Perth Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Travel & Itinerary
Is Perth worth visiting? Yes, absolutely. Travelers say it’s a great city with beautiful nature and a relaxed vibe, though some argue the “best” stuff is outside the city.
How long should I stay in Perth? Many recommend at least 3-4 days to see the city and major sights, but 7-10 days is a good amount of time to include day trips and get a better feel for the area.
What’s a good itinerary for a first-timer? A common suggestion is: Day 1: Perth CBD (city center), Day 2: Fremantle, Day 3: Rottnest Island, Day 4: Swan Valley or a scenic drive.
Do I need a car? A car is highly recommended by most travelers, especially for exploring beyond the city center and doing day trips. Public transport is good for central areas but limited for outer regions.
What’s the best time of year to visit? Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are often recommended for the best weather. Summers can be very hot. Winter can be cold, windy, and rainy, but a good time for specific events and walking trails.
What’s the weather like in February? Hot, dry days with windy afternoons and pleasant nights. Perfect for the beach, but be prepared for the heat.
What should I pack for a trip to Perth? Sunscreen (Australian SPF 50+ is a must), a hat, and lightweight long-sleeved shirts for sun protection. In winter, pack a jumper and a light raincoat. A puffer jacket is often too warm.
Are there many free things to do? Yes! Travelers often mention Kings Park, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, walking along the beaches, and taking the free CAT buses around the CBD.
Is Perth an expensive city? Yes, Australia is generally expensive. Travelers report that food, accommodation, and activities can be pricey. Budgeting for around AUD $100 per person per day for food is a good starting point if you’re eating out.
What’s the best way to get a feel for the city’s vibe? Explore the small bars and cafes, particularly in Northbridge, Mount Lawley, and Leederville.
Major Attractions
Is Kings Park worth visiting? Unanimously, yes. It’s considered a must-do for its beautiful views of the city, botanical gardens, and war memorial.
What’s the best way to get to Kings Park? You can take one of the free CAT buses from the city center.
Is Rottnest Island worth the trip? Yes. Travelers highly recommend it for its quokkas, pristine beaches, and car-free environment.
How do I get to Rottnest Island? By ferry from Fremantle or Perth. Two main companies operate: Rottnest Express and Sealink.
Can I hire a bike on Rottnest Island? Yes, it’s the most popular way to get around the island. It’s recommended to book in advance.
Is it safe to get a photo with a quokka? Yes, but a key tip from locals is to not touch or feed them. Just get down low and let them approach you for a “quokka selfie.”
What’s there to do in Fremantle (“Freo”)? A lot. Popular suggestions include the Fremantle Markets (weekends only), Fremantle Prison tours, the Maritime Museum, and exploring the historic port city.
How do I get to Fremantle from Perth? The train is a cheap and easy option, taking about 20-30 minutes. You can also take a ferry from Elizabeth Quay.
What are the best beaches in Perth? Cottesloe is a popular and busy choice, easily accessible by train. Other recommended beaches are Scarborough and City Beach.
Is there anything interesting in the Perth CBD? The CBD has Elizabeth Quay, the Bell Tower, and a number of museums and galleries, but many travelers suggest that the city’s “real” life is in the surrounding suburbs.
Food & Drink
Where can I find good coffee? Perth has a great coffee culture. Travelers recommend looking for cafes in suburbs like Mount Lawley, Leederville, and Northbridge.
What’s a popular food to try? Fish and chips by the beach, especially in Fremantle, is a classic.
Any good brunch spots? Brunch is a big thing in Perth. Many travelers suggest looking for “bottomless brunch” deals or hitting up cafes in suburbs known for their food scene.
Where can I get good beer? Little Creatures in Fremantle is a popular brewery, but Gauge Roads Brewery is also highly rated.
Is the food at the Crown Casino worth it? Travelers say the restaurants at Crown are generally good, but you can find more unique and authentic experiences elsewhere.
What about good cheap eats? Food courts like Old Shanghai in Northbridge are often mentioned as a good place for a cheap and diverse feed.
What’s the deal with food and biosecurity in WA? Western Australia has strict biosecurity laws. The safest bet is to bring no food into the state.
Where can I find unique dining experiences? C Restaurant offers revolving panoramic views of the city, while Wildflower provides a high-end, Western Australian-focused menu.
What’s a good spot for a picnic? Kings Park and Hyde Park are frequently recommended.
Where can I find good bakeries? Travelers often suggests exploring suburbs and small towns for local bakeries, such as those in Margaret River.
Day Trips & Beyond
What are the best day trips from Perth? The most popular are Rottnest Island, Fremantle, and the Swan Valley.
Can I do a day trip to the Swan Valley without a car? Yes, there are many tour companies that offer bus or river cruises that include wine and food tastings.
Is it worth driving to Margaret River? Yes, but it’s best as an overnight or multi-day trip, not a day trip. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Perth.
What’s special about Margaret River? It’s a world-renowned wine region with beautiful beaches, caves, and walking trails.
What’s worth seeing on the drive to Margaret River? Busselton Jetty is a popular stop.
What’s Lancelin known for? Its massive sand dunes, which are great for sandboarding and 4WDing.
Is the Pinnacles Desert worth the drive? Yes, it’s a surreal landscape and a popular day trip. Travelers suggest staying until after dark for great stargazing.
What about a day trip to the hills? Dwellingup and the Lane Poole Reserve are recommended for their forests, walking trails, and swimming spots.
Is a day trip to Penguin Island worth it? It can be, especially for the boat tour to see sea lions and penguins.
Are there any good country towns to visit? York and Toodyay are mentioned for their history and charming atmosphere.
Public Transport
How good is Perth’s public transport? Travelers generally agree it’s decent for getting to and from the CBD, but less efficient for cross-suburb travel.
What are the CAT buses? Free bus services that run in a loop around the Perth CBD, Northbridge, and Kings Park. A great way to get around the city center.
Is the train system easy to use? Yes, it’s a reliable way to get to major hubs like Fremantle, Joondalup, and Cottesloe Beach.
What’s a SmartRider card? Perth’s equivalent of an Oyster or Opal card. It’s recommended for a cheaper and easier way to travel on public transport.
Can I use a day pass? Yes, there are multi-day or family passes that offer a cheaper way to travel if you plan to use public transport extensively. A family day pass for up to 7 people is often highlighted as a great deal.
How safe is public transport? Generally safe, though some travelers advise being more aware of your surroundings late at night, particularly in Northbridge.
Is it easy to get a taxi or Uber? Yes, Uber is widely available and often recommended over taxis for convenience and price.
Is it true that driving in Perth is easy? Yes, travelers often say the city is well laid out and traffic is manageable compared to other major cities.
What are the main public transport hubs? Perth Station (in the CBD) is the central hub for trains, and the Elizabeth Quay Busport is a major bus interchange.
Do I need to check the Transperth website? Yes, for up-to-date journey planning, routes, and timetables.
Accommodation
Where should I stay in Perth? CBD, Northbridge, or Fremantle are the most common suggestions for tourists.
Are hotels in the CBD good? Yes, some of the most popular hotels mentioned include Como The Treasury and The Ritz-Carlton for luxury, and QT Perth for a stylish stay.
What about staying in Fremantle? It’s a great option for its unique vibe, walkability, and proximity to beaches and sights. The Esplanade Hotel is often mentioned.
Is Northbridge a good place to stay? It’s the hub for nightlife, food, and culture, but some travelers note it can be a bit “dodgy” late at night, so take normal city precautions.
Is it better to stay in the city or Fremantle? It depends on your preference. The city is a better base for public transport to other areas, while Fremantle has a more relaxed, historic feel.
Are there any budget accommodation options? Hostels are available and offer a cheaper alternative to hotels.
Are Airbnbs popular in Perth? Yes, and many travelers suggest them as they offer more options and the ability to cook your own meals, which can save money.
What’s a good hotel for a family? The Crown has a more resort-like feel with a good pool area.
Is it safe for a solo female traveler? Generally, yes. Travelers advise using common sense, particularly at night, but don’t consider any of the major tourist areas to be unsafe.
Is it worth staying outside the main city areas? If you have a car and want to explore more, yes. Some travelers recommend staying down south in the Margaret River region for a few nights.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Where is the nightlife in Perth? Northbridge is the main hub for clubs and bars. Fremantle also has a good nightlife scene.
Any good clubs for a young crowd (e.g., 20s)? The Court, Magnet House, and Paramont are frequently mentioned.
What’s the deal with “speakeasy” bars? Sneaky Tony’s is a popular speakeasy that requires a password (often posted on their Instagram).
Are there good live music venues? Yes, Mojo’s in Fremantle and the Ellington Jazz Club are often recommended.
Do I have to go to a club? No, Perth has a great small bar scene. Mechanic’s Institute and Alabama Song are often mentioned for their unique vibes.
Any recommendations for a “Sunday sesh” (session)? Day drinking is popular. The Cottesloe Beach Hotel is a classic spot.
Where can I see a play or a show? The Perth Concert Hall and His Majesty’s Theatre are the main venues. Travelers note that the WA Opera and Ballet often have cheap tickets for young people.
Is it worth going to an AFL game at Optus Stadium? Yes, even if you’re not a sports fan. The atmosphere is described as great, and it’s a very Western Australian experience.
Where’s a good place to have a drink with a view? The Aviary and Market Grounds are rooftop bars that get good reviews.
Are there any interesting events on during the year? Yes, search for seasonal events, markets, or festivals. The Fringe Festival is a popular one.
Activities & Things to Do
Is the WA Museum Boola Bardip worth it? Yes, it’s highly recommended and often has free entry.
What’s a fun activity for a family with young kids? Scitech is a great interactive science museum. Perth Zoo is also a classic.
Where can I see Australian animals? Caversham Wildlife Park is a popular choice for close encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and more.
Is the Fremantle Prison tour good? Yes, it’s a popular and highly-rated historical tour.
What’s the story with the Blue Boat House? The Crawley Edge Boatshed is a famous spot for photos, and a common tourist destination.
Are there any good hiking trails near the city? Yes, many. Travelers suggest looking into trails in John Forrest National Park or the hills around Perth.
What’s a cool unique activity? A tour of the Perth Observatory for stargazing is a fun idea, especially since Perth has less light pollution than other major cities.
Can I go snorkeling near Perth? Yes, the waters around Rottnest Island are great for snorkeling and diving.
Are there any other museums to visit? The Fremantle Maritime Museum is often mentioned as a great, family-friendly option.
What about a Swan River cruise? It’s a great way to see the city and can be a good option for a day trip to Fremantle.
Practical Tips
Should I tip in Perth? Tipping is not a part of the culture. No need to tip unless you feel the service was exceptional.
What’s the best way to get from the airport to the city? The train to the city is a popular and cheap option. Taxis and Ubers are also available.
How safe is Perth? Generally very safe. Normal precautions should be taken in any city, especially at night in some areas.
Where can I find Wi-Fi? Many cafes, libraries, and public spaces offer free Wi-Fi.
What’s the deal with the Western Australian accent? Just a heads-up, it can be a bit different. Listen for phrases like “G’day” and “No worries.”
Can I use my credit card everywhere? Yes, card payments are the norm in Perth. It’s rare to need cash.
Where can I get a SIM card? Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are the major providers. You can get a prepaid SIM at the airport or any major shopping center.
What are the shopping centers like? Karrinyup Shopping Centre is a popular recommendation for its modern design and wide variety of stores.
What’s a good way to save money on food? Self-catering and cooking your own meals is a great way to cut costs, as eating out is expensive.
Any specific advice for a student traveler? Look into student discounts for museums and attractions. The free public transport (CAT buses) is a great way to save money.
Lesser-Known Gems & Unique Suggestions
What are some “hidden gems” or unusual things to do? Travelers suggest things like visiting the Perth Observatory, volunteering at a wildlife rescue, or taking a kayak trip along the Swan River.
Where can I find unique shops or markets? The Fremantle Markets are a classic, but travelers also suggest looking for other local markets.
Any good spots for watching the sunset? The beaches along the coast are famous for their sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
Where can I see something truly “Western Australian”? A trip to a local pub, a footy match, or a drive through the wheatbelt to see a “bigass, coolass rock” (Wave Rock) are all mentioned as authentic experiences.
What’s the deal with the “dry rain”? A tongue-in-cheek comment often made by locals about the lack of humidity in Perth’s rain, a contrast to the “wet” rain in other cities.
Is it true Perth is “dull”? Locals often debate this. Many say Perth is what you make of it—it’s a city for those who enjoy the outdoors and a more relaxed pace.
Where can I see the stars without light pollution? The Pinnacles is a popular spot for night sky viewing.
Is there anything for a “4WDing” fan? Yes, travelers mention locations like Lancelin and more remote areas for off-road adventures.
Any good spots for watching planes? The viewing platform at the Perth Airport is a fun, free activity for families.
What’s the most common piece of advice for a tourist in Perth? “Enjoy the nature and good quality food.” And “go to Rottnest and see the quokkas.”