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Discover Perth, Western Australia

Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful parks. Nestled along the banks of the Swan River and with the Indian Ocean to the west, Perth offers a blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy the scenic Kings Park and Botanic Garden, explore the historic Fremantle district, and relax on the sandy shores of Cottesloe Beach. With its sunny climate, diverse culinary experiences, and lively cultural festivals, Perth is a captivating destination for travelers.

Current Weather

78.82 °F - Clear Min/Max: 75.15 °F / 81.79 °FFeels: 78.82 °F Humidity: 43%5 Day Forecast

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Description

The Central Business District of Perth straddles the banks of the Swan River, its skyscrapers shimmering in the glare of the sun. This is the commercial and economic heart of the city with endless shopping opportunities and also home to some of its major cultural attractions like the Bell Tower, Perth Mint, His Majesty’s Theatre, as well as the majestic Kings Park — an oasis of serenity after a hard day’s sightseeing. Northbridge, which is located just outside the central district, is Perth’s entertainment and cultural mecca. Here you will find an array of cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, along with a number of museums and galleries. Decidedly lower-key than Northbridge, Subiaco is nonetheless a thriving cosmopolitan district that has numerous cafes, eateries, boutiques, theatres, and is also home to the Subiaco Oval — the birthplace of Australian Rules football. If you’re looking to head for the shores of the Indian Ocean, then the white sands of Cottesloe beach are only a stone’s throw away. Like most places in Perth, the beaches are easily accessible by bus. Alternatively, take a cruise down the Swan River to the historic and lively suburb of Fremantle.

Useful information

Population:

2.3 million (2023)

Currency:

Australian Dollar (AUD) $1 = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

Fire, Ambulance or Police: 000
From Mobile Phone: 112

Opening Hours:

Tourist precinct opening hours are Mon–Fri 8am–9pm, Sat 8am–5pm, Sun and public holidays 11am–5pm. Suburban opening hours Mon–Wed 8am–6pm, Thu 8am–9pm, Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 8am–5pm, Sun and public holidays closed.

Do & See

Happy woman having fun on summer vacation outdoor

Adventure World

Adventure World is a great amusement park for the whole family. With 7 man-made lakes, thrilling rides, wild water action, waterslides, water jet guns, smoking volcanos and unique attractions you will... Read More

Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA)

Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA)

AGWA was founded way back in 1895 and houses a collection of indigenous, historical and contemporary works of art. This is your chance to experience historic and contemporary Australian art through st... Read More

museum

Berndt Museum

This museum at The University of Western Australia (UWA) holds one of the most significant collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural artefacts in the world. Learn about and see wit... Read More

Man in green t-shirt on a river cruise

Boat Cruises

The Swan River makes its way through many of the city’s neighbourhoods before it reaches the Indian Ocean. The river takes you through the Swan Valley wine region, Perth’s Central Business District an... Read More

Cottesloe coastal walk

City Walking Trails

The City of Perth offers a variety of guided walking tours to suit your taste. This is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Perth. All tours are led by i-City Volunteer Hosts. Join a ... Read More

People enjoying Cottesloe Beach in Perth

Cottesloe Beach

Enjoy a relaxing day at the picturesque Cottesloe beach which is a great place to take a walk, swim on the clear blue water or sunbathe on the white sand. Be warned that this is one of the busiest bea... Read More

Fremantle Prison, a world heritage building in Fremantle, Western Australia

Fremantle Prison

Built in the 1850s, this is one of Western Australia’s premier cultural sites. In 2010 Fremantle Prison became included on the World Heritage list, as the first building in Western Australia. Take one... Read More

Perth modern cityscape from Kings park

Kings Park & Botanic Garden

Explore a mixture of grassed parkland, botanical gardens and natural bushland on Mount Eliza. Beautiful views, spectacular scenery and free guided walks are offered at this park. About 3,000 of Wester... Read More

Dining

Restaurant

C Restaurant in the Sky

C Restaurant provides contemporary Australian cuisine and a quirky revolving dining room offering 360-degree view from the 33 level of St Martin’s Tower. The menu offers delicious food like grilled la... Read More

food and wine

Fraser's

Fraser's restaurant is located in the tropical surroundings of Kings Park with excellent views over the city. For your special occasion, try chilli soft shell crabs and chargrilled lobster with lemon ... Read More

mussels

Lido Restaurant

Tempt your taste buds with authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Lido. The passionate chefs use only the finest ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes like roast duck noodle, grilled pork with rice ver... Read More

Brewery

Little Creatures Brewery

Little Creatures became famous as a micro-brewery. These days, it is not so micro any more. There is a terrific restaurant in the middle of this combo brewery/bar/restaurant/kitchen. Once upon a time ... Read More

Grilled Octopus appetizer food concept

Nieuw Ruin

Nieuw Ruin, set in a 150-year-old building with a sprawling verandah, is a top-notch spot in Fremantle. Featuring reclaimed jarrah, two charcoal grills and an impressive selection of small-batch bever... Read More

japanese food

Nine Fine Food

At this multi-award winning restaurant you can indulge in Japanese cuisine with a twist of Modern Australian delicacies. Nine is a casual place with a cool and intimate ambience. The menu offers tasty... Read More

indian food

Punjab Indian Restaurant

Punjab serves classic Indian cuisine in a modern dining room with silk-panelled walls and white tablecloths. The chefs use the finest ingredients to prepare dishes like beef masala, lamb korma and fis... Read More

a group of friends toasting with various cocktails

Santini Bar & Grill

Santini Bar & Grill is a great hideaway in the middle of the city. Mirrors, wallpaper, dark furniture, wooden floors and gold accents add up to a cozy enveloping atmosphere. This duo celebrates classi... Read More

Cafes

Homemade pancakes with raspberry jam, fresh berries and mint leaf on wooden table. Toned food photo.

Flora & Fauna

Flora & Fauna serves you Micrology coffee, fresh pressed juices, teas and an all day brunch menu in a shabby-chic decor with retro wallpaper. The food is vegan/vegetarian. The place may be snug, but t... Read More

cafe food

John Street Cafe

John Street Cafe is a cosy and quaint place nestled under the pines. Eat or drink alfresco on the outdoor furniture (funkadelic red and white chairs), and check out the tabletop painted originals. Foo... Read More

chef

Longview Cottesloe

Longview Cottesloe is an elegant cafe and restaurant with a large beachfront balcony. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun. Grab muffins and toast before noon, or stay until evening for tempting Modern A... Read More

Espressos in a glass

Lowdown

Many Perth coffee enthusiasts say that Lowdown consistently serves some of the best coffee in town. Sit down and enjoy your cup of caffeinated goodness in peace, and maybe grab a sandwich, too — chick... Read More

book cafe

Millpoint Caffe Bookshop

Millpoint Caffe Bookshop is a cafe with a European feel, where you can enjoy a read whilst sipping a freshly ground cuppa. The staff serves great breakfast and offers a menu with plenty of healthy opt... Read More

dining

Subiaco Hotel

A Subiaco icon for 100 years, the Subiaco Hotel offers an alfresco bar and restaurant. The interior still retains that pub feeling, combines the traditional with the contemporary. The pub is jumping F... Read More

Barista pouring a cappuccino

Telegram Coffee

Telegram Coffee is located in the restored State Buildings. It is run by a renowned barista and gets beans from boutique roasters like Dukes and Loaded. Soy, almond, and oat options are also so smooth... Read More

Bars & Nightlife

a group of people sharing pizza

Alfred's Pizzeria

Alfred’s Pizzeria is an underground speakeasy perfect for late night eats, cocktails, rock and roll, and the best cognac you'll ever lay eyes on. Pizza comes at you straight out of the oven. Get the c... Read More

Neon light in the shape of a rainbow

Connections Night Club

Connections is a lively, stylish LGBTQI nightspot with DJs and drag shows. It has been Perth’s go-to for gay and lesbian party people since 1975. These days sorts of creative people flock to Connectio... Read More

garden

Cottesloe Beach Hotel

Three-in-one! The Cottesloe has three bars: the Verandah with the incredible seaside view plus entertainment showcasing DJ’s; the Back Bar is more private; and last but not least is the Garden Bar.

Cocktail in a tiki mug

Hula Bula Bar

Hula Bula is a Rum-based tiki bar. The interior is decorated with quirky Polynesian masks and palm trees. Locals and tourists come here for the atmosphere, delicious drinks and cool vintage music.

concert

Metro City

Metro City is a multi-entertainment venue banging out some serious beats, with R&B Saturdays happening every month bringing you super stars like Bone Thugs Harmony, Bobby V, Fatman Scoop and more. The... Read More

Wine bar

Strange Company

Strange Company is a small bar in Fremantle with an awesome wine list. Its special feature is, without a doubt, wine on tap. The bar also makes some mean cocktails and serves craft beers and ciders. G... Read More

steak and wine

The Brisbane Hotel

The Brisbane Hotel is a traditional corner pub in town, kicked back and an easygoing place to hang. The terraced beer garden is a great place to enjoy one of the fantastic house steaks with fine local... Read More

live music

Universal Bar

Universal Bar is a popular hot spot among music lovers in Perth. Live bands and DJ’s play a range of Soul, Jazz and R&B every night of the week. This place has been the place to go for live music for ... Read More

Shopping

Man looking at books on the shelf

Boffins Books

Boffins Books is a long-running, independent bookstore in CDB offering a range of general interest and specialty titles. The range is impressive: technical manuals, cookbooks, the latest fiction and k... Read More

Perth

Central Business District

The Central Business District is just the place for air-conditioned shopping malls. Here you will find a host of malls and arcades with plenty of shops and cafes, great buskers and friendly crowds. In... Read More

clothes shop

Cotton On

This fashion chain is, like Sportsgirl, another well-known brand in Australia. Cotton On was born in 1991 and offers a wide range of cool fashion clothing for women, men and kids.

department store

David Jones

David Jones opened its first store in Sydney back in 1838. Today it is one of the oldest and most famous department stores in Australia. Here you can find some of the best brands, all in one place.

clothes

R.M.Williams St Georges Terrace

If you are looking for crafted footwear and outback clothing you can go to RM Williams. This Australian brand was established in 1932 and has grown to be a popular brand among Aussies for its high-qua... Read More

man surfing

Rip Curl Perth Airport Outlet

This famous surf brand is a must if you ever visit Australia. Come to Rip Curl to buy your surfing gear and get that effortless, cool beach look. There are plenty of places here to show off your new s... Read More

clothes

Sportsgirl

Sportsgirl is a young, trendy store that can be found throughout the whole country. To all fashionistas, this is the place to go for clothes, accessories, shoes and much more. One of their shops in Pe... Read More

Woman shopping

The London Court Mall

The London Court Mall, a beautiful shopping arcade with its mock Tudor façade and jousting knights, will appeal to those looking to spot a lost treasures among its numerous art and fashion boutiques, ... Read More

Tourist Information

A flowering jacaranda tree in November

Best Time To Visit

The weather in Perth is sunny all year round. The warmest months are January, February, March and December with temperatures over 30°C. If you are looking to go to the beach, visit Perth between Janua... Read More

open passport with entry stamps

Passport/Visa

Unless you are a New Zealand citizen granted visa exemption on arrival (in most cases), you will need to obtain a visa prior to visiting Australia. Citizens of all European Union countries, as well as... Read More

air control tower at Perth Airport

Perth Airport (PER)

Perth Airport lies 12 kilometres from the city. Transperth operates regular bus services between Perth Airport, Perth City and other local centres. There is also an Airport Shuttle Service available a... Read More

hand grip on a bus in Perth

Public Transport

Transperth Free Transit Zone (TFZ) and CAT buses are free within central Perth and run similar schemes on their buses and trains.

yellow toy car

Taxis

You can use the Uber ridesharing app to summon a car in Perth. There are also plenty of traditional taxis throughout the city. The biggest operator is Swan.

Type I power plug

Electricity

Australia operates on a 230/240V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency. The country uses Type I power plugs, which feature two flat pins forming a 'V' shape, along with a grounding pin. This standard is a... Read More

applying a medical plaster

Pharmacy

The biggest pharmacy chains in Perth are Chemist Warehouse, Priceline Pharmacy, TerryWhite Chemmart, Amcal and Guardian Pharmacy.

brown envelope on a string

Post

There are several Australia Post offices located all over the city, where you can buy stamps and send mail and packages.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Perth is during the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) when the weather is mild and pleasant. These seasons offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions without the summer heat.

A stay of 3 to 5 days in Perth is recommended to explore its main attractions. This allows time to visit Kings Park, the Perth Zoo, Fremantle, and Rottnest Island, as well as enjoy the city's vibrant dining scene and beautiful beaches.

Must-see attractions in Perth include Kings Park and Botanic Garden, offering stunning views of the city skyline, the historic port city of Fremantle, and Rottnest Island, known for its beautiful beaches and quokkas. The Perth Cultural Centre is also a highlight for art and history enthusiasts.

Perth has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and ferries. The Transperth network covers most areas, and free CAT buses operate in the city center. Renting a car is also a convenient option for exploring the surrounding regions.

While in Perth, try local specialties such as fresh seafood, including Western Rock Lobster and Barramundi. Don't miss out on tasting a classic Aussie meat pie, and enjoy a glass of Swan Valley wine, a renowned wine region near the city.

Perth hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Perth Festival, held in February, is Australia's longest-running cultural festival, featuring a diverse program of music, theater, and art. The Fringe World Festival is another highlight, offering a variety of performances and entertainment.

Recommended day trips from Perth include visiting the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, exploring the wineries of the Swan Valley, and taking a scenic drive to the Margaret River region, known for its vineyards, surf beaches, and gourmet food.

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