Perth is one of the world's most isolated big cities, and it has made the most of it. The capital of Western Australia sits on the banks of the Swan River, known to the Whadjuk Noongar people as Derbarl Yerrigan, with the Indian Ocean on one side and the Darling Range on the other. Expect long sunny days, beaches where the sun sets over the sea, a vast inner-city park and an easygoing outdoor lifestyle.
Enjoy Perth is an independent guide to the city and its surrounds. We explain what each place is like, how to get there, how long to allow and how to visit well, using official sources and reputable references. We are not a government or tourism body, and we always point you to official sources for opening hours, prices and timetables.
400 ha
Kings Park
One of the world's largest inner-city parks
19 km²
Rottnest Island
Car-free, with quokkas
1829
Fremantle settled
Historic port city
Where to start
Things to do in the city
Start at Kings Park for the best free view of the city and river. Then head down to Elizabeth Quay and the city for riverside walks, ferries, galleries and Northbridge's restaurants. Plan around Perth's festivals, discover free things to do and learn about getting around Perth. Read our things to do guide.
Beaches and outdoors
Perth's west-facing coast offers beaches for every taste, from the pines and calm water of Cottesloe to the surf of Scarborough. East of the city, the Perth Hills and John Forrest National Park bring bushwalks, granite and winter waterfalls. Read our beaches and outdoors guide.
Day trips
Catch the ferry to Rottnest Island for turquoise bays and quokkas, take the train to historic Fremantle, sip and snack your way around the Swan Valley or drive north to the otherworldly Pinnacles. Read our day trips guide.
How to choose
| If you want | Try | Allow |
|---|---|---|
| A free city view | Kings Park | 1–3 hours |
| A swim and a sunset | Cottesloe Beach | Half a day |
| Quokkas and clear water | Rottnest Island | Full day |
| History, markets and cafes | Fremantle | Half to full day |
| Food and wine | Swan Valley | Half a day |
| An unforgettable landscape | The Pinnacles | Full day |
| A bushwalk | Perth Hills | Half a day |
| City life and nightlife | Elizabeth Quay and Northbridge | Evening |
Use the day planner below to match an outing to your mood and the time you have.
Perth in three days
Day one: Start with sunrise at Kings Park, then walk down to the city. Explore the Perth Cultural Centre, lunch by the river at Elizabeth Quay and catch the ferry to South Perth. Finish with dinner in Northbridge.
Day two: Take an early ferry to Rottnest Island. Cycle to the bays, snorkel, look for quokkas and return in the evening.
Day three: Take the train to Fremantle for the markets, prison and Cappuccino Strip. In the afternoon, swim at Cottesloe and stay for the sunset.
With more time, add the Swan Valley, the Perth Hills or a long day trip to the Pinnacles.
Planning tips
- Respect the sun. Perth's UV levels are high for much of the year. Wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, and carry water.
- Swim between the flags. Check Beachsafe for patrolled beaches and SharkSmart for alerts.
- Use public transport. Transperth trains, buses and ferries reach the city, Fremantle and many beaches. Free central-area buses run in the CBD.
- Book ahead in summer. Rottnest ferries, accommodation and festival shows fill up quickly in peak season.
- Check fire danger in summer. Check Emergency WA for warnings before bushwalking.
- Check official sources. Opening hours, prices and timetables change.
Seasons and weather
Perth has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Summer, from December to February, brings hot days, cooling afternoon sea breezes and the festival season. Autumn is settled and mild. Winter, from June to August, is the wettest season, with green bushland and waterfalls flowing in the hills. Spring, from September to November, brings wildflowers, the Kings Park Festival and pleasant temperatures. Check the Bureau of Meteorology for forecasts.
Getting around
Transperth runs Perth's trains, buses and ferries. Trains connect the city with Fremantle, Cottesloe, the airport and Guildford, the gateway to the Swan Valley. Buses reach Kings Park and the beaches, and ferries cross the river to South Perth. Ferries to Rottnest leave from Fremantle, Perth and Hillarys. See our getting around guide.
Respecting Country
Perth is on Whadjuk Noongar Country. Many places have Noongar names: the Swan River is Derbarl Yerrigan, Fremantle is Walyalup, Rottnest Island is Wadjemup, Cottesloe is Mudurup and Lake Monger is Galup. Learning about these names and their history adds depth to any visit. We encourage visitors to seek out Aboriginal-led tours and cultural experiences.
About this guide
We rebuilt enjoyperth.com.au in 2026 as an independent visitor guide. The domain once hosted a Perth events directory; that service no longer operates, and we are not connected with it. Every page is written from scratch and based on official sources such as Transperth, the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, the Parks and Wildlife Service and festival organisers, plus reputable references. We list sources on every guide and show when each page was last checked. Read about us and our editorial policy.
