Perth blends a relaxed coastal lifestyle with a lively city centre, set beside the Swan River and the Indian Ocean. You enjoy big-sky sunsets, easy access to nature, and a creative arts and dining scene.
Discover Perth
Discover Perth
Why visit Perth?
What to expect
Expect sunny days, clean beaches, and calm neighbourhoods with leafy streets and riverside parks. The compact city centre, nearby Fremantle, and riverside precincts offer galleries, museums, cafes, and a welcoming, outdoors-focused way of life.
Plan your trip
Perth works well for both short city stays and longer Western Australia adventures, from wine regions to coral-fringed coasts. Use it as your gateway for road trips, marine experiences, and exploring the state’s vast landscapes.
Top sights in Perth
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Walk among native trees, riverside lookouts, and wildflower displays in one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, with sweeping views over the Swan River and Perth skyline.
Cottesloe Beach
Swim in clear waters, stroll the foreshore, or simply watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean at this classic Perth beach, popular with locals and visitors alike.
Fremantle
Explore heritage streets, the historic port, galleries, and cafes in Fremantle, a character-filled maritime district a short train ride from central Perth.
Rottnest Island
Take a ferry to Rottnest Island for car-free cycling, sheltered bays, and the chance to see friendly quokkas in their natural environment.
Swan River cruises
See Perth from the water on a Swan River cruise, gliding past city skyscrapers, leafy suburbs, and riverside landmarks on the way towards Fremantle or the Swan Valley.
Swan Valley wine region
Visit one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, just outside Perth, to sample local wines, artisan produce, and relaxed cellar doors set among rolling vineyards.
Perth Cultural Centre
Discover museums, galleries, and performance venues clustered in the Cultural Centre precinct, an easy walk from Perth’s main train stations.
Experience Perth’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Perth’s trains, buses, and ferries connect the city, Fremantle, and nearby suburbs, with a free transit zone in the central area. For a scenic perspective, use the river ferries or coastal trains, then rely on walking or short ride-hailing trips for the last mile.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Perth centres on the outdoors, with residents making time for morning exercise, riverside walks, and evening meet-ups in small bars or cafes. Different neighbourhoods, from the CBD to Subiaco and Leederville, each offer their own creative, laid-back character.
Where to unwind
You can unwind in Kings Park at sunrise or sunset, stroll riverside paths in South Perth, or relax on spacious city beaches in the late afternoon. For a quieter break, choose shaded parks or riverfront lawns, where the breeze and views make it easy to slow down.
A taste of Perth
Street food & local specialties
Food trucks and casual spots across Perth serve global flavours, with fresh seafood and modern Australian plates a highlight. Look to Fremantle and weekend markets for easy street-style bites and local produce.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Northbridge, the CBD, and riverside precincts host relaxed eateries, food courts, and modern bistros offering Asian, Mediterranean, and contemporary Australian dishes. Generous sharing plates and small dishes make it simple to sample a range of flavours in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, choose venues overlooking the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay, or the Indian Ocean, where city lights or sunsets frame your table. Many fine-dining and smart casual restaurants feature seasonal menus built around Western Australia’s produce.
Retail therapy in Perth
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central malls and arcades around Murray and Hay Street offer international brands, local designers, and everyday essentials, often paired with cinemas and eateries. Larger suburban centres combine shopping with lifestyle services and family-friendly entertainment.
Markets & local crafts
For gifts and local designs, browse markets and boutiques in Fremantle, Leederville, and Subiaco, where you can find handmade crafts, art, and independent labels. Smaller neighbourhood streets often reveal one-of-a-kind shops and studios.
Evening retail scene
On late-trading nights, city streets and selected malls stay open longer, with illuminated shopfronts and busy dining spots nearby. Public transport and rideshare services make evening visits to these districts straightforward and relaxed.
Best time to visit Perth
Perth has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Peak season runs from December to February, when temperatures often sit between 18°C and 32°C (64°F to 90°F), with long sunny days ideal for beaches and outdoor activities. Shoulder season in March to May and September to November usually brings 13°C to 27°C (55°F to 81°F), fewer crowds, and comfortable conditions for city exploring and day trips. Low season is typically June to August, when temperatures average around 8°C to 19°C (46°F to 66°F) and you can expect cooler evenings and more rainfall, though many indoor attractions and cultural experiences remain enjoyable.