Often described as one of the most isolated major cities on the planet, this sun-drenched metropolis rewards those who make the journey with a relaxed lifestyle and enviable natural surroundings. Though far removed from other large urban centers, it has grown rapidly in recent years and is celebrated for its beaches, blue skies, and easygoing pace of life.
Perth sits on the banks of the Swan River and along the shores of the Indian Ocean. Once considered a sleepy outpost, it now buzzes with energy, offering a lively mix of historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and a thriving food and drink scene filled with excellent cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Thanks to its warm climate, locals embrace the outdoors, with cycling paths, coastal walks, riverfront parks, and swimming spots woven into everyday life. This strong connection to nature, paired with urban sophistication, makes Perth a standout destination on Australia’s west coast.
Elizabeth Quay
Named after Queen Elizabeth II, this fantastic urban redevelopment project lies on the banks of the Swan River around an artificial inlet, just a short walk away from Perth’s CBD.
Only opened in 2015, Elizabeth Quay exhibits some wonderfully innovative architecture. The gentle curves of its bridge and the abstract shapes and sculptures on show seem to mimic the motion of the water all around them.
Besides its colorful playground, the quay has some great waterfront restaurants and cafes for you to try out, and regularly hosts different cultural events and festivals. Due to its proximity to the center of the city and the bus, train, and ferry links that lie nearby, the quay also functions as a transport hub, so lots of people pass through during the day.
Bell Tower
Overlooking the Swan River, this futuristic-looking building is certainly unlike any other Bell Tower you’ve seen before. It is one of the most unique and iconic designs in the whole of Perth.
Remarkably enough, the spaceship-shaped bell tower houses a number of historic bells. The oldest of them is from St Martin-in-the-Fields church in London and dates to 1550. These still ring out, centuries later, for all to hear.
From the top of the bell tower, you can enjoy fabulous views out over the city and its surroundings. Designed by local architects, the glass-clad spire and giant steel columns originally received criticism from Perthites, although they are now widely lauded as a success due to the increased interest and investment the tower has brought to the riverside area.
State War Memorial
Located within Kings Park, the State War Memorial commemorates all the Australian servicemen and women from the state who lost their lives serving their country. Looking out over the Swan River, its commanding cenotaph was first unveiled after the First World War.
Since then, a crypt, Roll of Honour, and glass cases exhibiting the colors of fallen battalions have been added to the precinct. Its serene setting makes it a peaceful and poignant place to visit, and each year, thousands of people attend its moving Anzac Day Dawn Service.
Penguin Island
Lying just off the coast of Rockingham to the south of Perth, Penguin Island is named after the cute little critters that inhabit its cliffs, headlands, and beaches. Connected to the mainland by a tidal sandbar, at low tide, the island can be walked to – although most people simply take a ferry. A few intrepid adventurers opt to kayak or even swim to its rugged shores.
Numbering around 1200 or so, the colony of penguins is just one of the island’s many draws. Walking along its numerous boardwalks and walkways is also a popular pastime; they offer fantastic views out over the ocean.
Due to the rough waves that pound the shore, Penguin Island also boasts some brilliant surf spots. At some of the more secluded beaches, you can even go swimming in the inviting waters of the Indian Ocean.
Cottesloe Beach
While beautiful beaches litter Perth’s Indian Ocean coastline, Cottesloe is perhaps the most famous and popular of them all. Bordered by a lovely ocean way that separates its fine sands from the Cottesloe suburb of Perth behind it, the beach is one of the best places to go swimming in the region. Snorkeling and surfing are also popular pastimes.
With lots of cafes, bars, and restaurants lining the beach, there is lots for you to do if you should ever get bored of lounging on the sand and gazing out over the ocean. As it faces westwards, Cottesloe Beach is also blessed with one of the most stunning sunsets imaginable, so it is well worth waiting until evening before heading back to the city center.
Rottnest Island
Lying in the Indian Ocean, around an hour’s ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island is a popular day trip among locals and tourists alike due to the spectacular scenery and wealth of recreational activities it provides.
Affectionately known as ‘Rotto’ to Perthites, the low-lying island is dotted with several salt lakes and woodlands, while its secluded beaches, bays, and offshore reefs attract sunbathers, swimmers, snorkelers and surfers.
Due to its remote location, at one time or another, the island acted as both a penal colony and internment camp. Many of its colonial-era buildings now serve as accommodation for holidaymakers. Renowned for being home to the cute and adorable quokka – reputed to be the smiliest animal on Earth – Rottnest Island is now listed as a reserve; this helps protect and preserve the pristine environment of its local species.
Fremantle Prison
As Perth and indeed Australia’s history is inextricably intertwined with the fortunes of the British convicts that were shipped to its shores, it is well worth visiting Fremantle Prison to see what life in the maximum-security jail was like. Only decommissioned in 1991, the prison was in operation for almost 140 years; it was remarkably opened back in 1855.
Little changed since colonial times, the imposing building was actually built by the prisoners themselves. Taking a tour of their dingy cells and living quarters is quite an eerie experience. This sense of unease may be due to the fact that 44 of the prisoners were executed on-site for their crimes. With some of the tours venturing into the dimly-lit tunnels below ground, a visit to Fremantle Prison certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted.
Kings Park & Botanic Garden
Covering a vast expanse of territory right in the city center, Kings Park is a natural wonderland, with beautiful, untouched bushland and green grasses lying next to its brilliant botanical garden.
With lots of trails and cycling paths weaving their way around the park, it is a fantastic place to head to if you want to enjoy the great outdoors. There are plenty of playgrounds and picnic areas scattered about too.
In addition to the park’s touching State War Memorial and fabulous Aboriginal Art Gallery, you can also enjoy breathtaking views out over Perth’s CBD and the winding Swan River. Yet another highlight is its magnificent Botanic Garden, which has over 2,000 different types of local flora on display.
With so much for you to see and do, Kings Park and its Botanic Garden are not to be missed out on when in Perth; it is remarkably the most popular tourist attraction in the whole of Western Australia.