Perth

Western Australia's vibrant capital city on the Swan River, featuring excellent museums, galleries, and riverside parks. Home to pristine urban beaches like Cottesloe and Kings Beach, offering world-class dining and cultural attractions.

Things to do

• Kings Park and Botanic Garden — A 400-hectare riverside park with native wildflowers, walking trails, and panoramic views of the Swan River and city skyline.
• Cottesloe Beach — Perth's most famous white-sand beach just 15 minutes from the city centre, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachside dining.
• Art Gallery of Western Australia — Houses an impressive collection of contemporary and indigenous Australian art across multiple galleries in the cultural precinct.
• Western Australian Museum — Features natural history, maritime heritage, and cultural exhibits including the iconic Noongar Nyungar exhibitions.
• Perth Mint — Historic gold refinery offering tours to watch artisans pour molten gold and purchase bullion and collectible coins.
• Swan River Cruise — Leisurely boat tours departing from South Perth or Barrack Street Jetty offering views of riverside suburbs and wildlife.

Food to try

• Marron — A freshwater crayfish native to Western Australia, typically served grilled or in seafood platters at local restaurants.
• Barramundi — Iconic Australian fish from northern waters, frequently featured in Perth's fine dining establishments with local preparations.
• Margaret River Wine Region produce — Perth restaurants showcase wines and produce from the nearby Margaret River region, including premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
• Quokka-themed café culture — Perth's quirky café scene celebrates the famous quokka selfie trend with themed coffee shops and Instagram-worthy brunch spots.
• Black Swan oysters — Fresh local oysters from Western Australian waters, served raw on ice at beachside bars and seafood restaurants.
• Avocado toast with native pepperberry — A modern Perth staple combining the city's abundant avocados with native Australian pepperberry for a distinctive local twist.

Local customs & good to know

• Beach culture dominates weekends — Locals spend significant time at beaches year-round; visiting at least one beach is essential to understanding Perth lifestyle and making local friends.
• Respect for Noongar country — Perth is built on Noongar land; many attractions and parks acknowledge indigenous heritage, and visitors should respectfully engage with cultural signage and exhibitions.
• Summer daylight extends to 8:45 PM — Perth's extreme summer daylight allows for evening beach visits and outdoor dining well into the night, shaping the city's social rhythm.
• Relaxed pace and friendliness — Perth residents are known for their laid-back attitude and hospitality; expect warm greetings and casual conversation at local venues.