Perth is fringed by the outback making the journey to Perth, from the eastern seaboard (Melbourne or Sydney) seem infinite. Perth is worth the journey. A vibrant multicultural city with the outback as its neighbour is the gateway to the Margaret River wine trail, Western Australia Southern Forests, Broome and the Kimberleys.
TIP: If you have limited time I suggest you fly from your previous Australian destination.
The Central Business District of Perth straddles the banks of the Swan River, its skyscrapers shimmering in the glare of the sun. This is the commercial and economic heart of the city with shopping opportunities. The centre is home to some of its major cultural attractions like the Bell Tower, Perth Mint, His Majesty’s Theatre and Kings Park, an oasis of serenity after a hard day’s sightseeing.
Perth districts
Northbridge, which is located just outside the central district, is Perth’s entertainment and cultural mecca.
Decidedly lower-key than Northbridge, Subiaco is a thriving cosmopolitan district with numerous cafés, restaurants, boutiques, theatres. It is home to the Subiaco Oval, the birthplace of Australian Rules football.
Or why not take a cruise down the Swan River to heritage Fremantle?
What is the best time to visit?
Spring (September November )with its cooler temperatures.
Summer (Dec – March) is scorching.
Autumn and winter are comfortable due to the mild climate.
Winter, from June to August, is mild, the average of the coldest months, July and August, is about 12/13 °C (54/55 °F). Layers are recommended due to appearance of sea breezes during the cooler months.
During your visit remember to carry sunscreen and insect repellent
Weather
Highlights:
Perth is isolated, yet its regional museums are world-class, often with an array of volunteers supporting their exhibitions. Western Australia has an extraordinary depth in the visual arts scene, as illustrated by over 250+ galleries and artists studios located in Perth and Western Australia. The Outback and the varied coastal and inland landscapes, the isolation and the light. While the Pilbara and the Kimberley are home to aboriginal art. Margaret River has become a regional mecca for art and multimedia expression.
Western Australia Museum
Is the doyen of museum collections. Under its wing are the following museums, WA Martime Museum, Museum of Geraldton, Museum of the Great Souther and Pop Up Museum locations. Currently under refurbishment check the WA Museum website for up to date information. No entry fee applies.
WA Shipwrecks Museum
45 Cliff St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Museum of the Goldfields
17 Hannan St, Kalgoorlie WA 6430, Australia
Motor Museum of Western Australia
Whiteman Park 223a Drumpellier (Entry also from, Beechboro Rd N, Whiteman WA 6068, Australia
Army Museum of WA
Artillery Barracks Burt St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Museum of Performing Arts
825 Hay St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Scitech
City West centre, Sutherland St, West Perth WA 6005, Australia
Aviation Heritage Museum
Air Force Memorial Estate, 2 Bull Creek Dr, Bull Creek WA 6149, Australia
Western Australian Maritime Museum, Fremantle
Victoria Quay, Peter Hughes Dr, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Fremantle Prison
1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Museum of Perth
8-10 The Esplanade, Perth WA 6000, Australia
WACA Museum
Gate 2 Nelson Cres, East Perth WA 6004, Australia
Western Australian Medical Museum, a former maternity hospital is located in the heritage-listed Harvey House in Subiaco. Traditional Aboriginal medical practices, the original X-ray Department at King Edward Memorial Hospital, early pharmaceuticals or the Royal Flying Doctor, the Medical Museum offers an integrating assortment of instruments and ethnographic exhibits. The Museum recommends
Kidogo Arthouse
Bathers Beach, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
John Curtin Gallery
Curtin University, Building 200A, Kent St, Bentley WA 6102, Australia
Heathcote Museum and Gallery
58 Duncraig Rd, Applecross WA 6153, Australia
Moores Building Contemporary Art Gallery
46 Henry St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
PS Art Space
22 Pakenham St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Japingka
47 High St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Art Gallery of WA
Perth Cultural Centre Roe St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts
51 James St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Art Collective
565 Hay St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Kings Park and Botanical Garden
Fraser Ave, Perth WA 6005, Australia
Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences
Cloisters Square, Box 7689, Perth WA 6850, Australia
The city’s top coastal hang-out is Cottesloe beach, a kilometre-long ribbon of white sand backed by dunes and Norfolk pines. It’s around 20 minutes from the centre by rail or bus, and features a striking art deco teahouse above the beach. The shallow waters are turquoise, with white sands reaching from sea to sky. In March Sculpture by the Sea transforms Cottesloe’s foreshore into an outdoor gallery.
Mettams Pool has its snorkelling reef, Leighton Beach has blindingly white sand and rip-free water. Trigg Beach is family friendly with a large grass area and playground. North Beach has rock pools to explore.
Hop on and Hop off Bus As always an excellent introduction to a city’s major attractions complete with a city map of where to go.
Within the city centre there is a free CAT bus service. The CAT buses run on four circular routes around the city. These services are also available within the city of Fremantle.
You can also utilise free travel with Perth City’s ‘Free Travel Zone’. This allows you to travel on a Transperth bus or train within the limits of the free zone. For travel outside the free zone you can buy a ticket from the bus driver or the Transperth InfoCentre.
The free travel zones on the trains are City West on the Fremantle line and Claisebrook on the Midland and Armadale line. Tickets can be purchased from machines at each station or you can use your SmartRider to tag on and off. DayRiders and FamilyRider tickets are also available.
Perth transport options, together with where tickets can be purchased, route maps for cyclists are at your fingertips. Perth city guide describes, “Bike hire Kings Park
See Kings Park on two wheels thanks to Spinway WA who have a bike hire vending machine business facility located behind Frasers Restaurant. Cycling is permitted on all roads in Kings Park, but restricted to designated pedestrian / cycle paths only. River Loop Cycle Route
Jumping on a bike and riding the Swan River bridges is one of the most scenic and iconic Perth activities. Stop at beautiful parklands, restaurants and cafes along the way as you take in the beautiful Perth climate and the spectacular Swan River.
This 45min to 1 hour ride will take you along the South Perth and Victoria Park foreshores, the Burswood Peninsula to Optus Stadium, into Claisebrook Cove, Point Fraser and Elizabeth Quay. There are multiple crossing points at any of the Swan River bridges: the Narrows, the Causeway, Matagarup Bridge and Windan Bridge.”
Ferries to Fremantle or across the river to South Perth depart from Barrack Street Jetty located on the river foreshore. The ferry from Rottnest Island leaves from Fremantle, Hilary’s and Barrack Street Jerry.
“Freo” is Perth’s free-spirited little sibling, reachable via a half-hour train journey along the coast. It’s an integral part of the Perth experience, with streets of warm, stuck-in-time facades and a good choice of food and drink establishments. Check out Fremantle weekend guide for tips on what to see and do.
Walking
Walking self-guided tours is another way to explore the city. Check out the link to decide whether a route map of gardens, historic focus or shops and galleries is going to be part of Perth experience.
Safety & Snacks
Western Australia government guidelines
Dangerously venomous dugites and tiger snakes are common in the metropolitan area. Both species hunt small mammals, frogs and lizards, and are active during the day and at night in warm weather.
The journey is worth it.
