The Perth issue, November 2026
Perth
Perth sits in isolation on the edge of the Australian continent, wedged between the desert of the Outback and the cold expanse of the Indian Ocean.
Plan your Perth trip
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Guests & rooms
Free cancellation on many rooms. We may earn a commission when you book.
The Perth reading list
All 27 Perth stories
Tours and ticketsThe lead story
Walking the Pinnacles Desert on a drive north from Perth
Give the drive north from Perth a full day: a one-way sand track, limestone pillars up to 3.5m and a dark-sky town at the end of it.
Femke de Vries
Tours and tickets
What Perth's Elizabeth Quay Is Worth in September
A walk around Perth's waterfront inlet in spring: what's free, what's worth a ticket, which rooftop takes walk-ins, and what to skip.
Femke de Vries
Perth With Kids Without Renting a Car
Ferries, trains and one car-free island, ordered into a family week in Perth that works, with the closures, age limits and last-entry times that catch people out.
Femke de Vries
Two Days in Perth Without Wasting a Morning
A two-day plan with the opening hours and prices checked: Kings Park first, the train down to Fremantle, and the one call most first-timers get wrong.
Femke de Vries
Showbags, Wildflowers and a Perth Royal Show Weekend
The Show runs 26 September to 3 October 2026 at Claremont Showground. Here is how to build a real Perth weekend around it, including the free wildflowers and the ferry worth catching.
Femke de Vries
More from the Perth issue
Swan Valley at Your Elbow: Perth's Wine Region 25 Minutes from the CBD
Adeline Tan
Planning a Perth Weekend Around Tame Impala at RAC Arena
Femke de Vries
Perth Wildflower Walks and the Spring Day Trips Around Them
Femke de Vries
Where Perth Goes Vertical: Kings Park From Canopy to River
Femke de Vries
Shipwrecks and Sundowners: Perth's Sunset Coast from Cottesloe to Scarborough
Femke de Vries
Perth's Biggest Views for the Price of a Bus Ticket
Femke de Vries
West of Everything: How the Swan River Made Perth
Femke de Vries
A Perth family weekend built around the AWESOME Festival
Femke de Vries
Above the Grid: Perth's Rooftop Bar Scene
Femke de Vries
Tours and tickets
Swimming with Wild Dolphins off Perth in September
Femke de Vries
Tours and tickets
Gold Pours, Bullion and Vaults at the Perth Mint
Femke de Vries
Tours and tickets
Sandboarding the White Dunes of Lancelin from Perth
Femke de Vries
Rottnest Island: Perth's Quokka-Filled Day Trip
Femke de Vries
How to Build a Perth Weekend Around the Running Festival
Femke de Vries
The Pinnacles at night: a desert fantasy just outside Perth
Femke de Vries
Walking the Perth Hills Waterfalls After Winter Rain
Femke de Vries
Tours and tickets
Margaret River Caves and Spring Vines on a Day Trip from Perth
Femke de Vries
Driving South from Perth to Busselton Jetty and the Capes
Femke de Vries
Perth's Scallop Trail: From Fremantle Boats to Backyard Coals
Adeline Tan
The Furnace That Built Perth: Inside the Working Mint
Femke de Vries
Perth Is Not a Layover
Adeline Tan
Six Seasons, Not Four: Reading Perth Through the Noongar Calendar
Femke de Vries
An insider’s read on Perth
For tens of thousands of years, the Whadjuk Noongar people have maintained a deep connection to this land, which they call Boorloo. British colonization in 1829 established a remote penal colony, leaving behind a legacy of limestone convict architecture, particularly in nearby Fremantle. The gold rushes of the late 19th century and the iron ore booms of the 21st century transformed Perth from a sleepy outpost into a wealthy metropolis.
Today, the local character is relaxed but highly driven, shaped by a climate that demands an outdoor lifestyle and a geographic isolation that fosters self-reliance.
The city is defined by its intense, blinding light, a relentless blue sky, and the Swan River winding through its core.
From our Perth guide
Six neighbourhoods, six ways to stay
Pick the neighbourhood first and the trip follows. Each one opens its own guide, with the hotels inside it.
Perth CBD
Business travelers and first-time visitors who want central transport links. The trade-off is a quiet street scene on weekend mornings.
The commercial heart of the city, dominated by glass skyscrapers, historic stone facades, and a network of revitalized laneways filled with basement bars and high-end restaurants.
Where to stay High-end heritage hotels and modern luxury high-rises near Elizabeth Quay.
Stay in Perth CBD
Northbridge
Art lovers and nightlife seekers. The trade-off is that streets can become loud and rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights.
Located just north of the central train line, this is the cultural and nightlife epicenter, home to the state's major museums, galleries, Chinatown, and a dense concentration of bars.
Where to stay Boutique design hotels and independent guesthouses.
Stay in Northbridge
Fremantle
Heritage enthusiasts, weekend travelers, and coastal lovers. The trade-off is a 30-minute train ride to the CBD.
A historic port town where the Swan River meets the ocean. It features Victorian-era streetscapes, a bohemian arts scene, active fishing harbors, and craft breweries.
Where to stay Converted historic warehouses, boutique pubs, and seaside apartments.
Stay in Fremantle
Cottesloe
Beachgoers and swimmers. The trade-off is high accommodation prices and limited late-night dining options.
An affluent coastal suburb defined by towering Norfolk Island pines, terraced lawns overlooking the ocean, and a relaxed, sun-bleached lifestyle.
Where to stay Oceanfront apartments and boutique beachside rentals.
Stay in Cottesloe
Leederville
Young professionals and coffee enthusiasts. The trade-off is limited luxury accommodation options.
A hip, inner-northern enclave centered around Oxford Street, known for its independent cinema, record stores, and casual alfresco dining.
Where to stay Mid-range apartments and local homestays.
Stay in Leederville
Subiaco
Families and travelers seeking a quiet, leafy base close to the city. The trade-off is a quieter nightlife scene.
A leafy, historic suburb that has transitioned from a bohemian hub to an upscale residential area with high-end boutiques, theater spaces, and refined dining.
Where to stay Serviced apartments and polished mid-range hotels.
Stay in SubiacoBook before you land
Top-rated tours and tickets in Perth, with live prices from Viator.
Family Motocross Adventure-Lesson & Forest Tour (Kangaroos+Video)
from $128
Pinnacles Desert Private Day Tour
from $398
Optus Stadium HALO by Twilight
from $82
Private Pinnacles Premium Day Experience
from $465
Perth Wine Region and Mandoon Estate - Guided Kayak Tour
from $71
Pedals & Petals - Discovering Wildflowers Bike Tour Kings Park
from $49
Bickley Valley Wine, Cider & Gin Tour - Premium Small Group Tour
from $157
Big Perth City Private Day Tours
from $388
Prices from Viator; we may earn a commission when you book — at no extra cost to you. Tours are sold and operated by Viator, the merchant of record. Ratings are collected by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Book direct
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The Perth guide
Where to eat, drink and look, how to get around, and what locals expect of you. Open any chapter.
Where to eat
Dining
Island Market Trigg
It sits directly on the dunes, offering views of the surf alongside a Mediterranean-leaning menu that highlights wood-fired seafood.
Signature: Wood-fired local octopus with tahini and sumac
Kailis Fish Market Cafe
A historic waterfront institution on the Fremantle fishing boat harbor, serving fresh seafood straight from the docks.
Signature: Local rock lobster served with chips and garlic butter
The Shorehouse
Overlooks the water from an elevated deck, offering a refined coastal dining experience focused on fresh, light seafood dishes.
Signature: Blue swimmer crab linguine with chili and lemon
Rockpool Bar & Grill
Located within the Crown complex, this restaurant features an open kitchen where premium, dry-aged beef is cooked over wood fire.
Signature: Cape Grim dry-aged rib eye on the bone
The Meat & Wine Co
Housed in the restored, heritage-listed Palace Hotel, combining historic architecture with a dedicated dry-aging program.
Signature: Monte premium grain-fed rump eye steak
Fibber McGee's
An authentic Irish pub that owns its own organic farm, dry-aging its beef in-house for exceptional flavor.
Signature: Dry-aged sirloin steak with traditional colcannon
Duende
Perth's original tapas bar, offering an intimate, dimly lit space with a deep selection of Spanish wines and sherries.
Signature: Sweetcorn croquetas with manchego cheese
Pinchos
A lively, corner-spot tapas bar serving authentic, bite-sized Basque-style pinchos and larger share plates at accessible prices.
Signature: Pork belly pincho with PX sherry glaze
Andaluz Bar & Tapas
Tucked away in a basement off St Georges Terrace, featuring cozy leather booths and a refined Spanish-influenced menu.
Signature: Slow-cooked beef cheek with parsnip puree
Wildflower
Occupies a glass-walled rooftop space atop the COMO Treasury, serving a menu designed around the six seasons of the Noongar calendar.
Signature: Marron with native finger lime and sea celery
Hearth
Located at the base of the Ritz-Carlton, this restaurant focuses on the traditional art of cooking over open embers using local hardwoods.
Signature: Smoked dry-aged Wagin duck breast
Lulu La Delizia
A small, award-winning eatery dedicated to the premium artisanal pasta and culinary traditions of Friuli and Veneto.
Signature: Tagliolini with house-cured lard and rosemary
Alfred's Kitchen
Operating since 1946, this roadside spot serves burgers around an open fire pit in the historic suburb of Guildford.
Signature: The Alfred Special burger with a bowl of pea and ham soup
The Re Store
A legendary Italian deli that has been serving the city's most famous continental rolls since the mid-20th century.
Signature: The Continental Roll with the lot (three meats and mixed pickles)
Taka's Kitchen
A long-running, no-nonsense basement spot known for serving fast, reliable, and highly affordable Japanese comfort food.
Signature: Chicken katsu donburi
Mother
Housed in a spacious, minimalist warehouse, this venue offers a sophisticated, 100% plant-based menu paired with natural wines.
Signature: King oyster mushroom scallops with parsnip cream
Double Rainbow
Located inside The Rechabite, this fast-paced Asian-fusion kitchen offers an extensive, creative vegan menu alongside its standard options.
Signature: Szechuan salt and pepper tofu with black vinegar
After dark
Nightlife
The Rechabite
A multi-level performance and club space housed in a historic hall, featuring a basement club, main hall, and rooftop bar.
Connections Nightclub
Operating since 1975, this is the southern hemisphere's longest-running LGBTQ+ venue, famous for its inclusive atmosphere and rooftop terrace.
Geisha Bar
An intimate, long-standing club known for hosting quality local and international house and techno DJs.
Sneaky Tony's
A prohibition-style rum bar hidden behind an unmarked door in Chinatown, requiring a password to enter on weekends.
Foxtrot Unicorn
Located in an underground bank vault from the 1880s, serving creative cocktails made with native Australian ingredients.
Mechanics Institutes
A multi-tiered rooftop bar tucked behind heritage brick walls, serving casual cocktails and craft beers.
The Rosemount Hotel
The cornerstone of the local indie rock scene, hosting live bands almost every night of the week.
Mojos Bar
A legendary, intimate venue that hosts original live music seven nights a week, championing emerging local talent.
The Ellington Jazz Club
A late-night jazz club offering world-class acoustic music in an intimate, cabaret-style setting.
Art & history
Culture
WA Museum Boola Bardip
A spectacular architectural design that wraps around historic heritage buildings, housing extensive exhibitions on Western Australia's people, land, and culture.
Western Australian Maritime Museum
Located on the edge of the harbor, it houses iconic vessels including the America's Cup-winning yacht, Australia II, and an Oberon-class submarine.
The Perth Mint
Established in 1899, this historic facility offers live gold-pouring demonstrations and houses the world's largest gold coin.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
One of the largest inner-city parks in the world, offering panoramic views of the Swan River and CBD alongside thousands of species of native flora.
Fremantle Prison
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site built by convicts in the 1850s, offering a stark look at Australia's penal history.
Elizabeth Quay
A modern waterfront precinct featuring a striking pedestrian bridge, public art installations, and ferry terminals.
Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA)
Houses the state art collection, featuring a world-class selection of Indigenous Australian art and a massive rooftop sculpture park.
Fremantle Arts Centre
Housed in a grand, neo-Gothic building built by convicts as a lunatic asylum, it now hosts contemporary art exhibitions and outdoor concerts.
Timing
When to visit
Spring (September to November)
Mild temperatures and minimal rainfall make this the ideal time for exploring. The surrounding bushland erupts with wild orchids and native wildflowers, and the coastal winds are generally light.
Summer (December to February)
Hot and dry, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Relief arrives in the late afternoon with the 'Freo Doctor,' a strong sea breeze that cools the coastal strip.
Autumn (March to May)
Characterized by calm, golden days with warm sea temperatures and cool evenings. This is the most reliable season for outdoor dining and coastal walks.
Winter (June to August)
The wettest time of year, with cool temperatures and occasional storms. While outdoor activities are limited, the indoor cultural calendar and cozy pub scenes are active.
What it costs
Budgeting
Logistics
Getting around
From the airport
The Airport Line train connects Perth Airport (T1, T2, T3, and T4) directly to Perth Station in the CBD. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and costs a standard multi-zone fare. Rideshares and taxis operate from designated ranks outside all terminals.
Public transit
Transperth operates an integrated network of trains, buses, and ferries. The central city features a Free Transit Zone (FTZ) where travel on any bus or train is free, provided you start and finish within the zone boundaries.
Passes & tickets
The SmartRider card is the local reusable transit card. It offers a discount on all standard fares and can be purchased at transit centers and select retail outlets for a small fee (under €10).
On foot
The CBD and Northbridge are highly walkable, laid out on flat, straightforward grids. However, Perth is a sprawling metropolis; reaching coastal suburbs or historic Fremantle requires using the rail network.
Local etiquette
Safety & etiquette
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rips are common and powerful.
- Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, as service staff are paid high award wages. However, leaving a 10% tip for exceptional restaurant service is increasingly common.
- Respect fire bans. During the hot summer months, total fire bans are frequently declared, making outdoor campfires and certain barbecues illegal.
Travel smart
Practical tips
- Take advantage of the Free Transit Zone (FTZ) in the CBD to save on transport costs.
- Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen every morning, even on overcast days, as the UV index in Western Australia is consistently extreme.
- Be aware that retail shops in the CBD close early, often by 5:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, and 5:30 PM on weekdays, except for Friday nights.
- Book your ferry tickets and bike rentals for Rottnest Island well in advance if visiting during school holidays or summer weekends.
- Download the Emergency+ app before heading out on regional day trips, as mobile coverage can be sparse in national parks.
- Keep an eye out for magpies during the spring nesting season (September to October), as they are known to swoop at pedestrians and cyclists.
Before you go
Perth FAQs
When is the best time to see the wildflowers?
The wildflower season peaks between September and November, when the botanic gardens and surrounding national parks are covered in blooms.
How do I get to Rottnest Island?
Regular passenger ferries run daily from Fremantle, Northport, and Barrack Street Jetty in the Perth CBD.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Yes, tap water throughout Perth is treated to high standards and is completely safe to drink.
What is the 'Freo Doctor'?
It is the local term for the cooling afternoon sea breeze that blows from the southwest during summer, bringing relief from the heat.
Do I need to hire a car?
If you are staying within the CBD, Northbridge, and Fremantle, public transport is sufficient. However, a car is highly recommended for exploring the beaches, Swan Valley, or national parks.