Perth blends ocean, river, and open sky with a relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle. You find beaches, parklands, culture, and wine regions all within easy reach of the city.
Discover Perth
Discover Perth
Why visit Perth?
What to expect
Expect a compact city centre, sun-drenched suburbs, and sweeping Indian Ocean beaches. The pace is unhurried, with leafy neighbourhoods, riverside paths, and a thriving small-bar and arts scene.
Plan your trip
Use Perth as a gateway to Western Australia, from the Margaret River wine region to the Coral Coast. Allow time for both city exploring and day trips to nearby islands and national parks.
Top sights in Perth
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Walk bushland trails and elevated walkways for sweeping views of the Swan River and city skyline, especially striking at sunrise or sunset.
Rottnest Island
Take a ferry to this car-free island for bays of clear water, coastal cycling, and the chance to see friendly quokkas in their natural habitat.
Elizabeth Quay
Stroll along the riverfront promenade, enjoy public art and playgrounds, then relax at waterfront cafes and restaurants overlooking the Swan River.
Fremantle
Explore heritage streets, a historic prison site, galleries, and lively weekend markets in this port city just a short train ride from central Perth.
Cottesloe Beach
Swim, snorkel, or simply sit on the grass terraces and watch the sun sink over the Indian Ocean in one of Perths most loved beach suburbs.
Swan Valley
Join a river cruise or drive into this nearby wine and produce region for cellar doors, breweries, family-run producers, and riverside walks.
Perth Cultural Centre
Visit galleries and museums clustered around Northbridge, then step straight into a neighbourhood of small bars, cafes, and street art.
Experience Perths everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Transperth trains and buses to move easily between the CBD, Fremantle, and key suburbs, with free CAT buses in central areas. For a scenic view, take a ferry along the Swan River, then rely on walking or rideshare for the last stretch to beaches and neighbourhoods.
Local life & culture
Perth life revolves around the outdoors, with locals jogging riverside paths, gathering in small bars, and filling beach car parks at sunrise and sunset. Neighbourhoods like Northbridge and Leederville mix street art, live music, and creative spaces with relaxed, open-air venues.
Where to unwind
Find shade and city views in Kings Park, or follow riverside paths in South Perth for a quieter outlook. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for walks, stand-up paddleboarding, or simply sitting on the grass at beachside parks along the western coast.
A taste of Perth
Street food & local specialties
Sample fish and chips on the Fremantle waterfront, local seafood around the fishing boat harbour, and food truck events that pop up in parks and foreshore precincts on warm evenings.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Head to Northbridge, Leederville, and Victoria Park for relaxed eateries offering modern Australian plates, Asian flavours, and plant-forward menus, where sharing dishes makes it easy to try a range of tastes.
Signature & scenic dining
Book a riverside table in South Perth, a rooftop in the CBD, or a coastal venue in Cottesloe or City Beach for long lunches and dinners with views of the skyline or ocean horizon.
Retail therapy in Perth
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In the city centre, shopping arcades and malls around Murray and Hay Street offer international brands, local labels, and cinemas, doubling as meeting spots for lunch or coffee.
Markets & local crafts
Browse Fremantle Markets for handmade goods and local art, or explore neighbourhood strips in Subiaco and Mount Lawley for boutiques, design stores, and bookshops.
Evening retail scene
Late-night trading brings extra buzz to city streets and Fremantle, where illuminated shopfronts and nearby bars keep areas active into the evening, easily reached by train, bus, or rideshare.
Best time to visit Perth
Perth has a Mediterranean-style climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Peak season runs from November to March, with average temperatures around 18–32°C (64–90°F), ideal for beaches and outdoor dining. Shoulder season in April–May and September–October offers pleasant days of about 13–26°C (55–79°F), with fewer crowds and good conditions for wine regions and hiking. Low season is June to August, when cooler temperatures of roughly 8–19°C (46–66°F) and more frequent rain suit urban exploring, galleries, and cosy neighbourhood venues.