Perth offers all the essential ingredients for a great Australian holiday – scenic beaches, bustling markets, quirky street art, expansive wineries, city parks and amazing adventures. Following a major transformation that continues to deliver new hotels, bars, restaurants and public spaces, Perth now boasts spectacular offerings for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a guide to Australia’s sunniest capital this summer. Take advantage of its great weather, exciting events and attractions!
WHERE TO STAY
Check out our top three accommodation recommendations for your holiday in Perth, take your pick based on your preference and budget. Travellers who fancy being close to all the action can opt for Peppers Kings Square Hotel located only a short walk away from Perth Arena, the CBD, boutique shopping, dining and laneway bar districts. Alternatively, you can choose a heritage stay experience at the Como – The Treasury that resides in the state building. For those who are keen to experience unsurpassed luxury, we recommend staying at InterContinental Perth City Centre.
EAT & DRINK
Perth now has amazing new dining options and a vibrant nightlife, with new bars and restaurants popping up in all corners of the city. Our top picks would be the Shadow Bar and Dining Room for great wines and modern-Australian dining, Odyssea to enjoy spectacular views of the ocean with a modern-Australian menu and for those who like the view of the city, try Wildflower located in COMO – The Treasury.
SEE & DO
Explore the Swan River as you enjoy the spectacular city views of Perth. Take a sunset cruise that starts from Elizabeth Quay and enjoy the scenic experience as you sip champagne on the plush red velvet upholstery of a Venetian gondola.
Rottnest is just a short ferry ride from the city. Affectionately known as ‘Rotto’, this island is a popular getaway option for tourists and locals alike. The tiny island flaunts 63 stunning beaches, 20 beautiful bays and many coral reefs and wrecks, it is an ideal place to enjoy some of Australia’s finest swimming spots, snorkel trails, surf breaks and camping. During your visit to ‘Rotto’ you’ll meet the cutest mini marsupial, found only in Western Australia, the world famous quokka, don’t forget to take a selfie with this happy poser!
Perth has quite a few adventure-based activities to get your adrenaline rushing. In the Avon Valley, an hour’s drive east of the city, uncongested airspace, open farmlands and great weather conditions create the perfect environment for a number of ‘in the air’ recreations. Enthusiasts can opt for adventure activities like skydiving, gliding, flight training, hang gliding, micro lighting and hot air ballooning.
Located 45 minutes south of Perth and a five-minute ferry ride across Shoalwater Bay, Penguin Island is one of Australia’s premier nature-based tourism destinations. The star attraction is the little penguin – the smallest species in the world. This is your best opportunity to see these creatures as they’re shy and spend most daylight hours feeding at sea or hidden in their burrows.
WHAT’S ON?
An annual three-day (1 to 3 Dec) shopping extravaganza, Bazaar at Fremantle features more than 50 local artisans showcasing and selling their wares. At Bazaar you will find unique WA-designed jewellery, fashion, ceramics, sculpture, woodwork, textiles and more. The annual market runs from Friday night until Sunday afternoon and is the perfect place to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones this Christmas.
For more exciting places to visit and things to do in Perth, visit Tourism Western Australia.