Rottnest Island
Perth, Australia is a fun and picturesque city on the West Coast of Australia. Framed by stunning beaches, the city offers a sun-loving and summer atmosphere where visitors are able to bathe in the beach lifestyle while discovering all the city of Perth has to offer.
Perth is the ultimate travel experience, where stunning beaches and well-kept parks meet a bustling city metropolis filled with small bars, creative restaurants, and interesting street art.
Perth is nestled in the great outdoors of Western Australia. Relax on tranquil white sand beaches, or visit bustling art galleries, historic districts, and epic events. Further out from the CBD of Perth are lovely wineries and captivating wildlife.
Here are some of the best things to do in Perth, Australia.
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Art Gallery of Western Australia
Art Galleries
Exploring Perth’s museums and galleries is just one of the many incredible things to see and do in the city, whether you have an hour to kill or choose to make a day of it. Visit the Perth Centre for Photography to see a photography show, the Aboriginal Art Gallery to learn about our Indigenous culture, or the Art Gallery of Western Australia to see the newest exhibitions. There are also plenty of smaller galleries to add to your list.
This guide will set you on your way in choosing which art galleries to visit in Perth, Australia: https://www.theurbanlist.com/perth/a-list/perths-best-art-galleries
Fremantle
Freemantle is a busy port city 30 minutes southwest of Perth, in Western Australia.
Whatever the time of year, Fremantle is truly an incredible destination with activities for all ages. The city is unique, with winding streets that showcase its colonial and gold rush history, perfectly balanced with modern sights.
This eco-friendly city is full of mystery and charm, and creativity. Locals love to party, and there always seems to be an art exhibition, festival, new restaurant, busker, theatre performance, and more to take in while visiting Fremantle, Western Australia.
Surfing
Perth and the surrounding areas possess some of the most spectacular and protected beaches in Australia.
Western Australia (WA) alone has more than 12,000 kilometers of sparkling coastline, more than a third of the country, and some of the best surfing in Australia.
From Rottnest Islands’ white beaches to the choppy waves of the South, here are some of the best surf locations in or near Perth, Western Australia:
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island
Surfing on the island of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is unique for other reasons besides the incredible waves. Perhaps it’s the tranquility you experience when waiting for your next ride to arrive while floating in the crystal blue depths of these sparkling beaches.
Rottnest Island boasts surf breaks that compete with those of the legendary Margaret River due to a variety of swell directions and favorable circumstances. Additionally, because it is an island, there is always a location with strong offshore winds, making it a unique and reliable surf spot.
Cottesloe Beach
Due to its location in the swell shadow of Rottnest Island, which is roughly 20 km offshore, Cottesloe Beach doesn’t get waves as big as Perth’s northern beaches. You can still catch some great waves if the southwest has enough kick to it or if a rare cyclone surge strikes.
Trigg Beach
With a regular surf break, Trigg Beach is one of Perth’s most well-liked surfing locations. Locals love the grassy reserve to the north with its long, smooth white sand beach as it has plenty of room for guests. Dolphins are occasionally seen here in the summer on Trigg Island, which is also a popular place for birdwatching and fishing.
Yallingup
This surf break might be intimidating for longboarders and older surfers. Only waves with four feet or more are worthwhile to surf, and six feet or more is ideal. When huge sets come rolling through, there is nowhere to escape. Unless you get caught inside on the right-hander, you won’t hit the bottom, but the raw power of these waves will keep you down for a while.
Scarborough Beach
Perth City Coast’s Scarborough Beach is an exposed beach break with reasonably regular surf. Easterly winds are usually offshore. The best swell direction is from the west, and clear groundswells are prevalent. There are lefts and rights at the beach breaks. Beware of potentially harmful rips here.
The best month to surf at Scarborough Beach is often May when the waves are consistently clean and the swell is manageable. The clean surfable waves can be found half the time, whilst the rest of the time they are most likely to be blown out.
Margaret River
The Margaret River Region is noted for its strong surf, which has shaped the styles of the best surfers to come out of Western Australia and is synonymous with surfing.
Everyone can find a wave here, from beginner-friendly shore breaks to immaculate barrels where local giants Taj Burrows and Jake Patterson developed their techniques. If you are a new surfer, rent a board or take some surf lessons from a local.
Fremantle
The outer reef system that runs from Rottnest Island down to the southern part of the city has a significant impact on the surf conditions in Fremantle. Most of the Indian Ocean swells coming from the west are blocked by this shallow reef system, making the waves a lot smaller.
The small waves throughout the summer are typically suitable for beginners. It is possible to catch some top waves in the winter, but you will need all the right conditions.
Swanbourne Beach
Swanbourne Beach is 20 minutes from Perth by car and is a 12-kilometer-long expanse of smooth, white sand.
An exposed beach break with reasonably steady surf in the Perth area, with winter being the ideal season for surfing. The best swell direction is from the west-southwest, and ground swells are more common than wind swells. There are left and right beach breaks, with ripples, rocks, and shark hazards.
This beach is one of only two officially recognized nudist beaches in the Perth area. To safeguard the native ecology and fauna, the dunes are cordoned off. The beginning of the clothing-optional zone is clearly marked.
Restaurants
Perth has a restaurant for every occasion, whether you’re going down the street for an unplanned visit to your neighborhood favorite or heading somewhere posh for a special occasion.
Here is a list of some of the many restaurant options in Perth:
Public House
Public House is well located, friendly and the food is delicious. There are several South American flavors on the menu, the staff is incredibly pleasant, the drinks are delicious, and the ambiance is laid-back and fun.
Balthazar
A renowned brasserie in New York by the name of Balthazar shares a name with this eatery. Their Art Deco area elegantly transitions from business by day to glamour at night, offering a classy, intimate setting for refined Modern Australian cuisine.
Chef Skye Faithfull creates thoughtful and creative cuisines with an emphasis on regional ingredients and an exceptional wine list.
Petition
A century ago, concerned residents would congregate in the CBD at the location of the current petition to advocate for causes they believed in.
Petition Kitchen now caters to bistro-style brunches, French-inspired dinners, and specialty coffee. The wine bar has a selection of organic and biodynamic wines and snacks to eat while drinking, and the beer area has 18 craft beers on tap.
UMA at the Sheraton
Fresh, well made with nice-sized portions, and the food is cooked perfectly here at UMA at the Sheraton. This restaurant is a hidden gem!
The high-end Peruvian cuisine, ambiance, and service at UMA at the Sheraton are unique. The food is also top quality. Try the potatoes or linguine!
Shadow Wine Bar
The Shadow Wine Bar in Northbridge, which is tucked away close to the upscale eatery The Alex Hotel, provides traditional European cuisine and a delectable wine list. Come in for a glass of wine or stay the night.
Shadow Wine Bar has a delicious full food and bar menu that pairs perfectly with your preferred wine and is laden with charcuterie, cheese, and other wine-friendly faves. They also serve brunch on the weekends between 8 am and 2 pm.
Authentic Bites Dumpling House
Search no further than Authentic Bites Dumpling House in Northbridge if you’re hungry for outstanding dumplings. It’s understandable why people line up outside starting at noon to purchase those delicious pan-fried dumplings, not to mention the dumpling soups! Don’t leave without sampling the pan-fried kimchi dumplings!
Double Rainbow
In Northbridge, Perth’s cultural center, on the ground floor of The Rechabite, is Double Rainbow, a dining experience featuring Korean delicacies. The cuisine makes inventive use of some of Perth’s finest ingredients, bringing them to life with the vivacity and elegance of Korean cuisine.
Santini
Santini Bar & Grill in Perth honors traditional Italian cuisine by combining it with everything that is cherished in Western Australia. It is inspired by the sun and always embraces the seasons.
While guests are transported to the Mediterranean by the dining room’s vibrant terracotta and turquoise colors, the open kitchen at Santini Grill displays the smokey wood fire coals and hanging handmade pasta.
Fresh seasonal ingredients that have been carefully chosen and simply prepared are the mainstays of the cuisine, which was created by Creative Food Director Rob Marchetti and Executive Chef Nic Wood.
Heritage Wine Bar
Treat yourself to high-quality food and stylish surroundings here as there is continuous service from lunchtime till late. The entrée, main course, and desserts are all made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients.
Located in the heritage district’s Royal Insurance building on St. Georges Terrace with casual yet elegant views, Heritage is the ideal location to have a meal, coffee, or a couple of drinks.
Balti Indian
Balti is a very upscale and excellent Indian restaurant situated in central Perth. The cuisine is delicious, and the service is 5 stars. The menu offers a variety of outstanding curries, sides, and tasting plates.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island
20 kilometers off the coast of Fremantle, lies the sunny holiday destination of Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), with its easy-going atmosphere, picturesque countryside, and dazzling marine life as well as some of the most spectacular beaches and pristine bays in the world.
Wadjemup is the Noongar name of the island, which means “waters where the soul resides”. The land belongs to traditional owners Whadjuk Noongar, who know the island as a resting place for souls and as a memorial to the Aboriginal men and boys whose remains lie beneath the sands of Wadjemup.
Surrounded by the vast Indian Ocean, Rottnest Island is home to deserted beaches, car-free streets, and the world-famous quokka. Beaches and coves are perfect for snorkeling, surfing, and sunbathing, making Rottnest an ideal holiday location.
Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Beach is a vibrant coastline with a busy promenade, adventure playground, skating bowls, a climbing wall, basketball half-court, gym equipment, an amphitheater, and stunning sunsets over the hills.
There are plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as accommodation options ranging from backpacker hostels and affordable family apartments to luxury hotels with sea views.
During the off-peak seasons (outside of school holidays) Scarborough Beach is quiet and spectacular. The clean and vast beach is the perfect spot for relaxing, picnics or a long stroll, taking in the Indian Ocean. The sand is soft and the sunsets are stunning. Scarborough Beach is well worth the short 15km drive from Perth CBD.
Fremantle
Conclusion
Whichever season you are visiting Perth, Western Australia, there are plenty of sights and activities for all types of travelers.
Keep in mind that peak seasons such as school holidays and the summer months will be busier, and costs will be higher.
Generally speaking, Perth is a relaxed and picturesque city with a great lifestyle worth adding to your bucket list.
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