All the Best Things to Do on a Weekend Escape to Perth
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Cottesloe Beach
Perth
With the promise of an outdoor lifestyle, stunning sandy beaches, award-winning Western Australian wines and a sophisticated dining scene, Australia's sunniest capital city has taken off. Whatever you choose, planning your visit is easy with our Perth travel guide.
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Places to stay
Start your visit to Western Australia in Perth’s CBD where the climate is made for breezy hotels, rooftop pools and exquisite views overlooking the Swan River. Get a sense of the area with free daily guided walks of the stunning inner-city Kings Park or join a walking tour to discover the city’s small bar scene and street art.
With new hotels opening in the city, Perth is now home to some of Australia’s best value hotel accommodation options available for all budgets from luxury to family-friendly apartments or bed and breakfast options.
Perth’s premium wine region, the Swan Valley, is just a short drive from the city centre, here you’re spoilt for choice with boutique hotels and guest lodges. Further south in the Margaret River region, you’ll find hotels, motels, self-contained holiday homes and apartments or camp sites. A great place to base yourself while visiting world renowned wineries such as the spectacular Leeuwin Estate, Cape Mentelle, Vasse Felix, Cullen Estate, Wills Domain and many more cellar doors.
Things to do
Whether you’ve got a week or a few nights to explore Perth and the surrounding areas – there’s a range of trip ideas waiting to be experienced.
Unwind and rest with a day at some of the most popular beaches – Cottesloe, Scarborough, City Beach and Trigg, are among the locals choice, but with 19 metropolitan beaches to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice. Their crystal clear waters are ideal to swim, surf, snorkel or paddleboard – the choice is yours.
Nature lovers can enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities; from exploring some of the amazing walking tracks in Kings Park, or the Cape to Cape Track stretching from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin in the south-west, through to whale watching cruises between June and December. Margaret River is also a hotspot for wildflowers - be on the lookout for the splendid spider orchid and giant donkey orchid, which are celebrated finds among botanical enthusiasts.
Take a day trip to Fremantle to soak in the slower pace and boho vibe or uncover Perth’s island playground, Rottnest, home to some of the finest beaches and bays in the world. Don’t miss getting a selfie with a cute quokka – Rotto’s friendly and photogenic locals.
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Fremantle
30 minutes drive from Perth's CBD 'Freo' as it's known by the locals, has a working harbour, colonial architecture and an artsy ambience.
It's one of the best places from which to catch a ferry to laid back Rottnest Island, with its enchanting bays, clear blue waters and local wildlife.
Take your pick of things to explore from funky fashion, microbreweries or crafted wines, seriously fresh produce and be entertained by performers and more than a few eccentrics.
Visit from Friday to Sunday to check out the local Freo Markets for fresh food, souvenirs and local crafts.
Cottesloe Beach
Midway between the CBD and Fremantle, is one of Perth's most popular city beaches. Cottesloe, renowned for its relaxed lifestyle, is also a popular seaside holiday destination. It's a 15 minute drive from the city or a short train ride and an easy walk from the station.
Relax and enjoy a coffee or lunch at one of the many cafes before strolling along the beach or taking a dip in the Indian Ocean. Then as night closes in, choose from an array of bars and restaurants, sit back with a cocktail and a taste of the delicious local produce, and take in the spectacular sunsets day after day.
Getting around
From the airport: you can get from the airport to Perth easily via taxi, or a shuttle bus if you’re happy to find your way to your own hotel from a central place. Pre book a reasonably priced private transfer if you want to get straight to your hotel after your flight to Perth.
In and around the city: the best way to get around Perth cheaply and easily is on the buses, trains and ferries operated by Transperth. There are also free CAT buses that operate around the Perth and Fremantle CBDs and at regular intervals. Ferries cross the river regularly between approximately 7am and 7pm, and depart to Rottnest Island from Perth, Fremantle and Hillarys.
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