Perth is the capital of Western Australia, a sunny, spacious city on the Swan River with beaches, bushland and a small, walkable centre. Its headline sights are spread across a wide area, so a little planning goes a long way. This guide covers Perth itself, the port town of Fremantle, Rottnest Island, the Swan Valley wine region and the Pinnacles Desert as a day trip.
What to book ahead
Book the Pinnacles day trip and the Swan Valley wine tour before you arrive, because both can sell out and both are long days built around a pick-up. Rottnest ferries are worth booking early in busy periods, and you should choose a late return. Fremantle Prison tours, especially the Tunnels and Torchlight tours, are better reserved than left to chance. Kings Park, the Bell Tower and Perth Zoo can usually be handled on the day, though it helps to check the Bell Tower's hours and the Perth Mint's current tour status first.
Getting around
The city centre is compact, and a free transit zone covers buses in the core, so you can reach the river, Northbridge and East Perth without paying for each hop. Trains run to Fremantle, and the stadium has its own station. Ferries cross the river to the zoo, and ferries to Rottnest leave from Hillarys, Perth and Fremantle. For the Pinnacles and the Swan Valley, a tour is the easiest option because the distances are long and the Pinnacles day finishes after dark. If you plan to drive, parking in the centre is paid, and hotel parking varies, so ask when you book.
How many days
Four days gives a good first visit. Spend the first day in the city with Kings Park, the Bell Tower at Barrack Square and a walk to Elizabeth Quay. Use the second day for Fremantle, with the prison in the morning and the harbour and old town after lunch. Give the third day to Rottnest, with a bike and a swim, and keep the fourth for either the Swan Valley or the Pinnacles. If you have only two days, choose Kings Park and Fremantle, then add Rottnest if you can.
Where the headline sights fit
Kings Park is the best free introduction to the city and its native plants, and it works at the start or end of any day. Fremantle Prison is the most substantial heritage visit, and it makes a fine half day. Rottnest Island is the classic day out, with quokkas and bays, and the Pinnacles is the big landscape day trip. The Swan Valley is a gentler day, and Optus Stadium, the Perth Mint and Perth Zoo are flexible stops. Whale watching from Hillarys is a seasonal extra in spring.
Seasons and weather
Summers are hot and dry, so plan outdoor activities for the morning and carry water, a hat and sun protection. Spring brings wildflowers, whale season and mild weather, and it is a very pleasant time to visit. Winter is cooler and wetter, which suits indoor sights and the Swan Valley. Check closures and event dates before you travel, since the Perth Mint's guided tours and the prison's grounds can be affected by scheduling and events, and some experiences are seasonal.
Eating and evenings
Perth has a strong cafe culture, fresh seafood and a growing food scene, and Fremantle is a good place to eat after a day of sightseeing. Northbridge is the entertainment district, with bars and live music, and Elizabeth Quay is a relaxed place for a river-side dinner. In the Swan Valley, tastings and lunch are part of the tour, and for the Pinnacles day the barbecue dinner is included, so you need not plan an evening meal.
