City guide: 72 hours in Perth

Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
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A perfect day in Perth might involve museums, art galleries and historical attractions. But the best of the Wild West can also be found everywhere from its hip hangouts to a lazy lap of the Swan River.

What to expect in Perth

The city of Perth straddles the Swan River, which snakes east to west through the middle of the WA capital. The most isolated city in the world is located in the ancient country of the Whadjuk Nyoongar people, and has the Indian Ocean on one side and Australian outback on the other.

While once regarded as a big country town, Perth’s plethora of restaurants, pubs, bars, night markets, galleries, cafes, theatres and festivals has repositioned it as a destination that is now as worldly as it is working class. Perth’s rebirth has seen the city expand outwards from the original settlement on the Swan River where the CBD and Port Of Fremantle are situated.

It’s continued with an abundance of new and refurbished properties, such as the Vibe Hotel, Subiaco, The Adnate Perth – Art Series, Quay Perth , Doubletree by Hilton, The Westin, The Ritz Carlton, Como The Treasury and Aloft Perth.

Hyde Perth Kitchen + Cocktails at The Adnate in Perth
Hyde Perth Kitchen + Cocktails at The Adnate Perth – Art Series. (Credit: Damien Smith)

See the scenic side of Perth with Captain Cook Cruises, which skirts the Swan River between Perth and Fremantle past the city’s Bell Tower, The Old Swan Brewery Precinct and Royal Perth Yacht Club.

Swan River landmark the Crawley Edge Boatshed in Perth
Don’t miss the Swan River landmark the Crawley Edge Boatshed in Perth. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

Visit the snazzy new waterfront development of Elizabeth Quay, located on the Swan River and in the heart of the CBD, or join Perth locals making the pilgrimage to hip hubs such as Subiaco and Mount Hawthorn. Getting to know Perth’s laid-back and outdoorsy side means finding an expanse of lawn and some live entertainment.

Headlining the city’s cultural calendar is Perth Festival, the oldest arts festival in the southern hemisphere. Also worth pencilling in is Perth International Jazz Festival, St Jerome’s Laneway Festival , Fremantle International Street Art Festival , Perth Comedy Festival and Rottofest.

The city’s sophistication also shines at WA Museum Boola Bardip, located in the Perth Cultural Centre and a great place to get a feel for the influence of Indigenous culture on WA’s visual art offerings.

Join Two Feet And A Heartbeat for a progressive dinner and bar crawl to discover the city’s hidden dive bars, revitalised pubs and atmospheric eateries.

Perth has 19 metropolitan beaches, but its proximity to Rottnest Island is what put it on the world map for being home to the quokka, ‘the happiest animal in the world’. Perth is also renowned for its vineyards and valleys: head to Bickley Valley, Guildford and the Swan Valley for the best of them.

Little Salmon Bay, Rottnest Island
Swim at Little Salmon Bay, Rottnest Island. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

How to spend 72 hours in Perth

Beachside Fare

Odyssea at City Beach, Clancy’s Fish Bar and Hamptons City Beach are three top spots to take in the ambient sounds of the Indian Ocean while watching the waves roll in on the West Australian coast.

Cellar Doors

Some of WA’s oldest vineyards and newest cellar doors are located within easy reach of Perth. Drop a pin using your map app and plot a course to Oakover Wines , Pinelli Estate Wines and Olive Farm Wines.

Visit Rottnest

Hire a bicycle and take it on the ferry to Rottnest Island, where you can cycle, swim, snorkel, and commune with the local population of quokkas, peacocks and pelicans. Stay overnight at The Samphire.

Rottnest Island
Take a ferry to Rottnest Island. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

Elizabeth Quay

Perth’s newish precinct, Elizabeth Quay, has added some sparkle to its CBD. Choose between a range of elegant restaurants and casual cafes dotted along the river such as The Reveley or V Burger Bar.

Cottesloe

The Cott, as Cottesloe Beach is known colloquially, is popular with everyone from surfers to swimmers. There is also some great snorkelling to be had at North Cottesloe Beach.

Cottesloe Beach in Perh
Soak in the sun at Cottesloe Beach in Perth.

Best places to stay in Perth

Affordable

The Vibe Hotel in Subiaco is near to a string of fashion boutiques and galleries.

Moderate

The Adnate, Perth – Art Series Hotels is a draw for arty types with its 25-storey mural.

The Adnate Perth – Art Series mural
Mural at The Adnate Perth – Art Series. (Credit: Damien Smith)

Luxe

Perth does posh well with Como The Treasury , the most indulgent digs in town.

Where to eat in Perth

Good food and wine permeates every aspect of life in the Western Australian capital so dive in headfirst with a visit to Wildflower , at Como The Treasury, where you can pull back the curtains and peep at the fine dining scene in Perth.

You can also eat like royalty downstairs at Long Chim, and at Silks in the Crown Metropol . Balthazar is another Perth institution, while Petition inside the State Buildings is a popular place to play ‘spot the politician’.

In country Australia, a ‘cooee ’ is a call to gain attention, which is exactly what’s happening at the restaurant of the same name located on the site of the Old Swan Brewery.

Go for Albany rock oysters and Geraldton emperor at Cooee Perth, which is also open for Sunday brunch. For a more international focus, go for a wander down William Street or Washing Lane in Northbridge.

Out on the town in Northbridge
Out on the town in Northbridge, Perth. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

The Ramen Lab in Mount Lawley and Pinchos in Leederville also nod to Perth’s rich cultural heritage as does the pocket-sized French restaurant P’tite Ardoise Bistro, perfect for a romantic dinner.

An hour’s drive away, Flics Kitchen has put Mandurah on the map for foodies.

What to do in Perth

Head to the hip hubs of Mount Lawley, Leederville and Victoria Park to flit from vintage fashion boutiques and independent design stores to cafes and bars trending on Instagram.

Visit Scarborough on a Thursday night to check out the Sunset Markets where you can find everything from ceramics to jewellery, funky wares and food.

Scarborough Beach in Perth
Scarborough Beach in Perth. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

Next, don’t miss the new $400 million WA Museum Boola Bardip, the living museum that celebrates WA’s rich Indigenous heritage. A day spent wandering around the boho enclave of Freo is also compulsory.

Best walks in Perth

You will find the paths in Kings Park full of Perth locals who climb the Jacob’s Ladder stairs for views of the Swan and Canning Rivers and Darling Ranges.

In addition to the beach walks to suit every mood, walk to Lions Lookout in Lesmurdie to get a great perspective over Perth. If you’re feeling adventurous, set out for Ellis Brook Valley Reserve where you will find Sixty Foot Falls and (seasonal) carpets of wildflowers.

Don’t miss: Northbridge

Northbridge is a Perth suburb that pulses with energy. You can start the day with morning yoga on a rooftop, followed by coffee at Flora & Fauna Laneway Cafe and lunch at Japanese pancake joint, Kumokumo . After carb-loading at Francoforte Spaghetti Bar enjoy a nightcap at No Mafia.

A Delish Ice pop-up in Northbridge
A Delish Ice pop-up in Northbridge. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

Conscious Traveller tip

The World Indigenous Tourism Summit is being held in Perth in 2021.

That’s huge news for the Noongar people, who have lived in the south-west of Western Australia for the last 45,000 years. Learn about Perth’s precincts from an Indigenous perspective with Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours & Experiences.

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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The best walks and hikes for an active day in Perth

    Kirsty PetridesBy Kirsty Petrides
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    From coastal boardwalks to wildflower-rich bush trails, Perth offers hikes to suit both casual walkers and experienced adventurers.

    Whether you’re craving a gentle stroll to spot wildflowers or a lung-pumping climb for panoramic views, there’s a walk or hike for every mood and fitness level. Lace up your hiking boots, pack water and get walking. We’ve rounded up 12 of the best hikes and walks in Perth.

    In short

    If you only do one serious hike, make it the Eagle View Trail in John Forrest National Park for waterfalls, wildflowers and city skyline and even ocean views. If you’ve only got time for something shorter, hit the Zamia Trail in City Beach for short steep climbs offering sweeping views.

    1. Sullivan Rock to Mount Cooke (Darling Range)

    Sullivan Rock to Mount Cooke (Darling Range)
    Walk to the highest point in the Darling Range, Mt Cooke. (Image: DBCA)

    Distance: 18.4 kilometres return (8 hours)

    Getting there: 1 hour from Perth

    Accessibility: Grade 4; hiking experience recommended due to steep final climb.

    Facilities: Campground, public toilets, shaded rest areas, water access at Mount Cooke.

    This hike begins through creeklined forests of sheoak, banksia, and jarrah, steadily working its way up to the summit ridge of Mount Cooke. The payoff is a sweeping panorama over the Darling Range, especially dramatic at sunrise, and a chance to camp overnight if you want the peace of dusk and dawn.

    2. Eagle View Trail, John Forrest National Park

    a bicycle trail in John Forrest National Park, Perth
    Traverse scenic vistas on two wheels. (Image: Kevin Smith)

    Distance: 15-kilometre loop (56 hours)

    Getting there: 40 minutes from Perth.

    Accessibility: Grade 34; decent fitness required for climbs and undulating terrain.

    Facilities: Picnic spots, public toilets, shaded areas; kiosk closer to Ranger’s Office.

    Winding through valleys and woodlands, this trail delivers a little bit of everything  – from creekbeds and pretty waterfalls to sweeping views to Perth CBD and the Indian Ocean in the distance. The Jane Brook section also blossoms in wildflowers come spring.

    3. Whistlepipe Gully Trail, Mundy Regional Park

    Distance: 3.5-kilometre loop (1.5 hours)

    Getting there: 30 mins from Perth CBD

    Accessibility: Grade 3 – uneven surfaces, some hills

    Facilities: Limited street parking, no toilets on site

    Tracing the course of a gully, this short but picturesque walk takes you past granite boulders and the remnants of an old stone house. It’s particularly beautiful from July to November when the river flows and wildflowers bloom.

    3. Bibbulmun Track: Kalamunda to Mundaring Weir

    the Bibbulmun Track Northern Terminus, Kalamunda
    The legendary Bibbulmun Track winds through Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to Albany on the south coast. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    Distance: 1734 kilometres one-way (or return sections)

    Getting there: 40 minutes from Perth.

    Accessibility: Grade 4; steep sections and loose gravel in parts.

    Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, water access along the track.

    A taste of the legendary Bibbulmun in just a few hours – this stretch leads you through dripping forest, across babbling streams, over wooden bridges and rocky features. It’s not the full multiweek trail, but you’ll feel the essence: remoteness, changing terrain and a satisfying sense of distance. Perfect if you want to push your legs without committing to days.

    4. Zamia Trail, Bold Park

    Distance: 5.1-kilometre loop (1.5 hours)

    Getting there: 15 minutes from Perth CBD

    Accessibility: Grade 3 – compacted limestone, moderate inclines

    Facilities: Carpark, scenic lookouts, rest benches

    This well-marked trail loops through native bushland in Bold Park, offering sweeping views across the Indian Ocean and Perth city skyline. There are several lookout points to pause and take it in, and it’s a peaceful walk year-round.

    5. Kitty’s Gorge, Serpentine National Park

    swimming in the natural pool at Serpentine Falls, Perth
    Swim in the natural pool at Serpentine Falls. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    Distance: 16.5 kilometres return (or 14-kilometre loop depending on route) (46 hours)

    Getting there: 1 hour from Perth.

    Accessibility: Grade 3; some steep steps and loose gravel terrains; slippery when wet.

    Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, shaded spots.

    This trail gives rewarding variety – cascading creeks, waterfalls, granite outcrops, dense bushland. There are scenic diversions like Stacey’s Loop, and quieter moments if you start from Jarrahdale. Keep an eye on the time, because returning along steeper ascents can test your legs.

    6. Jorgensen Park Trail, Kalamunda

    Distance: 2.7-kilometre loop (1 hour)

    Getting there: 30 mins from Perth CBD

    Accessibility: Grade 2  – former golf course, easy terrain

    Facilities: Carpark, nearby toilets

    An easy-going loop that follows old Kalamunda Gold Club fairways and weaves through bushland, occasionally intersecting with the Bibbulmun Track. The trail takes you through dense bushland that opens up onto stunning valley views.

    7. Baldwin’s Bluff Trail, Serpentine National Park

    Serpentine Falls from above
    Soak up sweeping views of Serpentine Falls and the valley below. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    Distance: 6-kilometre loop (2 hours)

    Getting there: 1 hour from Perth.

    Accessibility: Grade 4; steep in parts, rocky surfaces; best for hikers with good footwear.

    Facilities: Picnic areas and public toilets; same park amenities as Kitty’s Gorge.

    Less travelled than its neighbour Kitty’s Gorge, Baldwin’s Bluff offers solitude. The climb to the summit yields sweeping views of Serpentine Falls and the valley below, framed by jarrah and marri woodland. It’s a compact hike but doesn’t skimp on impact.

    8. Trigg Bushland Reserve Trail

    Distance: 3.4-kilometre loop (40 minutes)

    Getting there: 20 mins from Perth

    Accessibility: Grade 2 – compacted paths, some undulations

    Facilities: Informal parking, trail signage

    Tucked between suburb and sea, this coastal bushland trail is a springtime favourite with wildflower enthusiasts. You’ll be treated to sea glimpses from elevated spots, and the loop’s short length makes it ideal for a brisk walk or an easy nature escape.

    9. Palm Terrace Walk, Forrestfield

    Lesmurdie Falls, Palm Terrace Walk, Forrestfield
    Walk to the spectacular Lesmurdie Falls in the Mundy Regional Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    Distance: 5.5-kilometre loop (13 hours)

    Getting there: 30 minutes from Perth.

    Accessibility: Grade 3; sections of steep climb; some loose gravel.

    Facilities: Public toilets, picnic spots, water access, scenic lookout points.

    An underrated gem in the Perth Hills, this loop delivers views you’ll remember – especially if you take the detour to Lesmurdie Falls. The trail edges past ridges and valleys, through native bush, offering quiet moments away from the crowds. Best when the wildflowers bloom.

    10. Numbat Trail, Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary

    th Avon Valley as seen from Numbat Trail, Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary
    Take in spectacular views of the surrounding Avon Valley. (Image: Tiff Watson)

    Distance: 12-kilometre loop (35 hours)

    Getting there: 1 hour from Perth.

    Accessibility: Grade 3; some steep switchbacks and rough terrain.

    Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas; booking may be required in certain seasons.

    This trail is a rich mix of wildlife, water and elevation. You’ll begin by the lake, climb through White Gum Forest up to a lookout, then wind through woodlands and ridges. In the green season it’s lush, alive with birds and blooms – a real immersive nature escape.

    11. Sixty Foot Falls, Ellis Brook Valley Reserve

    Distance: 2-kilometre loop (1 hour)

    Getting there: 1 hour from Perth.

    Accessibility: Grade 4; steep sections especially on ascent/descent; watch for slippery parts after rain.

    Facilities: Car park, picnic areas, public toilets and lookouts with views.

    Don’t underestimate this short trail – the climb is steep, but the reward is big: views over Ellis Brook Valley, striking falls (especially after rain), and varied terrain that keeps each step interesting. A perfect quick but satisfying hike.