale Watching

While you’re in Perth, don’t miss out on the chance to go whale watching. With its pristine oceans and isolated coastlines, Perth is one of the best spots to watch blue whales and humpback whales in their feeding grounds. This is because Western Australia is a major migration route for whales who travel from the Antarctic region to the Kimberly region for breeding and feeding season.

Two main whale species can be spotted from Perth’s coastline – the blue whale and the humpback whale. The blue whale, the world’s largest mammal, graces Perth’s Canyon during autumn (April – May) to rely on its feeding ground. Meanwhile, the humpback whale arrives in spring (September – November) as they migrate back south towards Antarctica.

Get up close and personal with the largest mammals on earth. Book this immersive whale-watching tour through KKday.

Pinnacles Desert

The Pinnacles Desert of Nambung National Park is one of the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes you can see in Western Australia. The pinnacles are natural limestone structures formed around 25,000 – 35,000 years ago! These were formed after the sea receded and left deposits of sea shells. Over time, the coastal winds removed the sand and left the pinnacles to the elements.

Enjoy this Pinnacles Desert tour from Perth that includes off-road driving, sand boarding, and koala sightings.

Soak up the scenic views of this mystical landscape and watch how the yellow desert meets the white dunes. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife, too, especially for kangaroos and emus who freely roam around the national park!

Explore Western Australia with this fun day tour that takes you to Pinnacles Desert, Yanchep National Park, and Swan Valley.

Singapore to Perth: Where to Stay in the City

Here are the best areas to choose for your accommodation in Perth.

Best Areas to Stay: CBD, Fremantle, Northbridge & More

Central Business District (CBD)

Central Perth, also known as the central business district, puts you right into the heart of the city’s capital. This area is alive both day and night, as it’s composed of commerce and enterprise buildings, cultural and recreation centers, and entertainment options. Its proximity to several attractions, such as Elizabeth Quay, Perth Cultural Centre, and Swan River, also makes it a great starting point for exploring the city.

Fremantle

Fremantle, also known colloquially as ‘Freo, is a port city wedged between Perth’s working shipping port and fishing harbor. Fremantle traces back its history to the early 1800s when it started as the first settlement of Swan River colonists. Nowadays, it’s known for its UNESCO-listed heritage sites that feature convict history, funky street art, and neighborhood cafés. Fremantle is as eclectic as it’s historic, and it’s easy to get lost in the hipster charm of this coastal city if that’s more of your vibe.

Northbridge

If you want to be in the pulse of where the buzzing nightlife is, then book your accommodation in Northbridge, Perth’s entertainment capital. Northbridge draws both international and local tourists alike, who want to explore its lively nightlife, diverse food scene, and vibrant creative scene. Here, you can find Perth’s Chinatown, home to a variety of cafes, vintage stores, homewares, and local bars. It’s the home of the Perth Cultural Centre, too, where you can find The Art Gallery of Western Australia.

Subiaco

Subiaco is a vibrant city known for its bustling high streets, boutique shops, and vibrant arts scene. On its streets, you’ll find a stretch of stunning heritage buildings, boutique shops, and restaurants. Catch a show at the Regal Theatre, a beautifully preserved Art Deco theatre that hosts live shows, comedy, and music. Discover the history of the city at the Subiaco Museum, or join an art workshop class at the Subiaco Arts Centre.

Budget vs. Luxury: Top Hotels & Accommodation Options

Perth offers plenty of accommodation options for every budget and preference. Discover amazing places to stay at, whether you prefer the coastal and historic charm of Fremantle or the accessibility of Perth’s CBD. Here are our top picks.

Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Perth 

Set along Elizabeth Quay, The Ritz-Carlton is a five-star hotel that boasts exquisite guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Its premier location offers pristine views of the Swan River and Perth’s skyline and urban parks. It also features spectacular culinary experiences that celebrate the heritage and local produce of Western Australia, along with world-class amenities such as a river-view infinity pool and a luxury spa specializing in bespoke treatments.

Mid-range: Novotel Perth Murray Street

Novotel Perth Murray Street offers a little touch of luxury without breaking the bank. Located conveniently in central Perth, this contemporary mid-range hotel offers spacious and stylish suites, decorated with vibrant murals of Perth’s coastline. Each guestroom comes with high-speed Wi-Fi, a 48-inch flat-screen TV with Chromecast, and black-out blinds. Its bathrooms are equipped with rainfall showers, thanks to its Deep Nature bathroom amenities. Hotel facilities include a recreation floor, where you can find an outdoor swimming pool, 24/7 gym, sauna, and steam room.

Budget-friendly: Pirates Backpackers

Situated right in the heart of Fremantle, Pirate Backpackers offers a secure and cozy stay to its guests. It’s the only small hostel in Fremantle and it’s often referred to as a shared house. Its guestrooms range from twin-bed to 8-bed dorms, with guests sharing dorms with other backpackers if they’re traveling solo. Pirate Backpackers prides itself in offering guests an authentic Fremantle experience, with a focus on beachside and outdoor activities such as surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, beach volleyball, and many more!

Food & Dining in Perth

Perth offers a plethora of dining choices, ranging from cozy brunch spots to beachside restaurants, to world-class wineries and taverns! Perth’s dining scene is as vibrant as its waters and here, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable culinary experience.

Best Cafés and Brunch Spots in Perth

Howard’s Groove
Tucked away in one of Howard Street’s lanes is Howard’s Groove, a café that offers the perfect morning cuppa to start your day with. They offer specialty coffee in a warm, relaxing space dressed in neutral tones. Be sure to try their oat mont blanc, a cold brew topped with oat cream and a dusting of orange zest and nutmeg. If you’re a non-coffee drinker, they also offer a variety of teas and other beverages, such as the Persian love tea, elderflower iced tea, and chocolate drink. Pair your chosen drink with any of their golden toasties, such as the Cuban that’s made with pickled mustard, ham, cheese, and gherkins on toasted sourdough.

Location: 22 Howard Street, Perth, WA
Website: https://www.howardsgroove.com/ 
Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., closed on weekends
How to get there: From Elizabeth Quay, ride the route 178 bus to St. George Terraces Street. From there, head west towards Howard Street.

Sayers Sister
Stepping into Sayers Sister is like stepping back into one’s home — it’s cozy, welcoming, and warm. Its interiors feature high-timber-clad white ceilings, white-washed walls, and red & cream exposed bricks. Pair that with a creative menu and good coffee and you have the perfect brunch spot while staying in Perth.

Location: 236 Lake St, Perth, WA
Website: https://www.sayerssister.au/
Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., open daily
How to get there: From Elizabeth Quay, ride the route 980 bus, then alight at William Street. The café is a 3-minute walk from there.

Flora & Fauna Café

Who says vegetarian food has to taste bland? Flora & Fauna Café in Fremantle, Perth proves that an all-vegetarian menu can taste just as good. Their creative menu includes Canadian-style French toast and made-from-scratch pancakes are showered with edible petals, blueberries, strawberries, and coconut curls, and topped with maple syrup. Their chickpea salad is dressed in avocado cream and topped with macadamia nuts, heirloom tomatoes, leafy greens, and edible flowers. Pair your meal with one of their french-pressed juices or a good cuppa of Karvan coffee.

Location: 3 Cantonment Street, Fremantle, Perth, WA
Website: https://www.instagram.com/florafauna_perth/
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily, closed on Mondays
How to get there: Ride the route 998 Transperth train from Murdoch Station, then alight at Market Station. Walk north for 2 minutes, then turn right to Cantonment Street.

Must-try Restaurants for Local & International Cuisine

Wildflower

Perched atop the rooftop space of COMO The Treasury, Wildflower Restaurant combines a unique and refined dining experience with the sweeping views of Perth’s cityscape and the Swan River. The restaurant’s contemporary menu features Western Australia’s local and seasonal ingredients, based on the Indigenous Noongar six seasons. You can choose between their four-course, six-course, or eight-course tasting menu, best paired with a glass of wine from their extensive wine list.

Location: COMO The Treasury Level 4, 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth, WA
Website: https://wildflowerperth.com.au/
Hours: 12:00 – 2:30 p.m, 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. (Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri), 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. (Saturday), closed on Sun and Mon
How to get there: From Elizabeth Quay, ride the route 283 bus at Kalamunda Bus Station, then alight at St. George St before the William St bus stop. Walk for 1 minute heading west along St. George St, then turn right to Cathedral Avenue until you reach COMO The Treasure building.

Lulu La Delizia

If you’re craving for authentic Italian food, head over to Lulu La Delizia. This small eatery and wine bar specializes in premium fresh pasta, handmade from scratch. Each pasta dish is crafted with a variety of techniques, equipment, recipes, and flour that traces its roots to family tradition. Accompanying their pasta selection is a selection of carefully curated Italian and Australian wines. Lulu La Delizia has received several accolades over the years, including the 2023 Gourmet Traveller Western Australia Restaurant of the Year.

Location: Shop 5/97 Rokeby Rd, (Forrest Walk), Subiaco, WA
Website: https://lululadelizia.com.au/
Hours: 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Thurs – Fri), 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. (Tues – Sat), closed on Sun & Mon
How to get there: From Perth Busport Zone A, ride the route 28 bus at Claremont Station, then alight at the route 65 Hay Street Bus stop. Head west at Hay Street, turn left onto Rokeby Road, then turn right onto Forrest Walk.

Madalena’s Bar

Madalena’s Bar, located in South Fremantle, is famous for its exceptional seafood menu. They have partnered exclusively with Fins Seafood to ensure that they serve the freshest and sustainably caught seafood. While the menu changes with the seasonal catch, it mainly features seafood and vegetarian options. For the ultimate experience, pair your meal with one of their delightful cocktails or wines as you enjoy the stunning ocean views.

Location: 406 South Terrace, South Fremantle WA
Website: https://www.madalenasbar.com.au/
Hours: 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. (Wed – Thurs), 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Fri – Sat), 12:00 – 10:00 p.m. (Sun)
How to get there: Ride the bus route 513 at Fremantle Station, then alight at the York Street bus stop. Walk for five minutes and head south on York Street. At the roundabout, take the first exit on Clonraf Road, then ride the route 532 bus. Alight at South Terrace Street, then walk for 1 minute towards Madalena’s Bar.

Exploring Perth’s Vibrant Food Markets

Perth is home to a wide variety of food markets that sell the freshest local produce and catch. Here are some that you should check out while in Perth.

Perth City Farmers Market

Situated right in the city center, the Perth City Farmers Market showcases fresh local produce that’s organic, biodynamic, and has been farmed ethically and sustainably. If you’re big on sustainable farming, then don’t miss out on dropping by this place. Aside from supporting local Western Australian farmers and growers, this market also features locally made artisan goods and eco-friendly home and beauty products.

Location: 1 City Farm Place, East Perth, WA
Website: https://perthcityfarm.org.au/farmers-market/
Hours: Every Saturday morning
How to get there: Ride the Midland Railway Line to Claisebrook. The Perth City Farmers Market is a 3-minute walk from there.

Fremantle Markets 

For the ultimate Perth weekend market experience, make your way to Fremantle markets. Fremantle Markets offers the perfect blend of fresh local produce of fruits and vegetables, accompanied by an eclectic mix of buskers, stalls, and goods. With over 100 years of history under its belt, Fremantle Markets has established itself as one of the ‘classics’ in Perth, especially with its vibrant atmosphere!

Location: Corner South Terrace & Henderson Street, Fremantle, WA
Website: https://www.fremantlemarkets.com.au/ 
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (closed on Tues – Thurs)
How to get there: Ride the route 513 bus from Fremantle Station to South Terrace Freemantle Markets.

Subi Farmers Market

Subi Farmers Market is the place to be if you’re looking to buy farm-direct fresh produce and gourmet food. Established in 2009,  it’s one of the oldest weekend markets in Perth. Subi offers fresh, local produce from Western Australian farmers and growers. It also features stalls that sell amazing food and drinks, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Location: Subiaco Primary School – 271 Bagot Road Subiaco, WA
Website: https://subifarmersmarket.com.au/
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., every Sat
How to get there: From Elizabeth Quay, ride the route 103 bus at Claremont Station. Then, alight at Kingspark Road Dumas House bus stop and transfer to the route 27 bus. Alight at Bagot Road and walk for 1 minute towards Subi Farmers Market.

Getting Around Perth

Perth’s extensive transport makes it easy to get around. Here’s a rundown of the available modes of transport in the city.

Public Transport: Trains, Buses & Ferries

Perth has an extensive transport network of buses, trains, and ferries. To use the network and ensure easy transfers, get a Transperth SmartRider Card. You can easily purchase this at Perth International Airport or Transperth Information Centres. A SmartRider card entitles you to a fare discount and a daily maximum spend. Before using it, all you have to do is load it with a fare amount equivalent to your trip. To use, tap the card on the card reader when you board a train, bus, or ferry, then tap it again when you disembark.

Renting a car vs. Using Ride-share Services

Choosing between renting a car and using ride-share services in Perth involves weighing flexibility and preferences. Renting a car is great for exploring regional and off-road areas while ride-share services are more suited for urban travel.

Need a private car service to get around Western Australia? Book one conveniently through KKday.

Perth on Foot: Walkable Areas & Scenic Routes

Perth is an incredibly pedestrian-friendly and walkable city. It features numerous walkable areas and scenic routes, including the CBD, Swan River pathways, Elizabeth Quay, and Fremantle — allowing you to explore the city at your own leisurely pace.

 

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