You’ve landed safely. You’ve checked in to the hotel. Now, with so many things to do in Perth, where do you start? Here are some ideas of what you can do so you’ll maximise your time in this city of lights!
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Getting Around
The Perth CBD itself only takes a day for you to familiarise yourself with, and most of it is achievable on foot or by taking Perth’s free CAT buses (unfortunately there aren’t any actual cats on these buses 
). The city is broken down into 3 main areas: Northbridge in the north, the city’s CBD and shopping street in the middle and Kings Park in the South. You can explore the city from north to south or south to north, but do bear in mind that most places close by 5pm, with the exception of late night shopping Thursdays when retail stores close at 9pm.
Another great option to explore Perth is by renting a car! It’s pretty easy to drive around the city and its surrounds, and it definitely gives you more freedom to explore.
[If you need reasons to visit Australia…here are 9!]
Day 1 – Warm up to the city
Start your day with the breakfast of champions! (1-2 hours)
- If you’re up for an early start to the day, have breakfast and a cup of coffee at one of Perth’s many cafes like the vegan and vegetarian friendly Flora & Fauna in Northbridge.
How insanely gorgeous is this spread?
Credit: Flora & Fauna
Warm up to the city at Kings Park or have a wet & wild time at Adventure World! (2-5 hours)
- I’m not sure about you, but when I travel to other countries, I’d like to start my day warming up to the country by exploring the city. For this, Kings Park & Botanic Garden is just the ticket.
- While you are there, take some time to wander around the lake and fountains, climb the DNA Tower, take the elevated treetop Federation Walkway, or simply have a picnic with families or friends on the green grass.
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- During summer months, Kings Park also hosts Australia’s favourite outdoor cinema, the Moonlight Cinema, showing new and classic movies on the lawns of the park. Definitely an experience not to be missed, especially if you’re a movie buff!
Chilling out at the Moonlight Cinema
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- For adrenaline junkies, make your way to Perth’s Adventure World – the only theme/water park that you will find in Perth. It has the longest, tallest and steepest Tornado water slide and over 25 rides and attractions that are sure to make your adrenaline rush! If you’re planning a visit here, make sure to purchase the Fast Pass to bypass the queues, especially on summer, where the park is normally packed with crowds.
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- Once your tummy growls and you need some carbs to rev-up your day, head on to Insan’s Cafe for a taste of Malaysian cuisine in the heart of Perth city.
Fried rice definitely hits the spot!
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Walk around the CBD (2-3 hours)
- Explore the shopping streets of Hay St and Murray St, get transported to London at the quaint London Court, have a slice of Honey Cake in the city or hop on to Northbridge for Corica’s Apple Strudels!
Stroll down Ye Olde England in Perth!
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Day 2 – Be one with the animals
Swim with the dolphins or see the most adorable penguins at Rockingham(3-6 hours)
- This should be the highlight of your trip. If it’s not, make it one, as it’s guaranteed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget! Located just 40 minutes away from south of Perth, Rockingham‘s coastal waters are frequently visited by large pods of friendly wild dolphins. For AUD205 (snorkel gear and refreshments included), you get to go up-close and personal with these wild bottlenose dolphins, swim and interact with them in their natural environment. Tours operate daily from September to early June, and can last anything from three to six hours, depending on dolphin activity and sightings on the day.
Take a selfie with dolphins!
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- If you can’t swim but would still love to see dolphins AND penguins, fret not, as you can take a ferry or cruise to Penguin Island, which is home to the largest colony of Little Penguins, the smallest species of penguin in the world!
Aren’t they just the cutest?
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- All the swimming and excitement can make anyone hungry, but this can be fixed at Spices on Ocean restaurant, that serves halal Indian cuisine at Rockingham Beach Road. When you’re there, don’t forget to try their succulent lamb korma moglai, chicken makhani, and the onion bhaji that can get anyone drooling for sure!
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#HHWT Tip: Fun fact! There’s also a Nando’s nearby that is halal. In fact, most of the Nando’s restaurants available in Australia are halal-certified. Just be sure to double check in case some outlets serve bacon in their menu.
Meet the koalas and feed the kangaroos at Caversham Wildlife Park (3-6 hours)
- If being near water is not your thing, hug cuddly animals at the wildlife park! You can hand-feed kangaroos, take photos with koalas, touch a lizard (if you’re not squeamish) or join in an interactive farm show – definitely a once in a lifetime experience to have, as most of these animals are native to Australia only.
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#HHWT Tip: Caversham Wildlife Park serves halal food! You can find curry, rice and even pies. If you’re not up for eating there, you can also check out Makan 2 Cafe on your way back to the city for some good ol’ Malaysian food and teh tarik.
Day 3 – Take a selfie with rocks
See the legendary Pinnacles and eat succulent lobster (8 – 10 hours)
- Start your day early by driving to Cervantes (about 3 hours drive from Perth city) to visit the majestic Pinnacles, an otherworldly desert of stone pillars rising up out of the golden sand. On summer, the weather can get very hot around here, so be sure to arrive early in the morning or late evening for that perfect photo shots with these alien looking rocks!
Discover the ancient limestone pillars of the pinnacles.
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- For a hearty lunch, there’s no better place than The Lobster Shack, just 30 minutes away from The Pinnacles. Of course the succulent, exquisite flavour of the western rock lobster is a must-try meal when you’re here, alongside other dishes like the fish and chips, seafood burger, grilled fish and salads. The food here is a bit costly, but it’s so, so good, I promise you won’t be disappointed!
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- If you’re not rushing for time, I’d also suggest that you linger around and go on the Lobster Shack boat tour at sunset to enjoy the most spectacular view of the sun melts into the Indian Ocean. While you’re there, do also keep an eye our for the local sea lions and dolphins in the ocean!
Day 4 – Get in touch with nature
Explore Swan Valley (6 – 8 hours)
- If you’re a nature person like me, you’d love the next visit – the Swan Valley, just 20 minutes from Perth CBD. Spend a good 1-2 hours just picking grapes, at Katich’s The Grape Place.
Sun-kissed grapes
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- Chocolate lovers can also head on to Margaret River Chocolate Factory nearby that boasts hundreds of delicious chocolate products. While you’re there, don’t forget to indulge yourself with the sumptuous range of cakes, desserts, chocolate fondues, drinks and chocolate inspired treats all day long.
Try not to drool over the selection of chocolates here!
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- For high tea, be sure to drop by Cape Lavender, a unique cafe that serves everything-lavender – from teas, scones, cakes, through to ice creams! The food there is always beautifully presented, tasty and most importantly, value for money. Other than that, the cafe is also filled with lavender-made products, from hand lotions, lip balms, lavender scent, soaps, etc you name it. No doubt, it is easily the best kept secret in Swan Valley!
Some lavender ice cream to go with your tea perhaps?
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- If you have some time left, don’t forget to pop by the iconic Blue Boat House in Perth to get some gorgeous photos! It’s around a 29min drive from the Swan Valley visitor centre.
Day 5 – Shop till you drop
Take a trip down to Fremantle (5 – 6 hours)
- What better way to end the trip other than shop for Perth goodies! If you’re looking for cheap souvenirs to bring back home, head on to Fremantle Market, just 25 minutes from Perth CBD. Do note that the market is only open from Friday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm.
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- When you’re here, don’t forget to drop by Kailis’ Fish Market Cafe, famous for their delicious fish and chips.
Award winning fish & chips!
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Shop your favourite brands (3 – 4 hours)
- Then, head on to Watertown Brand Outlet Centre to shop for your favourite brands like, Levi’s, Dangerfield, French Connection, Nine West, Nike, Esprit and much more, without burning a hole in your pocket!
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There’s a whole lot more to explore in Perth and Western Australia, like heading to the beaches where the sunsets are nothing short of spectacular and the ocean is a pristine blue. We definitely think it’s time for you to start planning your adventure down under!
P.S. Do you have $1 to spare? We’re currently crowdfunding to bring more travel guides and countries to our app and publication. If our blog or app has helped you on your travels or inspired you in any way, we would really appreciate your support!