Perth Travel Guide: Is Perth Worth Visiting? (+ Things to Do, Where to Stay & Planning Tips)
Perth is one of the most underrated cities in Australia — and one of the most surprising for first-time visitors to Western Australia.
Set between the Indian Ocean and the Swan River, Perth combines white-sand beaches, a laid-back lifestyle, excellent food and wine, and easy access to nature — all without the crowds you’ll find in Sydney or Melbourne.
Whether you’re planning a city break, starting a Western Australia road trip, or deciding if Perth deserves a spot on your itinerary, this guide covers everything you need to know.
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Where Is Perth & Why Visit?
Perth is the capital of Western Australia, located on Australia’s west coast — and famously one of the most isolated capital cities in the world.
That isolation is part of its appeal.
Perth offers:
- Some of Australia’s best city beaches
- A relaxed, outdoor-focused lifestyle
- Easy day trips to Rottnest Island, Fremantle, and wine regions
- A perfect starting point for WA road trips
If you’re overwhelmed by distances in Western Australia, Perth is the easiest and most logical place to start.
👉 Western Australia Travel Guide
👉 WA Road Trips Guide
Best Things to Do in Perth
Perth is best enjoyed at a slower pace — mixing city sights with beach time and nature.
🌊 Relax on Perth’s Beaches
Perth’s beaches are consistently ranked among Australia’s best:
- Cottesloe Beach – iconic sunsets and cafes
- Scarborough Beach – great for swimming, surf, and sunset bars
- City Beach – calm water and family-friendly
🌳 Explore Kings Park
Kings Park is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, with:
- River and city views
- Native wildflowers (especially in spring)
- Walking paths and lookouts
It’s free, central, and absolutely worth visiting.
🍷 Eat & Drink in Perth
Perth has an excellent food scene, especially for:
- Fresh seafood
- Modern Australian cuisine
- Small bars and riverfront dining
Top areas include:
- Northbridge
- Elizabeth Quay
- Leederville
- Fremantle (as a side trip)
🛥 Take a Swan River Cruise
A river cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to see the city — especially at sunset.
🦘 Day Trip to Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is home to:
- Quokkas
- Turquoise bays
- Snorkelling and cycling trails
It’s one of the best day trips from Perth.
👉 Rottnest Island Travel Guide
How Many Days Do You Need in Perth?
How long you should stay depends on how you’re using Perth.
- 1–2 days: Highlights only (city + beach)
- 3 days: Ideal for first-time visitors
- 4–5 days: Add Rottnest Island + Fremantle
If Perth is your road trip starting point, allow at least 2–3 days before heading out.
👉 Perth Itinerary (2–3 Days)
👉 WA Itineraries
Best Time to Visit Perth
Perth has a Mediterranean climate, meaning hot summers and mild winters.
🌞 Best Overall Time: September to November
- Warm but not extreme temperatures
- Wildflowers in bloom
- Great beach weather
☀️ Summer (December–February)
- Hot and sunny
- Best for beaches
- Very dry heat
🍂 Autumn & Spring
- Ideal sightseeing weather
- Fewer crowds
- Perfect for city + day trips
👉 Best Time to Visit Perth
👉 Best Time to Visit Western Australia
How to Get to & Around Perth
Getting to Perth
- Perth Airport (PER) has domestic and international flights
- Direct flights from major Australian cities
Getting Around Perth
- Public transport works well within the city
- Beaches and day trips are easier with a car
If you’re planning:
- Rottnest Island → no car needed
- Fremantle → train is easy
- Road trips → hire a car
👉 Renting a Car in Western Australia
Where to Stay in Perth ⭐
Where you stay in Perth depends on your travel style.
Best Areas to Stay
- CBD: Best for first-time visitors
- Scarborough: Beach-focused stay
- Fremantle: Historic, laid-back vibe
Accommodation Types
- Budget hotels and hostels
- Mid-range city hotels
- Luxury riverfront and beach hotels
👉 Where to Stay in Perth
👉 Compare Perth Hotels
Best Tours & Experiences in Perth ⭐
Tours are a great option if you:
- Don’t want to rent a car
- Are short on time
- Want local insight
Popular options include:
- Swan Valley wine tours
- Swan River cruises
- Perth city and cultural tours
👉 Best Perth Tours
👉 Book Perth Tours
Is Perth Worth Visiting? (FAQs)
Is Perth good for first-time visitors to Australia?
Yes — it’s relaxed, easy to navigate, and less overwhelming than east coast cities.
Is Perth expensive?
Comparable to other Australian cities, but accommodation prices vary widely.
Perth vs Sydney or Melbourne?
Perth is slower, sunnier, and more nature-focused.
How Perth Fits Into a Western Australia Trip
Perth is the gateway to Western Australia.
From here, you can:
- Drive south to Margaret River
- Head north on the Coral Coast
- Fly or drive to Exmouth, Broome, or the Kimberley
👉 Perth to Margaret River Road Trip
👉 Perth to Exmouth Road Trip
Final Tips for Visiting Perth
- Plan beach time — it’s a huge part of Perth life
- Don’t underestimate distances outside the city
- Allow flexibility for weather and day trips
👉 Ready to Plan?
From beachside suburbs to the CBD, choosing the right area makes a big difference to your Perth experience. Compare the best places to stay based on your travel style and budget.