Perth offers big-sky beaches, riverside parks, and a relaxed city centre with a creative edge. You find boutique bars, galleries, and coastal walks all within easy reach.
Discover Perth
Discover Perth
Why visit Perth?
What to expect
You can expect sunny days, an easy-going pace, and compact neighbourhoods linked by trains and ferries. The Swan River and nearby Indian Ocean shape local life, from morning runs to sunset picnics.
Plan your trip
Perth is a great base for exploring Western Australia, from wine regions to wild coastal cliffs. Plan a few extra days to visit nearby Fremantle, Rottnest Island, and the Swan Valley.
Top sights in Perth
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Walk elevated treetop paths, enjoy sweeping views over the city skyline and Swan River, and see native plants in one of the world’s largest inner-city parks.
Elizabeth Quay
Stroll along the waterfront, admire public art, and take river cruises, with city towers on one side and open water on the other.
Fremantle
Explore heritage streets, galleries, and the working port, then linger in character-filled warehouses now home to cafes and boutiques.
Rottnest Island
Take a short ferry ride to discover white-sand bays, clear water for snorkelling, and car-free roads perfect for cycling and spotting quokkas.
Cottesloe Beach
Swim in calm turquoise water, relax on wide sands, and stay for one of Perth’s famed Indian Ocean sunsets.
Swan Valley
Join a day trip to Western Australia’s oldest wine region for cellar doors, local produce, and riverside scenery.
Perth Cultural Centre
Visit museums and galleries clustered around a central plaza, an easy walk from Perth Station.
Experience Perth’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Transperth trains and buses to move easily between the CBD, Fremantle, and outer suburbs, and hop on river ferries for a scenic journey along the Swan River. In the city centre, free CAT buses and walkable streets make that last stretch simple.
Local life & culture
Perth life revolves around the outdoors, with early-morning jogs, after-work gatherings by the river, and weekend trips to the coast. Neighbourhoods such as Northbridge, Mount Lawley, and Leederville add a creative, independent streak with small venues, art, and live music.
Where to unwind
Find calm in riverside parks, coastal paths, and leafy suburbs, ideal for sunrise walks or sunset picnics. Visit Kings Park in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light, cooler temperatures, and peaceful views over the water.
A taste of Perth
Street food & local specialties
Sample fish and chips by the beach, local seafood, and modern Australian plates that showcase regional produce. Food truck events and casual markets across Perth and Fremantle are good places to graze on bites from around the world.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Head to city laneways, waterfront precincts, and suburban high streets for bistros, burger bars, and Asian-inspired eateries. Many menus feature small plates and share dishes, so you can taste a variety of flavours in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Book a table at restaurants overlooking the Swan River, city skyline, or Indian Ocean for a memorable evening. Long lunches in the Swan Valley and Fremantle’s historic warehouses offer relaxed yet refined settings.
Retail therapy in Perth
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Browse central shopping centres near Murray and Hay Street for international labels, local brands, and easy dining under one roof. Suburban hubs such as Claremont and Karrinyup mix fashion, homeware, and entertainment.
Markets & local crafts
Visit Fremantle’s markets for handmade goods, art, and local produce, or explore precincts such as Northbridge and Subiaco for independent boutiques. These areas are ideal for picking up design pieces and gifts.
Evening retail scene
On late-trading nights, central streets and large malls stay lively with lit shopfronts, cafes, and bars. Night markets and waterfront promenades add a festive feel, and trains and buses make it simple to return to your hotel afterwards.
Best time to visit Perth
Perth has a Mediterranean-style climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters.
Peak season: December to February brings summer warmth, with daytime temperatures around 17°C to 31°C (63°F to 88°F). Beaches are busy, and long daylight hours are ideal for outdoor activities.
Shoulder season: March to May and September to November offer comfortable conditions, typically 13°C to 27°C (55°F to 81°F). These months suit sightseeing, wine-tasting trips, and coastal walks with fewer crowds.
Low season: June to August is cooler and wetter, with temperatures about 8°C to 19°C (46°F to 66°F). You can expect occasional rain, quieter attractions, and clear, crisp days between fronts.