First Time in Perth? Here’s What You Actually Need to Know
Perth is often overlooked by many international travellers in favour of New South Wales and Queensland on the east coast. But those who make the journey to Western Australia are usually pleasantly surprised.
With beautiful beaches, plenty of sunshine, fantastic food, and easy access to nature, it offers a different side of Australia that you won’t find anywhere else.
However, Perth is one of the most isolated cities in the world. The nearest major city to it is Adelaide, roughly 2100 km away. So, if you’re visiting it for the first time, here are a few things to know before you arrive.
Is Perth Worth Visiting?
First things first, let’s get one thing clear. Perth is definitely worth putting on your travel bucket list!
Famously known as “The City of Lights”, it is renowned for its pristine white-sand Indian Ocean beaches, incredible urban nature, and award-winning wineries. Arguably, its most appealing quality is its lifestyle. You’ll find beautiful beaches close to the city centre, spacious parks, including King’s Park, which is bigger than Central Park in New York, and excellent dining options.
You’ll also get to contend with much fewer crowds than on the other side of Australia, and there are plenty of tourist attractions and activities you can do.
How Many Days Do You Need in Perth?
Really, the more time you have available to spend in Perth, the better. But as a minimum, four to five days is ideal for most visitors. This gives you enough time to really explore the city centre. It also enables you to spend some quality time at Kings Park, enjoy a day in Fremantle, and take a trip to Rottnest Island.
If you are into sports, you can even watch the West Coast Eagles play at the magnificent Optus Stadium during the AFL season, or a test match or a Sheffield Shield game during the cricket season.
For those with a full week available, you’ll be able to include day trips to places such as Swan Valley, The Pinnacles, or beyond if you hire a vehicle. Here is some more information about Perth CBD car rentals.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Perth?
The great thing about Perth is that it enjoys a Mediterranean climate. This means it has warm summers and mild winters, making the city an ideal destination to visit year-round.
Many people consider spring to be the best time to visit Perth because the temperatures are more comfortable then. There are also plenty of wildflowers in bloom throughout Western Australia during this time, which is quite spectacular.
The summer months, of course, are perfect for beach lovers, although the mercury can soar into the high 30s. Autumn and winter are popular times for people from the colder climes of New Zealand and the southern states of Australia to visit the city.
No matter when you choose to visit, make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen. The UV rating can be quite high here. In fact, much stronger than many visitors expect. Here is how you can protect yourself from it.
Where Should You Stay in Perth?
For first-time visitors, your best bet is probably to stay in the Perth CBD. It might be a little more expensive to do that than if you based yourself in the suburbs. But it is usually the most convenient option.
If you do stay in this area, you’ll be close to major attractions, public transport, restaurants, and shopping precincts. This should make it easy to explore the city without spending too much time travelling.
Should you want to stay a little bit further out, Fremantle is a great choice. It is located about 30 minutes from the city centre and offers a more historic, coastal atmosphere than Perth. Visitors here should enjoy its heritage architecture, local markets, and waterfront dining.
Elsewhere, beach lovers may prefer suburbs such as Scarborough, while families often enjoy the quieter surroundings of South Perth. Wherever you stay, you should find several accommodation options, including hotels, holiday rentals and Airbnbs. You are recommended to book as far in advance of your visit as possible.
How Do You Get Around Perth?
You’ll be pleased to read that Perth has a reliable public transport network that includes trains, buses, and ferries. Indeed, if you’re staying in the city centre, many of the main Perth attractions can be reached without needing a vehicle.
That said, public transport becomes less prevalent once you venture beyond the central city. Therefore, as many of Western Australia’s most popular attractions are located outside the CBD, you might want to hire a car.
What Are the Must-See Attractions in Perth?
There is plenty to see and do in Perth, but Kings Park should be near the top of every visitor’s list. As one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, it offers spectacular views across the skyline and Swan River. There are also plenty of walking trails, picnic areas, and beautiful gardens you can enjoy.
Another great destination to head to is Elizabeth Quay. It boasts a lovely waterfront location with public artwork, restaurants, and walking paths, making it a great place to spend a few hours.
No trip to Perth would be complete without mentioning Fremantle. This historic port city combines fascinating history, excellent food, vibrant markets, and a relaxed atmosphere that many visitors love. Those into street art should head to Prince Lane.
If you fancy a day trip, Rottnest Island is your best bet. Known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear water, and friendly quokkas, this beautiful destination attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
How Expensive Is Perth for Visitors?
Like most Australian capitals, Perth isn’t a budget destination. But it doesn’t have to be excessively expensive either.
Your main expense will likely be accommodation, the amount of which depends on where you want to stay and when you want to visit Perth. So, you should look out for cheap deals before you arrive to minimise your costs.
Food and drink costs are generally similar to those found in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. However, you can pick up some great lunchtime and early bird dinner deals. Prices at local tourist attractions can also be high, so it’s a good idea to do as many free activities as possible to keep your costs down.
*This is a collaborative post
