12 Reasons to Visit Perth
If you want to experience extraordinary whilst in Australia, then head to Western Australia and visit Perth.
Top 12 Reasons to Visit Perth
1. Kings Park
View of Perth skyline from Kings Park
Kings Park covers more than 400 hectares and is the largest inner city park in the southern hemisphere. It has a stunning location overlooking the Swan River and the nearby Perth city skyline.
Walk amongst the tree tops on the elevated bridge and wander the pathways and open grassy areas. Do the Indigenous walking tour to learn about the aboriginal people and how Kings Park is revered as a sacred place and to learn more about Australia’s fascinating history.
walk amongst the tree tops
2. Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe is a beach-side suburb about a 15 minute drive from the Perth CBD and is one of the best places to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. Its crystal clear waters make it a popular place for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.
The town of Cottesloe is also famous for its cafes, relaxed lifestyle, and it’s Sunday sessions when locals throng to the beachfront pubs to watch the sun go down whilst enjoying a few drinks.
Cottesloe beach
3. Eat at the Greenhouse Restaurant
The Greenhouse Restaurant
If you’re looking for restaurants in Perth, The Greenhouse is one of Perth’s hot destinations. It’s a very interesting building and the concept is about operating better places for people and the whole place is geared toward sustainability. The exterior is clad in corrugated iron covered by a vertical garden with about 4000 terracotta pots filled with ivy and strawberry plants.
It has 420 straw bales in its walls and ceiling, a rooftop garden that provides produce for the kitchen and bar, and recycled furniture throughout. The quality of the food is amazing and varied, especially loved the wood fired pizza…
Delicious pizza
Website: www.GreenHousePerth.com
4. Take a Walking Tour
Walking around the CBD
The city of Perth is a city made for walking. It’s flat, has wide streets and footpaths, and one of the best ways to start a visit to a new destination is with a walking tour. It’s a great way to soak up the local culture, get a feel for the atmosphere of a place, and get great insider tips from a knowledgable local.
I walked Perth with two feet and a heartbeat as we strolled through the city streets and lane ways of the CBD learning about the history, culture, heritage, and colourful past of the city and experienced attractions on and off the tourist trail.
Website: TwoFeet.com.au
5. The Sunsets
sunset over city beach
Perth’s sunsets are legendary. There are few places in Australia where the sun sets over the ocean and Perth provides this unique opportunity. As the day draws to a close, sit on a beach, in a beachside cafe, or one of Cottesloe’s pubs and enjoy an uninterupted view of the sun going down.
6. Rottnest Island
One of many beaches on Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is located 18 kilometres off the coast of Western Australia near Fremantle and Perth. Rottnest, or “Rotto” as the locals say, is a premier island getaway with over 60 picturesque beaches and bays.
Best explored by bicycle, Rottnest is a car-free-zone making it a relaxing and enjoyable experience for people of all ages. Other activities on the island include tennis, golf, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and diving.
Bike Rottnest
You can stay overnight in a range of accommodations, or simply catch the Rottnest Ferry over and back for a memorable day trip.
7. Fremantle
Freo
Fremantle, or “Freo” as the locals call it, is located just 30 minutes from Perth’s CBD. It’s a character filled town dotted with cafes, bars, seafood restaurants, vibrant markets, and is known as the ‘world’s best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape’ with world famous heritage buildings and a fascinating convict and maratime history.
Heritage building
Fremantle is also called the city for sailing and played host to the America’s Cup in 1987.
8. Swan River Cruise
Perth skyline
Make the trip from Perth down to Fremantle via a relaxing cruise on nthe Swan River. You’ll enjoy specatcular views of the city skyline, the many sailing boats, and marvel at some of the most expensive real estate in the country.
Million dollar homes
9. The Weather
Sunny skies
Perth is the sunny city and enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other city in Australia: 3000 hours a year and 8.8 hours a day. Average summer temperatures hover around the 30 degrees celcius mark.
10. The Lifestyle
The great outdoors
Perth offers a relaxing and easy going lifestyle surrounded by the Swan River, Kings Park, and endless stretches of gorgeous beaches on the Indian Ocean. Compared to Australia’s other major cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Perth has a lot less people and a slower pace of life.
it’s Quiet
11. The Revitalisation
Helvetica bar
Perth is experiencing economic and social growth with many new developments and cultural precincts emerging. In particular, small bars and new restaurants are opening such as Helvetica and the previously mention Greenhouse.
Another exciting development is the Perth Waterfront Development, with construction sheduled to commence early 2012 and will result in the exciting new foreshore area with several hotels, an indigenous cultural centre, and many waterfront recreation activities.
Proposed waterfront development
Exciting times are ahead for Perth.
12. Margaret River
Eagle Bay Brewery
Do you like food, beer, wine, chocolate, and coffee? Then you can’t visit Perth without experiencing a getaway to The Margaret River Region. It’s easily one of my favorite regions in all of Austalia and there is something there for everyone. And when you experience all the gourmet food and wine on offer, a visit here is pure indulgence.
However, Margaret River is not only famous for it’s food and wine, but also for it’s relaxed approach to life, breathtaking scenery and stunning beaches. And throw in the fact that The Margaret River region also has amazing diversity of people with wine makers, surfers, farmers, and artists, giving it a great vibe.
stunning scenery along the cape-to-cape track
Can you add to this list of reasons to visit Perth?
Craig
Craig Makepeace is the co-founder of yTravel Blog and has been traveling and living around the world since 2002, first with his wife Caz, and now with his two daughters Kalyra and Savannah. Don't miss his 9 best tips to help you travel more. Follow him on Google+
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34 comments on “12 Reasons to Visit Perth”
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Hi! We’re Caz and Craig…
Our blog is about helping you to get inspired & informed to go travel, & travel more often Read On
I have to say that when thinking about Australia, Perth wasn’t really on my radar. However, I love the lifestyle and views here. A walking tour and the sunshine is quite appealing. I don’t know much about Perth so reading this really gives me more of an interest in a different part of Australia I never considered.
Jeremy,
Unfortunately most people stick to the east coast, but Perth and the state of Western Australia is such an amzing place to visit and definitely worth it when traveling to Australia.
Hope you get their soon!
Living in South West Australia, I have to agree … Perth rocks! I love it because it feels like a country town more than a city with lots of history, open spaces, great places to eat and plenty to do. Oh, and did I mention not too many cars and people, yet! (Shhhhhhhh!)
Agreed. Love the fact it’s different to east coast cities
Craig Makepeace recently posted..Bringing music into your travels with Logitech Rechargeable Speaker Dock s715i
It looks like a beautiful place to visit. I would go for the Greenhouse and the sunsets. Gorgeous sunset picture!
Ayelet – All Colores recently posted..On My Bucket List: A Dream Birthday Trip to the North Pole
Hi Ayelet,
Yes the sunsets are specatular. Hope you make it to Perth!
Craig Makepeace recently posted..Bringing music into your travels with Logitech Rechargeable Speaker Dock s715i
It’s always interesting seeing what someone else thinks of your home city. You have made me realise how nice Perth really is!!
Seriously, the beaches, sunsets and laid back way of life here really is wonderful. I sure I will miss it and appreciate it a bit more when I move back to Europe next year.
Cherinaq recently posted..Umbria: Springtime and the Living is Easy
Hey Cherinaq,
Well, you have a great backyard if you live in Perth. Lucky you
Craig Makepeace recently posted..Bringing music into your travels with Logitech Rechargeable Speaker Dock s715i
This looks picture perfect. I feel ashamed as an East coast resident I have never ventured over to Perth. Definitely on the holiday wish list.
Go for it Megan, it’s such a new experience in OZ.
Craig Makepeace recently posted..Travel Memories are the Threads that Bind Us
I have friends that live near Perth and I can’t wait to go and see them. They tell me it is an awesome place to visit.
Spencer recently posted..Ten Top Hotels in Geneva
Hey Spencer,
Sounds like a visit to see your friends is needed. And they are correct!
Craig Makepeace recently posted..Travel Memories are the Threads that Bind Us
Epic photos — only one of the many places I’m dying to visit in Aus!
Matt recently posted..6 Highlights from a Trip Home to Iowa, to South America and Back Home to New Zealand
I have just arrived in Melbourne and have friends in Perth, so going to head up. it does look a really pretty place!
Ross recently posted..Top 10 things to do in El Born, Barcelona
I’ve always wanted to go to Perth and I think the reason is, growing up in New Zealand, Perth was the most out-of-the way place in Australia. It was like some really exotic far-away land and yet was in the country next door.
Now I’ve been to way more far-away places but it still appeals to me.
Simon P recently posted..Thailand backpacker budget: mainland vs islands
Hi Simon,
That’s what makes Perth so great. It is out of the way and a young vibrant city on the move. Plus, the surrounding areas e.g. Margaret River are spectacular!
Craig Makepeace recently posted..Travel Memories are the Threads that Bind Us
These all sound like great reasons to visit Perth. Someday when I make it back to Australia I’d love to go coast-to-coast.
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..8 Fascinating Facts about Peru
Being a Perthie now for 10 years, I settled here for all those great reasons you guys have mentioned above. Originally from Melbourne and having lived in Sydney, London and a short stint in Rome, Perth by far has been the easiest city to settle down in. Friendly people, good infrastructure, outdoor lifestyle, amazing weather and beaches. And for 4 months of the year we go to the outdoor cinema! And now, Perth is starting to grow up and become more sophisticated with great restaurants and tucked away cool little bars opening up. It’s exciting to see this city transform. Come visit everyone!
Dianne recently posted..Swimming with the world’s biggest fish
G’day Dianne,
You’ve summed it up nicely. Maybe we should re-locate to Perth? Its definitely liveable as you say
Craig Makepeace recently posted..Travel Memories are the Threads that Bind Us
So stunning. Definitely going to add this to my list of things we want to do with the family in the next few years. So glad you are willing to share your pictures..thanks!
Your welcome. Hope you make it to Perth sometime soon
Craig Makepeace recently posted..Travel Memories are the Threads that Bind Us
Good suggestions for tourist travelling to perth…love the post.
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Well, now I know where I want to go if I visit western Australia – and how to give anything an Aussie nickname! Just add an “O”. Guess I’m Tommo, then!
That walkway in the tress looks amazing, as does the Greenhouse Restaurant and the parks in the CBD. Love a city that keeps itself nice and green
Waegook Tom recently posted..5 Ideas for Busan
Well G’day Tommo
Perth is so green and clean, and nowhere near as cluttered with people like Sydney. Head on over!
Craig Makepeace recently posted..Travel Memories are the Threads that Bind Us
Perth sounds like it has some incredible things to see and do; although I must admit, having not yet made it to Australia, I would just about go anywhere. The Green House pizza looks divine
Nomadic Samuel Jeffery recently posted..Introducing Backpacking Travel Blog
Hey Samuel,
Yes we are spoilt for choices downunder. But Perth, and the south west region of WA is a highlight!
Craig Makepeace recently posted..Travel Memories are the Threads that Bind Us
It’s definitely a chilled-out city. We were there for a wedding a few years ago and I remember it being quite slow paced. Some of the people I’ve spoken to claim it’s quite a boring place to live.. Not sure I agree with that – each to their own I guess.
And apparently Perthians aren’t very good drivers (not my words), but who cares about that when you have sandy beaches, pizza and beer???
Rob @ Migration Angels Australia recently posted..Promotion: Reduced Australian Migration Agent Fees
Wow I had no idea Perth was so modern-looking. A good reason to cross Australia for!
Perth My City! After reading this article last week i visited the Green House Restaurant for launch, Vegie Pizza, Spiced nuts and Grape jelly for desert. Over all its actually the theme that gives it the unique feel though the food it great.
I’d like to share this video for the PERTH FANS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYV4-LP9LUY
Thanks CRAIG
Benjamin recently posted..Layover in Manila – Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Don’t tempt me!
I keep seeing flights during the happy hours that Virgin Australia and JetStar have for really reasonably flights to Perth. (Only a few hundred dollars return). Now I’ve read this it’s making me all the more tempted to go. Unfortunately I think I’m going to have to compromise somewhere along the line.
It does look brilliant though. Maybe once I’ve got the East coast planned (Typical!) I’ll try and work it in somewhere. Maybe if I get a job! Cheers for the post!
Anthony Braybrooke recently posted..Top Five Misconceptions about Studying Abroad
Amazing photos, Perth is a beautiful city to visit and should be on everyone bucket list.
If you want to make your trip memorable, then you have to visit Perth which exactly you had done. Thanks for sharing such a nice information with us.
awesome list! haven’t been to Australia but will surely check out Perth if ever I get to visit it. there’s a bunch of cheap flights nowadays to Perth, so it would be a good idea.
Inside Southeast Asia recently posted..Brunei Travel Guide
I’ve recently arrived in Perth, certainly enjoying this more peaceful city. Fantastic free public transport system in the centre and the trains are good too. Just a thanks for the great ideas, Cottesloe is a beautiful seaside town and not far to get too. Now that the rain has stopped I hope to see Kings Park!