Australia is such a vast country. Taking more than four hours in a plane to get from one side to the other. People tend to have Australia on their bucket list, but this is a huge error on their part.
Not because you shouldn’t ever go, of course, you should, it is because it is so big you can never see all of it on just one vacation. You need to be specific with your areas. Doing this may mean that you add popular locations on the list such as Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
But sometimes you find that Western Australia is often forgotten. Mainly outback there is one glistening city that most people have heard of. That would be the mining city called Perth. Known for its hot summers and mild winters this city is a great place to consider when travelling.
Perth is actually the capital of Western Australia, so no visit would be complete without checking out the city first. The city itself sits where the Swan River meets the South-West coast, making it a real diverse town and lots to explore. Sandy beaches line the suburbs, and the huge Botanic Gardens on the riverside are a must offering fantastic views.
Table of Contents
- 1 Travel Seasons and Weather in Perth
- 2 Quick Stats
- 3 Transportation Options in Perth
- 4 The culture
- 5 Cultural Events and Festivals
- 6 The food
- 7 The nightlife
- 8 The things you should do and see
- 9 Outdoor Activities and Natural Attractions
- 10 What about outside of Perth
- 11 Boorloo Bridge and Noongar Cultural Acknowledgment
- 12 Sporting Events and Daniel Ricciardo’s Connections
Travel Seasons and Weather in Perth
Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers from December to February and mild, wet winters from June to August. Visitors often find March to May and September to November ideal, offering pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. Packing layers and sunscreen is advisable to prepare for variable weather conditions.
For all those history buffs out there or people who enjoy sightseeing then there is also the Western Australia Museum to explore. With that in mind, here are some of the things to be aware of when traveling to Perth in Western Australia.
Quick Stats
With a population of over 2.1 million people, the city is home to a nearly equal distribution of males and females, with females slightly outnumbering males. The median age of the city’s population is 37, indicating a relatively young demographic.
Families in the city number around 570,121, with an average of 1.8 children in families with children. Across all households, the average number of people per household is 0.8. The city has over 880,000 private dwellings, with an average of 2.6 people per household.
The median weekly household income in the city is $1,865, with a median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,907 and a median weekly rent of $350. The average number of motor vehicles per dwelling is 1.9.
Overall, this bustling city is home to a diverse and growing population, with a relatively young demographic and a high number of families. The city has a mix of housing options and incomes, making it an attractive place to live for many people.
Transportation Options in Perth
Navigating Perth is straightforward with an efficient public transport system operated by Transperth. Buses, trains, and ferries provide connectivity across the city and surrounding suburbs. For those preferring more independence, bicycles are a popular choice, as Perth offers extensive bike-friendly paths and rentals. Car rentals are also widely available, offering flexibility to explore more remote areas.
The culture
The culture of Perth is varied. Music lovers will love coming here for the live music that is on offer in the centre and surrounding areas including Fremantle. There’s everything from rock bands through to the chilled out vibes of Jazz, which is enough to seduce even the lighter music genre within you.
If you are into your comedy, then you are in for a treat, as there are many places you can go to see some of the upcoming live acts. If attending museums are more your thing, then Perth’s Cultural Centre houses the Western Australia Art Gallery and also the museum. Which are always worth a visit.
The museum showcases the early ancient days through to the European settlement. This is when you may want to book online with various different companies to help you get around and see some of these amazing attractions and sights mentioned.
Cultural Events and Festivals
Perth hosts a variety of cultural events, reflecting its lively arts scene. The Perth International Arts Festival is a highlight, showcasing music, theatre, and visual arts. Sculpture by the Sea at Cottesloe Beach transforms the coastline with stunning artworks each March. These gatherings provide wonderful opportunities to experience the local culture firsthand.
The food
For the foodie lovers amongst us then Perth has an excellent food scene to entice your taste buds. The foodie scene continues to change on an almost weekly basis. With many new bars, cafes and restaurants to try. Covering cuisines from all over the world.
If you want Spanish flavours, then there is a place for you. You could sample some French delights, or have something more low key and Australian. For an authentic taste, consider visiting Perth’s bustling food markets like the Fremantle Markets or tasting fresh seafood delights. The city’s multicultural population ensures a variety of international fares, from Asian fusion to Italian. Embarking on a food tour is a delightful way to uncover hidden culinary gems throughout the city.
The nightlife
Everyone in Australia makes a big deal out of the weekend. You will find that most places are fairly quiet during the week. But there are many hotspots to consider from Thursday evening right through till Sunday. This is where you can put your best dress on and paint the town red.
You have the usual nightclubs and bar scene. Catering for the classiest of cocktails to the different ales and lagers available. But Perth also has a strong indie scene which should be sampled during your stay.
The things you should do and see
There are plenty of things you should do to take up your time in Perth. Of course, we have mentioned the museums available. However, there are other things you could enjoy that may cater to everyone’s interests.
You could take a stroll around the riverside Kings Park and Botanic Gardens. Offering a treat all year round. Or why not head to the theatre or ballet and watch an award-winning performance. The options are endless.
Outdoor Activities and Natural Attractions
Perth’s outdoor offerings are plentiful, appealing to nature enthusiasts. Rottnest Island, a short ferry ride away, is perfect for a day trip to meet quokkas and enjoy clear waters. Cycling along the Swan River offers beautiful views, while nearby national parks beckon with trails for all levels. These natural attractions provide a refreshing escape from the urban environment.
What about outside of Perth
If you are traveling to Perth you may want to explore beyond that and see what there is in Western Australia. There are so many great places in WA so I wanted to give you the low-down on some of the locations you can explore while visiting Perth.
Broome
Broome is a beach resort town in Western Australia and is situated in the Kimberley region. It has an Indian Ocean coastline, and one of the major attractions happens to be a 22 km long cable beach. Which offers a fantastic and dramatic backdrop in the evening, especially when exploring via a camel.
For other people who enjoy a little history lesson or two, at Gantheaume point there can be dinosaur tracks found imprinted on the red rocks during the low tides. There are also local pearl farms if you wanted to explore a different side of this area.
Fremantle
Freemantle is a port city in Western Australia and is most well-known for its maritime history. There are also other areas this point of interest is known for such as Victorian architecture and there are even still some points of interest noting back to the British Penal Colony.
This port town certainly has a real laid back vibe about it, and it should definitely be a stop-off point when exploring Western Australia in more detail.
Exmouth
Finally, our last suggestion is the smaller coastal town of Exmouth situated in the North-West cape of Western Australia. It is a gateway to many different attractions including the Ningaloo Marine Parks with its amazing coral reefs and migratory whale sharks.
There are sheer cliff drops, a protective surrounding natural area where kangaroos roam and rocky gorges. It certainly is picturesque and definitely worth a visit.
I hope this has given you some inspiration for visiting Perth and the surrounding areas and why it should be on your list of destinations to visit in Australia.
Boorloo Bridge and Noongar Cultural Acknowledgment
In November 2024, the Boorloo Bridge officially opened, highlighting the city’s recognition of its Indigenous heritage. The name “Boorloo” references the Noongar name for Perth, demonstrating respect for the traditional custodians of the land. Earlier in the year, “Boorloo Bidee Mia” was introduced, symbolising “Perth pathway to housing” in the Whadjuk Noongar language, reflecting the ongoing commitment to cultural acknowledgment and inclusivity in city development.
Sporting Events and Daniel Ricciardo’s Connections
Perth continues to be a hotspot for international sporting events. The Perth Arena hosts the ATP Cup each January, attracting tennis enthusiasts globally. Also, the Perth International golf tournament at Lake Karrinyup Country Club remains a premier event for golf lovers. Adding to the city’s illustrious sports reputation, Perth is home to Daniel Ricciardo, a renowned Formula 1 driver who raced for the Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team from 2023 to 2024. Perth’s motorsport facilities, such as Perth Motorplex and Wanneroo Raceway, offer thrilling racing experiences, adding more excitement to the city’s sporting calendar.
