Best Things to Do in Perth, Australia

Perth sits on the Swan River, 19 km from the Indian Ocean coast. Its extreme isolation — it is closer to Singapore than to Sydney — has shaped a culture that is simultaneously Australian and distinct, more relaxed, more outdoor-oriented, and with the best weather of any major Australian city (the most hours of sunshine per year of any capital). The things to do in Perth include: Kings Park and Botanic Garden, a 400-hectare park atop Mount Eliza overlooking the city and the Swan River, with Western Australian wildflower gardens (September wildflower season is one of Australia’s great natural events), walking and cycling trails, and panoramic CBD views. Rottnest Island, 30 km offshore (45-minute ferry from Fremantle), is a car-free island where quokkas — small, friendly marsupials that have no natural predators and approach humans — roam freely; quokka selfies have become one of Australia’s most shared wildlife images; the island also has excellent snorkeling (ABCA wreck trail, Basin snorkel trail) and cycling. Fremantle (20 minutes south by train), Perth’s historic port city: the Fremantle Prison (UNESCO World Heritage convict-era heritage, with historical tours and tunnel tours), Fremantle Market, the cappuccino strip on South Terrace, and a museum quarter. Cottesloe Beach, 30 minutes from the CBD by train, has the most beautiful urban beach in Australia: a wide arc of white sand, Indian Ocean swells, a pub directly on the beachfront (the Cottesloe Hotel since 1911), and pine trees providing shade.

Best time to visit

September through April is the best time. November through March is Perth summer: sunny (30-35°C), low humidity, and the beaches are at their best. September and October bring the extraordinary Western Australian wildflower season (over 12,000 wildflower species, many unique to WA). June through August is winter: cool (15-20°C), occasional rain, but the city functions normally and many events are held.

Getting around

Perth Airport has direct international connections from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and domestic flights from all Australian cities. The Transperth train network connects the airport to Perth city center (20 minutes on the Airport Line), Fremantle (30 minutes from Perth on the Fremantle Line), and Cottesloe (on the Fremantle Line). Ferries to Rottnest Island depart from Fremantle, Barrack Street Jetty (city center), and Hillary’s Boat Harbour. The CAT (Central Area Transit) buses in the CBD and Fremantle are free.

What to eat and drink

Perth has Australia’s freshest seafood due to its Indian Ocean position: Rottnest Island scallops, Exmouth tiger prawns, Abrolhos Islands lobster, and South West barramundi are the highlights. The Margaret River wine region (3 hours south) produces some of Australia’s finest Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon; multiple daily wine tour buses serve the route. For dining, Bread in Common in Fremantle, Wildflower (atop COMO The Treasury hotel, a showcase of Indigenous Australian ingredients), and Bib and Tucker in Cottesloe are highly rated. The Fremantle Markets (Friday through Sunday) have the best selection of local food and produce.