Perth—the capital of Western Australia—might not be as famous as its Australian counterparts i.e. Melbourne and Sydney but is definitely still a lovely city worth visiting. With its flourishing dining scene and laid-back beaches, we reckon the world’s sunniest capital city is a perfect holiday destination. In fact, Perth is only a 5.5-hour direct flight away from Singapore!

From the must-see attractions, restaurant recommendations, popular nightlife spots to getting around, here is our comprehensive guide to Perth and everything else you should know.

WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO IN PERTH

Admittedly, Perth’s city life is nowhere as vibrant as its neighbouring global cities; but that doesn’t warrant it an awful online 2015 title of being the worst destinations on earth. Perth is home to several historical monuments and an exciting wine region called the Swan Valley—and there is so much to see and do at these attractions.

PERTH’S ICONIC BLUE BOATHOUSE

By now, you must have come across endless stunning shots of Perth’s iconic Blue Boathouse on your Instagram feed. It is believed that the historic Crawley Boat Shed was constructed in the 1930s and restored to its splendour in early 2000s. This photogenic boathouse is a must-visit for all photography enthusiasts.

COTTESLOE BEACH – THE MOST POPULAR BEACH IN PERTH

There are countless beaches in Perth for one to get his/her tan on (just keep in mind that summer season brings with it the constant buzz of houseflies) – one of the better suntanning spots would be the inviting Cottesloe Beach.

DAY TRIP TO FREMANTLE 

Fremantle can be easily reached in half an hour via car. Immerse yourself in history at the Fremantle Prison, a maximum-security-jail-turned-tourist-attraction or check out the weekend-only Fremantle Market which is known for hawking a wide array of indigenous and indie products, local organic produce and natural good.

Read our guide on day trip to Fremantle in Perth.

KING’S PARK

Attracting over six million visitors annually is King’s Park, one of the world’s largest inner city parks. The scenic park spans across 400.6 hectares and contains the The State War Memorial. Take a leisure stroll, have a picnic under the iconic 750-year-old tree and/or pay your respects on the dawn of ANZAC Day.

SWAN VALLEY

There is really no reason why visitors should miss out on the gorgeous Swan Valley, especially when it can be reached within a short 30-minute car journey from Perth’s CBD. Boasting animal farms, beautiful vineyards, chocolate factories, honey farms and more—you are guaranteed to have a fun-filled day exploring these places!

Read our guide on 12 reasons why you must visit Swan Valley in Perth.

MARGARET RIVER

Known for its popular craft breweries, award-winning restaurants, world-class wineries and beautiful beaches, Margaret River—a 3-hour drive from Perth—is a must-visit.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the famous White Elephant Cafe which comes with a stunning view of the Gnarabup beach in Prevelly. You can easily spend a day exploring the numerous wineries in the region. Some of our favourite wineries include Vasse Felix Winery, Voyager Estate and Wills Domain.

We will suggest to allocate at least 2 nights in Margaret River.

WHERE TO EAT IN PERTH

CHICHO GELATO

ChiCho Gelato is no ordinary ice-cream parlour. Made fresh from scratch daily, the sweet ice-cold treats are free from artificial colourings, flavours and preservatives – hence ensuring patrons only the highest quality possible. Anticipate a plethora of unique flavours such as Lavender & Honeycomb and Pandan & Roast Peanut Brittle.

180 William St, Northbridge WA 6003, Australia
Tel: +61 423 480 520
Sun to Wed: 12pm – 10pm
Thu to Sat: 12pm – 11pm

CHU BAKERY

Chu Bakery is arguably among the top bakeries in Perth. Strategically located opposite Hyde Park, the takeaway-only bakery spots long queues every day.

The display of daily fresh bakes are visually arresting, to say the least. There are Asian nuances on the menu, as well as some French flair. What you must try is its signature Chu Puff—a choux pastry well made, topped with luscious and a surprise jelly in the middle. And if you are lucky, grab yourself a Kaya Coconut Croissant.

498 William St, Highgate, WA 6003, Australia
Tel: +61 893 284 740
Tues to Sun: 7am – 4pm

CIAO ITALIA

No reservations are allowed at Ciao Italia but that is clearly not stopping eager crowds from forming every operating night. The Italian trattoria serves awesome seafood pasta and calamari rings in ginormous portions. Complete your meal with a divine tiramisu had us nearly licking the plate clean.

273 Mill Point Rd, South Perth WA 6151, Australia
Tel: +61 8 9368 5500
Sun and Mon: Closed
Tue to Sat: 5pm – 10pm

DUOTONE

DuoTone serves a pretty wicked cuppa and we will certainly return everyday for our caffeine fix if we were based in Perth. Coffee aside, the new cafe also serves excellent breakfast Asian-inspired gourmet brekkie.

Read our guide on 17 best cafes and coffee shops in Perth.

313 Hay St, East Perth WA 6004, Australia
Tel: +61 8 9325 9396
Mon to Fri: 6am – 3pm
Sat and Sun: Closed

HYLIN

Hylin is hands-down our favourite cafe in Perth.

It may be a bit off the grid, but this neighbourhood cafe in West Leederville is totally worth travelling for. Its modern architecture and decor make the cafe a very cosy space to retreat to for breakfast. And we really liked the tables by the windows; perfect for a relaxing brunch session in Summer.

178 Railway Parade, West Leederville WA 6007, Australia
Mon to Sat: 6.30am – 3pm
Tel: +61 401 815 804

KAILIS FISH MARKET CAFE

Overseeing the boat harbour, award-winning Kaili’s Fish Market Cafe has been a well-loved destination amongst locals and tourists alike since 1928 for its tasty fish and chips and other fresh value-for-money seafood delights.

46 Mews Rd, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Tel: +61 8 9335 7755
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8.30pm
Sat and Sun: 8am – 9pm

TOOK BAE KEE 2

Located along Barrack Street in Perth’s CBD, Took Bae Kee 2 is our go-to Korean restaurant for affordable and good Korean food in Perth. Some of the dishes that you can try include Sizzling Hot & Spicy BBQ Pork (A$7), Sizzling Sweet & Spicy BBQ Squid Tubes (A$9) and Hot & Spicy Soy Bean Soup (A$8).

127 Barrack St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Tel: +61 451 774 260
Thu to Tue: 11.30am – 8pm

TYPIKA ARTISAN ROASTERS

Do not leave cafe-cum-roastery Typika Artisan Roasters until you have savoured their insanely delicious Golden French Toast served with Maple Candied Bacon and Sliced Bananas drenched in Salted Caramel Sauce.

331 Stirling Hwy, Claremont WA 6010, Australia
Tel: +61 8 9284 6088
Daily: 6.30am – 3.30pm

WHERE TO DRINK IN PERTH

AIR NIGHTCLUB

Located in the bustling nightlife district of Northbridge, Air Nightclub is a stylish nightclub that opens till 5am on weekends. Kickstart the night with a potent ABC shot – a lethal mixture of Absinthe, Bacardi 151 and Chartreuse.

For something lighter, order Olivia’s cocktail and Death March; the former is a sweet, fruity alcoholic concoction that can only be prepared by bartender Olivia herself, while the latter is a spicy tobasco liqueur shot.

139 James Street, Northbridge WA 6003
Tel: +61 427 933 836
Fri and Sat: 9pm – 5am
Sun to Thu: Closed

LITTLE CREATURES BREWERY

Little Creatures is renowned for their pale ales and fans should make a special visit to their flagship brewery at Fremantle. No prior reservations are required and everyone is welcome to join one of the daily guided tours around the brewery.

40 Mews Rd, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Tel: +61 8 6215 1000
Mon to Fri: 10am – 12am
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 11pm

THE AVIARY

Spanning across two storeys, The Aviary is a fancy bar-cum-restaurant located in the heart of Perth’s city. Head straight to the stunning open-air rooftop bar perched atop Goron Stephenson House and join in the party. The watering hole is packed with corporate workers, university students and literally everyone from all walks of life.

Gordon Stephenson House, 1/140 William St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Tel: +61 8 9226 0259
Mon to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 11am – 1am
Sun: 11am – 10pm

THE BEACH CLUB

We love the spacious space, nautical design and relaxed vibes at The Beach Club. Situated directly across Cottesloe Beach, The Beach Club provides city dwellers a great respite with its extensive menu of alcoholic drinks and bar nosh.

Cottesloe Beach Hotel
104 Marine Parade, Cottesloe, Western Australia 6011
Tel: +61 8 9383 1100
Daily: 12pm – 10pm

THE STANDARD

The Standard Bar Garden and Kitchen is ideal for a chill night out. Grab a drink at their elegant indoors or enjoy the alfresco ambience outdoors. It is also worth mentioning that The Standard serves really impressive Asian-fusion gourmet dishes too.

28 Roe St, Northbridge WA 6003, Australia
Mon to Thu: 4pm – 12am
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Tel: +61 8 9228 1331

TRANSPORTATION IN PERTH

TRANSFER FROM PERTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

CONNECT Shuttle: Upon arrival at Perth International Airport Terminal 1, board a free terminal-transfer bus (available 24/4 daily) which will take you to Terminal 3. Over there, you can hop on the Perth Airport CONNECT Shuttle at A$15 per person one way.

Tickets can be purchased from the driver and you will be dropped at one of the following five destinations: East Perth Train Station, WA Museum on Beaufort Street, Wellington Street, (opposite the YHA Backpackers Hostel), The Kings Perth Hotel and The Ambassador Hotel.

Taxi: If you are travelling in a group or have multiple luggage, it would be more cost-efficient and time-efficient to get a taxi instead. It costs roughly A$38 from Perth Airport to the CBD.

Public Transport: Board Transperth’s 380, 37 or 40. For information regarding the buses’ frequency and timetable, refer to Transperth’s official website. Each one-way ticket costs A$4.50.

HOW TO GET AROUND PERTH

CAT buses in Perth’s CBD are absolutely free and allow you to cover various places in the city easily. If you are venturing beyond the city, you might have to ride on the Transperth Train. An one-way ticket typically start from A$2.10.tl

Ah, Perth. It’s not quite the bustling metropolis that is Sydney, nor does it boast the quirkiness of Melbourne’s coffee connoisseurs and music lovers – but don’t be too quick to brush it aside. The laidback capital and largest city of Western Australia has its own quiet charms, endearing characteristics and, of course, one of the best climates in the country.

If you’re not yet convinced by the short five-and-a-half hour flight time and affordable fares to hop on a plane, check out our list of the Top 10 things to do in Perth.

#1. CHILL OUT AT COOL CAFÉS

Yes, the indie café culture is very much alive in Perth – all you brunch fanatics and coffee devotees can breathe a sigh of relief. If you’re looking for a slice of homely goodness, visit the quirky, family-run Piccolo’s Corner; or go for a modern twist at Architects & Heroes, which boasts silky smooth coffee blends, funky murals and delish pastries. Fancy an industrial chic vibe (complete with brick walls and exposed light bulbs)? The laidback Sixteen Ounces is the place to be.

This next one’s for the ladies (or anyone who loves flowers, really): Rose Heritage Café. Plopped on top of a hill, the cosy space may be slightly pricey, but the stunning view of Melville Nurseries’ floral gardens make it worth the trip. And Tuck Shop Café, with its clean and bright décor, is known for its affordable prices, big serving portions and amazing sweet and savoury creations. Other honourable mentions include Sayers, Lowdown and Little Willy’s.

#2 HAVE A SPLASHIN’ GOOD TIME

There are countless beaches in Perth for you to get your tan on or engage in water sports (just keep in mind that summer season brings with it the constant buzz of houseflies) – some of the more popular spots include Cottesloe Beach and its crystal clear waters, Scarborough Beach for a bout of surfing, Turquoise Bay for snorkeling, and others like Cable Beach, City Beach and Shoalwater Marine Park, where you can dive among shipwrecks and underwater creatures.

#3. GET YOUR RETAIL THERAPY FIX – IT’S SHOPPING TIME!

Forget big brand names – get dressed at charming boutiques filled with Aussie labels instead. Like Department, a trendy space that stocks up on sleek and sophisticated apparel by labels like Nicolangela. There’s also Peachy, a boutique opened by a pair of Perth fashion bloggers, featuring clothes and accessories in styles from minimalistic chic to eclectic prints; and the more high-end Love Story, for those who prefer feminine, casual pieces.

For more shopping goodness, wander through Claremont Quarter to check out the huge selection of shiny stores, or dig through racks of secondhand clothes for vintage gems at Mount Lawley.

#4. ENJOY FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

Plan a trip to some of the quaint islands surrounding Perth, such as Penguin Island, to encounter the adorable creatures and sign up for adventure cruises to spot dolphins and sea lions. The delightful flora and fauna at Rottnest Island are worthy of exploring, as well as the beaches and activities there – plus, you’ll be surrounded by oh-so-cute, friendly quokkas.

For more fun times, plunge into rides filled with thrills and spills at Adventure World, head to the Perth Zoo to get up close and personal with your favourite animals, slide down the famed fluffy sand dunes in the town of Lancelin, or chill out at Hillarys Boat Harbour.

5. APPRECIATE BEAUTIFUL HISTORY AND HERITAGE

Embark on a journey of discovery with Indigenous Tours WA or immerse yourself in history at the Fremantle Prison, a maximum-security-jail-turned-tourist-attraction. If you’re the arty-farty type, visit the Western Australian Museum, The Art Gallery of Western Australia or the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts. You can also drive out to New Norcia (Australia’s only monastic town) and admire the gorgeous architecture there, or feast your eyes on the colonial buildings of York. Planning a trip around Feb or March? Get your dose of arts and culture at the annual Perth International Arts Festival and enjoy music, theatre, visual arts and dance performances.

6. KEEP ON MUNCHIN’

What’s a vacay without good food? The top restaurant everyone heads to is definitely the award-winning Nobu (yes, the Japanese one with a worldwide presence) for signature plates like the black cod miso, but other notable Jap places include Ha-Lu (try the Fremantle octopus) and Nao (for amazing ramen). If you love your beer, the homegrown Little Creatures Brewery offers a rowdy good time with a wide selection of brews alongside must-tries like mussels and their selection of wood-fired pizzas.

For more scrumptious times, chow down on fresh fish and chips at The Fish Shack or Sweet Lips, indulge in yummy tiramisu at Ciao Italia, get soulful with Southern-style American buttermilk biscuits and fried chicken at The Old Crow, savour meaty hunks of steak at Fibber McGee’s or pair your meal with innovative cocktails at The Classroom.

#7. BROWSE THROUGH MARKETS CHOCK FULL OF GOODIES

The weekend-only Fremantle Markets are known for hawking a wide array of indigenous and indie products, local organic produce and natural goods, all housed in a Victorian building and set to a festive atmosphere with live music performances and events – must-tries include their to-die-for crepes and ridiculously refreshing cups of orange juice.

Also on weekends, the European-styled Subiaco Markets offer healthy foods alongside baked treats, international dishes, gift and apparel shops, and even beauty services (plus, you can catch a live game at the stadium during footy season). For the not-so-regular ones, MANY 6160 opens its doors every weekend during winter to display indie labels and artworks, and the quarterly Perth Upmarket features handcrafted items, homeware, jewellery and skin care products.

#8. TAKE A WINE-TASTING TRIP

Spend a weekend at Margaret River (it’s about a three-hour drive from the city) and explore the beautiful local wineries for gourmet food and drink. Bigger ones like Vasse Felix are fascinating, but we’d recommend you go for smaller, more intimate ones such as Knee Deep, Windows Estate, Cape Grace and Juniper Estate. If you’d like to keep exploring, the area also has numerous breweries, natural attractions, galleries and even a chocolate factory.

In comparison, Swan Valley isn’t as big, but it’s only about half an hour away from the city. Swing by names like Lamont’s Winery or Pinelli Estate, and spend the rest of the day hanging out with adorable animals at the Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm, the West Australian Reptile Park or the Caversham Wildlife Park. There are also shops, heritage trails and museums in the area, but the one place you must stop by for grub is Alfred’s Kitchen. Don’t be fooled by its unassuming appearance – this roadside eatery has been around since 1946, and the burgers here are legendary.

#9. UNLEASH YOUR INNER WILD CHILD

It’s a common perception that Perth (and most of Australia) goes quiet after 5pm, but it’s actually pretty happening at night, when all the party-goers come out to play. Drink up at Helvetica, which boasts a sweet range of whiskies, or get boozy with the impressive selections at Mechanics Institute Small Bar, Lalla Rookh Wine Store and Clarences. Then hit up the ever-popular, two-storey Villa nightclub for a bout of late night dancing.

If you’re the type who loves a good rave, Metro City, with its 2,000-capacity venue, is for you (plus, it’s in Northbridge, where you’ll have no problem finding your pick of clubs). Otherwise, Geisha Bar’s intimate space is an elegant retreat into opulence and the Ellington Jazz Club offers up an evening of groovy live tunes.

#10. ADMIRE THE BEST OF MOTHER NATURE

Gorgeous seas? Check. Skies so blue, they look right out of a postcard? Double check. If you’re looking for spectacular sceneries, Perth has got it in spades. Start off by strolling through Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, where you’ll get a lovely view of the city skyline when you reach the top. Then strap on your boots for a hike on the Bibbulmun Track (it’s almost 1,000 km from the east of Perth to Albany, and you can stay overnight at some of the campsites provided), or ride on the Munda Biddi bike trail for a scenic trip.

Swan River is where most of the locals go running, as it offers undisturbed views of the cityscapes, but if you’d rather go on a road trip, head for the sightseeing scenic routes on Pemberton’s Great Forest Trees Drive or Mount Shadforth Scenic Drive.

About the writer:
Alicia Lee is a dessert junkie with a serious (and probably incurable) case of wanderlust. Never one to pass up on retail therapy, she loves a great bargain and can usually be spotted on weekends browsing through quirky shops or chillaxing at a quiet cafe.