Perth Australia is the capital city of Western Australia shortened to WA, the largest state in Australia. There are many things to do in Perth with beaches, entertainment and other Perth attractions and easy to see it all on one of the Perth tours we feature below.
Despite its claim that it is the most remote city in the world, Perth is a vibrant and exciting place to spend time and it has plenty to offer visitors. Despite many early sightings of the region, Perth wasn't colonised until the first part of the 1800s. It was known as the Swan River Colony due to its location on the river and it isn't clear exactly where the name ‘Perth' came from. However, it was chosen by Captain James Stirling, who was on board the first ship to arrive.
Hiring a car in Perth is an easy way to travel around and visit the many Perth attractions, to make it easy use the car rental search box below and find the best Perth car hire deals.
Perth airport is a major route for destinations around the world and it also serves most domestic routes so the city is easily accessible and can be incorporated into an Australia tour, whatever your length of stay with many flights to Perth.
The bus and rail networks in and around the city are well served and easy to navigate. There is even a free city centre service called the ‘Free Transit Zone' for certain bus and train journeys so visitors will find it easy to get around and explore the different areas of the city. Buses go everywhere. Several services operate as expresses along the freeways to ‘park-and-ride' areas, where commuters park their vehicles free and go to work on the bus.
Local services also start from these areas. A single ticketing system covers all three means of transport, for the purposes of which the city and surrounding area is divided into eight zones. In the city centre, there are special buses known as CATs (Central Area Transit buses). They are a distinctive silver colour and have a panther emblem on them. These buses are free. There are three routes - the Red CAT, the Blue CAT and the Yellow CAT. Buses operate around the routes in one direction only. Within the city centre, there is a free transit zone where all buses and trains are free at all times.
There are four suburban rail lines radiating from Perth Station. They go east to Midland, south to Armadale, and west to Fremantle and north to Currambine, soon to be extended to Clarkson. A fifth line is under construction between Perth and Mandurah, on the coast to the south of the city. Most of the trains run through between Midland and Fremantle, and between Armadale and Currambine. The lines have now been electrified and are fast and efficient.
Perth City Centre is relatively compact and visitors will find it easy to explore and get to all the main Perth attractions. The city also makes a great base for nearby excursions and there are plenty of day trips and short breaks that can be taken out of the city.
The Swan River, on which Perth sits, is a great place to spend a day. You can pack a picnic or take advantage of one of the many barbecues and cook your own food. There are also a number of river cruises that operate, with daytime and evening options available.
One of the main things to do in Perth is enjoy the pristine beaches. Unbroken stretches of golden sands run the entire length of the city's coastal suburbs. Perth Zoo is also a popular day out and just across the Swan River from Perth city.
The vicinity around Perth is very good for snorkeling and diving and there are many fantastic beaches to explore. Fremantle and Rottnest Island are both must-do excursions for visitors. A ferry runs from Perth to Fremantle and you can take a day trip to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and dine at one of the many al fresco cafes and Perth restaurants.
It is easy to assume that Fremantle, the port at the mouth of the Swan River , is just a suburb of Perth , but it is more than that. It has an identity of its own. It has its own history and own atmosphere. It remains a port of some importance, and a fishing town, and also a cultural centre and a restaurant centre. In 1829, when the British were concerned that the French might try to establish a colony in Western Australia , they sent Captain Sir Charles Fremantle in H.M.S. Challenger to claim the territory for Britain. He duly did so on 2nd May 1829, and the port here was named in his honour.
A short ferry ride from Perth is the favourite holiday destination of locals. The island of Rottnest, or Rotto, as it's fondly called by the locals, is ringed by some of the most beautiful beaches and bays internationally.
The island features a unique plant and animal life that exit only on its shores. Particularly the cute and friendly little marsupial called the quokka is a favourite for everyone who visits this holiday destination.
On the island there are lots of great activities for the whole family. A car free zone, you are encouraged to get out and experience the fresh air, either walking around with the family or hiring a great bicycle which you can get around and find the hidden beaches, surf spots and activities that are dotted all the way around the beautiful island.
Guided tours will take you around the early colonial buildings, the spectacular light house and teach you about the islands important role in the protection of Australia during World War I and World War II.
A family fun park, scenic flights over the island, walking tours through the bush or access to private beaches, a wonderful art gallery and museum as well as tennis, outdoor activities, water adventures, scuba diving, lawn bowls, golf, fishing, surfing, there truly is no end to the excitement.
During school holidays movies and mini golf are a favourite activity for the kids and there are wonderful options for the parents too. Amazing cafes, a nationally famous bakery, a top class bar and beach front hotel are all great places to rest, relax and hang out with friends.
There is accommodation for all styles and budgets from pitching a tent in tent land or staying in the beautiful hotels on the beach or renting a little beach side hut that accommodates the whole family. Rottnest is a family favourite for a reason, go and explore another side of Perth by seeing where the locals choose to travel close to home. You can access Rottnest by ferry from Fremantle, Perth or Hillarys boat harbour.
No visit to Western Australia could be complete for the food and drink lover without a visit to at least one of the vineyards in the famous winegrowing regions and easily booked on one of the many Perth tours. Luckily, there are plenty of tours available to appeal to every taste – the area produces over 20 locally crafted beers as well. The oldest wine growing region is Swan Valley, where you can combine your wine tasting with a visit to the historic town of Guildford, sample the chocolates at the Margaret River Chocolate factory, or work off some energy with a walk along the beautiful Swan River.
North of Perth lies the Nambung National Park, home of the Pinnacles – ancient limestone formations that rise up to 7m tall in the middle of the desert. Learn about how these rocks were formed and their cultural significance at the Pinnacles Desert Discovery interpretive centre, then head over to Hangover Bay for a picnic and a swim – don’t forget your snorkel as there is plenty to see!
Ningaloo Reef runs the length of the North West Cape, and is accessible directly from the beach. The surrounding waters are crystal clear and form a shallow lagoon – perfect conditions for snorkelling or just watching the reef fish as they swim all around you. Hire a kayak to explore further afield, or jump in the semi-submersible boat and keep dry while you learn about the different types of fish that live on the reef.
One of the most reliable locations for meeting wild dolphins on a daily basis, Monkey Mia offers the chance for visitors to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures. The resort also offers a huge collection of water based activities – including sailing, diving, snorkelling and cruising – the perfect complement to the area’s year-round beautiful weather.
Hidden in the small town of Hyden is the natural rock formation known as Wave Rock. Named for its distinctive shape, this ancient, multi-coloured creation has special significance to the indigenous people. Standing nearly 15m high, a visit to this, one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks, is a must.
Located in the heart of Perth, Perth Zoo is small but well worth the visit with unique attractions featuring animals like the Numbat (Western Australia’s mammal emblem). Get behind the scenes access with tours like “Keeper for a Day” and your choice of Close Encounter with Australian, African or Asian wildlife. Keep an eye out for special events – the Zoo regularly holds special events after hours during the summer which are unbeatable in value or entertainment.
Perth accommodation is of a high quality, covering every style and budget. From boutique hotels to self-catering apartments, visitors to Perth have a wide range of hotels and apartments choose from.
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