Perth
Australia
Kings Park and Botanic GardenPhoto: Mark · GFDL
Rottnest IslandPhoto: Created by the uploader. Any IP involved in the creation of · Public domain
Fremantle PrisonPhoto: Gnangarra · CC BY 2.5 au
Cottesloe BeachPhoto: Michael_Spencer from Perth, WA, Australia · CC BY 2.0
Elizabeth QuayPhoto: File:Elizabeth Quay June 2018.jpg: Nick-D derivative work: G · CC BY-SA 3.0
About Perth
Perth, on the Swan River on Australia's west coast, is the capital of Western Australia. Its great distance from the country's other large cities makes it one of the most isolated major cities in the world.
The vast Kings Park overlooking the centre, long Indian Ocean beaches, the historic port city of Fremantle and Rottnest Island, famous for its quokkas, are the main draws.
How many days do you need?
Three days works well: one for the centre, Kings Park and Elizabeth Quay, one for Fremantle and Cottesloe, and one for Rottnest Island. With more time, add the Swan Valley or the Pinnacles desert.
Where to stay
- CBD — Close to stations and the free CAT buses.
- Northbridge — Restaurants, bars and museums, a short walk from the centre.
- Fremantle — Historic streets, markets and easy access to Rottnest ferries.
- Cottesloe and Scarborough — Beach-focused stays on the ocean.
From the airport to the city
Perth Airport (PER) is about 6 miles east of the city centre. Transperth's Airport line runs from Airport Central station, next to Terminals 1 and 2, to Perth station in about 18 minutes. From Terminals 3 and 4, the free route 292 shuttle bus goes to Redcliffe station.
Getting around
Transperth trains, buses and ferries accept the SmartRider card or contactless bank cards. The CAT buses in the centre are free, as are bus trips that start and end within the central zone. On Sundays, travel with SmartRider or contactless payment is free.
Good to know
- Summers are hot and dry; swim only at patrolled beaches between the flags.
- Touching or feeding the quokkas on Rottnest is prohibited.
- Traffic drives on the left in Australia.
Useful links
- Western Australia (official tourism site) westernaustralia.com
- Transperth (public transport) transperth.wa.gov.au
- Perth Airport perthairport.com.au
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: September–May. The warmest month is February (average high 81 °F); the wettest is July (4.8 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 80.4 | 0.70 | Ideal |
| February | 81.1 | 0.69 | Ideal |
| March | 79.2 | 0.86 | Ideal |
| April | 74.1 | 1.31 | Ideal |
| May | 70.0 | 2.88 | Ideal |
| June | 66.0 | 3.96 | Good |
| July | 64.0 | 4.81 | Good |
| August | 64.2 | 3.65 | Good |
| September | 65.3 | 2.39 | Ideal |
| October | 68.5 | 1.28 | Ideal |
| November | 72.7 | 0.83 | Ideal |
| December | 77.0 | 0.50 | Ideal |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- Australia DayJanuary 26
- Good FridayMarch 26
- Easter SaturdayMarch 27
- Easter SundayMarch 28
- Easter MondayMarch 29
- Anzac DayApril 25
- Christmas DayDecember 25
- Boxing DayDecember 26
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyAustralian Dollar ($)
- Dialling code+61
- Plugs & voltageType I · 230 V · 50 Hz
- Emergency000
- DrivingOn the left
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.