If you’re visiting Perth for the first time and wondering how to plan your days, we’ve got you covered! This epic five day Perth itinerary will take you through all of the best attractions in and around the city, ensuring you don’t miss a single highlight.
Located on the coast of Australia’s south west, WA’s capital city is often overlooked by tourists who favour the bigger east coast cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. I’ve been lucky enough to call this beautiful city home for the better part of a decade and let me tell you, there’s no where else on earth I’d rather live.
Life is easy in Perth. The beaches are incredible, the weather is sunny and warm (for most of the year), and the natural scenery is simply stunning. There’s also an infinite number of attractions and natural landmarks within close proximity to the city; think world-class wine regions and a paradise island only 30 min from the CBD!
Read on to plan your very own Perth itinerary and discover all of the reasons why this sunny coastal city deserves a spot on your Australian bucket list!
The famous Blue Boat House
Table of Contents
The Perfect Perth Itinerary – How to Spend Five Awesome Days in Perth, WA
Where to Stay in Perth
Before we dive into our Perth itinerary, you’ll want to find somewhere to stay first. While there are plenty of great places to stay in Perth, basing yourself somewhere central is the best option. Here are some of our top picks for Perth accommodations:
- Doubletree by Hilton
- Great Southern Hotel
- The Melbourne Hotel
- Travelodge Hotel Perth
- Crown Towers Perth
- Metro Hotel Perth
►Browse more accommodation options in Perth◄
Sunset picnic at South Perth Foreshore
Best Time to Visit Perth
For sunny and warm weather I would recommend planning your trip to Perth during the summer, from Nov – Feb. Perth sees very little rainfall throughout these months and you’re pretty much guaranteed to have blue skies and sunshine. This is ideal for hitting the beach which is one of the best things to do in Perth!
The summer can also see some extremely hot days of temperatures in the high 30’s and even 40’s. If you’re sensitive to heat, visiting Perth during the shoulder season in October or March would be a better idea.
Getting Around Perth
Perth and its surrounding suburbs are fairly spread out. If you’re spending five or more days in Perth, I would highly recommend hiring a car. This will give you much more flexibility and allow you to explore further afield as well as take day trips. Check prices and availability for your car rental here.
In terms of getting around the city, travelling to Fremantle, going to the beach, and visiting Rottnest Island, this is all easy to do via train, bus or ferry. Find more info about planning your journey and booking your tickets on the official Transperth website.
You might be interested in purchasing tickets for the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus. This ticket lasts for 48 hours and includes unlimited access to the double decker bus that stops at all of the city’s top attractions. It also covers your entry to the Bell Tower which includes a guided tour and the chance to ring one of the bells yourself!
►Book your Perth Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus ticket here◄
Morning light at Elizabeth Quay
Best Perth Tours
Taking an organised tour is the best way to see a number of attractions in a day without having to stress about train or bus schedules. Let an experienced tour guide take you to some of Perth’s best sites. All you have to worry about is having a good time. Find some of the best Perth tours below.
Perth City Highlights, Wildlife Park and Swan Valley
This full day tour from Perth includes a visit to Kings Park followed by Caversham Wildlife Park and then lunch at a Swan Valley Winery. The tour ends with a scenic coastal drive.
If you’re limited for time and want to see a few of Perth’s main highlights, this tour would be a great option. Hotel pickup/drop off is also included. Find more info and book your tickets here.
Perth City Walking Tour – Art, History and Culture
Get an intro to Perth by taking this 2.5 hour informative city walking tour. Your local tour guide will take you around the city stopping at a number of key landmarks such as Elizabeth Quay, King’s Square, Stirling Gardens and more. You’ll also get some insider’s tips on the best places to eat and drink during your stay. Find more info and book your tickets here.
Matilda Bay
Perth Guided Bike Tour – Matilda Bay and Kings Park
This 3 hour guided cycling tour passes through some of Perth’s iconic spots. Cycle along the South Perth foreshore stopping at the Blue Boat House, Matilda Bay, Kings Park and John Oldham Gardens. There will be plenty of scenic photo opportunities along the way. The tour includes a rental bike and helmet. Find more info and book your tickets here.
Perth Foreshore and City Segway Tour
A great way to explore the city and cover more ground than walking is taking a 1.5 hour Segway tour. Your local guide will lead you along the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay, Kings Park, and the Old Swan Brewery. Learn some insider facts about the city from your guide as you cruise along. A headset is provided in order to hear the guide clearly. Find more info and book your tickets here.
Perth has no shortage of stunning beaches – City Beach
Five Day Perth Itinerary
Day One – Perth City/Kings Park
Perth city centre is jam packed full of great things to see and do. Your first day in Perth is all about familiarizing yourself with the city and seeing some the most iconic landmarks. Below are some of Perth’s must-see attractions all located near the CBD.
You may not have time to see everything listed here, but ticking off a few of these highlights will make a great start to your time in Perth.
Elizabeth Quay from above
Elizabeth Quay
Taking a stroll around Perth’s scenic waterfront complex offers the perfect intro to the city. Located right on the banks of the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay is home to many popular bars, restaurants, art installations and various events throughout the year. If you hop on the ferry from Elizabeth Quay, you’ll end up at the South Perth foreshore which an excellent spot to take a photo looking back at the city and river.
Bell Tower
A short walk from Elizabeth Quay will bring you to the Bell Tower, one of Perth’s most famous icons. From the top of the tower you’ll see a stunning panoramic view over the Swan River. Learn the fascinating history behind the collection of bells that dates back to 14th century London. They were gifted to Western Australia on the Bicentennial celebration of 1988.
Purchase your ticket to the Bell Tower online before you go. The ticket also includes the chance to participate in the interactive bell ringing experience. You can’t leave Perth without a photo to prove you rang a bell in the Bell Tower!
The iconic Perth Bell Tower
Swan River Cruise
Enjoy the picturesque scenery of Perth from a different perspective. Sit back and relax with a drink and take in the amazing views as you cruise along the Swan River listening to the captain’s commentary. Taking a Swan River Cruise is a must when visiting Perth!
Cruises depart at multiple times throughout the day from either Barrack Street Jetty in Perth or Fremantle. I recommend booking this activity online in advance during peak season. Check cruise times and ticket availability here.
If you don’t get a chance to do a river cruise, a stroll along the Swan River is also a great way to take in the scenery. Make your way to the river and follow the path that takes you along the river’s edge. You can choose to walk, cycle or roller skate here. The full Swan River Loop is 10 km, you can easily do a short section and then continue on with your sightseeing. See this map for more info.
Kings Park
A visit to Perth is not complete without spending some time in the one of the world’s largest inner city parks. Perched high on a hill, overlooking the city and Swan River, the views from King’s Park truly couldn’t get any better.
Getting to King’s Park is pretty easy as it’s conveniently located close to the city. Catch the 950 bus from the city centre or walk for 25 minutes to reach the entrance of the park.
Enjoying a spectacular sunset picnic in Kings Park
There are many awesome lookouts, walking trails and beautiful scenery making Kings Park a popular place for both locals and tourists. Here are some of the top things to see and do while visiting:
- Go for a walk – With no shortage of walking and cycling paths to choose from, Kings Park is an excellent place to get in your daily step count. The bonus is that you’ll have a beautiful view to look at as you go. Two of my favourites are the “Law Walk” and the “Bushland Nature Trail”, see the official site for a map and more info.
- Botanic Gardens – Showcasing the unique flora of Western Australia, this huge garden features beautiful collections of flowers and plants from all over the state. You’ll see plants and flowers growing year round but the best time to visit is during spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom. The Botanic Gardens are free and open 24 hrs per day.
- Catch a view – One of the very best views in Kings Park is undeniably found at the Lotterywest Federation Walkway. This amazing arched bridge is suspended through the tree tops of the Botanic Gardens. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the park and an the perfect spot to capture a memorable photo.
Kings Park War Memorial
- State War Memorial – At the top of Kings Park, this war memorial features an obelisk and a continuously burning flame. It was built in 1929 to honour all Australian soldiers who fought and died in the service of their country.
- DNA Tower – Don’t leave Kings Park without a quick climb up the spiral staircase for yet another panoramic view. It’s the highest view point in the park and it can be reached by walking about 15 minutes from the War Memorial.
- Festivals/Events – Through the summer there is always something fun happening at Kings Park. From outdoor concerts and movies to festivals and seasonal events, find an upcoming Kings Park event here.
- Sunset picnic – Kings Park is hands down one of the best spots for a romantic sunset picnic in Perth. It’s been one of our go-to picnic spots for years, the scenery and views here just never get old!
My first time in Kings Park as a young backpacker in 2012
London Court
In the middle of the city, between Hay Street Mall and St George’s Terrace is one of the best heritage listed attractions in Perth. Dating back to the 1930’s, this quirky alley is lined with buildings that were inspired by Tudor England.
Take a step back in time as you make your way through London Court, browsing the shops and perhaps grabbing a coffee along the way. It won’t take long to see it but it’s definitely worthy of a quick stop.
Blue Boat House
Not far from Kings Park is yet another classic Perth icon. The Blue Boat House has become an increasingly popular photography location in recent years. It’s no surprise that it happens to be one of the best Instagram spots in Perth! At any given time of day, you’ll find people lining up to snap their very own “I’ve been to Perth” shot.
Insider’s Tip: Everyone takes photos here during the day. Visit the boat shed during sunrise or sunset to capture a more unique and dramatic scene. See our own version of the famous Blue Boat House photo below!
Boat House sunrise
Heirisson Island
Located in the middle of the Swan River, Heirisson Island is an awesome spot to meet some local wildlife. This is where you’ll come face to face with the many kangaroos who call the island home. It’s also lovely spot to go for a peaceful nature walk practically in the middle of the city!
The good thing about visiting Heirisson Island is that it’s very close to the city centre making it easy to reach. Simply hop on the 960 bus from the Perth Busport and get off at Victoria Park Transfer Stn, Heirisson Island is a short walk away. An added bonus is that it’s free to visit!
Perth Cultural Centre
If you have some time left in the day and still keen to explore a bit more, make your way over to the Perth Cultural Centre. This open space is only a short walk from the city centre. You’ll often find various events and exhibitions held here, see their website for up to date info.
It’s also home to the WA Museum and the WA Art Gallery, both of which will give you a great insight into WA’s history and culture. The museum has a number of permanent collections to see but also hosts temporary exhibits from other countries. For example, if you visit from June – November 2021, you’ll find the fascinating “Ancient Greek History” on display at the WA Museum.
Tickets: Free entrance to both attractions however donations are welcomed.
Opening Hours: WA Museum 9:30am – 5pm daily, WA Art Gallery 10am – 5pm Tuesday – Monday
Learn more about WA at the Perth Cultural Centre
Roof Top Bar
Finish off the first day of your Perth itinerary by finding a rooftop bar and sipping a few well deserved sunset cocktails. Perth has many great rooftop bars to choose from but these are a few of my favourites:
- The Aviary
- Prince Lane
- The Reveley
- Mechanic’s Institute
Check out this 3-hour small bar tour which takes you to some of Perth’s best small bars where you’ll taste some of their signature food and drinks. Your local guide will share plenty of useful tips on where to eat and drink during your time in Perth. Find more info and book tickets here.