This Perth Travel Guide is your introduction to one of Australia’s most underrated destinations. Over the past several years, Perth has quietly earned global recognition, appearing on Travel & Leisure’s Best Places to See, Lonely Planet’s Top New Openings, and CNN Travel’s Best Places to Visit lists. Even Vogue has highlighted Perth as a city to watch. Yet despite the praise, Perth often gets skipped in favour of Sydney or Melbourne. That’s a mistake, and this Perth Travel Guide explains why.
Our Perth Travel Guide is part of the series exploring Australian cities and states.
Located on Australia’s far west coast, Perth feels worlds away from the busy east coast capitals. With nearly constant sunshine, spectacular beaches, an exciting food and wine scene, and easy access to nature and wildlife, Perth offers a relaxed yet sophisticated travel experience unlike anywhere else in the country.
Perth Travel Guide: The City by the Numbers
- Population: Just over 2 million
- Distance from Sydney: Nearly 4,000 kilometres (a 4 hour flight)
- Sunshine: Around 3,200 hours annually, making it the sunniest capital city in Australia
Often described as one of the world’s most isolated cities, Perth has turned its remoteness into an advantage. The city feels spacious, uncrowded, and refreshingly authentic. Many international travellers never make it to Western Australia, but those who do quickly understand why Perth is a destination on the rise.
This Perth Travel Guide is designed to show you why the city – and the wider Western Australia region as a whole – deserves a place on your Australian itinerary.
How to Get to Perth
International Travel to Perth
Most U.S. travellers reach Perth by flying to Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL) first, then continuing on to Perth Airport (PER). Major airlines including American Airlines, Delta, and United serve Australia’s east coast, making it easy to combine Perth with other cities via Australian airlines.
Perth has also become more connected globally, thanks to long-haul services including nonstop flights from London and one-stop routes via Dubai, Doha, and Singapore.
Getting to Perth from Other Australian Cities
Flying to Perth from within Australia is simple. Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar all operate frequent domestic routes, making it easy to add Perth to a multi-city Australia trip.
Getting Around Perth
Perth’s public transport network is extensive and user-friendly, with trains, ferries, and multiple free bus routes in the city centre and Fremantle. Exploring the city without a car is easy.
However, if you want to venture beyond the city, to Swan Valley, Margaret River, or Western Australia’s rugged landscapes, for example, a rental car offers flexibility and access to unforgettable stops along the way.
Things to Do in Perth, Australia
A well-rounded Perth Travel Guide wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the city’s diverse experiences, from wildlife encounters to arts and culture.
Visit Rottnest Island and Meet the Quokkas
Rottnest Island is one of Perth’s most iconic day trips. A short ferry ride away, the island is home to the quokka, famously known as the world’s happiest animal. The best way to explore Rottnest is by bicycle, stopping at beaches, snorkelling spots, and scenic lookouts, although you can join a small bus tour as well. Visitors to Rottnest Island can also stay overnight, either at private accommodations or one of the few hotels.
Quokkas are easy to spot and incredibly comfortable around humans, making this one of Australia’s most memorable wildlife experiences.
Enjoy Nature in the City
Kings Park, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, offers panoramic views of the skyline and Swan River, walking trails, and native wildflowers. For marine life, the Aquarium of Western Australia showcases the diverse ecosystems off Western Australia’s coast.
Arts, Culture, and History
Despite its geographic isolation, Perth has a thriving and diverse arts and culture scene. The city’s history as a convict settlement, port city, and mining hub has shaped a rich cultural identity that blends Aboriginal heritage with modern creativity. Some key cultural experiences include:
- Western Australian Museum – Showcases the natural, social, and Aboriginal history of Western Australia
- Museum of Perth – Focuses on the city’s stories, people, and evolving identity
- Fremantle Prison – A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering insight into Australia’s convict past
- Art Gallery of Western Australia – Home to an impressive collection of Australian and international art
- Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) – A hub for experimental and contemporary exhibitions
- Perth Cultural Centre – Brings together museums, galleries, and the State Library in one central precinct
Perth also hosts major annual events that draw visitors from around the world, including:
- Perth International Arts Festival – One of the longest-running arts festivals in the Southern Hemisphere
- Perth International Comedy Festival – A highlight of the city’s entertainment calendar
Food and Wine in Perth
Perth’s food scene has grown rapidly in recent years, fuelled by access to exceptional local produce and a multicultural population. From casual cafés to fine dining, the city offers something for every palate.
Northbridge is Perth’s cultural and nightlife hub, buzzing well into the evening with a lively mix of bars, small clubs, and late-night eateries. It’s especially known for its diverse food scene, where you’ll find everything from excellent Asian street food and noodle houses to contemporary international restaurants. The atmosphere is energetic and creative, making it a great area to explore after dark or for a casual, food-focused night out. (One of my favourite places here is The Standard (excellent Italian food).)
Elizabeth Quay offers a more polished, waterfront experience right in the heart of the city. This modern precinct is lined with restaurants and cafés overlooking the Swan River, alongside stylish bars and some of Perth’s best gelato spots. It’s ideal for sunset drinks, leisurely walks, or a relaxed meal with water views, blending urban design with an easy coastal feel.
Local produce is at the heart of Western Australia’s dining scene, and Perth restaurants take full advantage of it. Fresh seafood – think rock lobster, prawns, and snapper – features heavily on menus, alongside premium Western Australian beef. Seasonal fruit and vegetables from nearby farming regions add brightness and simplicity to many dishes, giving meals a clean, fresh flavor that reflects the region itself.
Just beyond the city, Western Australia’s wine regions are among the best in the country:
Swan Valley (30 minutes from Perth)
The Swan Valley is Western Australia’s oldest wine region, located just a short drive from central Perth (ideal for a half day trip). It’s known for approachable cellar doors, relaxed tastings, and a strong focus on local produce alongside wine. Expect excellent fortified wines, bold reds, and a growing reputation for quality Chenin Blanc. The region’s casual, welcoming feel makes it ideal for an easy half-day escape. In addition to wineries, the Swan Valley is home to breweries, distilleries, coffee roasters, chocolate factories, cheese makers, and honey producers.
Margaret River (3+ hours from Perth)
Margaret River is one of Australia’s premier wine regions, celebrated internationally for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Its climate is among one of the most unique in the world, influenced by both the cool Antarctic air (the Roaring Forties) and the warm Indian Ocean winds, commonly called the Fremantle Doctor. Set among rolling vineyards, forests, and a dramatic coastline, the region blends world-class wine with striking natural beauty. Many estates pair tastings with acclaimed restaurants and architecturally stunning cellar doors. It’s a refined yet relaxed destination that rewards travelers who linger.
Perth’s Beaches
Perth is famous for its beaches, and for good reason. With hundreds of kilometres of coastline, there’s a beach for every type of traveller.
- Cottesloe Beach: Popular with families and home to the iconic Indiana restaurant
- Hillarys Beach: Calm waters, shopping, and dining—perfect for kids
- Scarborough Beach: Surfing, sunsets, and a lively beachfront atmosphere
Where to Stay in Perth
Perth’s hotel scene has expanded significantly in recent years, with options ranging from boutique luxury to international brands. Some of my favourite hotels include:
- COMO The Treasury – blending heritage and modern luxury, COMO The Treasury is set within a beautifully restored 140-year-old building in the city’s heart. Its rooms are serene and refined, complemented by world-class dining and a tranquil spa for a sophisticated stay. Paper, Ink, & Passports Travel clients get additional perks and amenities when booked through PI&P.
- Crown Towers Perth – an iconic city resort, the Crown Towers offering sweeping river views, lavish rooms, and access to Perth’s premier restaurants, bars, and entertainment precinct. With a focus on luxury and convenience, it’s perfect for travelers seeking both comfort and a vibrant city experience. Paper, Ink, & Passports Travel clients get additional perks and amenities when booked through PI&P.
- Hyatt Regency Perth – on the banks of the Swan River, the Hyatt Regency offers modern luxury with sweeping waterfront views and elegantly designed rooms. Its central location and refined dining options make it a sophisticated base for exploring the city.
- InterContinental Perth – combining contemporary comfort with vibrant city energy, the InterCon Perth features stylish rooms and excellent river views. The hotel’s relaxed yet polished atmosphere, plus on-site dining and event spaces, make it ideal for both leisure and business travelers.
Final Thoughts: Why Perth Deserves to be on Your Australia Itinerary
Perth may be remote, but it offers everything travellers look for: incredible nature, vibrant culture, exceptional food and wine, luxury accommodation, and year-round sunshine. This Perth Travel Guide shows that the city is far more than a stopover—it’s a destination in its own right.
If you’re planning a trip to Australia and want expert help, I’m an Aussie Specialist and can help you plan the perfect Perth and Western Australia itinerary.
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