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Perth

Perth Travel Guide 2025: Top Attractions, Things to Do & Deals | Trip.com | December 2025

About Perth

Recommended trip: 3–5 day(s)

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Perth Local Travel Guide 2025

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Perth Brief Guide

Perth, Western Australia's laid-back gem, boasts stunning Swan River views and Fremantle's vibrant markets. Head to nearby Rottnest Island for quokka selfies or explore Kings Park's wildflower blooms. This guide maps out your easy exploration, from wine tasting to sunset walks.

Perth Must-try local experiences

1. Discover Perth's Iconic Landmarks Perth's landmarks blend urban views, history, and wildlife for a full taste of the city's charm. Climb Kings Park's lookout for sweeping skyline sights and walks through 400 hectares of native bushland blooming with kangaroo paws. Ferry to Rottnest Island for bike rides on white beaches and selfies with friendly quokkas, those marsupial smiles. Explore Fremantle's old port town with its convict-built buildings and lively cappuccino strip. These spots give a quick hit of Perth's mix of nature, heritage, and island fun. 2. Relax at Cottesloe Beach Cottesloe Beach shines with soft golden sands and clear Indian Ocean waters, ideal for a chill day out. Swim in the calm waves, snorkel around the reef to spot fish, or just lounge under Norfolk pines with a book. Catch the Sunday sunset market for fresh seafood and live tunes as the sky turns pink. It's Perth's go-to for easy beach vibes, where locals mix with visitors in a relaxed coastal flow. Pack a picnic and let the sea breeze unwind you. 3. Tour the Swan Valley Swan Valley, just 25 minutes from Perth, is Western Australia's oldest wine area with over 40 cellar doors and scenic vineyards. Sip chardonnays and cabernets at spots like Houghton Wines, pairing with cheese platters in rolling hills. Stop at craft breweries for hazy IPAs or chocolate factories for sweet tours. Cycle the valley trails for fresh air between tastings. This easy day trip mixes wine, food, and countryside calm. 4. Dive into Cultural Gems Perth's cultural spots highlight art and gold rush history in compact, engaging ways. At the Art Gallery of Western Australia, explore rooms featuring Indigenous dot paintings and modern Australian works by Albert Namatjira. Head to the Perth Mint, opened in 1899, to watch a live gold pour and gawk at the 1-tonne Welcome Stranger coin. Both are downtown and free-entry friendly. They offer a window into WA's creative and pioneering spirit. 5. Celebrate the Kings Park Festival The Everlasting Kings Park Festival turns the park into a wildflower wonderland each spring. In 2025, it ran September 12-29 with displays of 3,000 native species like everlastings and banksias in full bloom. Join guided walks, live music, and food stalls amid the colors. It's a free family event that spotlights WA's unique flora. Catch it next year for a burst of nature's show right in the city. 6. Explore Fremantle's Vibrant Streets Fremantle buzzes with arts and markets that bring its historic vibe to life. Hit the Fremantle Street Arts Festival over Easter—April 18-21, 2025—for street theater, fire shows, and buskers filling the cappuccino strip. On weekends, browse the Fremantle Markets for artisan crafts, fresh WA produce, and multicultural bites. Wander the roundhouse prison or fishing boat harbor nearby. This port town's energy makes for lively, walkable weekends. 7. Savor Local Cuisine Perth's food scene draws from fresh WA seafood and global twists in sunny eateries. Dig into Western Rock Lobster, grilled with garlic butter at spots like Little Creatures in Fremantle. Try multicultural gems like Malaysian laksa or Italian wood-fired pizza influenced by the city's diverse crowd. Wash it down with Margaret River wines at rooftop bars. These flavors shine in casual markets or fine dining, celebrating the region's bounty. 8. Swim with Dolphins Off Perth's coast in Rockingham or Bunbury, swim with bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat for a magical thrill. Join a guided boat tour where you snorkel alongside playful pods in calm bays. Spot calves and mothers leaping nearby, guided by marine experts who explain their behaviors. Tours run year-round, but summer's warmer for longer dips. It's an up-close encounter that highlights WA's ocean life. 9. Take a Swan River Cruise A Swan River cruise floats you past Perth's bridges and mangroves for relaxed skyline views. Board from Barrack Street Jetty for a 1-2 hour ride spotting black swans and spotting the Swan Bells tower. Lunch options add seafood platters with river breezes. Sunset sails glow with city lights reflecting on the water. This gentle trip shows off the river's role in Perth's laid-back beauty.

Perth Must-see Attractions

Perth is a diverse city offering natural beauty and cultural experiences, from the expansive Kings Park and Botanic Garden, and historic Perth Zoo to the lively Scarborough Beach, the interactive Caversham Wildlife Park, and the heritage-rich Perth Mint.

Perth Food Guide

Perth's food scene is celebrated for its fresh Western Rock Lobster, iconic meat pies with various fillings, versatile and healthy barramundi fish dishes, and the classic meringue-based dessert pavlova, reflecting the city's culinary diversity and quality.

Perth Transportation

By air Flying is the most common way to reach Perth, particularly for international and interstate travelers. Located about 12 km east of the city center, Perth Airport serves both domestic and international flights. The airport has multiple terminals, with T1/T2 and T3/T4 being the main complexes. A free shuttle bus connects all terminals. By train (from other Australian cities) Indian Pacific: For a unique, multi-day experience, the Indian Pacific railway offers a scenic journey across Australia, connecting Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth. By bus Long-distance coaches: Companies like South West Coach Lines connect Perth with other major cities in Western Australia, including Bunbury, Busselton, and Margaret River.

Perth Where to Stay

Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, offers a diverse range of accommodation options across its various districts. Each area provides unique features and conveniences for travelers, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Perth Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Perth depends on your priorities, but the shoulder seasons of autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking and visiting Kings Park to see the wildflowers. If you prefer hot, sunny days for beaches, summer (December–February) is ideal, though it is the peak tourist season with higher prices and potential heatwaves. For budget travelers who don't mind cooler, rainy weather and fewer crowds, winter (June–August) offers the cheapest rates for accommodation and flights.

Perth Travel Tips

1. Mind the Wildlife: While exploring natural attractions, be cautious of local wildlife. Do not feed or approach animals, and be aware of snakes and spiders in bushland areas. Wear protective clothing, use insect repellent, and stay on marked trails. If you encounter wildlife, keep a safe distance and observe from afar. In case of an emergency, carry a first aid kit and know how to treat bites and stings. 2. Stay Hydrated: Perth's dry climate can lead to dehydration. Always carry a water bottle, take breaks from the heat, and eat water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumber. Adding lemon or mint to your water can make it more enjoyable. Stay hydrated to avoid headaches, dry skin, and muscle cramps. 3. Beach Safety: When swimming at Perth's beaches, always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches. These indicate the safest areas to swim and are monitored by lifeguards. Be aware of potential rip currents, which are fast-flowing currents heading out to sea. If caught in one, stay calm, float, and signal for help. Also, look out for marine animals like jellyfish and follow lifeguard instructions for your safety. 4. BYO Restaurants: Many Perth restaurants are 'BYO' (Bring Your Own) alcohol. This can significantly reduce your dining costs. Check if the restaurant charges a corkage fee, which is usually a few dollars per person. 5. Strict Littering Laws: Perth has strict anti-littering laws with hefty fines. Always dispose of your rubbish properly in designated bins. This includes cigarette butts, which carry a separate fine if discarded inappropriately. Fines for general littering and cigarette butts can be issued on the spot by authorized officers. Maximum penalties for severe offenses can be significantly higher, especially for illegal dumping. 6. Alcohol Consumption Rules: Drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited in Perth, including streets, parks, and beaches. Violators may face fines. Stick to licensed venues or private residences for consuming alcoholic beverages to avoid legal issues. Additionally, supplying alcohol to minors without parental permission is illegal and can result in hefty fines.