Western Australia is famous for long days of sunshine and diverse landscapes and climates. I loved Perth Australia’s westernmost capital city, which lies in the historical Swan River, framed by Indian Ocean beaches and Swan Valley vineyards, offbeat cafes and alleyways to world-class museums and galleries.
Most of the time, during my trip, I drove in Perth and, unlike any other big cities, did not have any difficulties getting parking in and around the city. The traffic jam was nonexistence. Also, there is a lot of public parking available in the city center, which is only 20 – 25 minutes away from the Perth International Terminal (Terminal 1 )
The city is known as the “City of Light.” An exciting city filled with friendly people and a fabulous climate. A beautiful river runs through the heart of the city, the ocean on the west, and the countryside lies to the east.
Helpful Information
The best time to visit Perth, Western Australia, is in summer (early December to Late February) provided if you are a beach person. In Summer tourist attractions are usually crowded, and the temperature is hot, but the good thing is that there is virtually no rainfall during the summer. Based on humidity, the temperature feels nice most of the time, except for a few hot weeks in the summer.
The hottest season of the year is usually late January where highs are typically around 91°F (33°C) with temperatures seldom falling below 67°F (19°C) at night.
By Air
Perth International Airport (PER) is the largest airport in Western Australia. It is only about 11 miles (19 km) from city center. I found it most convenient to fly to Perth from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Vietnam, Bali, and many other major cities.
In addition to flying to Perth Airport, there are several other ways to get to Perth.
By Train
Indian Pacific provides you two oceans on one of the world’s longest train journeys. Sydney’s to Perth covers 2700 miles (4352 km), and you’ll have three nights aboard the great train.
Getting Around in Perth
Perth is an easily walkable city, so most of the city’s attractions are accessible on foot. There is also a free bus service (CAT Bus) that serves the city center and Fremantle. Metered taxi and UBER service is available or take a train to the suburbs. A rental car is available at the airport (PER), and in the city try out Hop-on Hop-off to visit major attractions.
Getting to Fremantle from Perth
By Car
The highway leading to Fremantle is smooth, and by car takes about 30 minutes from Perth city.
Cruise to Fremantle
Cruises to Fremantle leave from Barrack Square, and there are companies like Captain Cook Cruises and Golden Sun Cruises that offer daily services. The 90 minutes cruise down the Swan River is an excellent opportunity to watch the beautiful view of the riverside neighborhood and water activities.
By Train
The train is a faster option, a much less expensive alternative that goes from the city center to city center frequently. The train gives a magnificent view of Fremantle harbor as it passes the train bridge. A perfect choice is to take the train one way and return by cruise.
SIM Card for Cell Phone
Buying a SIM card at Perth Airport is easy. The most popular plan costs around $10. Getting a SIM card is an excellent idea that helps you have the internet all the time and convenient way to booking your UBER ride or finding places of interest. Note that your phone needs to be unlocked to be able to use the local SIM card.
Driving in Australia for Tourist
Unlike the USA Australians drive on the left side of the road, the steering wheels are on the right-hand side. But that should not prevent you from renting a car. I got used to it within a couple of hours and never had any problem during my Western Australia vacation.
Things to Do and See in Perth
Here you’ll find quite a few sightseeing activities and things to do and enjoy your Perth vacation.
The Bell Tower
The unique design 83 meters tall Bell Tower is an iconic landmark of Perth. It should be on the top of your must-see attractions located at Elizabeth Quay and overlooking the beautiful Swan River. It is incredible listening to these historic bells ringing while sitting at a restaurant nearby and enjoying the view of Swan River.
Walking Tour of Perth
The best way to explore a city is on foot, Perth is actually perfect for that. The city is flat, has wide streets and footbaths, and friendly locals.
Visit Perth Mint
Perth Mint is a premier tourist attraction and historic landmarks in Perth city center. It offers a history of Western Australian gold, artifacts, and gold exhibits.
Visit kings park
Kings Park located on the top Mount Eliza with a stunning view of Swan River and offers great pictures of the Perth city skyline. It is one of the largest inner-city parks in the region, larger than Central Park in NYC. The park is a combination of botanical gardens, grassed parkland, and natural bushland that provides a haven for natures lover.
Take a Swan River Cruise to Fremantle
As part of a day trip, the most famous tour among the tourists is the Swan River Cruise to Fremantle. From the cruise, you see the city skyline’s great view and spectacular view on both sides of the Swan River. Throughout the journey, the sailing boats, kayaking, jet ski activities will definitely keep you busy. Check out Captain Cook cruise, which departs from Barrack square, walking distance from the city center and most of the tourist hotels around Ley Street.
Day trip to Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is another great day trip getaway from Perth, only 18 km off the coast with over 60 beautiful beaches and bays to relax. Take a short ferry over and rent-a-bike and explore the beautiful island or enjoy fishing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, diving, tennis, and golf. Rottnest Express ferry operates to Rottnest Island once a day from Barrack Street Jetty the trip takes about 1h 30m.
Visit Scarborough Beach
About 15 minutes drive to the west, you will find quite a few excellent beaches such as Floreat, Scarborough, Trigg, Mullaloo Beach, and more. It’s a great idea to spend a day exploring the Indian Ocean coastal area. I visited Scarborough beach and found it very pleasant and relaxing.
The best time to visit these beaches is in the first half of the day. Water is clear and blue perfect for swimming. For its perfect wind and waves, this beach is very famous for Kite flying and surfing. Late afternoon is also great to enjoy the magical Indian Ocean sunsets.
Day Trip to Pinnacles in Nambung National Park
I would highly recommend visiting the Pinnacles, located in Nambung National Park, about 2 hours drive from Perth. The Pinnacles has a true desert landscape and is the most famous natural wonder of Western Australia. The unusual but beautiful edge shaped limestone columns point out of the sand scattered in the desert as far as the eye can see. Many reach as high as 5 meters making the scene is simply breathtaking. Check out here for a guided tour.
People tend to compare this site to the moon landscape because of its look, especially during the sunset with the golden sky and the long shadows, presents a science fiction movie scene. Without a doubt, This is one of the places you just have to visit at least once in your lifetime.
Where to stay in Perth
Peppers Kings Square Hotel, 621 Wellington Street, Perth
Peppers Kings Square Hotel is a great place to stay for city sightseeing and great Indian Ocean coastal drive trips. Peppers Kings Square Hotel is located only 20 minutes’ drive from Perth Airport. The property is 6 minutes’ drive from Perth Convention and Exhibition Center and 10 minutes’ drive from Domain Stadium.
InterContinental Perth City Centre, 815 Hay Street, Perth
InterContinental Perth City Centre offers luxury accommodations within the King Street precinct of Perth’s CBD. A wide range of cafes, shopping and supermarkets are just a short walk from InterContinental Perth City Center. Perth Convention and Exhibition Center is a 10-minute walk from the property while Kings Park and Botanic Garden is 1.2 mi away. The nearest airport is Perth Airport, 12 mi from InterContinental Perth City Center.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Perth, Australia? Any cool tips to share?
I loved being to this country down under and want to go back again. Hope my story has motivated you to visit Western Australia.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
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