Western Australia (Australia)
Perth is the capital of Western Australia, a sunny city on the Swan River with a walkable centre, a huge hilltop park and some of the most distinctive day trips in the country.
This guide covers Perth and its surroundings: Kings Park and Botanic Garden, the Bell Tower and Optus Stadium, the Perth Mint and Perth Zoo, the port town of Fremantle and its World Heritage convict prison, Rottnest Island with its quokkas and bays, the Swan Valley wine region and the Pinnacles Desert as a single day trip. It also covers spring whale watching from Hillarys. Five hotels, from a heritage splurge in the CBD to a budget base, and two guides explain what to book ahead and where to stay.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
A 400-hectare hilltop park above the city and the Swan River, with the Western Australian Botanic Garden, a treetop walkway and the best free view in Perth. There is no entry charge, and spring brings the wildflowers.
Rottnest Island (Wadjemup)
A car-free island a short ferry ride off the coast, with quokkas, bays, reefs and bike trails. Ferry-only and ferry-and-bike day trips run from Hillarys, and seals and whales may show up between August and December.
Pinnacles Desert Sunset and Stargazing Tour
A long day trip from Perth to the limestone spires of Nambung National Park, with sandboarding at Lancelin, a barbecue dinner and guided stargazing. It is rated 4.8 from more than 1,100 reviews.
Fremantle Prison
A World Heritage convict prison on the edge of Fremantle's old town, with guided tours by day and torchlight tours at night. Tours include the Convict Prison, Behind Bars, True Crime and Tunnels experiences.
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
FreeA 400-hectare hilltop park above the city and the Swan River, with the Western Australian Botanic Garden, a treetop walkway and the best free view in Perth. There is no entry charge, and spring brings the wildflowers.
A car-free island a short ferry ride off the coast, with quokkas, bays, reefs and bike trails. Ferry-only and ferry-and-bike day trips run from Hillarys, and seals and whales may show up between August and December.
A World Heritage convict prison on the edge of Fremantle's old town, with guided tours by day and torchlight tours at night. Tours include the Convict Prison, Behind Bars, True Crime and Tunnels experiences.
A glass spire on the riverfront at Barrack Square that houses historic bells, displays on bell ringing and an observation deck. Entry tickets are short and affordable, and bell-chiming experiences are available.
A behind-the-scenes tour of Perth's riverside stadium, with Sky View Deck, rooftop HALO and VERTIGO options for heights fans. Tours run daily when no event is on, and the stadium has its own train station.
A historic gold mint in East Perth with a self-guided Discover tour, a Mint Your Own Medallion souvenir and a free shop. The live Gold Tour is paused for restoration works, so check the venue before you plan around the gold pour.
A full-day small-group tour of Western Australia's oldest wine region, with tastings, a cheeseboard and a lunch with a drink. It is rated 4.9 from over 200 reviews and is easily done from Perth without a driver.
A long day trip from Perth to the limestone spires of Nambung National Park, with sandboarding at Lancelin, a barbecue dinner and guided stargazing. It is rated 4.8 from more than 1,100 reviews.
A leafy zoo across the river from the city at South Perth, open 9 am to 5 pm every day including public holidays. It has keeper talks, close encounters and a baby animals trail, with a cafe and playground.
A two-hour whale-watching cruise from Hillarys Boat Harbour, with free cancellation. Whales pass Perth from about September to November, so the season is short and ending soon.
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$$Perth CBD, Barrack Street
A luxury hotel inside the restored State Buildings at 1 Cathedral Avenue, on the corner of St Georges Terrace and Barrack Street. It is Perth's heritage splurge, with a rooftop bar, three restaurants and a heated indoor pool.
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$$$Adelaide Terrace, Eastern Perth CBD
A river-view hotel at 207 Adelaide Terrace on the eastern edge of the city centre, with nine room types, a Pacific Club lounge and a restaurant.
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$$$Marine Terrace, Fremantle
A Fremantle hotel on the corner of Marine Terrace and Essex Street, with two outdoor pools, two restaurants and eleven room types including park-view and pool-view rooms. It is the pick for a Fremantle stay.
Check rates →East Perth
Serviced apartments in East Perth with an indoor lap pool, jacuzzi, sauna and a 24-hour gym. The bus stop outside sits in the free transit zone, and parking is paid per day.
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$Murray Street, Perth CBD
A budget hotel at 334 Murray Street in the heart of the CBD, steps from the shops and about ten minutes' walk from Northbridge. Rooms are compact, and a restaurant, bar and optional breakfast buffet are on site.
Check rates →A practical primer for a first trip to Perth: what to book ahead, how to get around, how many days to allow and where Kings Park, Fremantle, Rottnest, the Swan Valley and the Pinnacles fit.
Where to stay in Perth: the heritage CBD, the river edge in East Perth and the port town of Fremantle, with five hotels from a heritage splurge to a budget base.
