Perth blends laid-back coastal living with a fast-evolving arts and dining scene. You can enjoy Indian Ocean sunsets, riverside parks, and easy access to world-class wine regions and beaches.
Discover Perth
Discover Perth
Why visit Perth?
What to expect
You will find a compact, walkable city centre wrapped around the Swan River, with buzzing small-bar laneways, cultural precincts, and long stretches of white-sand coastline. The pace is relaxed, with plenty of outdoor living and al fresco dining.
Plan your trip
Perth works well as both a city break and the starting point for exploring wider Western Australia, from the Margaret River wine region to the Coral Coast. Allow time for day trips as well as unhurried evenings by the river or beach.
Top sights in Perth
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Walk elevated walkways and bushland trails for sweeping views over the Swan River and Perth skyline, especially beautiful at sunset.
Elizabeth Quay
Stroll along the waterfront promenade, hop on a river cruise, and enjoy public art, playgrounds, and city views from the bridges and jetties.
Fremantle
Explore historic streets, maritime heritage, and creative spaces in this port city, known for its markets, galleries, and lively weekend atmosphere.
Rottnest Island
Take a ferry to this car-free island for turquoise bays, cycling trails, snorkelling spots, and close-up encounters with friendly quokkas.
Cottesloe Beach
Spend an afternoon on soft white sand, swim in clear water, then stay for one of Perth’s signature Indian Ocean sunsets.
Swan Valley
Head inland to Western Australia’s oldest wine region for cellar doors, farm gates, craft producers, and relaxed countryside dining.
Perth Cultural Centre
Discover galleries, museums, and performance spaces clustered around Northbridge, ideal for combining art, design, and evening entertainment.
Experience Perth’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Perth’s central areas are easy to navigate using Transperth trains, buses, and ferries, with free CAT buses around the CBD and Fremantle. For coastal and wine-region day trips, consider car hire, while taxis and ride-hailing apps work well for late-night or last-mile journeys.
Local life & culture
Perth life revolves around the outdoors, with locals meeting in riverside parks, at beaches, and in inner-city neighbourhoods like Northbridge and Leederville. You will notice a strong creative streak, from street art and live music to festivals that make the most of the warm climate.
Where to unwind
Unwind with a riverside walk or cycle along the Swan River, or find a shady spot in Kings Park’s expansive green spaces. For a slower pace, visit quiet beaches in the late afternoon, when the light softens and temperatures ease.
A taste of Perth
Street food & local specialties
Sample fresh seafood, modern Australian bites, and international street food at markets in Fremantle and Perth’s city precincts. Food trucks and pop-up stalls often appear near beaches and parks, especially on warm evenings and weekends.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Head to Northbridge, Leederville, or Mount Lawley for relaxed eateries, shared plates, and global flavours, from Asian fusion to Mediterranean. Portions are generous but suited to sharing, so you can try several dishes with friends or family.
Signature & scenic dining
Book a table at riverside or beachfront restaurants for views of the water and the city skyline, especially at sunset. In the Swan Valley and nearby coastal suburbs, long lunches pair regional produce with local wines in memorable settings.
Retail therapy in Perth
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Browse major shopping centres in the CBD and suburbs, where you will find international brands, Australian labels, cinemas, and casual dining under one roof. These hubs double as social spaces for meeting up, eating, and catching a film.
Markets & local crafts
Explore Fremantle’s markets, Subiaco’s boutiques, and Northbridge’s small shops for handmade crafts, local designers, and art pieces. These neighbourhoods are ideal for picking up unique gifts and souvenirs with a Western Australian touch.
Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets and selected late-night shopping precincts stay lively with illuminated shopfronts, street performers, and nearby bars. Public transport and ride-hailing services make it simple to reach these areas and return to your accommodation safely.
Best time to visit Perth
Perth has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Peak season runs from December to February, when daytime temperatures often reach 30–33°C (86–91°F) and skies are typically dry and sunny, ideal for beach time and outdoor events. Shoulder season from March to May and September to November offers pleasant days around 20–27°C (68–81°F), cooler evenings, and fewer crowds, making it comfortable for sightseeing and wine-region trips. Low season is June to August, when temperatures drop to about 8–19°C (46–66°F) and rain is more frequent, but you will find a calmer atmosphere and greener landscapes.