by Perth, Australia, is the capital of the western part of the country. And Perth is definitely worth a visit! Like all other Australian cities, Perth is also located by the sea. That means there are plenty of beautiful, white beaches to enjoy. But Perth also has a lot to offer in terms of culinary and cultural experiences. Besides a range of festivals, you can leisurely explore a different brewery or winery every day and discover one of the many parks and lakes. Plenty to do, see, and experience. Here are 10 Perth attractions for you!
Swan Valley: Culinary Delight
Swan Valley is an absolute must during your stay in Perth. It’s probably the most famous attraction in Perth, and for good reason. Okay, Margaret River might have a bit more character and choice when it comes to vineyards, but Swan Valley is a fantastic place to start (and perhaps also end) your culinary journey through Western Australia. The valley boasts various vineyards and breweries where you can visit with a hop-on-hop-off bus. Of course, you can also drive through the vineyards with your rental car, but make sure to strictly adhere to the permitted alcohol intake, as there are strict alcohol controls. A recommendation is to visit Feral Brewery for a beer tasting, then head to Olive Farm Wines for a wine tasting, and wrap up the afternoon at The Cheese Barrel for a delightful cheese platter with wine or a local beer.
Shopping in Subiaco or CBD
If you’re looking for trendy boutiques, Subiaco is a great district to browse around in for a morning or afternoon. By enjoying lunch or a coffee stop at one of the many hip cafes, you can nicely alternate a day of shopping with delicious food. If you’re looking for well-known major retail chains, the CBD (Central Business District) is a good place for an afternoon of shopping and people-watching. From the CBD, you can easily walk to Elizabeth Quay, a waterfront area where you can stroll around or enjoy a terrace.
Visit Perth’s Lakes and Parks
Australians are true outdoor enthusiasts, and their homeland is perfect for any outdoor activity. What’s great about Perth is that there are plenty of parks and lakes to visit for beautiful walks, jogging, or simply hanging out. Bring a picnic blanket and some snacks and drinks for a perfect morning or afternoon. Lake Monger is a recommendation, where you can walk around the water for 3.5 kilometers. The facilities in the parks and around the lakes are top-notch; public toilets are well-maintained, and you’ll find water taps with drinking water everywhere.
Attend a Festival in Perth, Australia
Perth, Australia, is bursting with festivals and activities. Every weekend, there are cool things to do. From stand-up comedians to cozy concerts in the parks, to culinary festivals and everything in between. It pays off to check Perth’s festival website before you leave to see which events are happening during your stay.
Visit Perth’s Beaches, including the popular Cottesloe Beach
Perth has many beaches, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any choice. All beaches have beautiful white sand and the sea is crystal clear blue everywhere. The most popular beach is Cottesloe Beach. Cottesloe Beach is over a kilometer long and is located between Perth and Fremantle. You can easily reach it by bus and it tends to get quite crowded. If you want to visit a more secluded beach, Trigg Beach is a good option. There are no buses going there, and you’ll mostly find locals and surfers.
Top Attraction in Perth: Kings Park and Botanic Gardens
Kings Park and its Botanic Gardens are a must-see attraction in Perth. The park is one of the largest city parks in the world. From Kings Park, you have an incredibly beautiful view over Swan River and the Perth city center, perfect for taking a beautiful photo of Perth. In Kings Park itself, you can easily spend a few hours. There are various monuments, such as war memorials, but also a memorial for those who died in Kuta, Bali, in 2002 and 2005. When walking the paths in the park, you enter the botanic gardens where you’ll find information boards about Australian flora and fauna everywhere. Occasionally, a Kookaburra flies over your head, and benches are placed everywhere to rest and enjoy the serenity. Near the Kings Park Visitors Centre, you’ll find a stage where concerts are regularly held. If you’re a music lover, it’s worth checking the schedule to see if there’s a nice concert during your stay.
Visit Fremantle
Perth is divided by locals into two parts: the area north of the river and the area south of the river. South of the Swan River lies the suburb of Fremantle, an extension of Perth where everything feels a bit more local and smaller. Along the Cappuccino Strip, you’ll find plenty of charming bars, restaurants, and cafes where you can enjoy a cozy evening out. Be sure to visit the ‘Little Creatures’ brewery in the harbor during sunset. It’s the perfect setting for a sunset dinner.
Cheese Dinner at Hobart Deli
Twice a month on a Thursday evening, you can book a delicious cheese dinner at Hobart Deli. For 30 AUD, you’ll get 3 courses, with the main course consisting of 3 delightful cheeses. The day before the dinner, you’ll receive an email with a list of cheeses and wine recommendations. Since the deli does not have an alcohol license, no alcoholic beverages are served. However, you’re welcome to bring your own wine or other alcoholic drinks. Hobart Deli is part of the cheese and wine club. The dinners are extremely popular, so booking in advance is highly recommended.
Rottnest Island: Island Life
18 kilometers west of Fremantle and a short half-hour ferry ride from the mainland, you’ll find Rottnest Island. Here, you can enjoy the perfect island life! If you have more time, you can also stay overnight on the island. However, you should make your hotel reservation well in advance, as availability is limited. Rottnest Island is especially known for its Quokkas, small marsupials resembling a cat-sized kangaroo. Quokkas are found only on Rottnest Island, making them the island’s main attraction. Moreover, the beaches of Rottnest Island are stunningly beautiful, and the island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike, bike, and engage in various water sports activities.
Fish and Chips
Just as easily as ordering Chinese takeout or fries from a snack bar in the Netherlands, the quick meal of choice in Australia is fish and chips. Most restaurants offer fish and chips on their menu, but it’s most enjoyable to order from a genuine fish and chips shop. Simple, quick, and very tasty!
Perth, with its vibrant blend of culinary delights, scenic landscapes, and cultural richness, offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor. From the picturesque Swan Valley to the lively streets of Fremantle and the serene shores of Rottnest Island, each attraction adds a unique flavor to your journey. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, indulging in gourmet delights, or soaking in the natural beauty, Perth promises to captivate with its charm and diversity. So, pack your bags, immerse yourself in this coastal gem, and create memories that will linger long after your journey ends. Perth awaits, ready to enchant and inspire you. Safe travels!
