Best of Perth

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Perth

Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, boasts stunning beaches and parklands that offer a mix of urban and natural environments. Nature lovers will be delighted with the city's many parks and gardens, including the Kings Park and Botanic Garden. For the adventurous, sandboarding and camel riding along the Lancelin Sand Dunes offer a thrilling experience. Culture enthusiasts can explore the Art Gallery of Western Australia, while history buffs can take a trip to the charming port town of Fremantle.

No visit to Perth is complete without a tour of the Swan Valley and Margaret River wine regions, home to award-winning wineries and local produce. With its laid-back lifestyle, Perth is the perfect gateway to Western Australia.

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Meet the local fauna on a day trip to Western Australia's Pinnacles Desert
Map of Perth for Families - 10 Days
Perth for Families - 10 Days

Featuring an energetic blend of city exploration and epic outdoor adventures, this 10-day itinerary is perfect for active families eager to discover the sunshine capital of Australia. Surf and snorkel off Perth's pristine urban beaches, take an exhilarating boat ride to meet the adorable quokkas of Rottnest Island, sandboard down desert dunes on a day trip to the nearby Pinnacle Desert, and dive into the Indian Ocean with a hands-on, behind-the-scenes visit to the Aquarium of Western Australia.

Western Australia's modern capital is a gateway to memorable day trips
Map of Highlights of Perth - 8 Days
Highlights of Perth - 8 Days

Get to know Perth and its spectacular surroundings with this immersive eight-day itinerary. Begin with a deep dive into Western Australia's dynamic capital, where you'll explore Perth's storied history, discover a thriving art scene, and enjoy free time at the beach. When you're not exploring the city, you'll join thrilling day trips that take you stargazing in the surreal Pinnacles Desert, biking around the quokka-inhabited haven of Rottnest Island, and wine tasting in the gourmet paradise of Swan Valley.

Walk the arched pedestrian bridge over Perth's Swan River
Map of Perth: Best Itinerary Ideas
Perth: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, five to 10 days is the perfect amount of time for an Australia trip with stops in Perth. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Melbourne or Sydney. See more ideas for Perth itineraries below.

North Cottesloe Beach, Perth
Map of The Best of Australia's West Coast: Perth, Exmouth & Margaret River - 8 Days
The Best of Australia's West Coast: Perth, Exmouth & Margaret River - 8 Days

Experience the highlights of Perth, Exmouth, and Margaret River on this action-packed holiday down Australia's west coast. Those looking for an extreme adrenaline rush can swim with whale sharks and ride rollercoasters. Immerse yourself in local heritage, bask on beautiful beaches, and join a few wine or brewery tours while taking in some of the best views in Australia.

Enjoy breathtaking outback sunsets as you journey through the heart of Australia
Map of Western Australia & The Red Center: Perth, Adelaide, Alice Springs & Darwin - 13 Days
Western Australia & The Red Center: Perth, Adelaide, Alice Springs & Darwin - 13 Days

Experience the best of the west on this two-week trip from Perth to Adelaide, through the heart of Australia's Red Center to Alice Springs, and onto Darwin in the tropical north. See the outback in style on the iconic Ghan Railway, watching the changing light and landscapes as you cover nearly 2,000 miles in three days. Learn about Aboriginal rock art and uncover tales of World War II in Darwin before making your way back to Perth to enjoy one last amazing Indian Ocean sunset.

Perth is your base for west coast adventures like a day trip to Rottnest Island
Map of Coast-to-Coast Australian Cities: Sydney, Melbourne & Perth - 16 Days
Coast-to-Coast Australian Cities: Sydney, Melbourne & Perth - 16 Days

Experience the best of three unique Australian cities over 16 incredible days. This far-reaching itinerary starts in Sydney, ticking off iconic sights, meeting native wildlife, and cruising the harbor at sunset. Next, get to know Melbourne, a creative hub famous for its food scene, penguins, and the Great Ocean Road. Finally, jump over to Perth, a laid-back coastal mecca. From here you'll embark on a mini road trip to the Margaret River region's renowned wine country and Indian Ocean beaches.

End your adventure on the edge of Western Australia's Ningaloo Reef at a luxury beach camp (photo courtesy of Sal Salis)
Map of Luxury on Australia's Wild West Coast: Perth, Margaret River & Exmouth - 10 Days
Luxury on Australia's Wild West Coast: Perth, Margaret River & Exmouth - 10 Days

This 10-day curated itinerary blends comfort, exclusivity, and the awe-inspiring wonders of Western Australia. Your journey begins in the historic heart of Perth, your base for day trips to the mystical Pinnacles and idyllic Rottnest Island. After, sip and savor the Margaret River on a self-drive adventure through the famous wine region. Finally, catch a flight to Exmouth, where barefoot luxury awaits as you spend your days swimming alongside humpback whales and whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef.

Kick off your trip with two nights in Queenstown, New Zealand
Map of Fast-Paced Australia & New Zealand Tour: Queenstown, Sydney, Tasmania & Perth - 10 Days
Fast-Paced Australia & New Zealand Tour: Queenstown, Sydney, Tasmania & Perth - 10 Days

Explore the diverse beauty and culture of Australia and New Zealand on this brilliant 10-day journey. From the breathtaking fjords near Queenstown to the iconic Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk in Sydney, this fast-paced itinerary squeezes the best nature, wildlife, and cultural experiences into just 10 days. Discover these two countries as you hike through national parks, indulge in city life, and embark on memorable day trips.

Board the Indian Pacific Railway from Sydney to Perth and cross the Nullarbor Plain
Map of Australia's Indian Pacific Rail Journey: Sydney, Adelaide, Nullarbor Plain & Perth - 8 Days
Australia's Indian Pacific Rail Journey: Sydney, Adelaide, Nullarbor Plain & Perth - 8 Days

With this eight-day Australia itinerary, you'll cross from east to west aboard the Indian Pacific Railway. Starting in Sydney, explore the city's top sights and climb the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge before boarding the transcontinental train. Your four-day rail trip will reveal the many colors of Australia's landscapes as you cut through the outback. You'll pass the famous Nullarbor Plain and finally arrive in Perth, rounding out the adventure with wine tasting in the Swan Valley and a day trip to Rottnest Island.

Turquoise bay in Cape Range National Park near Exmouth
Map of Best of Western Australia: Exmouth, Margaret River & Perth - 10 Days
Best of Western Australia: Exmouth, Margaret River & Perth - 10 Days

This 10-day trip through Western Australia includes plenty of outdoor adventure. Journey to Exmouth to swim with whale sharks and explore Ningaloo Reef, followed by an active tour of Cape Range National Park and its beautiful gorges. Then, visit Margaret River to explore sacred Aboriginal caves, go wine tasting, and take a whale watching cruise. Next, travel to Perth to shop the city and embark on day trips to the Pink Lake of Kalbarri and the pristine Rottnest Island.

Cape Range National Park
Map of West Coral Coast: From Exmouth to Perth - 7 Days
West Coral Coast: From Exmouth to Perth - 7 Days

On this weeklong journey through Australia's West Coral Coast, adventure through the beaches of Exmouth and then to the capital of Western Australia—Perth. In Exmouth, snorkel through Ningaloo Reef, and go swimming with whale sharks. Then, explore the canyons of Cape Range National Park and cruise along Yardie Creek. Next, fly to Perth for a nighttime walking tour of the bar and restaurant scene, followed by a trip to Rottnest Island for a self-guided biking and snorkeling tour. The journey winds down with a free day in Perth to continue discovering landmarks and hidden gems alike.

Explore Australia's famous Great Barrier Reef on a snorkeling tour from Cairns
Map of Australia & New Zealand Cultural Journey - 21 Days
Australia & New Zealand Cultural Journey - 21 Days

Experience the rich culture of Australia and New Zealand on this three-week adventure. You'll visit Australia's most iconic landmarks, from Sydney Harbour Bridge to UNESCO-listed Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as ancient rainforests and the wild Northern Territory. Continue to New Zealand's North Island to immerse yourself in geothermal landscapes, Maori culture, and Middle-earth with a trip to the Hobbiton film set.

Journey across Australia to the remote Indian Ocean beaches of Cape Range National Park
Map of Australia's East & West Coasts Adventure - 18 Days
Australia's East & West Coasts Adventure - 18 Days

Hit the highlights of Australia's east and west coasts on this glorious 18-day adventure. Start in Sydney, where you'll cruise its famous harbor and scale the heights of its iconic bridge. Head north to Port Douglas to snorkel through coral reefs and trek into the rainforest, then experience Melbourne with a food tour and hot-air balloon flight. Fly to the west coast to discover Perth and its stunning beaches, then finish your journey swimming with whale sharks in Exmouth and wine tasting in Margaret River.

Landscapes of Western Australia where the Red Centre meets the sea
Map of Melbourne, Sydney & Western Australia Road Trip - 20 Days
Melbourne, Sydney & Western Australia Road Trip - 20 Days

This 20-day itinerary blends city exploration with coastal wonders and an epic road trip along the Coral Coast. Soak up city life, culture, and cuisine in Melbourne and Sydney before flying to sun-kissed Perth. Embark on a Western Australia road trip to see the striking Pinnacles, snorkel Coral Bay, and witness the beauty of Ningaloo Reef.

Embark on an epic three-day train journey across the Australian Outback
Map of Australian East Coast & Indian Pacific Rail: Sydney to Perth - 20 Days
Australian East Coast & Indian Pacific Rail: Sydney to Perth - 20 Days

This 20-day Australian journey combines city charm, natural wonders, and unforgettable experiences. Start in Melbourne with a hot-air balloon flight, then spend the night on the incredible Great Barrier Reef. Visit stunning Sydney and board the legendary Indian Pacific Railway for a captivating cross-country voyage to Perth. Sip your way around the Margaret River wine region, then have an exhilarating encounter with whale sharks in Exmouth.

Explore the wilds of Western Australia from a luxury oceanside camp (photo courtesy of Sal Salis)
Map of Luxury Sydney, Kangaroo Island & Australia's Wild West Coast - 14 Days
Luxury Sydney, Kangaroo Island & Australia's Wild West Coast - 14 Days

Explore the awe-inspiring wonders of Sydney, Kangaroo Island, and Western Australia with this epic two-week luxury itinerary. Starting in harborside Sydney, you'll tick off the icons, connect with Aboriginal culture, and cook with a private chef. Then, delve deep into the wilderness with five deluxe nights on Kangaroo Island. Return to city life in Perth with a private coffee tour before your flight to Exmouth, where you'll settle into a luxe beachside camp and swim alongside gentle whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef.

Spend two days swimming with marine life in the Indian Ocean
Map of Australia Honeymoon Outdoor Adventure: Melbourne, Sydney & the West Coast - 14 Days
Australia Honeymoon Outdoor Adventure: Melbourne, Sydney & the West Coast - 14 Days

This adventurous two-week Australian honeymoon combines the best of Sydney, Melbourne, and the West Coast. Start in the cultural capital, Melbourne, with a cocktail tour and day trips to the Mornington Peninsula and Great Ocean Road. From here, fly west to sunny Perth where you'll road trip south to taste wines in the Margaret River and fly north to Exmouth to swim with humpback whales and whale sharks. Finish your romantic tour in Sydney with a sunset dinner cruise and an overnight zoo encounter.

Wangi Falls at sunset in Litchfield National Park near Kakadu, NT, Australia
Map of Exploring Northern Australia - 9 Days
Exploring Northern Australia - 9 Days

Explore the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the northern half of Australia, making your way from tropical Cairns to lively Perth on this nine-day trip. You'll see the Great Barrier Reef, cruise through the wetlands of Kakadu National Park, and fly over the magnificent Horizontal Falls. Along the way, you'll learn about First Nations culture, explore the dramatic Katherine Gorge, and end your journey with a sunrise camel tour on the beach as you gaze out over the Indian Ocean.

Visit northern natural wonders like Katherine Gorge
Map of Best of Northern Australia: Cairns, Darwin, Broome & Perth - 10 Days
Best of Northern Australia: Cairns, Darwin, Broome & Perth - 10 Days

This 10-day journey takes you to Australia's tropical north, where the ocean meets the rainforest. All the highlights are included, from sightseeing in Cairns to snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. But that's not all—you'll continue to Darwin for off-the-beaten-path adventures in Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge, and Edith Falls before winding the trip down on the stunning beaches of Perth.

Other popular travel destinations in Australia
Sydney · Melbourne · Cairns · Uluru · Port Douglas · Gold Coast · Whitsundays · Hobart · Hamilton Island · Airlie Beach · Tasmania