By air
Perth Airport (PER), ~12 km
Australia & New Zealand · Australia
Perth, Australia
Sunny beaches and the gateway to the west
Getting there
Best time to visit
September to November and March to May — warm, not scorching
Don't miss
Kings Park
Cottesloe Beach
Fremantle
Elizabeth Quay
Things to do
Kings Park at sunset
Cottesloe Beach
Fremantle's markets
Swan Valley wineries
Where to eat
Sources: Photo: Samuel Wiki · CC BY 4.0
What to pack
Swimwear, strong sun protection
A quieter corner
Rottnest Island's quokkas, a ferry ride away
Questions travellers ask
When is Perth at its best?
September to November and March to May — warm, not scorching. Pack swimwear and strong sun protection.
What should I do in Perth?
Watch the sunset from Kings Park, head to Cottesloe Beach, browse Fremantle's markets and visit the Swan Valley wineries. Elizabeth Quay is worth a stroll too.
Can I see quokkas near Perth?
Yes — Rottnest Island's quokkas are a ferry ride away.
What's good to eat in Perth?
Fish and chips in Fremantle, and produce from the Swan Valley.
About Perth
- Coastal
- Riverside
Where it is
Perth is the capital of Western Australia, spread along the Swan River near its mouth on the Indian Ocean, with the Darling Scarp rising to the east and the port city of Fremantle at the river mouth.
History
The Whadjuk Noongar people have lived beside the Swan River, which they call Derbarl Yerrigan, for many thousands of years. The British founded the Swan River Colony in 1829, and Perth grew slowly until gold was discovered inland in the 1890s. Mining booms since the mid-20th century have made it one of Australia's fastest-growing cities.
People
Perth's people speak English, and the city has large communities born in Britain, South Africa, India, New Zealand and South-East Asia. The Whadjuk Noongar keep their culture strong through language, art and Welcome to Country ceremonies, and outdoor life at the beaches and on the river is central to the city.
Known for
- Kings Park and its views over the city
- Sunsets over the Indian Ocean at Cottesloe
- Fremantle's markets and heritage port
- Swan Valley wineries
- Rottnest Island's quokkas
Did you know?
Perth is one of the most isolated major cities in the world, closer to Jakarta than to Sydney.
We haven't written a guide for this place yet — you can still plan a trip here.