Top 10 things to do in Perth/Boorloo
With weather as welcoming as its friendly locals, Australia's sunniest capital city of Perth will light you up with its culture, cuisine and creativity. Framed by the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan) and literally nestled in nature, cosmopolitan Perth boasts 19 pristine beaches, Indian Ocean sunsets and a vibrant outdoor dining scene.
At just over seven hours, the flight to Perth goes quickly - after two movies and a meal, you're there.
Then you can throw yourself into exploring a city that's just emerged from a decade of exciting transformation.
Perth has freshly-reinvented urban precincts rich with new hotels, restaurants, bars and riverside public spaces; exquisite Indian Ocean beaches with gin-clear water and fine white sand; and fascinating natural attractions, like the Pinnacles, Wave Rock and the stunning Margaret River region that will inspire you to hit the highway for a road trip. Topping it all off is a warm climate that delivers more sunny days than any other city in Australia.
Check out our Top 10, to see what a Perth holiday has in store for you.
1. Explore Elizabeth Quay, Perth's waterfront playground
The possibilities for eating, drinking and accommodation are ever-expanding at Elizabeth Quay, the exciting city precinct between the CBD and the Swan River. You'll discover the best of Perth's urban riverside life, including fantastic outdoor art installations, a range of exciting dining options and stunning new hotels including the Ritz Carlton Perth and DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront.
2. Perth's island paradise – Rottnest Island/Wademup
With its 63 secluded white sandy beaches, it's easy to see why Perth locals proudly declare Rottnest Island their very own island paradise. Located just a short 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle or Hillarys, Rottnest Island is classified as a Class-A Reserve, and boasts and abundance of natural assets including some of Western Australia's best swimming, snorkelling and surfing beaches. Rottnest's A-Class Nature Reserve status means that there are almost no cars on the island, and many of the island's attractions focus on sustainable and inspirational holiday experiences with minimal environmental impact. The island's easy terrain and nearly 22km of cycle trails make exploring by bike a popular option.
Definitely in the shortlist for 'cutest animal on the planet', quokkas are hopping marsupials that are native to Rottnest Island. They're friendly and hugely photogenic. Just remember to follow the guidelines to protect the quokkas' safety.
3. Roam around the King of all parks
Kings Park/Kaarta Koomba is one of the largest inner-city green spaces in the world. It's where you can discover carpets of spring wildflowers, a 750-year-old boab tree, more than 70 bird species, and enough walking and biking routes to last for days.
4. Hang out in Fremantle
Arty, crafty (in the beer sense) and a bit boho, Fremantle/Walyalup is Perth's picturesque port town. In the ornate Georgian and Victorian buildings you'll find interesting boutiques, restaurants, bars and galleries. Bag a bargain at the popular Fremantle markets and sip a local beer at Little Creatures Brewery.
5. Sip a sundowner at Cottesloe Beach
Sunset drinks at beautiful Cottesloe Beach, known as 'Cott' to the locals, come with magnificent Indian Ocean views. Time your arrival for mid-afternoon, so that you can have a swim in the gloriously clear water before you find a beachside bar for a sundowner drink.
6. Taste wines in the Swan Valley
Just half an hour from the centre of Perth is the Swan Valley, a swathe of welcoming wine country that's ready to tempt you with cellar doors, winery restaurants, craft breweries and boutique distilleries (fancy a smoked gin?). Great for a day trip or stay a couple of nights.
7. Appreciate the street art
Western Australia's street art scene has its own special brand of creativity. Check out the always-changing wall murals near Wolf Lane in the city centre or around the historic streets of Fremantle.
8. Epicurean delights in the Margaret River region
Just three hours south of Perth, the Margaret River region offers world-class wine and fresh local produce. Here you'll also fine beautiful beaches, surfing spots, cave systems, tall tree forests, whale watching, wildflowers and outstanding epicurean experiences. Enjoy fresh marron, trout, venison, chocolates, cheeses, cherries, boutique beers and ciders as well as the rare black truffles.
9. Discover an alien landscape at the Pinnacles
Two hours north of Perth is a landscape that might as well be somewhere else in the galaxy. The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park is truly awe-inspiring. Huge shards of limestone rise vertically from a sea of ochre sand to deliver Instagram heaven.
10. Catch a wave made entirely from rock
More than 100 metres long and 15 metres high, Wave Rock looks exactly like a surfer's dream come true - except that it's made from solid granite. It took nature 2,700 million years to create this epic landform, but it will only take you about three and a half hours to drive there from Perth. There's accommodation nearby, if you want to do an overnighter.
