30 Best Spots in Perth (Travel Itinerary)

After savouring your coffee at Cooee, take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Swan River to one of the most photographed spots in Perth, the Blue Boat House, also known as the Crawley Edge Boatshed.

Next make your way to Kings Park, home to beautiful botanic gardens featuring many native Australian flowers. A great spot for a picnic, BBQ, lunch at the Botanical Cafe, Frasers or Zamia Cafe.

Kings Park is huge and occasionally has events, concerts and an outdoor cinema during the summer months called the Moonlight Cinema.

Scarborough Beach is the place to be on Thursday evenings for the sunset markets during summer. It’s still worth a visit any other day to enjoy the beach, restaurants, and bars, it’s the best place to enjoy the sunset is at the amphitheatre.

Scarborough Beach is one of the best spots for surfing in Perth, the waves usually pick up in the afternoons when the wind picks up.

After exploring the markets, make sure to visit the historic Fremantle prison. This former convict establishment offers a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s dark past and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Here you will learn about the first people to arrive in WA the convicts sent from the UK who ended up building the prison as well as the first houses, shops and the rest of the city.

This beautiful beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, calm waters and the Omeo Shipwreck which is great for snorkelling. There are a few cafes dotted around Coogee Beach, my favourite being the Surfing Lizard Cafe.

If you still have some free time and energy left, make your way to Port Beach, another stunning spot near Fremantle. Here, you can relax on the soft sand or take a refreshing dip in the turquoise ocean.

There are two restaurants here that are great for dinner with sunset views. Coast Port Beach is my favourite and then there’s Bib & Tucker. Port Beach also has a sauna which you can book for one-hour slots and jump into the ocean to cool off.

On day 3 of your Perth travel itinerary, venture out to Rottnest Island, a picturesque island located just off the coast of Fremantle. Home to the native quokka which is super friendly and he wants to get a selfie with you.

Catch a ferry from either Fremantle or from Hillary’s boat harbour.

You will want to book ferry tickets in advance and book the tickets including bike hire(for those not wanting to cycle there is a bus on the island), you usually pick up the bike before getting onto the ferry.

Rottnest Island is home to many truly breathtaking beaches. Have fun cycling around the island and exploring the beautiful beaches. Some of my favourites are Little Parakeet Bay, Little Salmon Bay and the Basin.

The island is pretty big and is hard to explore all in one day by bike so try to plan which spots you want to see the most.

You can also stay on the island in hotels, the beautiful Samphire Rottnest hotel has just been built, Discovery Resorts has nice glamping options or you can take your tent to camp in. Make sure you book well in advance as they all get fully booked.

Scarborough Beach is a must-do on the Perth travel itinerary. It’s an awesome place for surfers and beach lovers, situated just a 20-minute drive from the city of Perth.

The beach’s clear blue waters and soft white sand make it a perfect spot for sunbathing and water sports like kite surfing and paddle boarding.

Here you will find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars. As well as an amphitheatre which often houses live music, sports games and salsa dancing.

Don’t miss the Scarborough sunset markets open on Thursdays between November and April. Featuring lots of food vans, live music and local stalls.

Another favourite on the Perth travel itinerary is Cottesloe Beach, an awesome place for swimming in the calm waves and protected by the shark net.

With clear blue waters and picturesque white sand beaches, it’s perfect for beach photography and unwinding under the Australian sun.

Surrounding the beach are a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it convenient to grab a bite or a refreshing drink after a fun day in the sun.

Every year Cottesloe Beach has an art event called Sculptures by the Sea which takes place between the 1st March to the 14th. There are over 100 unique sculptures along the 2km stretch of white sand.

Glistening with crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand, Whitfords Beach offers a calming escape for swimming and sunbathing.

Located in the northern suburbs of Perth. They have recently opened a new restaurant called Hillary’s Beach Club which is a great spot for lunch or dinner.

City Beach, located about a 15-minute drive from Perth CBD, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand.

It’s a great spot for surfing and chilling on the grassy area having a picnic or using the free BBQs.

Coogee Beach is one of the best beaches near Fremantle and will take about 30 minutes to drive from Perth.

This beach paradise offers a serene ambience, ideal for unwinding amidst nature’s beauty.

Home to a coral reef just off the beach. Mettams Pool is one of the best places in Perth for snorkelling.

In this underwater world,d you will find a variety of fish and rock tunnels to swim through. I saw an octopus when snorkelling here.

It’s best visited in the mornings when the sea is calm and the wind is low.

Located about an hour’s drive from Perth the best way to get there is by car as it takes about 2 hours to get there by public transport.

Home to a beautiful reef in the Indian Ocean, Yanchep Lagoon is a beautiful spot that is well worth the drive.

It’s worth doing a day trip to the lagoon and also going to Yanchep National Park to go in the caves and see the koala bears.

At Yanchep National Park you will find native wildlife, bushwalking trails, and an underground ancient cave which is a must-see when visiting the national park. Book the tickets for the walking tour with the local guide in advance as the tour could sell out.

Head to the Koala boardwalk to see the cuddly koala bear chilling in the tree, if you’re lucky you’ll see some kangaroos bouncing around. The Yanchep Inn is a great spot for lunch or a drink with views of the lake.

About a 20-minute drive from Perth is Caversham Wildlife Park. This awesome place offers an up-close encounter with iconic Australian wildlife, such as kangaroos and koalas, allowing for unforgettable interactions and memories.

The park’s engaging wildlife shows, feeding experiences, and the guidance of a local expert provide a fun-filled and educational visit, making it a must-see on any Perth travel itinerary.

Perth Zoo, situated in South Perth. A great location to get the ferry to from the Barrack Street jetty at Elizabeth Quay. This is a top place to spend a casual day observing a variety of animals.

From local species to exotic ones, the zoo offers a relaxed setting for a stroll, catching some animal shows, and perhaps picking up a few interesting facts from the expert guides. It’s a straightforward and enjoyable spot, perfect for anyone looking for a low-key day out.

Taking a stroll around Elizabeth Quay is a must-do activity in Perth.

Here you can see the bell tower, walk along the bird-shaped bridge, and watch the sunset amongst other things.

Visitors can indulge in waterfront dining, and take ferry rides from the Barracks Street jetty across the river to South Perth which has nice restaurants and is a lovely spot for a walk along the Swan River.

The beautiful Swan Valley, located about 20 minutes from Perth, is a paradise for food, craft beer and wine lovers. This picturesque region boasts lush vineyards, breweries, charming wineries, and delicious gourmet food options.

Take a tour of the vineyards and taste some of the finest wines produced locally. Indulge in delicious chocolate and cheese tastings, or treat yourself to a gourmet meal at one of the many award-winning restaurants in the area.

Some great spots to try out include funk cider house where you should try the fruity cider paddle, The Margaret River Chocolate Company where you should try all the delicious chocolate :). Also Bailey Brewing Co or The Henley Brook across the road are serving up delicious food and drinks surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Immerse yourself in the elegant ambience that provides breathtaking 360-degree views of Perth City, the Swan River and Langley Park to the east. Serving as the ideal setting to enjoy a margarita or two.

This is one of my favourite spots to go for drinks whilst watching the sunset. Once you’re there you will see why I love it so much.

The waterfall offers a captivating view and a short hike perfect for beginners. During winter, especially after heavy rainfall, the falls are most amazing.

This is one of my favourites on the Perth travel itinerary. There is a car park at the bottom of the falls and the top. I’d advise parking at the bottom car park walking to the base of the waterfall then looping around to the top of the waterfall.

Located in Perth Hills, John Forest National Park has two waterfalls. One is Hovea Falls and the other is known as the National Park Falls, both are most mesmerizing during the winter months.

There is an old train line that runs along the walk which goes through a long dark tunnel which you can walk through. Kinda scary and fun but beware of stepping in puddles and getting your feet wet.

Nestled in the picturesque Swan Valley, Bells Rapids Waterfall can be quite hard to find. Park at Bells Rapids car park and head up through the train tunnel then take a left.

Bells Rapids also offer beautiful scenic hikes along the river and up over the hill. It’s a great spot to walk your dog on a sunny morning.

Not many people know about Ellis Brook Falls, it’s always been quiet when I’ve been there which I love.

It’s one of my top picks for a place to escape the city and be in nature to unwind.

If you’re looking for a unique adventure near Perth, make sure to visit the Lancelin Sand Dunes. These majestic dunes offer thrilling experiences like sandboarding and 4WD tours, perfect for adrenaline junkies.

Not far from the dunes are the pinnacles, cool rocky formations which you can drive through in your car.

Perth Hills is the go-to weekend escape, just a stone’s throw from Perth. It’s a great way to spend the weekend exploring the Kalamunda markets or go for a hike at rocky pools.

There are many beautiful places to eat surrounded by nature like Core Cider(see picture), Naked Apple Cider and Roleystone Brewing Company all offering delicious cider-tasting paddles.

Before you get to Margaret River and Dunsborough in the southwest of Australia, you will pass through Busselton.

Here you will find the huge Busselton jetty which makes a great spot for fishing, diving and also seeing the fish in the unique underwater observatory.

Most wineries let you sample the wine for free if you buy a bottle at the end, some allow you to sample the wines and then leave without buying anything.

Beyond the vineyards, indulge your sweet tooth at the Margaret River Chocolate Company, an incredible spot where you can sample free chocolate and see it being made.

Margaret River has some beautiful beaches and surf spots. Surfers Point is a must-see for sunset and surfing. It holds an international surfing competition every year which is great to see if you’re in the area.

Rockingham, a city in Western Australia, makes a great day trip from Perh.

One of the must-visit spots is Penguin Island, where you catch the ferry to see penguins within an enclosure as well as explore the beaches.

For those who seek adventure, kayaking to Seal Island is highly recommended(see picture). You will see the seals sleeping on the island and if you’re lucky then they will come in the water and swim you like a sea puppy wanting to play. Don’t forget your snorkel if you want to swim with them.

The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is also worth exploring, with its beautiful turquoise sea. Another spot that should not be missed is Point Peron Beach, where you can witness dolphins in their natural habitat. Point Peron Beach is one of the better places to snorkel.

Dunsborough, situated along Western Australia’s coastline, is a coastal retreat celebrated for its unspoiled beaches. Meelup, Eagle Bay, Injidup Natural Spa, and Bunker Bay(see picture)offer a range of coastal experiences, from secluded coves to unique rock formations.

Whales pass through here every year between May and December.