Amazing Perth Travel Guide 2025: Unmissable Things to Do, See & Taste

Can a single city deliver wild-flower–draped bushland, dolphins gliding past skyscrapers, and evening cocktails on a heritage rooftop—all in the same day? Perth can, and does. Sitting snug against the Indian Ocean yet fuelled by the confidence of a resurging tourism boom, Western Australia’s capital is no longer a “stopover”. It’s the holiday. Let’s craft the perfect trip, down to the free buses, the freshest oysters, and the exact lookout for sunset.

Why Perth—Why Now?

• Visitor numbers are roaring back. Western Australia welcomed 9.3 million tourists in 2024, a record domestic spend, and a rising international share. (Western Australia Tourism Statistics 2024 | How many visit?)
  
• More non-stop flights are on the way: a 12-year deal between Qantas and Perth Airport will add 4.4 million seats, including direct Paris services and extra connections to India, Africa, and Singapore. (Qantas-Perth deal a ‘game- changer’: WA’s gateway mission)
  
• Major precinct upgrades—Yagan Square 2.0, Jetty One at Barrack Square, and the new Dorsett Perth hotel—have arrived just in time for your itinerary. (Family-friendly festivities to celebrate reopening of Yagan Square, Major revamp on the way for Jetty One at Barrack Square, Luxury Hotels in Perth, West Australia – Dorsett Perth)
  

Feeling the pull? Let’s dive into the logistics first.

Getting There & In

Air

Perth Airport (PER) sits 20 minutes from the CBD. Look for:

• Non-stop Europe (London, Rome, Paris from 2026), plus daily Singapore, Doha, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta.
  
• Domestic links: Broome (for the Kimberley), Exmouth (Ningaloo Reef), and the wine-soaked South West.
  

Visa & Biosecurity

eVisitor or ETA for many passport holders; declare honey, nuts, and camping gear. Western Australia enforces strict biosecurity at state borders.

Arriving Late?

Taxis and rideshares charge a $3 airport fee. The 380 bus runs until 1 a.m.

Navigating Perth Like a Local

Transperth manages the integrated train, bus, and ferry network.

• SmartRider card: tap on/off and enjoy free travel every Sunday across the entire network. (Transperth fares)
  
• Perth CAT buses circle the CBD and Northbridge at 8-minute intervals. Watch for the new route tweaks (from 16 March 2025) before copying an outdated blog map. (Transperth Bus Update Details)
  
• Ferries cross the Swan River between Elizabeth Quay and South Perth in ten minutes; new electric vessels are on order. ([PDF] Parliamentary Debates – Parliament of Western Australia)
  

Driving? Distances are long outside the city; inside, parking costs rival Sydney. Skip the car until you leave town.

Where to Stay

1. CBD & Elizabeth Quay – Walk to bars, the Museum precinct and the free CAT. New-build Dorsett Perth brings 263 rooms, a fitness centre and three eateries right beside Perth Station. (Luxury Hotels in Perth, West Australia – Dorsett Perth)
   
2. Fremantle – For maritime history, craft breweries, and Victorian streets.
   
3. Scarborough or Cottesloe – Ocean views and surf-patrolled beaches.
   
4. Swan Valley – Vineyard villas for early-bird wine tours.
   

The Ultimate City Experiences

Kings Park & Botanic Garden

Ever stood in a city park large enough to dwarf Central Park? Kings Park’s 400 hectares crown the Mount Eliza escarpment, flaunting 3,000 species of WA flora, glass-skywalks and the new Lightscape 2025 after-dark trail. Arrive at dawn, grab a coffee at Zamia Café, and watch the sun spark over skyscrapers and the snaking Swan River. (Kings Park and Botanic Garden, BGPA – Kings Park and Bold Park | Kings Park)

Pro tip: The State War Memorial is sunrise-quiet; picnic lawns burst by 10 a.m.

Elizabeth Quay & the Swan River Loop

From the signature suspension bridge, trace the 2.7-kilometre river loop by rented e-bike. Pause for a selfie with the “First Contact” sculpture, then float to South Perth on the $3 ferry—pelicans often escort you. Barrack Square’s Jetty One revamp (underway through 2025) will add shaded boarding lounges and new river-cruise options. (Major revamp on the way for Jetty One at Barrack Square)

WA Museum Boola Bardip

Why does a blue whale skeleton hang in the foyer? Ask the Noongar guides. The museum’s rotating programme now features night-projection artworks across its façade, free from dusk every weekend. (Exhibitions | Western Australian Museum)

Yagan Square Re-imagined

A fresh amphitheatre, 50+ free events, and local-only food vendors anchor the revitalised square that stitches the CBD to Northbridge. Grab a banh-mi, then ride the digital tower’s interactive stories told in Noongar language. (Family-friendly festivities to celebrate reopening of Yagan Square)

Rooftop Bars & Nightlife

Perth does sunsets better at altitude. Three to bookmark:

• Folly – newcomer with Mediterranean plates above Hay Street.
  
• Bar Vino – a coffee shop by day that morphs into a 150-label wine spot.
  
• Lil’s – Murray Street icon reborn, still hosting DJ-backed parties. (Best New Bars in Perth – April 2025 Update – Broadsheet, Lil’s Is Back in Perth, but Can It Still Throw a Good Party? – Broadsheet)
  

Wildlife & Water

Rottnest Island: Quokka Country

Thirty minutes by fast ferry and you’re worlds away—car-free lanes, turquoise bays, and the planet’s friendliest marsupial. Resist the urge to touch or feed quokkas; rangers fine offenders, and mothers may abandon joeys. (Your guide to spotting quokkas on Rottnest Island)

Reader challenge: Can you capture a quokka selfie without crouching? It’s harder (and safer) than it sounds.

Swan River Cruises & Dolphins

Operators run two-hour wildlife cruises; morning departures spot bottlenose dolphins in Matilda Bay 70 % of the year.

Optus Stadium Tours & Events

Australia’s most awarded stadium offers 360-degree roof climbs, indigenous art tours,, and blockbuster fixtures—from British & Irish Lions rugby (28 June 2025) to November’s Ashes Test. (Experience – Optus Stadium)

Sun, Sand & Surf

• Cottesloe: crystal shallows are ideal for beginners on foam boards.
  
• Scarborough: multipurpose skate bowl, twilight markets (Thu summer), lively pub scene.
  
• City Beach: fewer crowds, protected swimming hole.
  

Why not time a beach evening with Lotterywest’s drone-light show over the river? Attendance hit 20,000 at the February edition. ([PDF] Agenda of Electors General Meeting – City of Perth)

Into the Bush & Hills

Perth doesn’t end at the suburbs; it climbs.

Lesmurdie Falls & Mundy Regional Park

A 45-minute bus ride, then choose a 2-kilometre short trail to the lookout or the 5.5-kilometre Palm Terrace loop. Visit after winter rains (July–September) for a 50-metre cascade framed by wildflowers. Entry is free; bring water—none on site. (Lesmurdie Falls Picnic Area – Explore Parks WA)

John Forrest National Park & Eagle View Trail

Hike among jarrah trees, then toast with a pint at the heritage tavern that occasionally hosts wild kangaroos at dusk.

Wine & Produce: The Swan Valley

Only 25 minutes from town, the valley crams 40 cellar doors, boutique distilleries, and art trails into one meandering loop. Consider:

• Sandalford Wines – behind-the-scenes tour, then blend your bottle (10:30 a.m., Wed–Sun, one hour). (Sandalford Wines | Swan Valley)
  
• Sittella – cheese-paired tastings overlooking vines.
  
• Grapes-on-Swan – pick-your-own foodie fun each April. (Events – Swan Valley)
  

Designate a driver or book a hop-on wine shuttle.

Day-Trip Gold

(Tables save scrolling here; no filler present.)

Perth’s Seasonal Calendar at a Glance

Summer (Dec–Feb)

• Perth Festival 2025 (7 Feb–2 Mar): 104 events; half are free; East Perth Power Station re-animated for late-night performances. (Perth Festival 2025: a bright new horizon under big skies)
  
• Moonlight Cinema in Kings Park; sunset films with beanbags.
  

Autumn (Mar–May)

• Lightscape illuminates Kings Park trails until early May. (BGPA – Kings Park and Bold Park | Kings Park)
  
• Swan Valley Harvest picnics.
  

Winter (Jun–Aug)

• Whale-watching season off Hillarys; city-wide truffle menus.
  
• British & Irish Lions at Optus Stadium (28 Jun 2025). (Experience – Optus Stadium)
  

Spring (Sep–Nov)

• Wildflower bloom peaks: free guided walks in Kings Park.
  
• Lotterywest City of Light drone shows over Elizabeth Quay (Nov). ([PDF] Agenda of Electors General Meeting – City of Perth)
  

Eat & Drink: Flavour Map

• Seafood: Try Shark Bay prawns at Petition Kitchen.
  
• Coffee: Northbridge’s micro-roaster line-ups peak at 8 a.m.—arrive early.
  
• Global Plates: Vietnamese at No Mafia’s sister venue, Bertie.
  
• Markets: Friday Twilight Hawkers in Fremantle for Indonesian satay under fairy lights.
  

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – City Immersion

• Morning: Kings Park wildflower walk.
• Lunch: Casual bites at Yagan Square market hall.
• Afternoon: WA Museum Boola Bardip + Art Gallery.
• Evening: Rooftop bar crawl ending at Hadiqa’s garden terrace.

Day 2 – Rottnest Adventure
Cycle the Island’s West End; snorkel Little Armstrong Bay; sunset ferry home; dinner at Elizabeth Quay.

Day 3 – Wine & Waterfalls
Morning Swan Valley tastings (Sittella, Sandalford). Late-afternoon hike to Lesmurdie Falls for golden-hour city views. Finish with fish and chips at Cottesloe.

Practical Tips & FAQs

• Climate: Perth claims more sunny days than any other major Australian city—pack SPF 50 year-round.
  
• Cost Savers: Free Wi-Fi across the CBD; refill bottles at public fountains.
  
• Respect Country: Acknowledge Noongar land; cultural tours deepen understanding and directly benefit First Nations guides.
  
• Safety: There is a low violent crime rate, and the usual big-city street smarts apply. Surf beaches are patrolled; swim between flags.
  

Still deciding where to watch the sunset—beach or skyline? Why not both: start at City Beach, then hop the train to The Aviary for dusk cocktails. Timing is tight but doable, and you’ll brag about it forever.

Conclusion

Perth is no longer “out of the way”; it’s at the intersection of nature, innovation, and laid-back culture. You’ll feel the city’s quiet confidence, whether you’re clinking Swan Valley shiraz, trading smiles with a quokka, or catching First Nations art projected onto a museum wall. Ready to plan that flight before the secret’s out?

References

1. Tourism Western Australia. “Visitor Statistics.” https://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/research-and-insights/visitor-statistics
   
2. CamperChamp. “Western Australia Tourism Statistics 2024.” https://camperchamp.com.au/statistics/australia/western-australia-tourism/
   
3. S. Creagh, The Australian. “Qantas–Perth Gateway Mission,” 23 Oct 2024.
   
4. Transperth. “Fares & Free Sunday Travel.” https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/tickets-fares/fares
   
5. Transperth. “Perth CAT Service Changes, 16 Mar 2025.” https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/service-updates/bus-updates
   
6. Botanic Gardens & Parks Authority. “Kings Park & Botanic Garden.” https://www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/kings-park
   
7. BGPA. “Lightscape 2025.” https://www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/
   
8. WA Museum Boola Bardip. “Digital Public Art Program 2025.” https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/boolabardip/exhibitions
   
9. Rottnest Island Authority. “Guide to Spotting Quokkas.” https://www.rottnestisland.com/visit/guides-tips/your-guide-to-spotting-quokkas-on-rottnest-island
   
10. Optus Stadium. “Experience & Events 2025.” https://optusstadium.com.au/experience
    
11. Government of Western Australia. “Yagan Square Redevelopment,” media statement, 27 Apr 2024.
    
12. Government of Western Australia. “Jetty One Revamp at Barrack Square,” media statement, 22 Apr 2024.
    
13. The Guardian. “Perth Festival 2025 Preview,” 19 Dec 2024.
    
14. Sandalford Wines. “Winery Tours.” https://www.swanvalley.com.au/products/sandalford-wines
    
15. Swan Valley Tourism. “Events & Experiences.” https://www.swanvalley.com.au/experience/events
    
16. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions. “Lesmurdie Falls Picnic Area.” https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/site/lesmurdie-falls-picnic-area
    
17. Broadsheet. “Best New Bars in Perth – April 2025 Update.” https://www.broadsheet.com.au/perth/guides/new-bars
    
18. Dorsett Hotels. “Dorsett Perth.” https://www.dorsetthotels.com/dorsett-perth/