Perth

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
21/08/2025
Capture the majestic Uluru rock formation glowing under the sunset. A natural wonder in Australia's Outback.
Jonas Schallenberg, Pexels

Perth offers a blend of vibrant city experiences and natural beauty, known for its pristine beaches, expansive parklands, and access to unique wildlife. Visitors can explore a relaxed urban environment combined with opportunities for outdoor adventure and cultural immersion.

For socialising, Northbridge stands out as Perth's primary nightlife district, offering a wide array of cafes, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, making it a hub for both locals and backpackers. Fremantle also provides a lively atmosphere with its historic charm, live music venues, and popular weekend markets. Scarborough Beach features a dynamic beachfront promenade with various eateries and bars, often hosting events and drawing a social crowd.

Top 5 Things to do in Perth

Perth offers a range of experiences from exploring expansive parklands and historical sites to enjoying pristine beaches and unique wildlife encounters.

1. Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Visiting Kings Park and Botanic Garden provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, the Swan River, and the Darling Range. The expansive parklands invite leisurely strolls among native flora, offering a peaceful retreat within the city. It is ideal for picnics, photography, and simply enjoying nature's tranquility. Consider timing a visit around sunset for spectacular views.

Cost: Entry to Kings Park is free of charge.

Transport: From Perth city centre, take the 935 Transperth bus directly into the Fraser Avenue Precinct within Kings Park. Alternatively, the Blue CAT bus also travels between Perth Busport and Kings Park, via Perth Station and Elizabeth Quay Bus Station. These city centre buses often operate within a Free Transit Zone. A taxi from Perth to Kings Park takes approximately 4 minutes and costs around AUD 9-12.

2. Rottnest Island Day Trip

A day trip to Rottnest Island offers a refreshing escape to a car-free paradise known for its pristine beaches, secluded coves, and the famous quokkas. Visitors can explore the island by cycling, swimming, or snorkeling in the clear turquoise waters. Renting a bicycle upon arrival is a popular way to discover the island's many hidden gems and encounter quokkas in their natural habitat.

Cost: Return ferry prices from Perth (Barrack Street Jetty) typically range from AUD 125 to AUD 496, which usually includes the Rottnest Island Admission Fee. Ferries from Fremantle are generally cheaper, starting from around AUD 79 for a same-day return.

Transport: Ferries depart from Perth's Barrack Street Jetty (approximately 90-minute journey), Fremantle (25-minute journey), or Hillarys Boat Harbour (45-minute journey). Perth's Barrack Street Jetty is accessible by public transport (bus and train stops nearby). Fremantle Station is a major hub with bus and train connections.

3. Explore Fremantle

Fremantle, a historic port city, offers a vibrant blend of maritime history, artistic flair, and lively markets. Strolling through the streets, you can admire the well-preserved Victorian-era architecture and soak in the bohemian atmosphere. A visit to the Fremantle Markets, housed in a heritage-listed building, is a must for local crafts, fresh produce, and diverse food stalls. The Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a fascinating, albeit eerie, insight into convict history.

Cost: Entry to Fremantle Markets is free. Tours of Fremantle Prison have separate costs.

Transport: Take the Fremantle Line train from Perth Station to Fremantle Station, which typically takes about half an hour. From Fremantle Station, the markets are an 8-minute walk or accessible via the free Blue CAT bus route within Fremantle.

4. Visit The Perth Mint

A tour of The Perth Mint offers a unique opportunity to delve into Western Australia's gold rush history. Witness a live gold pour demonstration, marvel at the world's largest gold bullion coin, and explore impressive collections of gold nuggets and historic coins. The guided tour is informative, providing insights into the fascinating process of turning gold into coins.

Cost: The Perth Mint Gold Tour costs AUD 25 for adults. A combined ticket with The Bell Tower is available for AUD 42.30 for adults. Entry to the shop and grounds is free.

Transport: The Perth Mint is located on Hay Street, East Perth. It is a short walk from Perth's city centre, or you can take the free Central Area Transit (CAT) bus service directly to the Mint.

5. Relax at Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe Beach is one of Perth's most iconic beaches, famed for its pristine white sands and clear Indian Ocean waters. It is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying a casual picnic under the Norfolk Pines. The beach's terraced lawns provide a perfect setting for a relaxed afternoon, and it’s especially popular for watching the sunset over the ocean.

Cost: Access to Cottesloe Beach is free.

Transport: Catch the Fremantle Line train from Perth Station to Cottesloe Station (approximately 19 minutes, AUD 3-5). From Cottesloe Station, it's about a 600-meter to 1-kilometre walk to the beach, or a short ride on the 102 bus (AUD 2-4). A taxi from Perth to Cottesloe Beach takes about 15 minutes and costs AUD 28-35.

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