Perth
Best for: Idyllic island escapes, expansive natural wonders nestled in a vibrant city, and unforgettable dining experiences.
Perth (Boorloo) is the sprawling hub from which to leap into adventure and the endless possibilities of Australia’s west. Lapping at its shoes is the Indian Ocean, connected to Perth by sugar-white sands perfect for throwing down a towel, and lined with beachfront cafes and bars. Watch the sun go down with a spritz in hand as colours fill the sky like you’ve never seen before and a thriving nightlife amps up. To Perth’s east is the Swan Valley, brimming with fresh produce and top-notch wines, including plenty of Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, and Chardonnay. Plus, a new generation of exciting winemakers bringing their own twist to stunning sips that come so readily to this region. Wake into a dream with pristine shores and unique wildlife encounters only a short ferry ride away on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), or simply tour an endless list of some of the best bites Australia has to offer.
Whatever your flavour, Perth has the key to unlocking unforgettable experiences. Read on for the best places to play, eat and stay according to the passionate Western Australian locals who live there.
The
Essentials
How To Get There and Get Around
Perth is safe, friendly, clean and easy to get around, whether you’re taking public transport, self-driving or jumping in a taxi or Uber. Most people fly in—the airport is only a 20-minute drive from the city centre or a 12-minute train ride during peak times with the newly opened Airport train line. Some will cross the Nullarbor Plain, an epic outback journey along Australia’s base, achievable on wheels or aboard the Indian Pacific train.
Exploring Perth itself doesn’t quite match the expanse of the Nullarbor, but if you’re keen to explore further afield than the inner city and Fremantle (Walyalup) areas, hiring a car or jumping in an Uber or taxi is the way to go. For inner-city commuting, public transport can get you to most places, with a six-line network springing from the heart of the city. Make sure you pick up a SmartRider card from a newsagency or participating retailer to access cheaper fares on Perth’s public transport.
Check Out Flights
Hire A Car
When To Visit
Soak up the sunshine in Australia’s sunniest capital, where you’ll experience endless stunning blue-sky days no matter the time of year. With an average maximum summer temperature of 29°C (February is generally the hottest month) and a winter average of 18°C, Perth is perfect for outdoor escapes. While January and February crank the heat up, the city’s cultural melting pot is also at its peak with Fringe World and Perth Festival bringing a flurry of live shows, pop-ups and fun throughout summer.
The sun sticks around throughout winter on this side of the country, but temperatures do dip so be prepared for a bit of chill. The upside is there are endless truffles around this time of year given Perth's proximity to Australia's biggest producer, Manjimup, which is about three hours away if you want to go truffle hunting. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are ideal for exploring Perth and its stunning surroundings like Rottnest, where you pedal around the island and say hello to the quokkas without breaking a mid-summer sweat.
La Lune
Vin Populi
A dazzling new Italian from a legendary husband-wife hospo team, Vin Populi is guaranteed to whisk you away to Italy for the night with its ever-changing chalkboard menu full of antipasti, pastas and vino.
La Cholita
A vibing Mexican haunt in the heart of Northbridge, La Cholita has a dedicated margarita menu and an impressive tequila collection. The chips, guac and baja fish taco are an absolute must.
Lulu La Delizia
This ever-so-humble and intimate Italian osteria is known for crafting Perth’s best handmade pasta. Headed up by chef Joel Valvasori, Lulu La Delizia has earned its accolades as one of the best in the game, not only in Perth, but nationally. The vibe is rustic yet completely charming—perfect for a date night or wine-filled evening with friends. Trust us when we say, this is a very good place to start if you’re looking for the best Italian restaurants in Perth.
PICA Bar
Located in the heart of Perth’s cultural centre, the lines that now form at PICA Bar every weekend just prove the tried and true Northbridge staple is only getting better with age. Head over and grab a good old pint in the breezy outdoor beer garden—it opens out onto the bustling Northbridge Cultural Centre so you can take in the lively atmosphere while you drink.
Award-winning gins, some of Perth’s best cocktails and some very sexy snacks, Republic Of Fremantle is the best of the best. You can also enrol for gin and cocktail school here if you fancy a booze lesson.
Republic Of Fremantle
Where
To Stay
Whether you’re looking to sleep under the stars on an island escape, or live it up in 5-star luxury, these are the best places to rest your head in Perth, according the locals.
If a day trip to Rottnest Island just isn’t enough time to tick off everything on your to-do list, book one of the luxe accommodation options on the island and stay a while. Discovery Rottnest Island is home to 83 eco-glamping tents, complete with ensuites, comfy mattresses and decks ideal for an afternoon of cheese and wine grazing, because it wouldn't be glamping without these creature comforts. The tents are a stone’s throw from Pinky Beach, and the park features a pool, restaurant and bar. For barefoot luxury, check out Samphire Rottnest, sitting pretty by Thomson Bay. The boho-coastal resort has two lagoon-style pools, a beach club, the Bayside Bar and a South East Asian-inspired restaurant called Lontara. The surrounding eucalyptus trees and bird song are the only indicators you aren’t holidaying on a Mediterranean island.
Discovery Rottnest And Samphire
BOOK HERE
Stay in a piece of Fremantle’s history at Warders Hotel. Built in 1851 and neighbouring the iconic Fremantle Markets, the Warders Hotel is set within the limestone cottages that once housed Fremantle’s warders (the guards that worked at the Fremantle Prison). Rest assured the stay is nothing short of luxurious—spacious king-size beds, gorgeous timber floors, soft white linens, complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails, all in central Fremantle. Spread over two levels, the ground cottages are adjacent to Gimlet, the hotel’s charming Aperitivo bar, and at the rear is Emily Taylor, a high-end Asian-fusion restaurant that is undoubtedly one of Fremantle’s most loved restaurants.
Warders Hotel
BOOK HERE
If you ask a Perth local where they take out-of-towners, all of them will say Kings Park (Kaarta Koomba). Famous for being one of the world’s largest inner-city parks (yes, it’s bigger than Central Park) and having panoramic views over the city skyline and river, the 400 hectares of lush lawns and gardens are home to bush trails that weave through the park, and cafes to fuel up afterwards. Inside the park is the Western Australian Botanic Garden (completely free to visit), 17 hectares of beautiful garden displays that really come alive in spring during wildflower season when a whopping 16,000 plants bloom.
To truly experience all the wonder this expansive inner-city escape has to offer, join an Aboriginal guided tour. The land we know today as Kings Park has been a place of great significance to its traditional custodians, the Whadjuk Noongar people, for at least 40,000 years. Walking tours are run by local Noongar people who have a strong to this country and a deep understanding of their culture and knowledge of the land. Take in the stunning surroundings as you learn more about local Aboriginal culture, bush foods and medicine, and Mt Eliza’s intriguing past and its spiritual significance to Noongar people.
Local tip: pack a picnic and head to Kings Park just before sunset. Finding a spot overlooking the city, under the eucalyptus trees on the grassed area by the State War Memorial is unbeatable. As the sun sets, light reflects off the skyscrapers and pastel hues fill the sky over the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan).
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Perth’s CBD is a culture and foodie’s playground, and there’s no better way to see it than on foot. If your ideal way to experience a new city is through your stomach, check out an Eat The Street walking tour. In an intimate group of twelve or fewer, visit a range of Perth’s tasty venues, learning about their story and the city they thrive in as you go. If you prefer two wheels to two feet, join a bike tour or keep it simple with Perth’s Tiny Tours and explore the best of the city with a "born and bred" local.
For culture and curiosity fans, you can’t go past Perth’s WA Museum Boola Bardip. Alongside extensive and beautifully curated exhibitions, the museum offers a range of tours, including the Boola Bardip Aboriginal Tour, exploring the diversity of Western Australia’s Aboriginal peoples, their cultures and spirituality, and Queering the Museum, an LGBTQIA+ tour exploring the representations of gender and sexual identities within the Museum's exhibitions and collections.
Perth CBD
Whether you’re a history buff or a fan of good food (who isn’t?), there’s something for everyone in Fremantle thanks to its irresistible mix of markets, street performers, arts and waterfront. Head down on a weekend so you can wander through the Fremantle Markets and fill your belly and your reusable tote with Fremantle goodies. Once you’ve had a wander through Fremantle’s best shops—Kate and Abel, Ode, Three Stories and Common Ground to name just a few— it’s time to rest and refuel. There are restaurants and bars aplenty, but for a true Western Australian experience, head to Gage Roads for an afternoon drink overlooking the port and then scoot down to South Fremantle for dinner at La Cabana, Percy Flint or Madelana’s. If you just can’t make it to South Fremantle, try Tonic & Ginger, Vin Populi or Lions and Tigers for a feed you won’t forget.
Fremantle
Rockingham
Kings Park And Botanic Garden
Perth
Rottnest Island
Cottesloe Beach
Fremantle
A heritage darling, La Lune boasts immaculate interiors and the finest French-inspired menu, all washed down with Parisienne martinis. Our recommendations? Get started with a round of martini parisiannes as you tuck into steak tartare, swimmer crab vol-au-vents and potato rosti topped with smoked salmon and cultured cream. Then move on to French wine with succulent duck breast, steak frites and dauphinoise potatoes.
FREMANTLE
EAST FREMANTLE
NORTHBRIDGE
SUBIACO
NORTHBRIDGE
FREMANTLE
Rottnest Island
FREMANTLE
PLAY
STAY
EAT
Where
To Eat
Where
To Play
Stroll from a bustling CBD to a sprawling inner-city park in a matter of minutes, head down to some of the best beaches along the WA coast, and let the locals peel back the layers of history that enrich this vibrant corner of the world.
10-minute drive from Perth CBD
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250km from Kununurra
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17km from Perth CBD
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“The Feed Me menu at Tonic and Ginger in Fremantle is an absolute flavour-filled treat.” — Tarryn, WA local
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STAY
EAT
Home
Rottnest Island
Fremantle Ferry Terminal 17km from Perth CBD
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Fremantle Ferry Terminal 17km from Perth CBD
This contemporary luxury hotel in Perth's CBD will make you never want to return home. Not only does COMO The Treasury feature a spa, gym, pool, library and the most elegant rooms and rooms you’ll ever lay eyes on, it's also home to some amazing dining options. Rooftop restaurant Wildflower serves up contemporary cuisine with beautiful local and native produce that revolves around the Noongar six seasons; Post offers relaxed dining with modern Aussie cuisine; and Wine Merchant is the perfect spot to kick back with a beer, wine or cocktail. So many activities.
330km from Kununurra
$$$
COMO The Treasury
CBD
BOOK HERE
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Sitting in the cultural heart of Perth, The Alex Hotel is the perfect spot in Northbridge for those who like to eat, drink and be merry. The rooms are like little sanctuaries, but if you like a more social experience, you can kick back in the shared communal spaces. The Alex has lounge rooms, outdoor terraces and a roof garden for you to enjoy, where they offer wine, craft beer, artisan spirits, books and locally roasted coffee. Bikes are available for hire if you feel like going for a ride, and Shadow Wine Bar down stairs when it's cocktail hour. You don’t get much better than that.
The Alex Hotel
NORTHBRIDGE
BOOK HERE
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Whether you are looking to book a staycation in the city between destinations or have travelled miles to spend quality time in Perth, you can’t go past QT Perth as one of the best places to rest your head at night. The boutique hotel has an industrial chic fit-out, with jarrah floorboards, plush velvet, marble and polished brass bathrooms and splashes of kaleidoscopic wallpaper. Inside the hotel, but a popular restaurant in its own right, is Santini Bar & Grill, dishing up modern Italian eats. On the hotel’s 18th floor, you will find one of the city’s most sought-after rooftop bars in the city, Rooftop at QT, perfect for sky-high cocktail sipping.
QT Perth
CBD
BOOK HERE
$$$
The Tradewinds Hotel sits on the banks of the Swan River in East Fremantle, a superb location to explore local cafes and restaurants (there are some banging eateries and cute boutiques on George Street in East Fremantle) as well as Fremantle (a five-minute drive or bus ride away) and Perth, accessible by a 30-minute train ride. The hotel has modern, well-appointed rooms—why not splash out on a suite with river views and make the most of the free-standing bathtub? You'll also find a gym and a swimming pool, plus a restaurant overlooking the river serving local fare, wines and cocktails.
Tradewinds Hotel
FREMANTLE
BOOK HERE
220km from
Rockingham
About a 45-minute drive south of Perth is Rockingham, a quieter seaside city dubbed “Perth’s Aquatic Playground”. Apart from beaches, jet skiing, kite surfing, kayaking and SCUBA diving, Rockingham is known for its proximity to Penguin Island. Accessible by a five-minute ferry across Shoalwater Bay, this unspoilt island is home to the world’s smallest penguins, best spotted from the Penguin Island Discovery Centre. Spend your afternoon on the island snorkelling off the crystal-clear beaches and tucking into a picnic. Apart from the ferry, Perth Wildlife Encounters offer other once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including snorkel tours with rare sea lions and the chance to swim alongside wild dolphins in the famed Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.
Perth’s Beaches
Perth is blessed with endless white sandy beaches, perfect for snorkelling, surfing and picnicking, many flanked with gorgeous cafes, kiosks and restaurants. Perth’s 197km stretch of coastline, from Lancelin Beach in the north to Preston Beach in the south, is also the ideal vantage point to admire the sunset—a major perk of being on the west coast.
While it’s pretty hard to pick favourites, there are a few must-visit beaches, especially if you love a beachside coffee or cocktail like us. For fish and chips and people-watching, try Cottesloe Beach and Scarborough Beach, but for quiet stretches of sand perfect for groups, head to Leighton Beach, City Beach and Swanbourne Beach. For snorkelling, try Mettams Pool and Coogee Beach, the latter is home to a shipwreck called Omeo Wreck just off the shore you can easily explore. If you’re a keen surfer, hire a board (or BYO for the super eager) and try Trigg Beach, and for excellent pooch-watching, visit Fremantle’s South Beach.
10-30km from Perth CBD
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The Swan Valley
Unlike a few other capital cities, Perth is lucky enough to have one of Australia’s oldest wine regions just a 30-minute drive from the CBD, making it an easy day trip venture. Laden with wineries, distilleries, restaurants and providores (think chocolate, nougat, honey and grapes), there is a lot to see, do and eat.
For gin-tasting and a gourmet lunch try Old Young’s Kitchen or Limeburners & Giniversity in the Valley (the latter has a 100% gluten-free menu) and for a winery lunch set amongst the vineyards make your way to Mandoon Estate, Upper Reach Winery or Pinelli Estate. If natty and experimental wines get your tastebuds tingling, be sure to check out a new group on the vineyard block, the Swan Garagistas. The name derives from the French word “garagiste” meaning a winemaker that doesn’t adhere to the traditions of the region, which seems pretty fitting. This motley gang have banded together over their shared love of creating unique, natural drops while also paying homage to the region.
To satisfy your sweet tooth after lunch, swing by Whistler's Chocolate Co. and The House of Honey. It’ll be hard to resist stuffing your bags with treats for the road. A few annual events in the Swan Valley celebrate all the fresh produce from the area, including Harvest in late summer and Entwined in the Valley, in October.
Keen to check out the best of Swan Valley with a local guide? Head over here or here to book a tour.
30km from Perth CBD
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20km from Perth CBD
“For a special occasion, Como The Treasury can't be beat—beautiful rooms, multiple restaurants, a spa and even a secret bar!” — Lynne, WA local
100km from Kununurra
17km from Perth CBD
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The Entire State Buildings Precinct
CBD
Set inside a heritage postal building in the CBD, the State Buildings precinct is home to Perth’s best degustation at rooftop fine diner, Wildflower, as well other top restaurants such as Post, Petition and Long Chim.
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Si Paradiso
HIGHGATE
Home to many a DJ sesh and the odd disco ball, Si Paradiso oozes retro-cool and backs it up with a cracking drinks list which you can pair with a cheesy slice from their woodfired pizza menu.
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Astral Weeks
NORTHBRIDGE
This new listening bar is the first of its kind in Perth, offering an unparalleled vinyl listening experience in an unfussy, intimate setting. It's pretty popular amongst the local music fiends, with a rotating lineup of visiting DJs and tastemakers on the decks each night. The equally impressive list of natural wines and the fact you can order Chinese from the restaurant next door, make Astral Weeks an awesome pick.
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Indigo Oscar
Cottesloe
Located right on Cottesloe Beach, Indigo Oscar is a Latin-inspired bar that might just be the best spot for a sunset drink in Perth. Don’t be afraid to go for the hottest spicy marg on the menu.
(Boorloo)
“Gage Roads in Fremantle—something for everyone!”
— Sarah, WA local
Rottnest Island, known fondly as Rotto (or Wadjemup by the Whadjuk Nyoongar people) is a gorgeous island just a 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle (or 90 minutes from Perth’s CBD). Fringed by pristine, turquoise beaches and home to friendly quokkas, this is a must-do day or weekend trip from Perth. No cars are allowed on the island, so most people get around on push bikes—if you’ve hired one already for mainland adventures, you can bring it along on the ferry for a small fee, or hire one once on the island (there is a bus if you’re not up for the cycle). Start your morning with a coffee from The Lane and a treat from the iconic Rottnest Bakery before hopping on your bike, making sure you hit Little Salmon Bay, Pinky Beach and The Basin. Finish the day parked up at Hotel Rottnest, Pinky’s, Lontara or Isola Bar e Cibo to wine and dine overlooking the stunning dusty pink sunset backdrop.
“Rottnest Island has got to be one of the most beautiful places—hiring a bike and riding around to all the magical spots for a swim or snorkel.” — Nikki, WA local
“Swimming with wild dolphins in Rockingham is unreal!”
— Melissa, WA local
45km from Perth CBD
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“Close to Perth and home is Mettams Pool, the best little beach for snorkelling and swimming, but for a great experience the wildlife encounters of Bremer Bay are a must-do—whale watching, diving, snorkelling—Naturaliste Charters do day trips to see orcas and such.” — Cate, WA local
“Swimming with the sea lions at Carnac Island. You can get a boat from Fremantle harbour. The water is just so clear and it's so fun jumping off the back of the boat and snorkelling around.” — Meg, WA local
“Can’t beat Mandoon Estate in the Swan Valley—beautiful grounds and in close proximity to some of the world’s best wineries.” — Kayleigh, WA local
“Discovery Rottnest is great—can’t beat glamping on the beach!” — Britt, WA local
Bakeries and Cafes
For grab-and-go treats and coffee, our faves have to be Chu Bakery and North Street Store. At Chu, you’ll want to order the avo toast and something sweet then head to Hyde Park to enjoy it picnic-style. While at North Street Store, the cinny scroll is absolutely iconic, but they’re also known for their pies, sausage rolls and contis (IYKYK). Pop by before or after a swim at Cottesloe Beach.
If you’re chasing more of a sit-down brekkie, Mary Street Bakery always delivers. And thankfully, they’ve got spots all over town now—although the OG on Mary St in Mount Lawley is still our fave.
For a cracking brunch with a side of beachside views, try The Shorehouse, Bib & Tucker or Island Market.
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“I love trying new places but I will always come back to the Shorehouse in Swanbourne. With its beachfront views and iconic yellow and white striped umbrellas it’s just the perfect place to go day or night.” — Grace, WA local
“Love sitting outside in the outdoor dining area of Lulu La Delizia, soaking up sunshine with a plate of pasta and a chilled vino.” — Kristy, WA local
There’s no shortage of memorable bites in Perth, and no one knows where to find the best of the best better than its passionate locals. Read on for the best places to eat according to those who’ve tried them all before.
Live
The
Dream
D
r
e
a
m
In
Western
Australia
Wake into a dream with pristine shores and unique wildlife encounters only a short ferry ride away on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), or simply tour an endless list of some of the best bites Australia has to offer.
Whatever your flavour, Perth has the key to unlocking unforgettable experiences. Read on for the best places to play, eat and stay according to the passionate Western Australian locals who live there.
Perth (Boorloo) is the sprawling hub from which to leap into adventure and the endless possibilities of Australia’s west. Lapping at its shoes is the Indian Ocean, connected to Perth by sugar-white sands perfect for throwing down a towel, and lined with beachfront cafes and bars. Watch the sun go down with a spritz in hand as colours fill the sky like you’ve never seen before and a thriving nightlife amps up. To Perth’s east is the Swan Valley, brimming with fresh produce and top-notch wines, including plenty of Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, and Chardonnay. Plus, a new generation of exciting winemakers bringing their own twist to stunning sips that come so readily to this region.
Swan Valley
Urban List acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, live, and play. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and acknowledge this always was and always will be Aboriginal land.
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