Perth holidays

Perth’s famous postcard shot is of the powdery white sand and aquamarine water in front of the Cottesloe Beach Hotel. But this is only one of many gorgeous beaches you can visit on your trip to Perth. Spot starfish in the natural lagoon at Mettams Pool, or take a 30-minute ferry ride to beautiful Rottnest Island to meet their cutest residents — quokkas!

Movie star Heath Ledger and rock band Tame Impala both hail from Perth, a city renowned for nurturing talent at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Check the schedule at the Perth Concert Hall for the symphony orchestra, opera and ballet. Book show tickets in advance to avoid missing a sold-out show during your vacation to Perth.

One of the world’s largest urban parks, Kings Park is situated on the north side of Swan River. The park houses the Western Australian Botanic Garden, as well as nature trails and picnic areas. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love the Ivey Watson Playground. Visit in September to see the wildflowers in bloom and attend the Kings Park Festival.

The city center is the best area to stay in Perth for restaurants, boutiques and art galleries all within walking distance. Cool down from the hot weather at the BHP Billiton Water Park. Visit The Bell Tower observation deck, or hop on a river cruise from Barrack Street Jetty. CAT city buses get you to most attractions for free.

Good for: Shopping, restaurants, tourist attractions

Known as Perth’s Old Town, Fremantle is a 30-minute drive from the city center. Built during the 19th-century gold rush, this area is known for its more than 200 historic buildings, including the 1830s Round House former jail. Sip coffee with the locals along South Terrace (known as Cappuccino Strip), and swim at Bathers Beach.

Good for: Heritage buildings, breweries, art galleries

Cottesloe Beach is where to stay in Perth for surfing and snorkeling action. Stroll along the boulevard to dine in a chic restaurant or enjoy a picnic beneath shady Norfolk Pines. Sunday afternoon drinks at beachside bars are legendary, and it’s always a good time to sip local Margaret River wine and watch the sun sink into the sea.

Good for: Beach, water sports, bars

For designer bling and high-end fashion, visit the shops at Raine Square. If you like vintage stores better than Tiffany & Co., search for retro treasures in the hipster Northbridge neighborhood. Lined with historic buildings, Hay Street Mall is the main open-air shopping strip, with a mix of homewares, streetwear and gourmet food shops.

Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, international flavors or fine dining, you’ll find it at restaurants in Perth. Located in a 1930s cabaret hall at Cottesloe Beach, Il Lido hits the spot for Italian food cravings. Try Western Australian brews with pizza and pint specials at Ruinbar, or devour gourmet farm-to-fork dishes with rooftop views at Wildflower.

Many art galleries and museums are free to visit, including the Art Gallery of Western Australia in the Perth Cultural Centre. Don’t miss their rooftop sculpture walk and in the warmer months stay for stunning sunsets at the rooftop AGWA Bar. Make sure to also visit the WA Museum Boola Bardip to discover the traditions of local First Nations peoples.

From Cottesloe to Bathers Beach, sugary white sand and transparent blue water are guaranteed at the beaches in Perth. The closest to the city center is City Beach, with waves big enough to surf. Take the kids to Leighton Beach for shallow water they can splash around in. It’s worth renting a car to beach-hop along the Sunset Coast Self Drive Trail.

Nightlife in Perth might see you partying on rooftops or beachfronts, with plenty of lively bars and pubs around the city. Put your dancing shoes on for live bands at the Rosemount Hotel or DJs and disco balls at Paramount Nightclub. Check the schedule for theater shows and blockbuster musicals at the Edwardian-era His Majesty’s Theatre. 

The best free things to do in Perth include sunny beach days and guided walking tours from the Perth City Visitor Kiosk. Or download the Perth Trails App to set out on your own. Pack a picnic to enjoy at Heirisson Island in the middle of the Swan River, and meet the friendly resident kangaroos.