The relaxed coastal city of Perth, the capital of Western Australia, often gets overlooked by its eastern Australian counterparts like Melbourne and Sydney. As a local who has lived in Perth my entire life, I’ll let you in on the secret – Perth is so underrated!
With some of the best beaches in Australia, beautiful weather most of the year with hot summers and mild winters, funky small bars in hip suburbs and some amazing day trips, a trip to Perth offers an interesting variety of unique things to do and see for visitors.
In this guide, I’ve carefully crafted the ULTIMATE Perth travel itinerary. With a 3, 5 and 7 day Perth itinerary, there’s something for all visitors. Regardless of whether it’s your first time in Perth or a return visit, I’ve got you covered in this ultimate itinerary for Perth travellers.
Quick Summary: Itinerary in Perth (3, 5 and 7 Day Options)
Here’s a quick summary of the best Perth itineraries for various duration stays. For more details on each day and recommended places to see, things to do and places to eat, keep on reading below.
Perth 3 Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Perth CBD & Kings Park Botanic Garden
- Day 2: Fremantle
- Day 3: Rottnest Island
Perth 5 Day Itinerary
- Day 4: Swan Valley
- Day 5: Day Trip to Lancelin and the Pinnacles
Perth 7 Day Itinerary
- Day 6: Beach Day
- Day 7: Perth Hills
Best Time to Visit
One of the (many) things I love about Perth is that you can visit all year round!
Perth winters are generally fairly mild – which can mean sometimes you luck out with sunny days and 20 degrees Celsius high (or more). However, as many of the best things around Perth are nature-based activities, some of the most popular times to visit are during the summer months of December – February.
Personally, I think the shoulder months of March-May and September – November are a great time to explore Perth. Prices and crowds are lower (although, it’s worth noting a “crowded” Perth is still miles behind what you would consider crowded in other cities across the country and the world!).
One thing to be aware of is the Australian school holiday periods, which can be found here. In particular, the Christmas and New Year period, and the Easter school holidays in April, are exceptionally busy times of the year to travel in Perth. If visiting during these times, make sure to book your accommodation in advance.
How to Get Around Perth
Getting around the Perth CBD and neighbouring suburbs is fairly easy using public transport, including the free inner city network of CAT buses.
Taxis, Uber and other rideshare services are also plentiful in Perth. For my 3 and 5 days Perth itinerary, a car is not strictly necessary to get around. However, if you’d like to explore beyond Perth, or go for a self-drive road trip to places like the Lancelin Sand Dunes, the Pinnacles Desert or even the Margaret River Wine Region, then a car will be required to get around.
For car rental hire, I recommend using Discover Cars to browse and compare the best prices from different companies across Perth. Most options include free cancellation too, giving you flexibility in case plans change.
Where to Stay in Perth
If it’s your first time in Perth, I recommend staying in or near the Perth CBD for easy access to the main attractions.
- Budget – Citadines St Georges Terrace
- Mid Range – Art Series the Adnate
- Apartment Hotel – Quest Mounts Bay Road
- Luxury – Ritz-Carlton Perth
If you plan on hiring a car, parking is limited in the CBD and can be expensive. Consider staying across from the CBD in picturesque South Perth, or the inner CBD suburb of Subiaco.
- Mid-Range – Tribe Subiaco
- Apartment Hotel – Quest South Perth Foreshore
- Luxury – Vibe Hotel Subiaco
I’ve included a few of my favourite hotel options above, or check out my full guide for the best places to stay across Perth.
More guides with my hand-picked hotels across Perth:
- 15 of the Best Perth Hotels with a Pool
- 8 Best Airport Hotels in Perth
- Top Luxury Accommodation in Perth
3 Day Perth Itinerary
Day 1 – Explore Perth CBD and Kings Park
Spend your first full day in Perth exploring the Perth CBD and the nature haven of Kings Park Botanic Garden.
This itinerary is very walkable. You can also buy a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket. This service does a loop around the Perth CBD and King’s Park every hour during the day, conveniently stopping at the main tourist attractions.
Morning
Start your day with a coffee from one of Perth’s stellar coffee shops, such as La Veen King St, Standing Room Only or Smooth Operator (only open Monday – Friday).
Spend the morning wandering around Elizabeth Quay, which offers a great viewpoint looking back at the city skyline from the Elizabeth Quay Bridge. You’ll also spot the distinctive arched Spanda sculpture.
Walk across the bridge to the Bell Tower – you can head up into the bell tower to admire 360-degree views from the observation deck and take part in an interactive bell chiming experience. Book skip-the-line tickets here
From here, make a beeline to Hay St Mall via London Court.
London Court is a little slice of old-English vibes, reminiscent of Diagon Alley, in the heart of the Perth CBD. Wander along and browse the small boutiques, and often you’ll find seasonal displays lining the open-air alleyway above.
At this end of London Court, keep an eye out for the clockwork display when it reaches the hour on the clock. You’re now standing on one of the Perth CBD’s two main shopping streets, Hay Street Mall.
Spend some time browsing the shops on Hay Street and Murray Street Malls.
For a guided tour of the city, I can highly recommend a walking tour with Oh Hey WA. I’ve had the pleasure of joining Adie, the owner of the business, on both her Perth City and Perth Small Bar tours. What I loved about these small group tours is that, even as a local who has lived in Perth my whole life, I discovered new things about my city!
Adie and her team of guides are very personable, friendly and informative. Their walking tours are a great way to get acquainted with Perth and discover what the city has to offer – that you won’t find in a normal guidebook!
- Ultimate Perth Walking Tour: History, Architecture, Art + Local Insights (morning)
- Perth Bar + Street Art Tour: Hidden Secrets, Laneways + Good Times (afternoon/ evening)
Alternatively, save your feet from all the walking and join a segway tour around the river. You’ll zoom past the Bell Tower, through Elizabeth Quay and explore one of the inner city parks with a hidden waterfall on this 1-hour guided tour. Read the glowing reviews of this fun tour here.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, you can have a few options.
You could walk across to Northbridge and spend a few hours at the WA Museum Boola Bardip (tickets $15/adult), the Art Gallery of Western Australia or play a game of mini golf at Holey Moley.
Northbridge is a great spot for an afternoon drink in the sunshine – check out the range of locally brewed beers at Northbridge Brewing Co or the tucked away rooftop bar at Mechanics Institute.
Alternatively, walk or catch the free CAT bus to East Perth. Walk across the Matagarup Bridge to Optus Stadium. Some fun activities to do include a zipline over the Swan River from the bridge or a guided behind-the-scenes stadium tour.
I’ve done the bridge climb and zipline twice now, and it’s such an exhilarating experience. You can watch a video from my experience below and book tickets here.
In the late afternoon, make your way to Kings Park Botanic Garden. One of the world’s largest inner city parks, Kings Park is an iconic destination in Perth. Over 400 hectares in size, it is a biodiversity hotspot with untamed native bushland as well as cultivated gardens with large grassy areas.
I like to start by walking along Fraser Avenue, admiring the sweeping view of the Perth CBD and Swan River before reaching the State War Memorial that stands testament to Australians who have given their lives for this country.
Meander along past the giant boab tree, and wander across the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, a glass walkway suspended among the treetops.
The lawn near the State War Memorial and Frasers Ave is a great spot to watch the sunset. Alternatively, head down to Elizabeth Quay for a drink at The Reveley or The Island to celebrate the end of a great day out exploring the city.
A popular tourist attraction is the iconic Blue Boat Shed located on the banks of the Swan River near Kings Park. You’ll often see a line of visitors wanting to take a photo in front of the cute over-water building. Visit before or after exploring Kings Park.
Discover more Instagrammable locations around Perth here.
Where to Eat
- Petition Kitchen: Petition is one of the many dining options in the beautiful restored heritage State Buildings complex. Long Chim (Thai) and Post (Italian) are also popular options.
- La Cholita: a funky, lively restaurant serving up some of Perth’s best Mexican in Northbridge
- The Standard: A hip bar and restaurant in Northbridge with a delightful 2-level garden bar
- Meat & Wine Co: sophisticated steak house in the heart of Perth’s CBD
- Angel Falls Grill: a small restaurant serving up delicious Venezuelan cuisine in a tucked-away alleyway
- Hifumiya Udon Noodle House: this hidden restaurant transports me back to Japan. They hand-make their udon noodles and are always buzzing at lunchtime (open for lunch only).
Day 2 – Discover the Port Town of Fremantle
Today you’ll be exploring the vibrant hub of Fremantle, about a 30-minute drive from the Perth CBD.
Morning
You can jump on the train, with the Fremantle line departing from Perth station, or take a scenic cruise along the Swan River to arrive at the historic port town of Fremantle.
Wander along the “cappuccino strip” of Market Street until you reach Fremantle Markets. This bustling indoor market dates back to 1897 and is filled with stalls selling everything from jewellery and clothes, handmade local wares and art to fresh food.
Afternoon
After browsing the stalls and maybe a bite to eat, you could visit the Fremantle Prison for a tour of the culturally significant convict prison, or walk to Esplanade Park. Here you’ll find a large playground, shaded grassed areas and the distinctive bright red Ferris wheel.
This area is also home to the famous Little Creatures Brewery, an industrial brewery with a quirky and vibrant atmosphere. Try one of their many beers, or join a behind-the-scenes brewery tour.
Other things nearby worth checking out are the WA Shipwrecks Museum, the Round House (a former convict prison) and Bathers Beach House, Australia’s first alfresco beach dining (literally, dining and drinking on the beach with your feet in the sand).
From here, navigate to High St which is a hub of heritage buildings, quirky boutiques (including a record store and map shop) and many drinking and dining options.
If you’re looking for the best sunset spot in Fremantle, Gage Roads Brewery is my pick. Next door to the WA Maritime Museum, Gage Roads Brewery is a massive, industrial-style brewery serving up fresh brewed beers and delicious modern Australian bites.
You can watch the cargo ships and ferries cruise into the port while you watch the sun dip below the Indian Ocean.
Fremantle is the best spot to go whale watching in Perth, with tours running seasonally from September to November. Highly recommend this 2-hour whale watching cruise if timing permits!
Where to Eat
- Tonic & Ginger: delicious Southeast Asian share plates in a multi-storied venue that used to be a synagogue
- Emily Taylor: Funky bar and kitchen serving up dumplings and other Asian fusion
- Bread in Common: this popular restaurant is housed in an industrial warehouse space and serves modern Australian cuisine alongside artisanal bread
- Republic of Fremantle Distillery: an urban distillery serving fresh, local produce alongside specialty cocktails
Day 3 – Visit the Rottnest Island Quokkas
Rottnest Island is one of Perth’s best day trips. Catch the ferry from Barrack St in the Perth CBD or catch the train to Fremantle for the trip across to Rottnest Island.
Read all you need to know about planning a day trip to Rottnest Island in my detailed guide here, and find out whether it’s worth visiting Rottnest in winter here.
5 Day Perth Itinerary
Day 4 – Sample the Delights of the Swan Valley
After a long day exploring Rottnest yesterday, today will be more relaxed but still packed with adventures.
You’ll be exploring the Swan Valley, a region with world-class wineries and a smorgasbord of dining options located only 30 minutes east of the Perth CBD.
If you have a car, you can choose to do a self-drive tour of the Swan Valley, otherwise there are plenty of options for tours that include transport. I’ve included a few of my favourite options below.
- Ultimate Swan Valley Food and Wine Day Trip: Indulge in some of the best wines and food the Swan Valley has to offer. Include lunch, wine tastings, a brewery stop, cheese board and chocolate tasting on this all-day tour from Perth.
- Half Day Swan Valley Wine Tour: Visit four wineries with a cheese platter at one, as well as a stop at a boutique chocolate factory
- Swan Valley River Cruise and Wine Tasting Trip: Travel to the Swan Valley in style with a scenic river cruise from the Perth CBD. Sample a range of local wine, cheese, beer and chocolate plus enjoy a delicious lunch at a local brewery while enjoying live commentary from your tour guide on board the vessel.
If you’re joining a tour, you don’t need to worry about planning the stops as this will all be organised by your guide. If you’re doing the self-drive option, these are some of my favourite wineries, restaurants and shops.
- Old Youngs Distillery: this award-winning gin distillery has an incredible restaurant featuring native cuisine and unique dishes – book ahead!
- Lancaster Estate: cheese and wine tastings in a casual rustic setting right next to the vineyard
- Mandoon Estate & Homestead Brewery: one of my favourites in the Swan Valley, with a cellar door for wine tastings, a separate brewpub and a fine dining restaurant on a beautiful estate
- Bailey Brewing: This popular brewpub has a fun, large kids playground – it gets very busy on weekends so book ahead if possible!
- Sandalford Wines: One of the prestigious wine estates, and one of the oldest in the Swan Valley
- House of Honey: you’ll find a honey shop with both honey and mead tastings in a beautiful garden setting, plus a casual cafe
- Funk 2.0 Cidery: Casual cidery with a large range of ciders and outside tables
Day 5 – Day Trip to Lancelin Sand Dunes and the Pinnacles Desert
Time to experience another of the best day trips from Perth. Here’s a quick summary of the day, or read my dedicated Perth to Pinnacles Road Trip guide.
You’ll be driving (or joining a tour) to visit the sprawling Lancelin Sand Dunes, about 90 minutes north of Perth near the small seaside town of Lancelin. Ride the dunes on a sandboard, or hop aboard a quad bike and cruise the dips and crescents of the dunes.
For lunch, head to the Cervantes Lobster Shack for a delectable lobster lunch. You can also join a tour of the Lobster Factory before or after your meal (no bookings required).
Finish the day with a stop at the otherworldly Pinnacles Desert, famous for its towering limestone structures. Explore this national park on foot, or on the loop drive that circles the Pinnacles.
Keep an eye out for kangaroos and emus!
There are two highly-rated tours that I recommend that include stops at both Lancelin Sand Dunes and the Pinnacles:
- Pinnacles Desert Sunset and Star-Gazing Tour: Join this bus tour which first stops at Lancelin Sand Dunes for sandboarding. You’ll then head to the Pinnacles, enjoying a barbeque dinner in the middle of the desert, while sipping on local wine. See the sunset before marvelling at the clear night sky with the help of astro binoculars and a telescope.
- Pinnacles, Koalas & Sandboarding Tour Day Trip: Your first stop will be Caversham Wildlife Park, where you can see koalas and hand-feed kangaroos. Next, travel to Cervantes for lunch and a tour of the lobster factory. The next stop will be the Pinnacles Desert, before driving over the Lancelin Sand Dunes in a custom-built 4WD vehicle. This will be an adventurous day to remember!
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7 Day Perth Itinerary
Day 6 – Relax at one of Perth’s many beaches
Have a relaxed day exploring some of Perth’s many beaches.
The most iconic beach in Perth is Cottesloe Beach which is a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Stroll along the picturesque coastline on foot on Marine Parade, before taking a dip at the beach in front of the Indiana Tea House (home to the trendy restaurant Indigo Oscar).
Spend a day enjoying the sun and sand, before watching the sunset while enjoying takeaway fish and chips on the beach.
Another local favourite is Scarborough Beach, which hosts local markets on a Thursday night in summer and has a range of relaxed dining options along the coast.
Another great beach near Perth is Coogee Beach around 40 minutes south of Perth. This one is a bit trickier to get to (easiest to drive or get an Uber). It’s worth the effort though, as it is home to the Omeo Shipwreck, a unique snorkelling spot. Trigg Beach (north of Perth) is another popular snorkelling beach in Perth.
If the weather is looking gloomy, consider taking another day trip from Perth or spend the day exploring the sights around the CBD that you might not have had time for on Day 1.
Day 7 – Venture to the Perth Hills
The Perth Hills is an underrated region that isn’t often on the itinerary of first-timers to Perth. However, only a short drive from the CBD, you’ll find brilliant local wineries and restaurants, serene hikes, gushing waterfalls and more.
There are so many things to do in the Perth Hills, and hiring a car is the best way to see them in a day. Otherwise, this Small-Group Bickley Valley Wine Tour is a great option that includes transport (although just note tours usually only run on weekends).
Other things to do in the Perth Hills include:
- Stroll along the Mundaring Weir and go for a bush walk to South Ledge Lookout
- Visit Lesmurdie Falls and hike to the base of the falls (best in winter and spring)
- Enjoy lunch at one of the Perth Hills cideries
- In autumn, visit Raeburn Orchards to see the stunning autumn foliage
- Go for a wine tasting at a boutique winery (Fairbrossen is one of my favourites)
- Watch the sunset from the Zig Zag Scenic Drive
- Immerse yourself in nature at the beautiful Araluen Botanic Park – if you visit in spring you might be able to visit the stunning Tulip Festival
- Pack a picnic and go for a hike on one of the many trails in John Forrest National Park
Alternative Option: Drive to Margaret River
Consider spending a couple of nights in the Margaret River Region exploring the many wineries, natural attractions and stunning beaches in the area. It is a 3-hour drive from Perth to Margaret River, so it’s worth spending at least two nights.
For more ideas on things to do in the Margaret River Region, check out my guide here.
It is possible to visit on a day trip on an organised tour from Perth, seeing the main sights like Busselton Jetty, an underground cave and a brewery visit. It’s a long day, but at least someone else is doing the driving, meaning you can sit back and relax!
Final Thoughts – Complete Itinerary Perth
That wraps up this complete guide to the ultimate Perth itinerary with options for 3, 5 and 7 days Perth itineraries. I hope you are as excited to explore Perth as I am about sharing the wonders of my hometown with you!
Whether you have 3 days or 7 days in Perth (or anything in between), with this detailed guide you’re guaranteed to have a blast. If you have any questions, feel free to join our WA Road Trips Facebook Group and ask them there!
Make sure to check out my other Perth and Western Australia guides to help plan your trip, and happy adventuring!
Plan your Perth adventures:
- 15 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Mandurah
- 23 Ideas for the Best Day Trips from Perth
- Perth to the Pinnacles: How to Plan the Ultimate Day Trip
- 25 Top Things To Do on Rottnest Island
- Rottnest Island Day Trip: Perfect One Day Itinerary
Where to Stay in Perth:
- Best Places to Stay in Perth – Picked by a Local
- Cool Off in the 15 Best Perth Hotels with a Pool
- 15 Top Luxury Accommodation Perth Picks
Road Trips from Perth:
- 7 Must-See Stops on a Perth to Margaret River Road Trip
- Perth to the Pinnacles: How to Plan the Ultimate Day Trip
- Exploring WA’s Wildflower Country: A Road Trip to Coalseam
- An Epic Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip Itinerary
- Ultimate Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Itinerary
- Ultimate Perth to Esperance Road Trip Guide
- Best of South West WA: One Week Road Trip Itinerary
Hey! I have found your blog SO helpful in planning my honeymoon to Australia, specifically our time in Perth and Rottnest Island. Thank you so much! I have one question maybe you can help with, do you know if there is anywhere reliable we can store our bags for a few hours while we check out Fremantle? We are planning to spend our last few days in Rottnest and would love to check out Fremantle as a pitstop on our way to the airport. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Hi Bre! So glad to hear my guides have been useful – your honeymoon sounds like it will be incredible! If you are staying in a hotel in Fremantle, they should be able to keep your luggage for the day. Any longer, there is daily locker hire available at the Fremantle Visitors Centre https://www.visitfremantle.com.au/fremantle-visitor-centre
Thank you for the post! I’m just finishing up my trip to Perth and mostly followed your 5-day guide. So helpful to get all the tips on what to see and do!
Hi Laura, that’s awesome and I’m so pleased to hear my guide was useful! What has been your trip highlight?
I feel like i struck gold when i found your website!
This is perfect for planning my upcoming 2 week trip to Perth in late May-early Jun.
Thank you so much!
Thanks for your kind comment, and for reading my articles! Glad to help, hope you have a great trip!