Embrace the best of both worlds in Perth, where soft-sand beaches and scenic parks meet a thriving metropolis of small bars, creative restaurants and a great collection of street art.
Australia’s sunniest capital city, Perth effortlessly blends urban cool with raw natural beauty. Its heart is bustling with new bars, restaurants, shopping and cultural spaces, and is also home to Kings Park – one of the world’s largest inner city parks. Just a short drive away are the beautiful wineries of the Swan Valley and a string of stunning beaches where you can watch amazing sunsets and even swim with wild dolphins. Little wonder The New York Times declared Perth a ‘hipster haven’. For a list of all the great Perth beaches, you can go here.
Weather – When to Visit Perth
Western Australia’s capital city of Perth is bathed in sunshine for an average of nine hours a day, with a total of 131 perfect blue-sky days every year. That officially makes it the sunniest capital city in Australia, with one of the most enviable outdoor lifestyles in the world. The average maximum summer (December through February) temperature is 84°F , and February is generally the hottest month. Temperatures hover around 54°F in winter (June to August).
The best time to visit Perth is in September, October or November when the city is aglow with the colors and sunny days are uninterrupted by rain. The season that stretches from March to May is probably the second-best time to visit – its warm days are perfect for the beach and other outdoor activities. June through August is low season here with chilly weather and lots of rain.
What Should You Pack?
When figuring out what to pack for the beach, there are two tips to keep in mind. First, forgetting an item isn’t the end of the world. Unless you’re heading for a remote, deserted island, chances are you can find a store where you can pick up the extras. Second, don’t stress out over making a packing list when there’s a stress-free beach travel essentials list for you below:
- Sunglasses and hats offer much-needed sunscreen and flip flops are perfect for navigating hot, sandy beaches. Go pack them now so you’re not kicking yourself later.
- What about those little items that make beach visits so much more enjoyable? For a little extra comfort on your trip, make sure you pack: Lip balm, sunscreen, bug spray.
- Beach toys and goggles are a must for kids. Building sandcastles and viewing the underwater wonders are perennial favorites.
- Take a first-aid kit with you. Hopefully you’ll only have to worry about a few minor scrapes from seashells, but having your own kit handy is a good precaution.
- Beach Bag – Your beach bag will likely contain a few of the items mentioned above. For a well-rounded bag, consider tossing in sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, first-aid kit and water-proof baggies.
- Beach Gear – No matter who’s supplying the gear, look to have the following items on hand: beach bag, beach chairs, beach towels, beach umbrella or tent, beach cart and a cooler.
- Remember: Don’t wait until you’re parched to drink. When you’re out in the heat and sun, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking regularly. So take along a water bottle as well.
Perth Attractions
How to Spend Three Days in PerthKings Park & Botanic Garden
Kings Park is one of the biggest city parks in the world – bigger than Central Park in New York City – yet it’s right in the heart of Perth. It grants epic views of the Swan and Canning rivers and the skyscrapers perched on their banks. The park’s various sections feature more than 3,000 varieties of trees and plants, from red-flowering gum trees in the Fraser Avenue Precinct to bushland-specific flora, fauna and fungi, but there are also playgrounds, playing fields, cafes and picnic areas.
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Cottesloe Beach
Located less than 10 miles southwest of central Perth, Cottesloe Beach – with its lifeguards, clean sands and clear waters – is one of the area’s most popular shorelines, especially among families. But kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy Cottesloe. Breathtaking sunsets and a collection of neighboring pubs make it a prime spot for adult travelers too.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is Western Australia’s very own Island getaway, featuring a casual atmosphere, picturesque scenery and some of the world’s finest beaches and bays, is located just 10 miles off the coast of Fremantle. The easiest way to reach Rottnest Island is via a Rottnest Express ferry from Fremantle or Perth. Along with beaches and natural attractions, visitors will find lodging and restaurant options too.
Kings Park State War Memorial
The nearly 60-foot granite cenotaph honors all fallen Western Australians with bronze plaques etched with the names of nearly 4,000 Australians who died during World War II, as well as those who lost their lives in conflicts that followed.
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Swan River
Featuring both footpaths and cycle ways, as well as numerous river cruises from companies like Captain Cook Cruises, Swan River is a picturesque way to view the city and reach its numerous things to do. Visitors can also rent paddleboards from Funcats, kayaks from Rivergods and bikes from About Bike Hire for use in and around Swan River.
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Perth Tours & Activites
Rottnest Island Tour
See Rottnest Island from the water on this day trip that includes a high-speed adventure wildlife boat ride. Travel to the island, a favorite local getaway due to its secluded beaches and relaxing environment, by high-speed ferry from Perth or Fremantle. Then embark on a adventure thrill ride to look for seals, dolphins, sea birds and other marine life. Afterward, you have free time on the island to explore independently; perhaps rent a bike or go swimming off one of the white-sand beaches.
Read more about Rottnest Island TourPinnacles Desert Koalas and Sandboarding
Discover the wondrous wildlife and mystical natural attractions of Western Australia on this full-day tour from Perth. Discover kangaroos and koalas at Caversham Wildlife Park, and learn about the local lobster industry with a tour of a lobster plant and fresh seafood lunch in Cervantes. Take a guided walk through the eerie, lunar -like landscape of Pinnacles Desert, and get your heart racing as you speed through the massive dunes of Lancelin on a sandboarding and 4WD adventure.
Read More About Pinnacles Desert, Koalas & SandboardingSwan Valley Wine Cruise
Cruise through the Swan River Valley from Perth for a relaxing day on the water that includes a stop at a local winery. Take in views of Perth and the riverfront scenery of the upper Swan River while snacking on morning and afternoon tea, and enjoy wine tastings on board the boat before visiting Sandalford Winery for a behind-the-scenes tour and 2-course lunch with more wine tastings. On the return cruise, listen to live entertainment.
Read More About Swan Valley Wine CruiseSwan River Scenic Cruise
See some of Perth’s top sights from the water on a leisurely Swan River cruise. As you depart the city center, admire Perth riverfront attractions like the Bell Tower and King’s Park, and glide past pretty suburbs to reach Fremantle, located where the river meets the Indian Ocean. Coffee and tea are provided on board, as well as wine tastings on select departures.
Read More About Swan River Scenic CruiseSwim With The Dolphins
Get up close and personal with wild dolphins off the coast of Australia on this exciting tour from Perth. You’ll cruise around small islands and into sheltered bays from Rockingham, a 40-minute drive from Perth, to interact with dolphins in their natural habitat. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you’ll enjoy the experience with a knowledgeable crew that has befriended more than 200 local dolphins over many years. Their familiarity provides you with a very memorable day on the Indian Ocean.
Read More About Swim with the DolphinsBest Perth Restaurants
Wildflower $ High End
Visit across the year and you’ll be rewarded with a multitude of tasty treats whilst also being able to enjoy some of the best views of Perth’s skyline, too. And that’s not to mention the superb wine list – with an extensive range, you can create your own perfect pairing. Telephone: 61 8 6168 7855 Web: Wildflower
Long Chim $ Mid Range
Flavor slaps you in the face from the moment you step in the door – brightly colored décor, intense dishes and exciting cocktails that work perfectly alongside the heat of the menu. No time to spare? Feast on street food from the recently launched ‘tuck shop’ menu open for lunch on weekdays. Telephone: 61 8 6168 7775 Web: Long Chim
The Apple Daily $ Mid Range
Fresh, fun and zippy dishes sit alongside a hefty drinks menu. Try one of their quirky cocktails or savour unique Asian whiskies, sakes and house-made liquors. Telephone: 61 8 6282 0088 Web: The Apple Daily
Propeller $ Mid Range
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner; it’s hard to go wrong with Propeller’s inventive and flavorsome options. Enlist the help of a few fellow foodies and sample a selection of their spice-laden dishes. A top spot for vegetarians. Telephone: 61 8 9335 9366 Web: Propeller
Petit Mort $ High End
Brace yourself for a stylish meal full of surprises, pizazz and complexity from head chef Todd Stuart. His intricate modern French cuisine is offered either by full degustation or three-course prix fixe. Telephone: 61 8 9388 0331 Web: Petit Mort
Read About the Top Perth Food, Wine & NightlifeBest Perth Beach Bars
Clancy’s Fish Pub
Flip flops and sandy feet are welcome here at Clancy’s Fish Pub on City Beach. Clancy’s gets a leg up on competitors with its impressive beer selection, which focuses on WA and Australian micro brews (Two Birds, Eagle Bay, Stone and Wood) but it does make some concessions to foreign brewers (Bear Republic, Brewdog, and Green Flash). Telephone 61 8 9385 7555 Web: Clancy’s Fish Pub
Salt on the Beach
Check in at the bar to sample one of the tap beers brewed onsite by Blacksalt Brewery, one of Perth’s most awarded microbreweries. You may also find Hahn Super Dry and James Squire Pale Ale on draft, alongside a superb cocktail menu featuring creations like the Middle Earth , the Good Morning Charles and the Marmalade Mule. Telephone 61 8 9430 6866 Web: Salt on the Beach
The Sandbar
The Sandbar comes courtesy of impassioned owner Ben Randall and his team of 45 employees. Keep an eye out for weekly menu specials and be sure to look through their list of original cocktail creations. Standout drinks include Winter’s Coming and the Adam’s Apple. Telephone: 61 8 9245 2001 Web: The Sandbar
Rustico Tapas Bar
For fantastic Spanish meals and the best sangrias in Western Australia, look no further than Rockingham’s Rustico Tapas Bar across the road from the beach. Whether you’re soaking up sunshine in their al fresco area, or escaping the depths of winter in their cozy interior, you’re sure to enjoy the numerous tapas dishes available all year long. Telephone 61 9 9528 4114 Web: Rustico Tapas Bar
Ocean One
A pretty little beachside bar at Scarborough Beach, Ocean One may initially come across as a stock standard pub with traditional gastro fare. However, look beyond the facade and you’ll find a great hub for local music, niche events and plain old fun. Telephone: 61 8 9245 5353 Web: Ocean One
Read About the Top Perth Food, Wine & NightlifeBest Perth Hotels
COMO The Treasury
COMO The Treasury is a 48 room contemporary luxury hotel in Perth’s newly revitalized historic heart. Occupying state buildings dating from the mid 19th century, COMO The Treasury opens up the city with new experiences by way of two restaurants, a bar and world renowned COMO Shambhala wellness therapies. Designed by Kerry Hill, COMO The Treasury also provides an elegant, restful base from which to explore the wilder lures of Western Australia.
Pensione Hotel Perth
Make yourself at home in one of the 98 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Your room comes with a pillowtop bed. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available to keep you connected. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
Peppers Kings Square
Peppers Kings Square Hotel offers a selection of beautifully appointed rooms, including king and twin configurations. Some rooms offer views across the city, and interconnecting rooms are available. All room features premium furnishings and finishes with all of the modern conveniences you require.
Fraser Suites Perth
At Fraser Suites Perth you can enjoy their world-class facilities including spa, sauna, indoor heated swimming pool and 24-hour well-equipped fitness center. Cycle and explore the wonders of this picturesque city and take in the breathtaking city skyline with bike hire available at the hotel, or enjoy the free local bus service to Perth’s CBD area.
Discovery Rottnest Island
Nestled behind the dunes of the iconic Pinky Beach, one of the most relaxed and breathtaking coastal locations in Australia, Discovery Rottnest Island is an eco-resort with a difference. Sleep (almost) under the stars in a luxury eco-tent, explore boardwalks through the sand dunes to Pinky’s Beach Club and laze by the resort pool.
Hi Leahrae,
I really love your work always and I am also a book writer so, that why I enjoying your style of writing
Thank you so much for the complement 🙂
Your article is impressive and informative. You continue to share your experience with us.
Thanks so much!
Hi, Wow,that’s the place is Embrace the best of both worlds in Perth Australia.This is a wonderful article. A Charming Place for Travel Lovers. Friend of my school life are living in Australia for a long time. I’ve heard a lot about Perth’s words.
You have some great information here. some of those tours you mention look really interesting and some of those hotels look great. This is a natural beauty place.
I am personally interested in seeing kings park and botanic garden, because I’m a nature like person.
Thank you very much for this great article.
You are very welcome, glad you enjoyed. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Australia is on my Must See list of things to do. I am even more determined now to get there. I love learning about other cultures and immersing myself in new experiences. I am from Texas, US, so hot summers are easy for me to handle.
I do enjoy crisp, fall weather though, so maybe I”ll aim for autumn.
I don’t actually care for the beach much, but that could be because of the American beaches I’ve visited. Maybe it’s the sand. I need more data
Either way, this is just what I needed to motivate me to make my world tour a reality. Perth is definitely on the list.
Thank you for this peek at Perth,
Gwendolyn J
You are very welcome. I think if you visit the right beaches, you will fall in love with them…the atmosphere…and everything around. Just a personal thought 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Australia is on my Must See list of things to do. I am even more determined now to get there. I love learning about other cultures and immersing myself in new experiences. I am from Texas, US, so hot summers are easy for me to handle.
I do enjoy crisp, fall weather though, so maybe I”ll aim for autumn.
I don’t actually care for the beach much, but that could be because of the American beaches I’ve visited. Maybe it’s the sand. I need more data
Either way, this is just what I needed to motivate me to make my world tour a reality. Perth is definitely on the list.
Thank you for this peek at Perth,
Gwendolyn J
Great Gwendolyn! I am from Texas too and I know about Texas beaches. I live in Florida now and we have some amazing beaches. I think you will find that you will find a love for a beach, just need to head to the right one 🙂 I hope you can visit Perth Australia one day soon 🙂
What a beautiful scene. I wish where I live have something like this. Anyways, my friend is visiting Perth soon around october and I will be sure to share your site so she can visit all the itinerary. I have to say that your packing on the beach is immaculate. I have never thought of the first aid kit, from now on I will be sure to put it in my bag. What is the best suggestion for transportation as a tourist? Do you suggesting renting a car or the public transportation will reach to all the places you suggested?
I don’t generally rent a car. I prefer to take a taxi or public transportation. I think in Perth that would be a great way to go over renting a car. You friend will have a wonderful time. Please let her know that I would be glad to answer any questions she might have.
Great post! This is well-written and makes me want to travel to Perth right now. I like that there is the best of both worlds with scenic beaches and a bustling metropolis. Street art also is something that interests me. That drone footage is amazing! I often forget the Perth is the capital of Australia. Great list of things to pack too I would surely forget something like bug spray. I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts, well done!
Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave me comments.
Australia is one of my dream destinations. I have friends in Brisbane, how far is it from Perth?
And if I’m on a budget trip are there bed and breakfast in there?
Swimming with dolphins would be exciting, as well as seeing koalas.
Oh well, I have to start saving for this amazing vacay.
Thanks for all those amazing information about Perth and what to bring for the trip.
Marita
Hi Marita, Perth and Brisbane are on complete opposite ends of Australia, so by air is going to be the quickest way. The drive would take about 45 hours! Of course there are B&Bs; in Perth 🙂 If you visit Airbnb, you will find some options to choose from 🙂 Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
You have a very nice website that I was very impressed with. it was very well written and you have some really beautiful pictures to go along with your content. You really have a great way of making this place come to life and want a person to book a trip to this beautiful place and just relax.
Thank you so much Pam 🙂
What a beautiful display of photographs Leahrae. I am so stoked to see this post, as it proves serendipitous to my experience. A dear friend of mine from college is originally from Perth and I only had a peripheral knowledge about it. Your post is captivating and certainly makes me feel like I can know what to expect should I decide to go and visit her. Microbrewies and beach fish n chips sounds exactly like what this lady needs! Great post, as per the usual! Great value in the content I receive from you! Thank you!
Thanks so much Bex! I am glad you enjoyed. Yes, what is not to like about a micro brew and fish and chips….along with great beaches?
The scenic cruise on Swan River would be a treat for me. I’m originally from the Pittsburgh area, so river trips are nothing new, but to do a scenic cruise somewhere else is something familiar, yet new to me. Speaking of Swan River, I would love to see views of it and the Canning River from King’s Park and Botanic Garden. It’s hard to believe from that screenshot it’s actually in Perth.
Yes, when most people think of Australia they do not thing of Perth. You would enjoy the scenic river cruise! I hope you can get there for a vacation one day soon 🙂
This is so cool! I’ve never been to Australia, but I’ve always wanted to book a vacation there. Everything’s different over there, seeing as how Australia is its own continent. Even the wildlife is different, which makes it even more exotic. Perth looks so beautiful in these pics and there seems to be a healthy balance of natural beauty combined with all the necessary amenities of modern city life that we’re all so accustomed to. I just don’t see how you can beat that. Thanks for sharing this!
You can’t beat it Mark 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed and hopefully you can visit Perth Australia soon!
Wow, that’s the place I want to travel to for my birthday. I am going to show this article to my husband so he can take a look at it. I hope he will understand I want this trip as a present:) You know men, sometimes they don’t think:). Anyway, you have given all the information need it to plan my trip effectively; this will save me a lot of times and hassles, thank you!
My husband and I have only two weeks for traveling, so I would like to know how long do you think it will take to visit all these places? If two weeks is too short, is there something we can do to see all in a shorter time?
Thank you very much!
Hi Daniella, two weeks is a great amount of time. I always suggest, when you are going on vacation to take at least two weeks to enjoy, relax and discover the area. Sounds like a great way to spend your birthday, and yeah men can be dense sometimes LOL.
Ok, Now I am going to just move there. The mild winters are the best. Except I’d have to go alone. And my kids would kill me if I move away again. Are you a travel guide? You cover the information very well, and it is very informative. Thanks for the info. I am ready to head to Australia now!
Don’t upset the kids, however I have thought about it too! But, I do live close to the beach, so I’m happy 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Swimming with dolphins has always been a dream of mine! They are such amazing creatures! Perth seems like a very attractive destination. I wish I could pack and leave right away. Thanks for the info Leahrae!!
I love dolphins and I have see them at parks, and in the ocean. But I have not got to swim with the dolphins yet either. It is something I want to do as well! Thanks for stopping by Effie!
Thank you for the article.
I had never considered visiting Perth but this article has made me learn that it is a very big and rich country.
I am specifically interested in seeing Kings Park & Botanic Garden as I am a nature person
Great, and it is a huge park. So you can spend quite a bit of time there 🙂 I hope you can visit Perth Australia one day soon. Thanks for stopping by.
This is a must have website for my daughter. She is thinking of going to Australia for a couple of years after college and I think this is just what she needs to keep her busy and happy, aside from working of course. I like that you give such detailed info on yours site it makes traveling a lot easier when you are a newbie. Thanks so much for sharing.
I am glad you enjoyed Jay. Thanks for stopping by beach travel destinations.
You have some great information here. Some of those tours you mention look really interesting and some of those hotels look great. I’m going to have to come back when I’m ready to book a trip here – sounds wonderful
It is wonderful Trish! Let me know if you have any questions 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!