Welcome to Perth, where soft-sand beaches and scenic parks meet a thriving metropolis of small bars, creative restaurants and curated street art. Nature and urban life exist in harmony in Perth, on Australia’s west coast. Here, where the locals soak up more sunny days than in any other Australian city. In addition to white-sand beaches, the city offers historic architecture, a huge public park and a number of great museums. Perth isn’t short on world-class attractions for visitors to Australia’s Wild West. There are a number of great things to see and do in Perth that you should fit into your itinerary.
Where Your Ship Docks
Fremantle in Western Australia is Perth’s harbor and where cruise ships dock. It is a full fifteen miles outside Perth making sightseeing somewhat of a challenge. Taxi Fare from the port of Fremantle into Perth is estimated at $60. It usually takes over 30 minutes to reach Perth from Fremantle Harbor by taxi but there are other options.
Getting Around
TransPerth is the Perth public transportation system, and it includes bus, train, and ferry networks throughout the region. There is an easy option for using the Perth public transit all day, called the Day Rider. A pass ticket costs about US$10.00 per day and it’s good for all zones for a 24 hour period from first use and is the best option if you plan on traveling around the city.
Transperth operates a train from Fremantle Station Platform 1 to central Perth Station Platform 8 every 20 minutes. Tickets cost $3 – $6 and the journey takes 30 min. Alternatively, Transperth operates a bus service from Adelaide Station in Perth. Tickets cost $4 – $6 and the journey takes almost an hour.
Currency
Australia has its own Dollar with an exchange rate to the American Dollar of about US$0.75. US Dollars are not usually accepted but credit cards are welcome and there are ATMs available everywhere.
Attractions
Kings Park – Introducing the largest inner-city park in the world, roughly 20% larger than New York’s Central Park. Kings Park is a verdant thousand-acre oasis in the heart of Perth, offering postcard-perfect views of the city centre and the Swan River, as well as 300-plus native West Australian plants, dozens of bird species and miles of manicured gardens and untamed bushland to hike and explore.
Perth’s Fremantle Prison Is a popular tourist attraction and is WA’s only UNESCO World Heritage-listed building. It’s history stretches way back to 1855, housing some of Britain’s worst convicts and the Western Australia’s toughest prisoners right up to its closing in 1991. Today you can take a tour of the historic site and if you’ve got the time even spend the night in a cell at the backpackers hostel situated in the former women’s wing.
Scitech An interactive museum experience exploring the modern world through playful science, technology, engineering and mathematics experiences. If you’re traveling with children or maybe just a child at heart don’t miss a visit to Perth’s SciTech. Link HERE.
Cottesloe Beach With the snow-white sand, turquoise water, lush green vegetation and Norfolk pine trees this beach is one of the best in Australia. With summer temperatures in the high 80’s and winter lows never much lower than the 50’s you’ll understand why Cottesloe is Perth’s most popular beach. The main beach is great for swimming or sunning and North Cottesloe is incredible for snorkeling with South Cottesloe famous for surfing. While there be sure and have a coffee in the iconic Indiana teahouse.
Rottnest Island Is just a half-hour ferry ride away. ‘Rotto’ only has 100-odd permanent residents but the population climbs to several thousand during summer holidays, when visitors flock to the beaches, cycling trails, untouched bushland, history and the world’s happiest anima, the incredibly photogenic marsupial called the quokka.
The Bell Tower You cannot miss this modern glass sculpture that climbs into the sky over the Elizabeth Quay area – a 250 foot tower that houses the Swan Bells, which comprise 18 bells sourced from historic churches in London. The Bell Tower is surrounded by ceramic tiles designed by school kids around WA, and contains an observation deck providing incredible views of the city of Perth and surrounds.
Perth Aquarium A state with 12,000 miles of coastline is bound to boast an incredibly diverse array of marine life, and Perth’s aquarium is up to the task. AQWA was the country’s largest aquarium when it opened in 1988 and still boasts a 750 thousand gallon tank containing an almost 300 foot tunnel to offer visitors an amazing look at the aquariums marine life including grey nurse sharks, stingrays and loggerhead turtles.
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