Looking for the best Perth Itinerary!? Well, look no further, because I’ve put together everything you need to start planning your trip!

Perth, the capital of the Australian state of Western Australia, is a gem of a city that is often overlooked for its more bustling counterparts all the way on the other side of this vast country. But times are changing, and visitors are more and more being drawn in by the natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle this destination offers.

Nestled on the South-West coast of the massive state that is Western Australia, Perth’s population is growing everyday, and with it, a number of world class eateries, attractions and landmarks – just to name a few.

Whiling away a week in Perth is easy, and my Perth itinerary will have you feeling like a local in no time.

Eat, drink, walk, shop, swim and enjoy all that Perth has to offer.

The Ultimate Perth Itinerary For 4-7 Days

Where to Stay in Perth

First things first, let’s get your accommodation sorted for the week! There are obviously loads of options to choose from, but I’ve done my research, and here are my top recommendations!

Doubletree By Hilton Perth Northbridge – Having just recently opened in 2018, this hotel is beautiful, perfeclty located, and one of the top picks in the city! Super comfortable rooms, concierge to assist you with any questions, and unbelievable pool on the roof! For being so luxurious, the rooms are actually really affordable (especialy for Australian standards), and a full week here won’t break the bank. Read Reviews & Check Availability.

Perth City YHA – This award winning YHA Hostel is “designed to meet the demands of all travellers. Located in the heart of Perth City, the backpackers hostel offers swimming pool, well-equipped gym, spacious kitchen, movie room, free Wi-Fi all thoughtout the property, group accommodation facilities and tour desk. The onsite cafe offers a variety of meals for breakfast and dinner at an affordable price for travellers.” Read Reviews & Check Availability

Centrally Located Perth Apt. with Stunning Views – This two-bedroom VRBO is affordable, central, and comfortable! If you’re traveling with a group that needs to sleep up to 4 people – this is an excellent option! Read Reviews & Check Availability

Downtown Perth skyline in Australia at twilight © f11photo

Day 1: Welcome to the City!

Now, it’s your first day in Perth and whether you’ve flown in from overseas or interstate, take it easy and become accustomed to your new location by sticking to the city limits! While the vibe of Perth is described by many as similar to that of a big country town, that doesn’t mean that this state capital is short on all the things its Australian East Coast cousins have in spades.

Enjoy a wander through Kings Park, just a short distance from Perth’s CBD. The city park is a popular waterside destination that pays homage to the area’s indigenous history. There’s also a War Memorial, multiple lookout points with exceptional views and a ton of local flora and fauna to enjoy. You can easily spend all day exploring different parts o f this park, and you’ll most likely encounter dozens of people enjoying picnics, sunbathing, and just enjoying their afternoon. Spending some time in Kings Park was actually my favorite thing I did in the city, so don’t miss this place!

Afterwards, head down to Elizabeth Quay, a waterfront complex in the heart of the city that offers great shopping and dining opportunities! There is almost always something exciting going on, and will provide an excellent first impression on Perth, as a city!

Make sure to check the schedule for different live music events, art shows, food markets, and so much more! It’s a fantastic place to grab dinner, a few drinks, and then see where the night takes you!

Where to Eat in Perth | My Top Recommendations

After a day of walking around and stretching your cramped post-flight legs, I bet you’ve worked up quite the hunger, so my recommendations for a top meal in Perth should give you some ideas:

La Cholita offers a Mexican feed to rival the best in the biz Down Under. Fun, friendly and open til 2am on Friday and Saturday nights, Northbridge’s La Cholita is sure to satisfy your late night fish taco and tequila hankering.

Vans in Cottesloe has been around for eons – and for good reason. This eatery offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks in a chilled out, open plan bistro. I recommend the Angus sirloin steak.

No Mafia in Northbridge has a cheeky name and an impressive authentic Italian menu. Italian Australians have added so much to the food scene, and No Mafia is Perth’s testament to that. Check out their imported Italian wine list.

Lady of Ro is a Subiaco favourite, and offers the chance to sample some of the West Coast’s mouthwatering fresh seafood. It serves up specials like King Prawns and octopus late into the night.

Lucky Chan’s Laundry & Noodle Bar is another Northbridge haunt – man, that area has some great bars and restaurants! Some of the best Asian food in Perth, funky laundry-inspired decor and a rooftop bar. Enough said.

Day 2: Hike, Bike and Walk

If you love getting out and about in nature and you enjoy nothing more than working up a sweat while you’re at it, you will ADORE Perth.

This compact city is jam-packed with excellent walking trails with beautiful backdrops. So many in fact, that it was hard for me to pick just a few for you.

Bells Rapids Walk Trail, 40 minutes from Perth, is a fan favourite, and a piece of cake at only 2.5km. This trail is less about hitting your daily steps goal and more about appreciating the local landscape, with the serene Swan River behind you offering unbeatable photos ops.

Zamia Trail is located right in the heart of Perth in Bold Park, and is 5km of both city and sea landscapes to enjoy. This looped trail starts and ends at the same point, Reabold Hill, which is also the city’s highest natural point. Wear your good walking shoes for this one!

Ghost House Trail Walk is less spooky than its name implies, but alludes to what remains of the “Ghost House” you can spot along it. This bush walk is an all-day affair for those that are keen, and lies within the Yanchep National Park. Approximately 12km of trail is there to be covered, and takes you deep into the wilderness. You wouldn’t even know you are just an hour from Perth CBD!

These are just my recommendations of the best walking trails in Perth, but wherever you find yourself in this city, you can guarantee there is a natural wonder to discover not too far away.

Day 3: Perth Island Hopping Explorations

If you can’t make it to Greece or Croatia to island hop this summer, Perth should be a good consolation.

While the many state capitals of the East Coast of Australia all border the Pacific Ocean, the state of Western Australia has the vast Indian Ocean all to itself, and it makes for one of the best backdrops on the planet.

Rottnest Island

If there’s one thing that you absolutely MUST-DO during your time in Australia, it’s taking a day-trip out to Rottnest Island to explore it’s stunning beaches, bays, and wildlife! It is a well-known Perth must-visit and a protected nature reserve that is conveniently located just 25 minutes by ferry from Fremantle and 90 minutes from Perth.

“Rotto” to locals, sees a year-round influx of visitors to its shores, and it’s tiny permanent population of 300 swells during holiday season to around 15,000. And there’s LOTS to do here. Visit the famous native quokkas, do a walking or biking tour of the island or snorkel, sail or swim in the turquoise waters. The swells off Strickland Bay are considered some of the best for surfing in the world.

There are NO CARS on the island (besides a public transportation bus system and emergency vehicles), so the best way to explore the island is on two-wheels. While it is certainly difficult to bike around all the island in just one day, it is technically possible. My friend Damien and I only saw half of it, but we also went on a rainy day, and spent a fair amount of time snorkeling!

Rottnest Island Same-Day Round-Trip Ferry Transfers | “Explore Rottnest Island at your leisure with round-trip fast ferry service from Hillarys Boat Harbour. Complimentary hotel pick-up is available.”

From Perth: Rottnest Island Bike and Ferry Combo | “Cycle around Rottnest Island and discover the sandy settlement by pedal power. Benefit from round-trip transfers by ferry and bike around the car-free island at your own pace. Complimentary hotel pick-up is available from selected Perth CBD locations.”

Penguin & Seal Island

If you’ve already ticked Rotto off your Perth bucket list, consider tacking Seal Island or Penguin Island onto it! Named quite literally for the local animals that call the islands their home, these beautiful spots are part of a greater marine park that is only 45 minutes from Perth. You can book round-trip ferry transfers to the islands, but I’d recommend booking one of the tours below to learn a bit more about what makes this area special.

Shoalwater Islands Marine Park: Penguin and Sea Lion Cruise | “Enjoy a 45-minute glass bottom boat cruise through rugged Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. See Australian sea lions and penguins and stop to swim.”
Penguin Island Ferry and Discovery Centre Tickets | “Travel across beautiful Shoalwater Bay to Penguin Island by ferry. Marvel at the tiny penguins at one of the Discovery Centre’s daily feedings.”
Dolphin, Penguin, and Sea Lion Adventure Cruise | “Experience a 90-minute wildlife cruise through the ruggedly spectacular Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Wild dolphins are the star attraction. You may see mothers with newborn calves, learn how dolphins use stingrays to catch octopus or see them spectacularly leaping from the wake of the boat. After enjoying some quality dolphin time, you will return to the wildlife sanctuary zone to visit the sea lions at Seal Island and make the most of any other wildlife viewing opportunities. The adventure boat is ideal for getting up close to the islands where you will be spotting pelicans, ospreys, cormorants, terns and more. ”

Day 4: Exploring Perth’s Beaches

It’s been a busy few days, so now’s the time to kick back and soak up some of those Aussie rays from one of Perth’s many famous beaches. Just slip, slop, slap on the sunscreen as the sun Down Under can have a bite to it!

Perhaps Perth’s most famous stretch of sand, Cottesloe Beach is worth its weight in excellent reviews and is part of what is commonly referred to as “The Sunset Coast”- a nod to the majestic Indian Ocean sunsets you can enjoy here. Just 15 minutes from Perth CBD, Cottesloe Beach has clean sand, clear water and a long line of local cafes, bars and restaurants a stone’s throw from the sand. It’s ideal for surfing, swimming, bodyboarding or just lazing the day away.

Cottesloe Beach – Photo via Flickr | borkazoid

Scarborough Beach is 20 minutes from town but has the vibe of a relaxed coastal town. The beach itself is perfect for adventure seekers as well as for those just looking to chill out, and the nightlife in the surrounding area is electric. It is, however, home to some of the most hazardous waves in Perth, so stay between the flags and be cautious.

Tucked away on the north coast of Perth, Mullaloo Beach is quieter than its aforementioned coastal cousins, with perfect waters and clean, soft sand. This is a great spot for a relaxed BBQ – Aussie style – – on the grass recreation area behind the beach. Just don’t mention throwing another “shrimp on the barbie” to locals. Besides, they don’t call them “shrimp” – they call them “prawns”.

Photo via Flickr | illusiax

Lastly, I would definitely recommend a trip to the Lancelin Sand Dunes if you’re looking for a different type of boarding fun. Approximately 90 minutes from Perth, Lancelin is a huge area populated with massive sand dunes, some up to the three stories high! Sandboarding here is a fun way to spend a few hours, and you can rent the boards on site dirt cheap.

While you may want to dedicate a full-day to this fun day trip, you could also do it on your own after some time on Perth’s beaches! It’s also known for being an amazing place to watch the milky way / starry sky! It really just depends on your budget, and if this type of activity interests you!

From Perth: Pinnacles Desert Sunset & Star-Gazing Tour | “Discover the magic of the Pinnacles Desert and the Swan Valley on an 11-hour guided tour. Head to the heart of the Swan Valley to visit an award-winning winery and sample wine, honey and chocolate. Head west to the Turquoise Coast and keep an eye out for native wildlife. Stop in Lancelin for a walk along the beach. Experience the thrill of sandboarding down giant sand dunes. Board the bus and visit Ngilgen Lookout for views over the Indian Ocean. Enjoy dinner at the Observation Deck in the Pinnacles Desert, accompanied by a glass of Margaret River wine. See the sun set over the Indian Ocean and later marvel at the stars with the help of astro binoculars and a telescope.”

Photo via Flickr | Paean Ng

Day 5: Venture Out to Harbourside Fremantle

Australians really like to shorten names. To some of my Aussie friends, I’m Davo, I just talked about “Rotto” Island and “Cotto” Beach. So, I’ll give you three guesses what they call the Harbourside city of Fremantle…

You guessed it. Freo.

The AFL team that hails from here, the Fremantle Dockers, say it repeatedly in their team song. I miss Australia…but I digress.

Fremantle is a port city that’s technically part of the greater Perth area, but for all intents and purposes, it really is its own little part of the world. Located on the Swan River, Fremantle is warm, friendly and has so much to do you could easily spend a few days here. In recent years, Fremantle has become a hip hotspot; a magnet for creative folk, with a ton of cool cafes, bars and restaurants popping up.

The historic Fremantle Markets should be your first “port” of call (see what I did there?), where you can pick up fresh local produce or handmade artistic wares to take home as souvenirs. You could also check out the E-Shed Markets, a weekend market held right on the waterfront.

A tour of Fremantle Prison shouldn’t be passed up either. Choose from a range of tours where you can learn about its convict history or even put on a hardhat and discover the maze of tunnels underneath the prison. If you’re game, their “Torchlight Tour” is their haunting nighttime option.

After a day of being on your feet exploring your newfound surrounds, it’s high time for a tipple or two. And no trip to “Freo” is complete without a trip to Aussie institution Little Creatures Brewing. Founded in the Western Australia city, Little Creatures has wet the whistles of Aussies for almost 20 years, and the crew here call themselves “Hop Heads”. Enjoy their brews right at the source. Just be sure to get an Uber back to your hotel when you’re all “hopped up.”

Read this article titled A Day in Fremantle for more information about what you should do, places to eat, and other recommendations for this charming destination!

Day 6: Wine Tasting on the Margaret River

Widely known as one of Australia’s most beautiful wine regions, Margaret River is worth an overnight trip on your visit to Perth, or even a long weekend, but it’s also a popular day trip from Perth!

Around three hours drive south from Perth along the coast, this region – with the town of Margaret River as its center – has it all.

Top notch local food, world famous wine, craft breweries, an incredible coastline, farmers markets, natural caves, walking trails… it’s all here just waiting to be discovered. Despite rapidly developing a trendy reputation, the Margaret River region still has the laid-back Aussie vibe we all desire on a lazy wine tasting weekend.

If you can, try and make a couple of days of it and stay at one of these Margaret River hotels which will put you in town, by the sea or in the hills.

Where to Stay in Margaret River

Margaret River Resort is a charming hotel located right in the heart of town and a short stroll from the riverbank.

Margarets Beach Resort is a bit of a drive from town, but these super spacious and clean self-contained apartments are only a few minutes walk from tranquil Gnarabup Beach.

Heritage Trail Lodge is the place in Margaret River to treat yourself. Luxury suites with double spa bath each, in-room spa treatments and a private hiking trail are just a few of the perks.

Day 7: Bond With Local Wildlife

If you don’t decide to make the day-trip or spend a couple nights down in Margaret River, you’ll have plenty of time to explore more of Perth! Now I personally love visiting wildlife sanctuaries in Australia, and seeing the great work they do in the name of conversation, and Perth has no shortage of spots for animal lovers to gravitate to!

Perth Zoo is home to a large number of native Australian animals as well as foreign ones, and is known for its successful western swamp tortoise, numbat and endangered Western Australian frog breeding programs. Located in South Perth, it’s easy to get here by train, bus, ferry or even by foot.

Perth Sightseeing Cruise and Perth Zoo General Entry Ticket | “Combine a scenic cruise on the Swan River to Fremantle from Perth and a visit to the Perth Zoo (plus ferry transfers) for the best of Perth! The river cruise and Perth Zoo ticket can be enjoyed on the same day or separate days.”

Around 30 minutes from Perth CBD, Caversham Wildlife Park is a better destination to visit animals in their natural habitats, with options to say “hi” up close. This charming little spot gives you a chance to feed animals in the farmyard, see sheep shearers hard at work or watch sheepdogs working their magic. It’s like Babe, but no talking animals unfortunately.

Lesser known but absolutely worth a mention, a trip to Heirisson Island will strike a chord with any true animal lover. An island of Perth’s Swan River, Heirisson is a natural kangaroo sanctuary where the roo’s are looked after and fed by keepers. It’s a lovely free habitat for them to roam, but be mindful not to get too loud around them if you are lucky enough to see them roaming around.

I hope my Perth itinerary has inspired you to book your own trip to the city, or given you some ideas to add to your own itinerary.

Hooroo! (*goodbye in Aussie slang)

Planning a Trip to Australia…?

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THE BEST PERTH ITINERARY | How to spend 7 days in Perth, Australia