Perth

DESTINATIONS australia perth

Perth

A combination of big city comforts, good weather and a laid-back approach to life make Perth one of the most livable cities in the world. It is a youthful and cosmopolitan city. In terms of entertainment, nightlife and cultural activities it can stand up to even the fiercest competition. When it comes to food, Perth raises the bar, boasting fabulous beachfront restaurants, succulent seafood and some of the country’s best vineyards. An excellent public transportation system allows visitors to explore the city with ease.

The City

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.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

The city centre is a sight itself, with its fascinating mix of skyscrapers and historic buildings. Apart from the obvious beauty of the city, there is an impressive cultural aspect that will keep you busy for days on end. Don’t miss out on the nightlife!

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 stimulating …

Swan Valley Vineyards

The Swan Valley in Western Australia is a fascinating mix of award-winning wineries, tasty food, impressive art and interesting events, all of which take place in beautiful scenery just 25 minutes away from Perth’s city centre. The best way to experience the region is to follow the scenic route called the Swan Valley Food and …

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 Western Australia’s 12,000 species of local flora are displayed here, with a unique diversity of …

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 and affluent suburbs, and the port city of Fremantle. Enjoy the view and the breeze, have a meal, and stop once or …

Perth Bell Tower

Perth’s main attraction is located where Perth meets the Swan River. The 82.5-metre-high Clock Tower, made of copper and glass, contains eighteen bells and is surrounded by a laid trail of ceramic tiles. Enjoy the view, learn about Perth's history and geography and perhaps leave a "love lock" on one of the …

Rottnest Island

An island paradise with superb snorkeling, white-sand beaches and secluded coves only 25 minutes from Perth. The island is 11 kilometres long and has been a popular holiday destination for over 50 years. It is a protected nature reserve and home to the quokka — a small wallaby-like …

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 of the entertaining tours conducted by experienced and knowledgeable tour guides who bring the rich folklore and stories of the Prison …

WA Maritime Museum

The WA Maritime Museum showcases Western Australia's rich seafaring history. Located by the Indian Ocean, it features iconic vessels like the America’s Cup yacht Australia II and the Cold War-era HMAS Ovens submarine. Explore exhibits on WA’s sailing, sporting and adventure heritage, plus temporary …

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 group of explorers or follow a self-guided tour using maps and other information from the …

Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA)

PICA is home to contemporary visual and performance arts. It is housed in iconic heritage buildings that for 40 years served as the Perth Boys’ and Girls’ School. Alongside the gallery is the PICA Bar & Cafe where you can grab your morning coffee, lunch or evening drinks in the relaxed atmosphere of the …

Margaret River

The Margaret River region is located 270 km from Perth and has become a well known tourist destination. The area has a diverse variety of activities such as surfing, wine tasting and cultural …

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 beaches in Western Australia. When you feel hungry or thirsty, park yourself at one of many …

Penguin Island

Just 30 minutes south of Perth (and a five-minute ferry ride), Penguin Island is a unique nature reserve, home to Western Australia’s largest colony of little penguins. Don't miss the feeding time! The wildlife is the star attraction, but beyond that the island offers white sandy beaches and is surrounded by crystal clear waters perfect …

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 find yourself busy at this park. There are restaurants around the area or you can bring your own food. The gardens are beautifully …

Nostalgia Box Museum

Take a trip down memory lane and admire over 100 video game consoles on display dating from the 1970s till 2000s. Learn the history of your favourite video game companies and the progress this art form has made over the decades. The consoles are not only for show either. Play all your favourite childhood games …

Stargazing at the Perth Observatory

The upside of Perth being more like a small town than a capital city is minimal light pollution. It means Perth and its surrounding areas are full of excellent stargazing locations. The most obvious and fitting location is the Perth Observatory in Bickley Valley. Check their website for tours and special events. If you …

Standup Paddleboarding

SUPing (standup paddleboarding) has fast become a trendy and healthy Perth pastime. The city offers numerous places to learn how to balance on one of these beastly boards. The hottest activity right now is SUP yoga — equal parts challenging and …

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 with your own eyes the art, objects, archives, manuscripts, film and sound and photographic collections — all in all 11,500 objects and more …

Dining

Perth’s cuisine is determined by its natural environment and its multi-ethnic make-up. Situated as it is on the shores of the Indian Ocean, and surrounded by fertile land, Perth is renowned for its locally produced food, particularly its seafood and wines. With such a natural abundance of fresh quality produce, the city’s cosmopolitan restaurant scene is a gastronome’s delight.

The Boatshed Restaurant

The Boatshed is a riverfront restaurant serving excellent seafood with 180-degree views of the Swan River, Perth City and Kings Park. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of fresh air and sunlight. The attached Boatshed Cafe is a perfect spot for less formal …

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 butter. Enjoy with a premium local …

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 lamb rack, slow cooked duck breast and grilled market …

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 a slaughter house, then croc farm, today it serves tapas, wood fired pizzas and unforgettable prosciutto wrapped tiger prawns. Alfresco dining is …

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 dishes like braised duck leg, grilled beef tenderloin steak and slow cooked …

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 vermicelli and stir fried squid with lemongrass and …

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 fish Goan …

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 classic Italian dining with an energetic Western Australian influence. It is the perfect spot for pre-theatre cocktails and dinner, late night-supper …

Taka's Kitchen

Taka is a busy and affordable Japanese counter-service eatery with simple decor. It has remained popular since forever. Come here for quick katsu dishes, noodles and sushi. The steaming hot dishes leave the kitchen at breakneck speed so you won't be left …

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 beverages, it’s a spot to savour delicious European-inspired eats like the legendary cauliflower …

Cafes

The locals in Perth love their coffee and there are many cafes and espresso bars to choose from. You will find an array of cafes around Northbridge, which is located just outside the central district, but also in the district Subiaco.

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 …

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. Food is hearty, contemporary Australian. Open for breakfast and …

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 Australian food and …

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 Friday and Saturday nights, plus live jazz Wednesdays and …

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 the it is definitely worth the wait for a …

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 and just perfect. Great place to get caffeinated and spend some time with your …

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 — chicken and chilli toastie is a must. Service is lightning fast and prices are very …

Bars & Nightlife

As the sun sets on another day of sightseeing, a nice cold beer is definitely the order of the day and the only difficulty is deciding which bar to choose. The district of Northbridge is particularly vibrant and swings until the early hours. Whatever scene you prefer, be it some hard techno beats, grungy guitar rock or some alternative world rhythms, Perth’s nightlife will see to your every whim.

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 the last 18 years, attracting crowds with their atmospheric jazz and …

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 main floor of Metro City has a huge stage show every weekend and brings you, without a doubt, Perth’s biggest house …

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 wine or beer in the shade of palm trees. Catch an occasional comedy show …

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 …

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. Go for smoky tapas or a dessert when you're feeling …

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 …

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 Connections‘ DJ line-up, carefree dance floor, opulent outdoor rooftop and lively, playful, accepting …

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 cheesy goodness by the slice so no need to limit yourself to just one …

Shopping

Whatever your need, be it that must-have outfit for a night on the town or a spot of last minute souvenir hunting, Perth is able to cater to everyone’s desires. For smaller boutiques and quirky craft shops, head towards trendy King Street in central Perth or Rokeby Road and Hay Street in Subiaco. Perth also has a healthy array of weekend markets.