Australia

Perth

Sun-soaked, isolated, and ringed by river and sea.

Local time
UTC+8
Population
2.1M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Expensive
  • Food$$$$$About $75 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $142 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $9.8 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇦🇺 AUD =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

PERPerth AirportMain gateway, 10 km east of the centre; T1/T2 and T3/T4 are separate precincts.
HowCostTime
Airport Line trainPerth city centre$520-30 min
Flat fare; serves T1/T2 only.
Bus 292 + trainRedcliffe Station, then city$3.50-535-45 min
For T3/T4; bus stop is 20 m outside T4.
TaxiCity centre$35-5020-35 min
Plentiful outside peak; book for airport runs.
Uber / DiDiCity centre$30-4520-35 min
Pickup zones are signposted at each precinct.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Perth

Getting around

Trains and the free CAT buses for the CBD; a car or tour for beaches and day trips.

  • Train ★Transperth runs eight lines every 5–10 min at peak and about 15 min off-peak. Handy for Fremantle and the CBD.
  • Bus ★Buses cover the CBD and suburbs. The CAT buses are free on five colour-coded routes.
  • FerryA ferry links Elizabeth Quay to South Perth.
  • Taxi / ride appsUber and DiDi operate; taxis are Swan Taxis and Black and White.
  • Rental carUseful for beaches and day trips outside the train lines. Check parking in the CBD.
  • WalkingEasy in the CBD and Fremantle. The city is spread out, so use transport for longer hops.
Recommended stay★ 2 nights (3 days)

Two nights cover King's Park, the waterfront, and Fremantle in one day, with Rottnest Island on another day, making two nights the sensible baseline.

Best for
  • BeachCottesloe sunsets, Scarborough surf and Rottnest swims.
  • NatureKings Park, Swan Valley and day trips to Rottnest.

Weather by month

30°19°Jan🌧 2d
30°19°Feb🌧 2d
28°18°Mar🌧 5d
25°15°Apr🌧 6d
21°12°May🌧 8d
18°11°Jun🌧 12d
17°10°Jul🌧 15d
18°10°Aug🌧 13d
19°10°Sep🌧 7d
22°12°Oct🌧 6d
25°15°Nov🌧 4d
28°18°Dec🌧 2d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Rain falls mostly from May to September.

  • Best time: November to MarchWarm, dry days around 25–30°C. Ideal for beaches and Rottnest Island.
  • Wettest: June to AugustAbout 12–15 rain days a month and highs near 17–18°C. Bring a rain jacket.
  • Mild shoulder monthsApril, May, September and October sit around 19–25°C — good for walking and day trips.
  • Sea breezesThe afternoon sea breeze is strong in summer. Mornings are calmer for the beach.
  • Strong sunUV is high even on cooler days. Wear sunscreen and a hat.
  • What to packLight clothes and swimwear for summer; a warm layer and rain jacket for winter.

Landmarks 15

Must-see · 8

  1. 1

    Fremantle Prison

    A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Australia's most intact convict-era prisons, with guided tours through cell blocks and tunnels. Book a tour in advance, as the popular tunnel and night tours sell out; it is a short train ride from central Perth to Fremantle.

  2. 2

    Elizabeth Quay

    The waterfront hub on the Swan River, with the Swan Bell Tower nearby and easy access to ferries and riverside walks. Visit in the late afternoon for sunset over the river; it is walkable from the CBD or reachable by train to Elizabeth Quay station.

  3. 3

    Cottesloe Beach

    Perth's classic white-sand beach, great for swimming and sunset views over the Indian Ocean. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds; the train to Cottesloe station puts you a short walk from the sand.

  4. 4

    Kings Park and Botanic Garden

    A vast park overlooking the city and Swan River, with native botanic gardens and sweeping skyline views. It is free to enter and best explored in the cooler morning hours; it is a short walk or bus ride from the CBD.

  5. 5

    Swan River

    The river that defines Perth, with foreshore paths, ferries and views back to the skyline. Take a ferry or riverside walk at sunset; the central jetties are easy to reach on foot from Elizabeth Quay.

  6. 6

    Swan Bell Tower

    A distinctive tower on the waterfront housing historic bells, with an observation deck over the river and city. Check opening hours before you go and combine it with a stroll around Elizabeth Quay.

  7. 7

    AQWA (The Aquarium of Western Australia)

    A large aquarium showcasing Western Australian marine life, including a walk-through tunnel. It is a good family stop north of the city; allow a couple of hours and check feeding times on arrival.

  8. 8

    Art Gallery of Western Australia

    The state art gallery in the cultural centre, with Australian and Indigenous collections and free general entry. It is a cool indoor option on hot days; it sits near the CBD and is easy to reach by train or bus.

1Fremantle Prison2Elizabeth Quay3Cottesloe Beach4Kings Park and Botanic Garden5Swan River6Swan Bell Tower7AQWA (The Aquarium of Western Australia)8Art Gallery of Western Australia

Cultural

Museum 2

Harbor 2

Modern History 1

Park 1

Tower 1

University 1

Natural

Beach 1

River 1

Activities

Aquarium 1

Amusement Park 4

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Perth

    Mandurah · 54 min by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Full day · 72 km from Perth

    Best way: The Mandurah Line train runs direct from Perth Underground in about 54 minutes and drops you at Mandurah Station near the waterfront.

    Take the Mandurah Line train from Perth Underground directly to Mandurah Station, roughly 50 minutes, then walk or take a local bus to the waterfront.

    • Train ★54 min · from $2-$4
    • Bus1 h 15 · from $4-$6
    • Car59 min · taxi ≈ 180 AUD

    What to see

    • Mandurah foreshore
    • Dolphin watching cruises
    • Mandurah Ocean Marina
    • Halls Head beach

    Good to know

    • Trains run frequently throughout the day on the Mandurah Line
    • Book ahead for dolphin cruises and waterfront activities in peak season
    • Summer weekends are busiest at the foreshore

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Perth rewards visitors with beaches, river foreshore, and easy day trips to Rottnest and the Swan Valley. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    2 nights · Beaches ★ Recommended length

    Two relaxed beach days: Cottesloe and Scarborough sunsets, plus a full Rottnest day if the weather is calm.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ AUD 120
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ AUD 238
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Day 1

    Arrive, Cottesloe and sunset

    Tickets ≈ AUD 0 pp · taxis ≈ AUD 79
    123
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      14:00–16:00 · Free · parking may be paid

      Cottesloe Beach Landmark quest

      Train to Cottesloe, then a short walk to the sand. Swim between the flags.

      Open Always open · patrolled by surf lifesavers in season · Source

    2. Taxi · 9 km · ≈ 27 min · ≈ AUD 28
    3. 2

      17:00–18:00 · Free to walk; fish and chips ≈ AUD 15–30

      Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour Landmark quest

      Fish and chips by the boats in Fremantle. About 15 minutes by taxi or bus.

      Open Always open · restaurants open lunch and dinner · Source

    4. Taxi · 18 km · ≈ 49 min · ≈ AUD 51
    5. 3

      19:00–20:00 · Free · ferry across ≈ AUD 5

      South Perth foreshore viewpoint

      Optional: city skyline at sunset across the river.

      Open Always open · Source

    Day 2

    Rottnest Island day trip

    Tickets ≈ AUD 120 pp · taxis ≈ AUD 116
    12
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      08:30–15:30 · ≈ AUD 90–150 return ferry; bike hire extra

      Rottnest Island day trip

      Ferry from Fremantle or Barrack Street. Book ahead and check sea conditions. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.

      Open Ferries run morning and afternoon · book ahead · Source

    2. Taxi · 44 km · ≈ 1 h 51 min · ≈ AUD 116
    3. 2

      19:30–21:30 · Free to walk · meals ≈ AUD 15–40

      Northbridge food and bar walk

      Dinner and a drink in Northbridge after the ferry back.

      Open Best from evening · many venues open late · Source

    Day 3

    Scarborough morning, then fly

    Tickets ≈ AUD 0 pp · taxis ≈ AUD 43
    12
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      09:00–11:00 · Free · paid parking nearby

      Scarborough Beach

      Morning swim and a coffee on the esplanade. Patrolled in season.

      Open Always open · patrolled in season · Source

    2. Taxi · 15 km · ≈ 42 min · ≈ AUD 43
    3. 2

      12:00–13:00 · Free to walk; ferry and boat rides cost extra

      Elizabeth Quay Landmark quest

      Last look at the river before the airport.

      Open Open 24 hours · cafes and bars have their own hours · Source

    Swap in instead

    • Take the ferry or a fast boat to Rottnest Island for a full day of beaches and quokkas; book tickets ahead.
    • Swap a city day for the Swan Valley: vineyards and breweries about 30–40 min by car or train plus bus.
    • Add a day trip to the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park; it is a long drive, so a tour is easier.

    Getting around

    • Transperth trains run eight lines, every 5-10 min at peak and about 15 min off-peak.
    • Buses cover the CBD and suburbs; CAT buses are free on five colour-coded routes.
    • Pay with contactless card, a SmartRider card ($10), or a cash ticket.
    • A Go Anywhere fare is about $3.50 for three hours including transfers.
    • Uber and DiDi operate; taxis are Swan Taxis and Black and White.
    • A ferry links Elizabeth Quay to South Perth; bikes are barred on peak trains into the CBD.

    Where to stay

    • CBD · ≈ AUD 180–420 a night
      Walk to Elizabeth Quay, Kings Park and the free CAT buses. Best base if you have no car.
    • Northbridge · ≈ AUD 140–320 a night
      Next to the CBD and the heart of late-night food and bars. Good value and lively.
    • Fremantle · ≈ AUD 170–400 a night
      Historic port with markets, seafood and the ferry to Rottnest. A relaxed base 30 min by train from the CBD.
    • Scarborough · ≈ AUD 160–380 a night
      Beachfront stays with surf, pools and sunset bars. About 20–30 min by bus or car to the CBD.

    Food & drink

    • Try local seafood: fish and chips at Fremantle or Hillarys, and WA rock lobster when in season.
    • Coffee is a local obsession. Small roasters and cafés are everywhere in Northbridge and Fremantle.
    • Northbridge and the CBD have cheap Asian eats — noodles, dumplings and Vietnamese — often AUD 15–25 a meal.
    • Book ahead for popular weekend brunches and seafood dinners, especially in summer.
    • Perth is spread out and kitchens close early by big-city standards. Eat before 9pm on weeknights.

    Tips

    1. Take a ferry to Rottnest Island to see the famous quokkas
    2. Public transit within the CBD Free Transit Zone is completely free
    3. Apply high-SPF sunscreen rigorously, as the sun is incredibly strong
    4. Known as one of the most isolated major cities in the world, leading to a very relaxed lifestyle
    5. Kings Park offers incredible views of the city skyline and is larger than Central Park
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Swan River
    • Ferry across to Rottnest Island
    • Cycle the island at your own pace
    • 2,997 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Ferry includedBike included

    Rottnest Island Full-Day Bike and Ferry Trip

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (2,997)

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Elizabeth Quay
    Swan Bell Tower
    Kings Park and Botanic Garden
    • Loop through central sights
    • Get on and off at your own pace
    • 835 reviews · 4.4 rating
    Hop-on hop-offFlexible stops

    Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.4 (835)

    • Pinnacles Desert at sunset
    • Sandboarding and stargazing
    • 1,796 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Dinner includedSunset timing

    Pinnacles: In-Desert Sunset BBQ & Stargazing & Sandboarding

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (1,796)

    • Pinnacles at sunset
    • Night sky viewing with dinner
    • 1,149 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Dinner includedStargazing

    Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (1,149)

    Souvenirs

    Margaret River wine

    AUD 25–50750ml · estimate

    Margaret River is a famous wine region in Western Australia. Its cabernet and chardonnay are well known across the country.

    Where: Old Bridge Cellars or Wine Loft
    Pick a cabernet or chardonnay, and check that the bottle is from Western Australia before you buy.

    Sandalwood soap

    AUD 12–25100–150g, pack of 2 · estimate

    Sandalwood is a fragrant wood that grows in Western Australia. Local soaps often use it as a signature scent.

    Where: Western Australian craft and soap shops at Fremantle Markets
    Check that the sandalwood is from Western Australia and that the soap was made locally.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

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