Most visitors to Australia head to popular destinations like Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast or tropical North Queensland, but if you’re looking for something a little different, Perth could be the answer.
Perth is one of the most isolated major cities in the world, but you wouldn’t know it once you’re there—with a bustling business district and a healthy population of a little over 2 million people, Perth has plenty to offer tourists who decide to pay it a visit.
Here we fill you in on everything you need to know if you’re thinking of including Perth on your ‘down under’ itinerary.
Best Time of Year to Visit Perth
While Perth has something to offer at any time of year, springtime (from September to November) generally offers the best conditions, with daytime temperatures generally hovering around the 20°C (or 68°F) mark with low chance of rainfall.
Autumn (March-May) can also be a pleasant time to visit Perth with warm and sunny days, however you may encounter some rain and humidity.
During Summer (between December and February), the climate usually becomes very hot and dry. You should get some relief from the heat in the afternoons, however many visitors will find the heat too uncomfortable.
If you travel during Winter (June to August) you’re likely to experience cooler temperatures and possibly some rain or storms.
Where to Stay in Perth
There are a few good places to stay in and around Perth. Here are a few favourites:
- Perth City: Situated on the banks of the beautiful Swan River and Kings Park bushland, Perth City is a thriving cosmopolitan central with a bustling restaurant and cafe scene and plenty of sightseeing on offer.
- Fremantle: A historical port city only 30 minutes from the city CBD with trendy cafes a-plenty and a cool, arty vibe.
- Scarborough: Perfect if you want to make the most of Australia’s beautiful surf beaches while staying within easy reach of the city centre.
- Rockingham: A short drive south of Perth in its beautiful beach-side location, Rockingham is an ideal destination if you’re travelling with kids or looking for a beachy vacay.
- Mandurah: Still within close-proximity to Perth, Mandurah boasts a relaxed coastal vibe. You can also enjoy exploring the nearby wineries, charming townships, state forests and national parks.
- Swan Valley: Perfect if you’re a bit of a foodie, with plenty of wineries and provedores to sample.
Getting Around Perth
The easiest way to get around Perth is either by rail or by road.
The metropolitan train network is quite simple to navigate and will take you to most suburban locations, as well as a few tourist locations like Fremantle, Cottesloe Beach and even Mandurah.
Otherwise, driving is the way to go. There’s a good taxi network, or you could even opt to hire a car while you’re there.
Hiring a motorhome or campervan can also be a great idea. Most motorhome hire Perth providers offer a range of different sized vehicles that come kitted out with everything you’ll need. You also won’t need to think about accommodation which is a bonus!
