From its coastal views to its rugged wilderness, Perth is a quintessential bucket-list vacation spot Down Under.
Situated along the coast of the Indian Ocean, Perth is one of the most incredible places to visit in Australia. There are many reasons why the capital of Western Australia makes for a terrific vacation destination, but the city's spectacular music and food festivals, world-class art galleries, and other cultural experiences top the list. And one would be remiss not to mention Perth's diverse, picturesque landscapes. With numerous white, sandy shores to explore, life's a beach in this coastal city.
But in addition to being one of the most beautiful cities in Australia, Perth is also abundant in lush, green wilderness. The city is surrounded by many national parks, such as Kalamunda National Park and John Forrest National Park, and wooded areas like Jarrahdale State Forest and Mundaring State Forest—making it a great travel spot for outdoorsy folks. And for the animal lovers, the endemic wildlife of Western Australia runs the gamut from kangaroos and quokkas to echidnas and koalas.
For those looking to visit the country's sunny west coast, here's how to plan the most memorable trip to the City of Light.
Part of Perth's bustling metropolitan area, Fremantle, better known as Freo by locals, is one of Western Australia's major port cities. Known for its maritime history and Victorian architecture, tourists will find Fremantle nestled at the mouth of the Swan River.
There's much to see and explore in this vibrant area. Stroll down High Street, stopping to see iconic landmarks along the way, including the Fremantle Town Hall and the Fremantle War Memorial.
Stop by Esplanade Park, which features an observation wheel, outdoor ping-pong tables, and a kids' playground. And stroll through the stalls of the historic Fremantle Markets, which have been around since 1897.
After touring the Fremantle Markets and Fremantle War Memorial, check out the Round House, a historic 19th-century prison located at the base of High Street.
Opened in 1831, the former prison is the oldest public building in the State of Western Australia. It was later used as a prison lock-up and then for storage before becoming a popular tourist attraction in the city of Fremantle.
For an all-day adventure, board a ferry to Rottnest Island, which is situated about 12 miles off the coast of Perth. Known as Rotto by the locals, the island is popular for its adorable quokkas, walking trails, surrounding shipwrecks, and much more.
Enjoy an afternoon of snorkeling in Little Salmon Bay or explore the underwater caves during an ocean dive.
Ferry operators typically charge the required admission fee or "landing fee" as part of their fare when the booking is paid. There are three ferry operators that provide transportation to the island with the closest departure points being from Perth, Fremantle, and North Fremantle. Ferry prices start at $64; check the website for more options.
Known as the birthplace of surfing in Western Australia, Cottesloe Beach is one of Perth's more popular beaches, Swim, snorkel, or surf in the crystal-clear waters of Cott, as the locals call it.
The nearby Cottesloe Esplanade offers visitors a place to indulge in a scenic picnic overlooking the shimmering waves.
Home of the Swan Bells—a set of 18 bells, 12 of which date back to the 14th century—the Bell Tower, or Swan Bell Tower, is nestled along the banks of Swan River on Riverside Drive.
Head to the observation deck on level six to see sweeping views of the river and surrounding city.
Change ringing, the art of ringing a pair of tuned bells, occurs only on Thursdays and Sundays from 12 pm to 1 pm. General admission is available from Thursday to Sunday from 10 am to 3:45 pm. For a special bell chiming demonstration, book the Bell Tower Experience, which is $18 for adults and $9 for children.
Located only a four-minute walk away from Bell Tower, Elizabeth Quay is a picturesque development project located in the business district of Perth. The waterfront area has something for everyone to enjoy, including artwork, a playground, promenades, and the BHP Billiton Water Park, which is a collection of fountains.
There are also a variety of bars and restaurants in the area and opportunities nearby to have fun on the water, including gondola rides. Tourists can also explore nearby galleries and museums like the Perth Centre for Photography and the Aboriginal Art Gallery.
Located a short, 15-minute walk away from Elizabeth Quay in the Cultural Centre are the eclectic exhibits of Western Australia's greatest public art collection.
The gallery features a permanent collection of more than 18,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative crafts, and around 150 to 400 new collections are added each year.
Learn all about Western Australia's natural and cultural heritage with a visit to the WA Museum Boola Bardip.
Located next door to the art gallery, the museum's exhibitions explore three main themes—Being Western Australian, Discovering Western Australia, and Exploring the World—highlighting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' significance in the state.
On the hunt for Insta-worthy places to visit in Australia? Look no further. Located right off the coast of Shoalwater, a suburb on the southern outskirts of Perth, Penguin Island is a treasure trove of fun Down Under.
Hop on a ferry for a short five-minute ride to the island, potentially seeing dolphins and Australian sea lions along the way. On the island, the main attraction awaits: the world's smallest penguins.
Although there is a sandbar that connects the island with the mainland, walking across is not advised due to strong currents and tidal surges.
The Penguin Island Discovery Centre, an aquarium that housed rescued penguins, is slated to close permanently on June 6, 2023. Penguin Island is closed to the public during bad weather, on the hottest days of the year, and during penguin breeding season.
Nestled in the heart of Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles Desert is located about two hours north of Perth. But for nature lovers, stargazers, and wildlife enthusiasts, it's certainly worth the trip. The national reserve is abundant in native birds and animals like kangaroos and emus.
And in the evening, the desert affords visitors a fantastic chance to see the planets above. But the park's most famous attraction is the incredible limestone formations, which were formed thousands of years ago by seashell deposits.
Australia's seasons are quite the opposite of countries found in the Northern Hemisphere. As a result, Perth's summer runs from December to February, autumn from March to May, winter from June to August, and spring from September to November.
The summer months are typically very hot and dry, whereas heavy rainfall and thunderstorms often occur during the winter. So for ideal weather, the best time to visit the City of Light is during the spring.
Tourists have a few options for navigating the city. Raking the fifth most walkable city in Australia, Perth neighborhoods like Northbridge, where the Cultural Centre is located, and Fremantle are very pedestrian-friendly.
The city also has an expansive network of public transportation options, including ferries, buses, and trains.
Taxis and rideshares can also be found throughout the city for more direct transportation options.
Travelers may not come to Perth for the food, but dining out doesn't disappoint.
Sayers Sisters
Chinta Cafe
Flora & Fauna
The Shorehouse
Balthazar
Wildflower
Terrarium Bar
Wild in the Street
Booking a hotel in Perth can get pricey, but there are also budget options available.
Mullaloo B & B
The Local Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront
The Westin Perth
The Ritz-Carlton Perth
Como the Treasury
Although the city is located far away from trendy, bustling hot spots like the Gold Coast, without a doubt, Perth, Australia is definitely worth visiting. But for first-timers, there are a few things to know before making the trek Down Under.
First and foremost, Perth is incredibly remote and is known as being "the most isolated city in the world." But that doesn't mean it's without fun as Western Australia has some of the most incredible natural gems.
Secondly, the city is rather expensive, although it is widely considered more affordable than other Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne. But there are budget-friendly accommodations and many free attractions, allowing tourists to still travel to Australia on a budget.
And lastly, the Australian heat is unlike any other. The sunniest capital in the world, Perth averages about eight hours of sunlight each day year-round, so visitors should stock up on sunscreen and stay hydrated.
The Australian city is brimming with fun and adventure. So, how can one spend the most idyllic 24 hours Down Under? That's easy. Start the day out with brekkie near the Northbridge neighborhood, opting for a lovely eatery like Little Bird Cafe, which serves delicious-looking granola bowls, breakfast platters, and of course, lattes.
There's much to do a short ten-minute walk away, including the Cultural Centre's WA Musuem Boola Bardip and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Spend the rest of the morning wandering through the many exhibits before heading over to Elizabeth Quay. Head out onto the water with the Gondolas on the Swan or stroll the area to see its many eye-dazzling sights.
After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring Kinds Park and Botanic Garden, snapping a picture from the DNA Tower or at the State War Memorial.
Round out the day exploring Fremantle, visiting the Fremantle Markets, the WA Shipwrecks Museum, the WA Maritime Museum, and the Round House. And night owls eager to make the most of the day can head out into the desert to see the spectacular views from the Pinnacles.
Perth, Australia is definitely worth visiting. It's abundant in wildlife, picturesque views, and incredible tourist attractions.
Perth is more expensive than other Australian cities, but there are budget-friendly accommodations and many free attractions, allowing tourists to still travel to Australia on a budget.
Perth is one of the most incredible places to visit in Australia and is known for its beautiful terrain and lively arts scene.
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Audrey Enjoli is a writer and editor residing in Los Angeles. She covers food, culture, travel, and entertainment, among other topics. Her work has appeared in Evie Magazine, Ethos, and other publications.