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Perth

Are you ready to conquer the capital city of Western Australia in a uniquely local way? Perth is a vibrant and lively holiday destination brimming with natural attractions, beautiful beaches, fantastic shopping, great museums, and is buzzing with local events. Taste coffee in the hip and colourful suburb of Fremantle, enjoy water activities on the Swan River or learn how to surf in the Indian Ocean. Australia's sunniest capital city is waiting to be discovered.

Where should you visit in Perth?

Scarborough Beach is located just outside of Perth
Discover Elizabeth Quay in Perth
© Tourism Western Australia
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Perth attractions

Perth is bursting with many attractions ranging from wildlife encounters, sightseeing, Aboriginal culture, natural wonders, beaches, and much more. The port city of Fremantle is a must-do during your visit to Perth. Renowned for its urban and creative scene, it is an ideal place to soak up the Australian lifestyle.

Some major highlights of Perth include Cottlesloe Beach, The Perth Mint, Fremantle Prison, and Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Other attractions include the historic, St. Mary's Cathedral and the Fremantle Arts Centre which is an impressive neo-Gothic building.

Be sure to check out the State War Memorial and the Bell Tower. Are you a sports fan? Enjoy a cricket match at WACA or Perth Stadium or tour the city by bike.

Visit Reabold Hill for a different kind of lookout over the region of Perth. The raised boardwalk is surrounded by native bushland and provides views over Perth City, the Indian Ocean, Rottnest Island, and Kings Park.

Soak up the beach vibes at Cottesloe Beach
Enjoy alfresco dining
© Tourism Western Australia

Fremantle

Just 20 minutes South of Perth, you will find the colourful harbour city of Fremantle. Located at the mouth of the Swan River, this area is known for its maritime history, Victorian architecture, and being home to the largest convict-built prison in Australia, the Fremantle Prison.

Where the Swan River meets the Indian Ocean

Fremantle is one of Perth's most popular entertainment precincts, with a great assortment of bars, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, and pubs. A pedestrian-friendly city, there is also always live music playing somewhere and often a creative festival happening. The colourful locals love to showcase their overflowing creativity which is evident throughout Fremantle.

Enjoy a beer with the locals

Little Creatures in Fremantle is an enjoyable place for a meal for the whole family. Accessible for families with (small) kids as there is a large sandpit outside at the back of the restaurant. Very relaxed atmosphere and a great place for a bite to eat while enjoying one of their home-brewed. Or if you prefer coffee, be sure to visit the famous cappuccino strip and enjoy alfresco dining.

Watch out for street performers at the Fremantle Markets
One of Fremantle's greatest attractions is the stunning coastline

Activities

Enjoy authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the locals. Let your travel specialist know your interests and they will advise what are the best activities for you. There are small-group activities available, ranging from easy-going to adventurous, or private tours for a more intimate experience. We can take care of every detail, so you just have to show up and enjoy an experience to look back on for years to come.

Shopping & markets

Perth is a shopping haven with plenty of opportunities to indulge. Some of the best major shopping streets and malls to visit are King Street, Raine Square, Brookfield Place, Northbridge, Northbridge Plaza, Hay Street Mall, Murray Street Mall, and beachside boutiques in Cottesloe. There are plenty of markets located over the city selling local goods, handmade arts and crafts, and organic produce.

  • Fremantle Market
  • Perth City Markets
  • Perth Beaches Market
  • Swan Valley Market
  • Mandurah and Peel Market
  • Perth Hills Market
Enjoy live local music at the Fremantle Markets
© Tourism Western Australia
Visit the Fremantle Markets for some local delights!
© Tourism Western Australia
Unique encounter with dolphins | New Zealand wildlife

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Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to Australia in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!

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Dining & local cuisine

Take your senses on a culinary journey and discover the local food and wine scene in Perth. Enjoy world-class restaurants, small pubs, local cafes, roof-top bars, and more. Discover an assortment of local creative chefs, winemakers, baristas, mixologists, and brewers. Be sure to visit Western Australia's oldest wine region, the Swan Valley. Savour freshly caught seafood in Fremantle or enjoy fish and chips by Cottesloe Beach - Aussie style! Perth is a food and wine lover's paradise.

Enjoy fresh seafood on a cruise to Rottnest Island
Enjoy a cocktail a one of Perth's stylish bars

Museums & art galleries

Perth is bursting with culture and history with many fascinating museums and art galleries on offer. The WA Shipwrecks Museum is a maritime archeology museum where you will find more about the ships wrecked along the WA coastline, like the Dutch Batavia.

Here are some other museums and art galleries to visit:

  • The Art Gallery of Western Australia
  • Perth Museum & Art Gallery
  • Museum of Perth
  • Royal Perth Hospital Museum
  • WA Museum Boola Bardip
  • Western Australia Maritime Museum
  • Perth Institute of Contemporary Art
  • Japingka Aboriginal Art
Take a tour of the WA Shipwrecks Museum
Marvel the colours of the WA Museum Boola Bardip
© Tourism Western Australia

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Beaches

One of the most astonishing attractions of Perth is the spectacular beaches. Some may even say they are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Lying off the Indian Ocean, you will find a collection of pearly white-sand beaches with crystal clear water and an abundance of marine life.

Here are some of the best beaches to visit in Perth:

  • Swanbourne Beach
  • Cottesloe Beach
  • Scarborough Beach
  • City Beach
  • Port Beach
  • Coogee Beach
  • Trigg Beach
  • Bathers Beach
Fremantle is home to six stunning beaches
Soak up the local lifestyle by the beach

Parks & nature

Kings Park is a 400 hectares park overlooking the Swan River with plenty of barbecue areas and great views. There are also lots of grass areas for the kids to run around, and the best playgrounds! The Lottery West area or ‘Stickybeaks’ for locals, is great for smaller kids (up to 6 years old).

At Caversham Wildlife Park, you will find native Australian wildlife. Such as wombats, kangaroos, cassowaries, possums, and koalas. There are several daily shows. Araluen Botanic Gardens has great walking trails for lovers of native flora and fauna. It’s located 35 kilometres from the Perth CBD, in Roleystone. Some other parks to visit in Perth are Hyde Park, Mardalup Park, and Totterdell Park.

Within two hours drive from Perth, you will find no less than seven national parks to explore:

  • John Forrest National Park
  • Serpentine National Park
  • Walyunga National park
  • Beelu National Park
  • Kalamunda National Park
  • Yanchep National Park
  • Yalgorup National Park
Say G'day to kangaroos!
Admire wildflowers at Kings Park and the Botanical Gardens
© Tourism Western Australia

Rottnest Island

A protected nature reserve, Rottnest Island lies 19 kilometres offshore from the city of Perth. With an area of 19 square kilometres, Rottnest is renowned for being home to the quirky quokka, a small wallaby lookalike marsupial. The island is oozing with laidback vibes and stunning beaches and is surrounded by the sparkling Indian Ocean.

You can choose to stay overnight on the island with a variety of accommodation options available. Spend your days swimming, hiking, surfing, snorkelling, fishing or simply relaxing. Go on an adventure and discover coral reefs and mysterious shipwrecks. Rottnest Island is a must-visit when you are in this part of Australia.

A smiling quokka with a baby in its pouch
Say G'day to the quokka!
Take a scenic flight and get a bird's eye view of this stunning part of Western Australia

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At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.