Looking for what to do in Perth Australia in 2026? You’re in for a treat! Perth is capturing hearts worldwide as one of Australia’s most exciting destinations, and I can tell you from 20 years managing tours across this incredible city—it’s hitting its stride like never before.
Perth blends sun-soaked beaches with urban energy, world-class wine regions within 25 minutes of the CBD, and those famous quokka selfies on Rottnest Island. In my experience coordinating trips through Astamb Holidays, Perth consistently surprises travelers who expect just another Australian city. Instead, they discover a Mediterranean-style paradise that’s both laid-back and thrilling.
This guide covers everything: itineraries, hidden gems, practical costs, and insider secrets you won’t find in generic guides. Whether you’re planning a 3-day city escape or a 5-day adventure through Perth’s surrounding wonders, you’ll get actionable advice from someone who’s actually navigated these streets, beaches, and wine valleys countless times.
🌟 Is Perth, Australia Worth Visiting?
Yes, absolutely—Perth is worth visiting in 2026. The city offers Australia’s best weather (300+ sunny days annually), stunning beaches minutes from downtown, and a quality-of-life vibe that Sydney and Melbourne can’t match.
Perth consistently ranks high in global livability indexes. The Mediterranean climate means hot, dry summers (December-February) and mild winters, making it perfect for year-round exploration. Unlike the east coast’s crowded tourist circuits, Perth feels spacious and accessible.
What makes Perth special in 2026? New luxury hotels like the Hyde Perth (opening March 2026), the Perth Sky Sculpture Park (spring 2026), and expanded direct flights from Europe via Rome-Perth services make it more connected than ever. The city’s investing heavily in cultural precincts, with the WA Museum Boola Bardip and renovated waterfront areas transforming the urban experience.
From managing tour groups, I’ve noticed Perth appeals to travelers seeking authenticity over Instagram-perfect scenes. The locals are genuinely friendly, the pace is relaxed, and you can actually afford a decent meal near the beach—something becoming rare in Australian cities.
🏖️ What is Perth Best Known For?
Perth is famous for three things: pristine coastline, the Swan River, and Rottnest Island’s quokkas.
The Coast: Perth’s 19 beaches stretch along the Indian Ocean, offering some of Australia’s cleanest sand and clearest water. Cottesloe Beach draws families and swimmers, while Scarborough Beach attracts surfers and sunset chasers. You can watch the sun sink into the ocean—a rarity in Australia where most major cities face east.
Swan River: This natural waterway curves through the city, creating recreational spaces and stunning viewpoints. The river connects Perth to Fremantle and provides ferry routes, cycling paths, and waterfront dining from Elizabeth Quay to Matilda Bay.
Quokka Island: Rottnest Island sits 18 kilometers offshore, home to the world’s happiest-looking marsupials. The car-free island features 63 beaches, crystal-clear snorkeling spots, and cycling routes around a landscape that feels untouched by time.
Perth’s emerging coffee and nightlife culture rivals Melbourne’s. Northbridge, the entertainment district, pulses with small bars, live music venues, and diverse restaurants. The wine regions—especially Swan Valley—produce world-class wines just 25 minutes from the city center.
🎯 Best Things to Do in Perth Australia — Top Attractions
🌳 Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Kings Park: Australia’s Largest Inner-City Green Space
Kings Park covers 400 hectares (bigger than New York’s Central Park) and sits just 1.5 kilometers from Perth’s CBD. This isn’t just a park—it’s a conservation area with 267 hectares of native bushland.
What to see:
- 750-year-old Gija Jumulu boab tree at Two Rivers Lookout
- Western Australian Botanic Garden with 3,000+ native plant species
- Lotterywest Federation Walkway for treetop views
- State War Memorial with panoramic city vistas
- Free guided walks daily at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm
Entry is completely FREE. The spring wildflower display (September-November) transforms the gardens into a kaleidoscope of colors—over 12,000 species bloom during this period. I recommend arriving early morning when kangaroos occasionally hop through the bushland sections.
Getting there: Take the free Route 935 bus or Blue CAT from Perth CBD. Parking is free for up to 4 hours.
Rottnest Island: Quokka Selfies and Pristine Beaches
Rottnest Island (locals call it “Rotto”) is Western Australia’s most photographed destination thanks to quokkas—small marsupials with permanent “smiles.” The island operates entirely car-free, perfect for cycling between hidden coves and snorkel spots.
Ferry options:
- From Fremantle: 25-30 minutes, $86-175 adult return
- From Perth (Barrack Street): 90 minutes, $130-260 adult return
- From Hillarys Boat Harbour: 45 minutes
Book ferries through Rottnest Express, SeaLink, or Rottnest Fast Ferries. I always recommend the Fremantle departure—it’s faster and you can explore Fremantle before or after your island adventure.
Top activities:
- Bike rental ($30-40 per day) to explore the 25-kilometer road network
- Snorkeling at The Basin with tropical fish and shipwrecks
- Quokka spotting (they approach humans but don’t feed them!)
- Wadjemup Lighthouse for sunset views
- Pink Lake salt flats for unique photos
Pack your own snacks—island food prices run high. Rent snorkel gear on the mainland to save money.
Cottesloe & Scarborough Beaches: Where Perth Lives
Cottesloe Beach is Perth’s postcard-perfect swimming spot. The protected bay offers calm water, grassy terraces for picnics, and the iconic Indiana Tea House restaurant perched on the sand. Families love the gentle waves and lifeguard patrols.
Scarborough Beach underwent a $100 million redevelopment and now features modern facilities, surf breaks, and a bustling promenade. The amphitheater hosts free concerts during summer, and the restaurants along the esplanade serve everything from fish and chips to fine dining.
Pro tip: Visit Cottesloe for swimming and sunset photos. Choose Scarborough for surfing lessons ($60-80 for 2 hours) and the vibrant beach club atmosphere.
AQWA: Journey Through Australia’s Largest Aquarium
The Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) at Hillarys Boat Harbour showcases marine life from Western Australia’s 12,000-kilometer coastline. The star attraction is the 98-meter underwater tunnel where you glide on a conveyor belt beneath 3 million liters of seawater, watching giant sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles swim overhead.
Entry fees (2026):
- Adults: $34-37
- Children (3-15): $20-25
- Family passes available
Highlights:
- Touch Pool for starfish and sea cucumbers
- Danger Zone with venomous creatures
- Glass-bottom boat ride ($30 extra)
- Turtle Rescue Centre
Open 9am-4pm daily. Budget 2-3 hours for a complete visit. The on-site cafe serves lunch with harbor views.
🎨 Cultural & Urban Experiences
Perth Cultural Centre: Where Art Meets History
The Perth Cultural Centre in Northbridge brings together several world-class institutions in one walkable precinct:
WA Museum Boola Bardip (“many stories” in Noongar language) opened in 2020 as a state-of-the-art museum exploring Western Australia’s natural and cultural history. The dinosaur exhibits, Aboriginal heritage displays, and interactive galleries make it Perth’s must-see cultural attraction. Entry is FREE.
Art Gallery of Western Australia houses extensive Aboriginal art collections and rotating international exhibitions. Free entry, open 10am-5pm (closed Tuesdays).
Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) showcases cutting-edge visual and performance art in a converted heritage building.
I always tell visitors to spend a morning here—the concentration of culture saves time and the outdoor spaces between buildings buzz with food trucks and events.
Fremantle Markets: Heritage, Handicrafts & Hungry Crowds
Fremantle Markets, established in 1897, occupies a stunning Victorian-era building packed with 150+ stalls. The sensory overload starts immediately—coffee aromas mixing with fresh bread, buskers playing acoustic sets, and stallholders calling out specials on artisan cheeses.
Open: Friday-Sunday and public holidays, 9am-6pm (Yard opens 8am)
What you’ll find:
- Fresh produce: organic vegetables, honey, nuts, artisan breads
- Handmade crafts: jewelry, leather goods, ceramics
- International food court with cuisines from 20+ countries
- Vintage clothing and antiques
- Local art and photography
Budget 1-2 hours for browsing. The adjacent E-Shed Markets on the waterfront offer additional shopping and dining. Take the train from Perth Station to Fremantle Station (30 minutes, $3-5) using a SmartRider card.
Swan River Cruise & Elizabeth Quay: Perth’s Urban Oasis
Elizabeth Quay transformed Perth’s waterfront in 2016 into a pedestrian-friendly precinct with public art, playgrounds, and waterfront restaurants. The BHP Water Park provides free water play for kids, while the pedestrian bridge offers views of the city skyline.
Swan River cruises depart from Barrack Street Jetty, offering:
- 90-minute city sightseeing cruises ($30-40)
- Sunset dinner cruises ($80-120)
- Ferry to South Perth for zoo visits ($7-10)
The river sparkles at sunset when Perth’s skyscrapers catch golden light. Many cruises include commentary on Perth’s history and Aboriginal cultural significance.
🍷 Taste, Nightlife & Local Districts
Northbridge: After-Dark Energy
Northbridge, immediately north of Perth CBD, transforms into the city’s entertainment hub after sunset. William Street and James Street pack in small bars, live music venues, Asian restaurants, and late-night eateries.
Hidden gems:
- Beaufort Street for quirky cafes and vintage shops
- Chinatown night markets on weekends
- Brass Monkey Hotel for pub atmosphere
- Underground jazz clubs and comedy venues
Most venues operate until midnight on weekends. Uber or taxi back to your accommodation—Perth’s public transport reduces frequency after 9pm.
Swan Valley: Wine Country 25 Minutes Away
Swan Valley ranks as one of the world’s closest wine regions to a capital city—just 25 minutes drive from Perth CBD. This historic area (established 1829) produces excellent Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, and fortified wines.
Top wineries:
- Sandalford Wines: Elegant restaurant, river views, wine cruises from Perth
- Olive Farm Wines: Western Australia’s oldest winery (192 years), 40+ wines to taste
- Faber Vineyard: Rustic setting, long lunches among wine barrels
- Edgecombe Brothers: Old-fashioned charm, fresh produce cafe
Most cellar doors charge $5-15 per tasting (redeemable on purchases). Many offer gourmet platters ($30-50) for sharing. Book winery tours ($90-150) that include 4-5 wineries, lunch, and transport.
Beyond wine, Swan Valley features craft breweries, chocolate factories (Margaret River Chocolate Company), The House of Honey meadery, and fresh produce markets.
⏰ Itineraries — Is 3 Days Enough in Perth?
Yes, 3 days covers Perth’s main attractions. No, it won’t cover Perth’s surrounding natural wonders.
For the city and immediate beaches, 3 days works perfectly. To experience the Pinnacles Desert, Rottnest Island overnight, and wine regions properly, aim for 5-7 days.
3-Day Classic Perth Itinerary
Day 1: City & Kings Park
- Morning: Explore Kings Park and Botanic Garden (2-3 hours)
- Lunch: Fraser’s Restaurant or picnic in the park
- Afternoon: Perth Cultural Centre museums
- Evening: Elizabeth Quay sunset, dinner at waterfront restaurants
Day 2: Rottnest Island
- Morning: 7:30am ferry from Fremantle (book ahead!)
- Full day: Bike rental, beach hopping, quokka photos, snorkeling
- Evening: Return ferry 4-5pm, explore Fremantle Markets if Friday-Sunday
Day 3: Fremantle & Beaches
- Morning: Fremantle Prison tour (UNESCO site, $20-30)
- Late morning: Fremantle Markets shopping
- Afternoon: Cottesloe Beach swim and sunset
- Evening: Northbridge for dinner and drinks
5-Day Extended Itinerary
Add Day 4: Swan Valley (wine tasting, chocolates, lunch at winery)
Add Day 5: Pinnacles Desert day trip (2 hours north, limestone formations, sandboarding at Lancelin)
Optional extras: Yanchep National Park (koalas), Caversham Wildlife Park (kangaroos, koalas), Margaret River (3-hour drive south).
🎯 What Not to Miss in Perth
Quick-hit must-dos that competitors miss:
✅ Jacob’s Ladder fitness challenge (242 steps) at dawn for city views
✅ Sunset from Cottesloe Beach groyne (the concrete pier)
✅ Gelato at Whisk Creamery in Northbridge
✅ Coffee culture tour along Beaufort Street
✅ Indigenous heritage walk at Kings Park (free guided tours)
✅ Little Creatures Brewery in Fremantle (great ales, pizza, harbor views)
✅ Perth Observatory stargazing tours ($25-35)
✅ Matilda Bay sunset kayaking on Swan River
✅ Weekend farmers markets: Subiaco, Fremantle, Perth City
Wahid’s local secret: The Two Rocks area north of Perth features secluded beaches and The Spot playground—a massive nautical-themed adventure park that locals guard jealously.
🚌 Practical Tips for Visiting Perth
📅 Best Time to Visit
September-November (Spring) is Perth’s sweet spot. Temperatures range 12-23°C (53-73°F), wildflowers carpet the landscape, and crowds stay manageable.
Spring advantages:
- Kings Park Wildflower Festival (September, 500,000+ visitors)
- Whale watching off the coast (females with calves return north)
- Perfect beach weather without scorching heat
- UV is high year-round—always wear sunscreen!
Summer (December-February) brings 30°C+ (86°F+) days perfect for beaches but intense for hiking. Peak tourist season means higher prices and busier attractions.
Autumn (March-May) offers warm days, cooler nights, and fewer tourists. Great for outdoor activities.
Winter (June-August) sees rain and cooler temperatures (8-19°C / 46-66°F), but accommodation prices drop significantly.
🚍 Transport Hacks
FREE CAT buses circle Perth CBD every 5-15 minutes on color-coded routes:
- Red CAT: East-West Perth
- Blue CAT: North-South (Kings Park to Northbridge)
- Yellow CAT: East-West loop
- Green CAT: Leederville to Elizabeth Quay
The Free Transit Zone (FTZ) covers Perth CBD—trains and regular buses within this area are completely free. Just board without tagging on.
SmartRider card ($10 deposit) offers discounted fares outside the FTZ. Perth Airport to city costs $4-5 with SmartRider versus $6 cash ticket.
Uber/taxi average $15-25 for CBD to beach suburbs.
Rental cars start at $40-60/day—recommended if visiting Swan Valley or Rottnest Island overnight.
☀️ Safety
Perth ranks as one of Australia’s safest cities. Standard precautions apply:
⚠️ UV levels extreme: Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen, hats, sunglasses. Australians say “slip, slop, slap” (slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat).
⚠️ Beach safety: Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags where lifeguards patrol. Perth beaches have strong rip currents.
⚠️ Wildlife: Sharks patrol Perth waters—beach closures happen occasionally. Follow lifeguard instructions. On land, snakes appear in bushland during summer.
⚠️ Hydration: Carry water bottles everywhere. Dehydration hits fast in Perth’s dry climate.
❓ FAQs — What to Do in Perth Australia
What’s the best beach near Perth?
Cottesloe Beach wins for families and swimming with its protected waters and facilities. Scarborough Beach suits surfers and those wanting a modern beach club vibe. For hidden gems, try Trigg Beach (locals’ favorite) or City Beach (free parking, calm water).
How do you get to Rottnest Island?
Ferries depart from Barrack Street Jetty (Perth CBD), B-Shed (Fremantle), and Hillarys Boat Harbour. Fremantle route is fastest at 25-30 minutes. Book online weeks ahead during summer (December-February) and school holidays. Prices: $86-260 return depending on departure point and season.
Is Perth good for kids/families?
Absolutely! Perth offers 19 beaches with calm swimming, Kings Park’s playgrounds (Rio Tinto Naturescape is incredible), Perth Zoo, AQWA aquarium, Adventure World theme park, and Caversham Wildlife Park (hand-feed kangaroos). Most attractions provide family packages and kids under 4 enter free at many venues.
What unique wildlife experiences can you do near Perth?
Rottnest Island for quokka selfies (ethical, non-invasive). Penguin Island (45 minutes south) features little penguin colonies and sea lions. Yanchep National Park (45 minutes north) has koala boardwalks. Caversham Wildlife Park offers wombat encounters and kangaroo feeding.
🆚 Perth vs Sydney vs Melbourne — Quick Comparison
| Feature | Perth | Sydney | Melbourne |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Relaxed, outdoorsy | Fast-paced, iconic | Artsy, cafe culture |
| Cost | $$ (moderate) | $$$ (expensive) | $$$ (expensive) |
| Crowds | Low-moderate | High | High |
| Beach access | 20 min from CBD | 30+ min from CBD | 60+ min from CBD |
| Wine regions | 25 min (Swan Valley) | 2-3 hours | 1 hour |
| Weather | Best year-round | Hot/humid summer | Variable/cool |
| Unique | Quokkas, sunsets | Harbor, Opera House | Laneways, sports |
Perth advantages: Better weather, less crowded, beach proximity, lower costs, authentic Australian experience without tourist traps.
Perth drawbacks: Remote (nearest major city 2,100km away), fewer international flights (improving in 2026), smaller nightlife scene than Sydney/Melbourne.
🎬 Conclusion
Perth deserves its rising reputation as Australia’s hidden gem—though calling it “hidden” feels increasingly inaccurate. This city delivers what travelers crave: pristine beaches where you can actually breathe, wine regions accessible during lunch breaks, wildlife encounters without zoo-like crowds, and a population that hasn’t been jaded by tourism (yet).
From organizing hundreds of Perth itineraries through Astamb Holidays, I’ve watched traveler expectations flip from “stopover city” to “dream destination.” The 2026 developments—Hyde Hotel, direct Rome flights, Perth Sky Sculpture Park—position Perth for major growth. Visit now before the secret spreads further.
What’s your favorite Perth spot? Drop a comment below! Planning a trip? Our team at Astamb Holidays specializes in Perth tours—from Swan Valley wine experiences to Rottnest Island camping packages. Let’s craft your perfect Western Australian adventure.
Ready to explore? Start planning today and discover why Perth captures travelers’ hearts again and again.
📚 References & Citations
This article is backed by authoritative sources, extensive research, and 20 years of travel industry experience:
- Tourism Western Australia – Official Perth Travel Guide: https://www.westernaustralia.com/
- Destination Perth – What’s New in 2026: https://www.destinationperth.com.au/
- Tourism Australia – Guide to Perth: https://www.australia.com/en/places/perth-and-surrounds/guide-to-perth.html
- Rottnest Island Authority – Ferry Information: https://www.rottnestisland.com/visit/getting-here/by-ferry
- Rottnest Express – Ferry Fares 2026: https://rottnestexpress.com.au/
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden – Official Site: https://www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/kings-park
- AQWA Aquarium – Tickets and Entry: https://www.aqwa.com.au/
- Transperth – CAT Bus Information: https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/
- Swan Valley – Wineries Guide: https://www.swanvalley.com.au/
- Fremantle Markets – Official Site: https://www.fremantlemarkets.com.au/
- Virgin Australia – Best Time to Visit Perth: https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/destinations/perth/
- WA Museum Boola Bardip: https://museum.wa.gov.au/
About the Author:
Wahid Ali is a seasoned travel professional and operations lead in the tourism industry with extensive experience in crafting travel experiences and destination insights. Based in Mumbai, he heads operations at Astamb Holidays, where he combines practical travel logistics expertise with engaging storytelling to help travelers explore hidden gems across India and beyond. His work blends expert travel planning with a passion for culturally rich and nature-oriented destinations. Connect with Wahid on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wahid-ali-2aa84022/
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