Shoreline To Skyline, Uncover The Best Places To Visit In Perth

The sun-soaked capital of Western Australia unfolds along the edge of the vast Indian Ocean, stretching into sprawling bushland. In this city of striking contrasts, you’ll find a blend of ancient indigenous heritage and contemporary creativity. Thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate, year-round adventure is always within reach. Slide effortlessly into Perth’s easygoing rhythm through its flourishing arts scene, vibrant festivals, innovative cuisine, and live music. Beyond the city limits, untouched islands, lush vineyards, and rugged natural landscapes invite you to reconnect with nature. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, stories, or simply a taste of the good life, our guide to the must-visit places in Perth is your route to timeless allure.

Also, check out this 10-day Perth itinerary and plan your perfect trip to savour wine, wildlife, beaches and deserts.

Best time to visit Perth

Perth basks in more sunshine than any other Australian capital, making it a year-round delight. Spring, from September to November, dazzles with wildflowers that carpet parks and bushland, painting the city in the colours of nature. Summer’s long, sun-soaked days from December to February beckon with perfect conditions for swimming, sunset barbecues, and island adventures. Autumn is an ideal time for exploring wine country and immersing oneself in the cultural festivals that abound. For those who prefer crisp mornings and quieter streets, winter is the best window.

For more information, refer to this Down Under guide to the best time to visit Australia by interest and season.

How to reach

• Perth Airport is the gateway to Western Australia, welcoming international flights from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as domestic connections from all major Australian cities.
• It’s a 20-minute taxi or rideshare ride into the city, or you can hop on the Transperth bus or train for a convenient transfer.
• Travellers with time on their hands sometimes opt for the epic Indian Pacific train journey that links Sydney and Adelaide with Perth. It’s one of the world’s great rail adventures.

Places to visit in Perth

Exploring nature and the outdoors in Perth

• Kings Park and Botanic Garden: Perched high above the city, this sprawling urban oasis bursts with native bushland, winding walking trails, and bursts of spring wildflowers. Wander beneath towering ancient trees, climb the quirky DNA Tower for sweeping views, or settle into a shady nook for a slow picnic overlooking the shimmering Swan River. Visit the botanical garden at golden hour and watch the skyline glow softly through the eucalyptus canopy.

• Swan River Foreshore: The Swan River threads through Perth like a shimmering ribbon, its foreshore a favourite local playground. Rent a bike and follow the gentle curves of the water, or simply lounge riverside and watch sailboats drift by under a warm sun. As dusk falls, fairy lights twinkle across pedestrian bridges, turning the paths into a magical evening escape.

• Cottesloe Beach: With soft white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Cottesloe is Perth’s iconic coastal haven. Take a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean, stretch out on the beach, or sip a cold drink at a beachfront café as the sun slowly sinks. Join locals for sunset drinks and fish’ n’ chips, soaking in skies set aflame with fiery hues.
• Rottnest Island: Just a short ferry ride away, “Rotto” is a laid-back island paradise of car-free lanes, turquoise bays, and famously friendly quokkas eager for a selfie. Explore by bike, snorkel in vibrant waters, or simply lose yourself in postcard-perfect coves. Whether for a day trip or an overnight stay, you can expect sunrise swims and star-filled nights. Our 24-hour guide to Rottnest Island will help you cover all the must-do activities on this nature-lover’s paradise.

Where to go for urban exploration and culture

• Northbridge: Just minutes from the CBD, Northbridge is where Perth lets its hair down. Colour and creativity come together in bold street art, buzzing cafés, and eclectic galleries by day. When night falls, the precinct transforms into a playground of rooftop bars, indie gigs, and spontaneous dancing.
• Fremantle: This salty-aired port town serves up a mix of colonial-era charm and offbeat cool, all wrapped in sandstone buildings and a sea breeze. Browse local makers at weekend markets, sip craft beer in a former jail, or catch a busker belting tunes outside a heritage bookstore.

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• Perth Cultural Centre: Packed with museums, theatres, libraries, and outdoor installations, this area is where locals linger on beanbags between exhibitions, kids chase bubbles on the plaza, and festivals light up the calendar year-round. Art, music, performance, choose your medium of inspiration.
• Elizabeth Quay: Sleek bridges, swirling sculptures, and river breezes make this contemporary waterfront a magnet for locals and travellers alike. Sip sundowners by the quay, watch water taxis glide by or catch a pop-up show in the open-air amphitheatre. Perth’s social playground is right on the river.

Places to visit in Perth for history & heritage

• Fremantle Prison: Step behind the limestone walls of Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and gripping relic of Australia’s convict era. Built by the very men it once confined, its echoing corridors and stark cells come alive through immersive tours, from escape tales to eerie night-time ghost walks. Feel the history in your bones.
• Roundhouse: Perched on a windswept bluff above Fremantle Harbour, the Roundhouse is WA’s oldest surviving public building. Once a gaol for early settlers and convicts, its thick stone walls whisper stories of law, order, and the grit of colonial life. Time for a visit with the daily cannon blast for a dose of drama.

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• Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip: Bold, inclusive, and deeply grounded, Boola Bardip (meaning “many stories” in Whadjuk Nyoongar language) offers a unique journey through time, featuring ancient fossils and gold rush artefacts alongside Indigenous voices that shape Western Australia’s past and present.
• The Perth Mint: Trace the fortunes of a state built on mineral wealth. Watch molten gold transformed into gleaming bars, lift the world’s largest coin, and step inside a working refinery that still mints coins today. It’s a hands-on glimpse into the glittering heart of WA’s economy.

Places to visit for shopping in Perth

Retail therapy in Perth is relaxed, stylish, and full of local flavour. Visit places like Hay Street Mall and Murray Street Mall for high-street staples and Aussie brands in Perth. If you’re looking for a dose of designer chic, check out King Street, a heritage-lined strip featuring luxury boutiques and curated concept stores. Fremantle Markets is your go-to for handmade treasures, vintage finds and sizzling street food.

Shop the best travel experiences here

Food, restaurants and cafes

Perth’s food scene is riding a delicious wave, whether you’re digging into grilled marron or indulging in inventive fusion plates. Picture seafood linguine by the beach, rooftop tapas at golden hour, and Asian Australian flavours unfolding in moody laneway nooks. It is a city that eats as well as it plays. Restaurants like Wildflower elevate native ingredients to the heights of fine dining, while Vin Populi and Madalena’s Bar offer lively, welcoming spots to enjoy locally inspired, innovative dishes.

Also, check out this selection of stunning waterfront restaurants in Perth that promise a summer vibe.

Hotels & resorts in Perth

When it comes to urban indulgence, Perth offers a diverse range of standout stays that cater to various moods and styles. Housed within a beautifully restored 19th-century state building, COMO The Treasury radiates minimalist elegance and modern sophistication. In contrast, the bold colours and art-filled spaces of QT Perth appeal to those craving a dose of edgy energy. The Ritz-Carlton at Elizabeth Quay is the ultimate urban retreat, offering stunning river views and luxurious wellness treatments.

Insider tips for visitors

• In Western Australia, the sun shines year-round, making sunscreen and hydration essential.
• Tap water is safe, public transport is reliable, and locals are friendly.
• Comfortable clothes and shoes are key for city and nature outings.
• While cards are widely accepted, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for markets and expect patchy mobile coverage in remote areas.

(Feature image credit: Harrison Reilly/Pexels)

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Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.

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