Start your day early by visiting hilly Kings Park and Botanic Garden, home to over 3,000 species of Western Australian flora. Spring (September to November) is the best time to catch native wildflowers blooming in all their splendour. The park also offers sweeping views of the Swan River as well as Perth’s city skyline. Popular activities here include hiking along bushland trails, birdwatching, and garden walks.

After an invigorating walk in the park, take a short bus ride or drive to the Perth Cultural Centre—a vibrant arts, culture and knowledge enclave. 

We recommend that you dedicate a few hours to encountering Aboriginal art at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, experiencing edgy artworks at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, or losing yourself in books at the State Library of Western Australia. 

Spend some time wandering among the public artworks from local and international artists, and when you are done, pop into nearby dining options for a coffee or a bite.  

Are you a sports fan? If you are, check out what is playing at the Optus Stadium (otherwise  known as Perth Stadium). Cricket, rugby and soccer games are the main sports played at this stadium. Do remember to book your tickets before your visit in order to experience a live Australian sports event.

Cap off your first day in Perth at Elizabeth Quay—a delightful waterfront precinct and the unofficial centre of the city. Stroll along the promenade, admire its twilight cityscape from across the waters, and grab an Instagram-worthy shot of the iconic bridge. After your leisurely walk, dine at one of the many restaurants along the waterfront or head back to your hotel for a meal and drinks before calling it a day.  

Get directions to King’s Park and Botanic Garden

Get directions from King’s Park and Botanic Garden to Perth Cultural Centre

Get directions from Perth Cultural Centre to Optus Stadium

Get directions from Optus Stadium to Elizabeth Quay

Pack your bag for a day trip to Fremantle, a hipster-friendly port city south of Perth. Get on a ferry that takes you down on a scenic Swan River cruise to Fremantle, soaking in the sights along the way. 

Hop off in Fremantle and head to the Fremantle Markets—widely considered as one of Western Australia’s ultimate market experiences. Established in 1897, the market earned its famed reputation by celebrating Australia’s diversity, culture and history. Housed in a Victorian-era building, you can browse over 150 outlets ranging from craft and fashion shops, and fresh produce, to food outlets. The celebratory atmosphere in the markets embraces you the moment you arrive, and losing yourself in it for a few hours is easy. 

Next, take a nine-minute walk to the Fremantle Prison and sign up for a tour. One of Western Australia’s most fascinating cultural attractions—and a UNESCO World Heritage site to boot—you can choose from five tours to explore the prison. Beyond touring the cells, you can also slip into overalls, don a hardhat, and descend below the prison to explore the labyrinth of tunnels built by the prisoners.

After “escaping” from the dark and dank prison, take a 7-minute drive to the Western Australian Maritime Museum. Uncover the stories of Western Australia’s maritime history through historical artefacts and vessels; among them are the Oberon class submarine—HMAS Ovens, used in the Cold War, the Parry Endeavour, and other iconic ships from Western Australia’s maritime past. 

End your day in Fremantle at the Fishing Boat Harbour. Enjoy a walk around the harbour to soak in the picturesque sea views before indulging in some fish and chips at Little Creatures, paired with your favourite brew. 

Devote your third day to exploring Swan Valley and its vineyards, starting with a wine and food tour. Sample your way through delectable food while sipping on red or white wines—your choice of course. (Or, if you prefer, a beer or cider.) The food tour may take you to up to four wineries and two breweries, where you can also enjoy a cheese platter and indulge in chocolate tasting.

Walk off all that food and booze on a scenic walking trail along the Swan Valley's natural attractions. Take the Bells Rapids River Walk Trail along the Swan River to soak in scenic views of Perth’s hills and coastal plains. Do not be surprised if you spot grey kangaroos nearby during your walk. They are known to pop (and hop) here from time to time. 

Or go on the Guildford Heritage Walk Trails to discover the area's history, told through its colonial-era architecture. If you still have some time, visit the Caversham Wildlife Park to get up close and personal with Australia's native animals like koalas, wallabies, Tasmanian devils and wombats. You may even get the chance to cosy up with a koala, ending your holiday on a warm and fuzzy note.  

Need more recommendations for your Perth itinerary? Send us an enquiry, and our team at Pan Pacific Perth would be happy to assist.