Western Australia, south-west · Australia
The sunniest capital in Australia, with white-sand beaches, a huge city park and a port town of markets, and, three hours south, a coast of surf breaks, caves and world-class wine.
Photo: Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0
Perth is the capital of Western Australia and one of the most isolated major cities in the world, closer to Jakarta than to Sydney. It sits on the Swan River, with the Indian Ocean coast just to the west, and has a Mediterranean climate with more sunshine than any other Australian capital. It grew rich on gold and mining, and it is a relaxed, prosperous and outdoorsy city of about two million people.
Its centrepiece is Kings Park, a 400-hectare park with bushland, botanic gardens and a view over the city and river, and it is easy to reach beaches such as Cottesloe and Scarborough by train and bus. Fremantle, at the mouth of the river, has a historic port, a convict prison listed by UNESCO, a market and a lively food and music scene. Off the coast, Rottnest Island is home to the quokka, the small, smiling marsupial.
The wider south-west is superb. Margaret River, three hours south, is one of Australia's premier wine regions, with cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, caves, tall forests and surf breaks along a rugged coast. Perth is a good base for a few days of road tripping, and many visitors use it as a stop between the east coast and Asia.
Why visit
Perth and Margaret River show a sunnier, more relaxed side of Australia.
Long white beaches facing the Indian Ocean, with sunsets over the water.
One of the world's largest inner-city parks, with wildflowers and views.
Cycle round a car-free island with beaches and friendly marsupials.
Cellar doors, caves, forests and surf on a rugged coast.
A historic port with markets, pubs and heritage buildings.
Main attractions
The city sights can be covered in two days, and Margaret River rewards a couple of nights.
A vast park above the city, with the Federation Walkway through the treetops, lookouts and native gardens, and spectacular wildflowers in spring.
Tip Go for sunrise or sunset.
Perth's favourite city beach, with white sand, clear water, a pub above the sand and sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
Tip Swim between the flags.
A port town with Victorian buildings, a heritage market, Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO convict site, and a lively cafe and brewery scene.
Tip Go on a weekend for the market.
A car-free island 19 km offshore, reached by ferry from Fremantle or Perth, where you can cycle around beaches and coves and see quokkas. Do not feed or touch them.
Tip Take a day trip, or stay overnight.
More than 100 wineries between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, known for cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, with cellar doors, restaurants and forest.
Tip Hire a driver for tastings.
A timber jetty extending about 1.8 km into Geographe Bay, one of the longest in the world, with a small train and an underwater observatory.
Tip Walk or take the train.
The lighthouse at the corner where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet, at the south-west tip of the continent.
Tip Go for the view.
Things to do
Perth mixes city, beach and wine country, with time on the coast.
A 22-km circuit of beaches, bays and viewpoints, with quokkas.
Tip Rent a bike at the ferry.
Visit cellar doors, restaurants and breweries.
Tip Book tastings or a tour.
Lake Cave, Jewel Cave and Mammoth Cave are in the region.
Tip Check the tours.
A local ritual, with a drink.
Tip Arrive early.
Thousands of limestone spires in Nambung National Park, about 2 hours north.
Tip Go at sunset.
August to October, the state is covered with wildflowers.
Tip Kings Park is an easy place to see them.
Local food
Perth's food scene is fresh and outdoorsy, with seafood, produce and wine.
Western rock lobster, or crayfish, is a local delicacy.
Where to try it Fremantle and coastal restaurants.
Cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and semillon sauvignon blanc.
Where to try it Cellar doors and restaurants.
A strong local brewing scene, particularly in Fremantle.
Where to try it Breweries in Fremantle and Margaret River.
Fresh fish and chips at the harbour.
Where to try it Fremantle's Fishing Boat Harbour.
Cheese, olive oil and chocolate from farms.
Where to try it Margaret River farm gates.
Accommodation
Stay in Perth's centre or Fremantle, and choose a base near Margaret River.
Transport
Perth is a long way from everywhere, and is reached by air.
Perth has good public transport, and a car is needed for the south-west.
When to go
Perth has hot dry summers and mild wet winters. Spring and autumn are best.
Warm and sunny, with wildflowers and whales.
Hot and dry, with sea breezes and beach weather.
Warm and settled, the wine harvest.
Cool and wet, with fewer visitors.
Worth planning around: Extremely hot days in January and February.
Itinerary
Perth and Fremantle, Rottnest Island, and two days in the south-west.
The park and the river.
History and markets.
Quokkas and beaches.
Wine country.
Caves and coast.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan Western Australia.
FAQ
Two or three days for Perth and Fremantle, plus two for Margaret River.
Yes, for the quokkas, beaches and cycling. A day trip is enough.
September to November and March to April.
It is a long day of about 6 hours' driving. An overnight stay is better.
No. It is illegal to touch or feed them, and they are wild animals.
Yes, generally. Usual city precautions apply.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Perth, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
New South Wales, east coast, Australia
Australia's largest city: the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, the Botanic Garden, Bondi and Manly beaches, cliff walks, ferries and a lively food and café scene.
Don't miss A ferry across the harbour at sunset, with the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge lit gold behind you.
Explore Destination — SydneyVictoria, south-east Australia, Australia
A sophisticated city of coffee culture, street art, grand Victorian architecture, galleries, markets and sport, with day trips to the Yarra Valley, Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Road.
Don't miss Wandering the laneways with a flat white in hand, from Hosier Lane's murals to the hidden cafés behind Flinders Street.
Explore Destination — MelbourneNorthern Territory, tropical north, Australia
Australia's largest national park, a UNESCO site for both nature and culture, with Ubirr and Nourlangie rock art, Yellow Water cruises, Jim Jim Falls and Litchfield, reached from Darwin.
Don't miss Sunset from Ubirr, looking over the floodplains after a walk past thousands of years of rock art.
Explore Destination — Kakadu and the Top EndRead next
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