Smart Self-Managed Tours

City guide · Australia

Perth

A photograph of Perth
Photograph · Samuel Wiki · CC BY 4.0

Perth's centre and Elizabeth Quay sit beside the Swan River, with Kings Park rising immediately to the west. Fremantle is a separate historic port at the river mouth, and the Indian Ocean beaches form another north-south chain beyond the centre. Rottnest Island depends on a ferry crossing. These axes make Perth a destination of linked bases rather than a single continuous sightseeing zone.

Practical information

Language spoken
English is the principal language; no federal official language
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+61
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Australian dollar (AUD)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
000
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type I · 230 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Safe from treated public supplies
Follow local notices in remote communities and after disruptions

Turn this list into a plan

Set your days, your pace and the hours you actually want to be out. The planner works around closing days and travel time, and leaves room to eat.

Plan Perth

Planning a visit

Suggested stay
Not recorded
Getting around
Walking, bus, train and ferry
  1. January: viable with meaningful trade-offs
  2. February: viable with meaningful trade-offs
  3. March: good time to visit
  4. April: best time to visit
  5. May: best time to visit
  6. June: viable with meaningful trade-offs
  7. July: viable with meaningful trade-offs
  8. August: viable with meaningful trade-offs — current month
  9. September: good time to visit
  10. October: best time to visit
  11. November: good time to visit
  12. December: good time to visit
  • Best time
  • Good time
  • Viable with trade-offs
  • Difficult conditions

Sources

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

  1. Rottnest Island State Reserve Rottnest Island State Reserve
    02 1 hour

    Rottnest Island State Reserve

    Rottnest Island, also known as Wadjemup, is a Class A Reserve off the Western Australian coast.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  2. Fremantle Prison Fremantle Prison
    03 45 min

    Fremantle Prison

    Fremantle Prison stands as a former Australian convict establishment in Fremantle, the port city of Perth.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  3. Cottesloe Beach Cottesloe Beach
    04 1 hour

    Cottesloe Beach

    Cottesloe Beach is a coastal beach located in the western suburbs of Perth, Western Australia. It sits along the Indian Ocean shoreline and forms part of the metropolitan area's beach network.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  4. Western Australian Museum Western Australian Museum
    05 1 hr 30 min

    Western Australian Museum

    WA Museum Boola Bardip is the state museum of Western Australia, located within the Perth Cultural Centre. Its name, from the Noongar language, means many stories.

    • Must see
    • Museum
  5. Elizabeth Quay Elizabeth Quay
    06 2 hours

    Elizabeth Quay

    Elizabeth Quay is a mixed-use development on Perth's central waterfront, positioned where the Swan River meets the central business district. The precinct redeveloped former industrial and transport lands into a publicly accessible leisure and entertainment zone.

    • Must see
    • Activity
  6. Fremantle Markets Fremantle Markets
    07 45 min

    Fremantle Markets

    Fremantle Markets is a historic public market in Fremantle, a port city within the Perth metropolitan area of Western Australia. The markets occupy a Victorian-era building constructed in 1897, representing one of the few surviving nineteenth-century market structures in Australia.

    • Must see
    • Market
  7. Swan Valley Swan Valley
    08 2 hours

    Swan Valley

    Swan Valley is a recognised tourism and wine-producing region situated in the upper reaches of the Swan River, northeast of Perth's central business district.

    • Must see
    • Activity
  8. Perth Zoo Perth Zoo
    09 1 hr 30 min

    Perth Zoo

    Perth Zoo is a zoological park located in Perth, Western Australia. Established in 1898, it occupies a position along the Swan River in the suburb of South Perth.

    • Must see
    • Family attraction
  9. Art Gallery of Western Australia Art Gallery of Western Australia
    10 1 hour

    Art Gallery of Western Australia

    The Art Gallery of Western Australia is a public art museum located in the Perth Cultural Centre. It serves as the principal state art collection holder for Western Australia.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
  10. Perth Cultural Centre Perth Cultural Centre
    11 1 hour

    Perth Cultural Centre

    Perth Cultural Centre is a public cultural precinct in the heart of Perth, Western Australia. It serves as a hub for arts, culture, and learning, bringing together several major institutions in one connected space.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
  11. Swan Bells Swan Bells
    12 45 min

    Swan Bells

    The Bell Tower is a landmark structure in Perth, Western Australia. It houses the Swan Bells, a set of eighteen bells from St Martin-in-the-Fields church in London.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  12. Perth Mint Perth Mint
    13 45 min

    Perth Mint

    The Perth Mint is a heritage precious metals refining facility and tourist attraction in Perth, Western Australia. Established in 1899 as a branch of Britain's Royal Mint, it originally struck gold sovereigns from Western Australian gold rush output.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  13. Optus Stadium Optus Stadium
    14 2 hours

    Optus Stadium

    Optus Stadium is a major sports and entertainment venue located in Perth, Western Australia. It serves as the primary home ground for Australian Football League matches featuring the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers.

    • Must see
    • Entertainment venue
  14. Matagarup Bridge Matagarup Bridge
    15 2 hours

    Matagarup Bridge

    Matagarup Bridge is a pedestrian and cyclist bridge spanning the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia. The bridge connects the East Perth and Burswood precincts, providing access to the Optus Stadium area.

    • Must see
    • Activity
  15. Scarborough Beach Scarborough Beach
    16 1 hour

    Scarborough Beach

    Scarborough Beach is a prominent coastal destination within the Perth metropolitan area, located along the Indian Ocean shoreline. The beach forms part of the broader Scarborough precinct, which has undergone significant redevelopment in recent decades.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  16. Aquarium of Western Australia Aquarium of Western Australia
    17 1 hr 30 min

    Aquarium of Western Australia

    AQWA - The Aquarium of Western Australia is a large-scale marine aquarium located in the Perth metropolitan area.

    • Must see
    • Family attraction
  17. Hillarys Boat Harbour Hillarys Boat Harbour
    18 2 hours

    Hillarys Boat Harbour

    Hillarys Boat Harbour is a recreational marina and leisure precinct located approximately 20 kilometres north-west of Perth's central business district, within the City of Joondalup local government area.

    • Must see
    • Activity
  18. Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour
    19 2 hours

    Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour

    Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is a working harbour located in Fremantle, a port city within the Perth metropolitan area in Western Australia. It serves as a base for commercial fishing vessels and has developed into a significant visitor destination.

    • Must see
    • Activity
  19. WA Maritime Museum WA Maritime Museum
    20 1 hr 30 min

    WA Maritime Museum

    The WA Maritime Museum is a maritime history museum located in Fremantle, Western Australia. It sits at the entrance to Fremantle Harbour, occupying a prominent waterfront position at Victoria Quay.

    • Must see
    • Museum
  20. Western Australian Museum Shipwrecks
    21 1 hr 30 min

    Western Australian Museum Shipwrecks

    The WA Shipwrecks Museum is a maritime heritage institution operated by the Western Australian Museum. It is located in Fremantle, the port city of the Perth metropolitan area.

    • Must see
    • Museum
  21. Round House
    22 45 min

    Round House

    The Round House is the oldest surviving public building in Western Australia, constructed in 1830-1831 shortly after the Swan River Colony was established.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  22. Fremantle Arts Centre Fremantle Arts Centre
    23 2 hours

    Fremantle Arts Centre

    Fremantle Arts Centre is a public arts venue located in the port city of Fremantle, part of the greater Perth metropolitan area in Western Australia.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
  23. Bathers Beach Bathers Beach
    24 1 hour

    Bathers Beach

    Bathers Beach is a coastal area in Fremantle, the port city at the mouth of the Swan River within the greater Perth metropolitan region of Western Australia.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  24. Army Museum of Western Australia Army Museum of Western Australia
    25 1 hr 30 min

    Army Museum of Western Australia

    The Army Museum of Western Australia is a military heritage institution located in the Perth metropolitan area. It preserves and presents the history of the Australian Army in Western Australia, covering conflicts from colonial times through to contemporary operations.

    • Must see
    • Museum
  25. Esplanade Park, Fremantle Esplanade Park, Fremantle
    26 1 hour

    Esplanade Park, Fremantle

    Esplanade Park Fremantle is a public park located in the port city of Fremantle, part of the Perth metropolitan area in Western Australia.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  26. Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts
    27 45 min

    Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts

    Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts is a leading cultural institution in Western Australia dedicated to contemporary art practice. Located in Perth's cultural centre, PICA occupies a distinctive heritage building that has been adapted for modern exhibition purposes.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  27. His Majesty's Theatre His Majesty's Theatre
    28 1 hour

    His Majesty's Theatre

    His Majesty's Theatre is a historic performing arts venue located in Perth, Western Australia. The theatre occupies a prominent position in the city's cultural landscape and serves as a major destination for theatrical productions, musicals, and live entertainment.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
  28. St George's Cathedral St George's Cathedral
    29 30 min

    St George's Cathedral

    St George's Cathedral is a prominent Anglican cathedral located in Perth, Western Australia. It serves as the principal place of worship for the Anglican Diocese of Perth and holds significant heritage value within the metropolitan area.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
  29. Supreme Court Gardens Supreme Court Gardens
    30 1 hour

    Supreme Court Gardens

    Supreme Court Gardens is a public park located in the central business district of Perth, Western Australia. The gardens sit adjacent to the Supreme Court of Western Australia building, forming part of the city's significant heritage precinct.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  30. Stirling Gardens Stirling Gardens
    31 1 hour

    Stirling Gardens

    Stirling Gardens is a public garden in Perth, Western Australia. It is one of the heritage landmarks in the city and appears on the curated metropolitan visitor ranking from the shared fact pack.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  31. Wellington Square Wellington Square
    32 1 hour

    Wellington Square

    Wellington Square is a public open space located in Perth, Western Australia. The square functions as urban green space within the metropolitan area, serving as a recreational and gathering place for residents and visitors.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  32. Bold Park Bold Park
    33 1 hour

    Bold Park

    Bold Park is a significant urban bushland reserve located in the western suburbs of Perth, Western Australia.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  33. Reabold Hill Reabold Hill
    34 20 min

    Reabold Hill

    Reabold Hill is a natural elevation in the Perth metropolitan area, recognized within curated visitor rankings for the region. The site offers elevated terrain that provides outlook potential across surrounding landscapes.

    • Must see
    • Viewpoint
  34. Trigg Beach Trigg Beach
    35 1 hour

    Trigg Beach

    Trigg Beach is a coastal beach located in the northern suburbs of Perth, Western Australia. It forms part of the metropolitan coastline along the Indian Ocean and is known for its exposed reef and surf breaks.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  35. Mettams Pool
    36 1 hour

    Mettams Pool

    Mettams Pool is a natural swimming spot located along Perth's coastline. It forms part of the metropolitan beach environment that draws visitors seeking sheltered ocean swimming experiences.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  36. Coogee Beach Coogee Beach
    37 1 hour

    Coogee Beach

    Coogee Beach is a coastal beach located in the Perth metropolitan area of Western Australia. It sits within the broader Cockburn region south-west of Perth's central business district.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  37. Point Walter Reserve
    38 1 hour

    Point Walter Reserve

    Point Walter Reserve is a riverside parkland and beach area located along the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia. The reserve features a sandy beach that extends into the river, creating a distinctive sandbar formation.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  38. Bicton Baths Bicton Baths
    39 1 hour

    Bicton Baths

    Bicton Baths is a swimming and recreational facility located in the Perth metropolitan area along the Swan River. The site serves as a popular local destination for water-based activities and community leisure.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  39. Caversham Wildlife Park Caversham Wildlife Park
    40 1 hr 30 min

    Caversham Wildlife Park

    Caversham Wildlife Park is a wildlife attraction in the Perth metropolitan area of Western Australia. The park offers visitors opportunities to encounter native Australian animals in a setting accessible from the city.

    • Must see
    • Family attraction
  40. Motor Museum of Western Australia Motor Museum of Western Australia
    41 1 hr 30 min

    Motor Museum of Western Australia

    The Motor Museum of Western Australia is a curated automotive heritage institution located in the Perth metropolitan area. It preserves and displays vehicles significant to Western Australia's motoring history.

    • Must see
    • Museum
  41. Woodbridge Woodbridge
    42 45 min

    Woodbridge

    Woodbridge House is a heritage-listed property in the Perth metropolitan area of Western Australia. It represents colonial-era architecture and settlement history in the region.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  42. John Forrest National Park John Forrest National Park
    43 1 hour

    John Forrest National Park

    John Forrest National Park is a protected area in the Perth metropolitan region of Western Australia. It is one of the oldest national parks in the state, established in 1900.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  43. Lesmurdie Falls National Park Lesmurdie Falls National Park
    44 1 hour

    Lesmurdie Falls National Park

    Lesmurdie Falls National Park is a protected natural area within the metropolitan region of Perth, Western Australia.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  44. Kalamunda History Village
    45 1 hr 30 min

    Kalamunda History Village

    Kalamunda History Village is a heritage attraction located in the Perth Hills area of Western Australia. The village preserves and presents local history through a collection of historical buildings and exhibits.

    • Must see
    • Museum
  45. Araluen Botanic Park Araluen Botanic Park
    46 1 hour

    Araluen Botanic Park

    Araluen Botanic Park is a botanic garden located in the Perth metropolitan region of Western Australia. The park occupies a valley setting within the Darling Range, characterised by its distinctive terraced gardens and cool-climate plant collections.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  46. Perth Observatory Perth Observatory
    47 45 min

    Perth Observatory

    Perth Observatory is an astronomical observatory located in the Perth metropolitan area. The facility serves as a centre for public astronomy education and stargazing experiences.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  47. Marmion Marine Park Marmion Marine Park
    48 1 hour

    Marmion Marine Park

    Marmion Marine Park is a protected marine area located off the coast of Perth, Western Australia. Established to conserve marine ecosystems, the park encompasses coastal waters, reefs, and islands that support diverse marine life.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  48. Wadjemup Museum Wadjemup Museum
    49 1 hr 30 min

    Wadjemup Museum

    Wadjemup Museum is a cultural institution on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, located off the coast of Perth, Western Australia. The museum occupies a heritage building that has served various purposes throughout the island's complex history.

    • Must see
    • Museum
  49. Scitech Scitech
    50 1 hr 30 min

    Scitech

    Scitech is a science discovery centre located in Perth, Western Australia. It serves as an educational and interactive attraction designed to engage visitors with scientific concepts through hands-on exhibits and experiences.

    • Must see
    • Museum

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

How the city is laid out

Use one day for the central streets, Elizabeth Quay and Kings Park, allowing for the hill between river level and the park. Give Fremantle its own port-focused block and combine a beach only when the transport sequence remains direct. Rottnest Island needs a reserved departure and return plan, so it should never be added after a full morning of central sightseeing.

Checked 2026-08-26

Getting around

Transperth trains and buses carry the longer metropolitan journeys, while walking works around the centre, Kings Park, Fremantle or an individual beach precinct. Ferry travel has its own departure constraints and should be checked separately from the urban journey planner. Review the current route, service alert and final practical return before leaving for the coast, an outer suburb or an island connection.

Checked 2026-08-26

Common questions

How many days should I spend in Perth?

No official city-wide stay length is recorded. Prioritise central Perth, Elizabeth Quay and Kings Park, then add Fremantle, a beach corridor or Rottnest according to the number of complete travel days available.

How should I organise sightseeing in Perth?

Group the centre, riverfront and Kings Park. Treat Fremantle as a port day and choose coastal stops that fit its corridor. Keep Rottnest for a ferry-based itinerary with a confirmed return.

How do I get around Perth?

Use Transperth trains and buses between metropolitan precincts, then walk within the chosen area. Ferry journeys require their own timetable check and should not be inferred from the land-based journey planner.

Can I explore Perth mainly on foot?

Central Perth and Elizabeth Quay connect on foot, and Kings Park is nearby but uphill. Fremantle, the beaches and ferry terminals are separate destinations reached by public or scheduled transport.

Which Perth trips need separate planning?

Plan Rottnest around booked sailings and check the return before departure. Fremantle and outer coastal stops also need route-specific checks because they do not form one walkable extension of central Perth.