Perth

Day 1: River, park and small-bar Perth

Ease into Perth’s relaxed sophistication with big skies, wide water and a gentle pace. Start with nature and Noongar history, then drift down to the riverfront before ending in the city’s intimate laneways.

• Morning: Wander Kings Park from the State War Memorial to the Lotterywest Federation Walkway for sweeping river views; in spring, the wildflower displays are superb. Grab coffee at the café overlooking the Swan, and go early in summer to beat the heat before the Fremantle Doctor arrives.
• Midday: Head down to Elizabeth Quay; take the ferry across to South Perth for a skyline lunch on Mends Street and a stroll along the foreshore. If it’s unusually hot, swap for an hour indoors at the WA Museum Boola Bardip or the Art Gallery in the Cultural Centre.
• Afternoon: Hire bikes or e-scooters and loop the river between South Perth and the city via the Narrows Bridge; if the wind’s up, it’s beautifully cooling. Prefer the water? Try a gentle paddle at Matilda Bay when conditions are calm.
• Evening: Slip into Northbridge for a small-bar crawl and dinner in a laneway spot; in Jan–Feb the Fringe World Festival adds a lively buzz. In winter, check for an AFL match at Optus Stadium, or take a riverside sundowner at a rooftop before the night air cools.

Day 2: Rottnest Island and the Indian Ocean

Today is all about the coast: turquoise water, white sand and that end-of-day sunset glow. Keep plans flexible with the wind and light—early swims, late sundowners.

• Morning: Catch an early ferry to Rottnest Island (from Perth or Fremantle) and hire bikes; swim and snorkel at the Basin while it’s glassy. Apply SPF 50+, a hat and long sleeves—Perth’s UV is intense even on cooler days.
• Midday: Picnic at Pinky Beach or lunch in the Settlement; keep a respectful distance from quokkas (no feeding, photos at arm’s length). If it’s breezy, choose a sheltered bay like Geordie or Little Parakeet.
• Afternoon: Cycle the bays to Little Salmon Bay and Parker Point for snorkelling trails, then roll back for a late ferry. If seas are rough, trim the loop and linger on the calm side of the island.
• Evening: Back on the mainland, head to Cottesloe for a classic sundowner on the terraces with fish and chips on the grass. On Sundays, join a laid-back Sunday sesh at a beach pub; in cooler months, pick a spot with an indoor bar and ocean views.

Day 3: Fremantle, history and harbour sunset

Fremantle’s bohemian spirit, maritime heritage and café culture show Perth’s indie heart. Let the day unfurl between markets, museums and salty sea air.

• Morning: Take the train or a leisurely river cruise to Fremantle; coffee on the Cappuccino Strip, then browse Fremantle Markets (Fri–Sun) for local produce and makers. If it’s wet, duck into the WA Shipwrecks Museum for a fascinating hour.
• Midday: Tour Fremantle Prison (book ahead for the Convict or Tunnels tour) and grab lunch at a shared-table favourite like Bread in Common or along Fishing Boat Harbour. Summer tip: aim for shaded courtyards to avoid the midday sun.
• Afternoon: Drift up to North Fremantle for a swim at Leighton or Port Beach, then a brewery paddle or live-music vibe near Mojos. When the Fremantle Doctor kicks in, it’s perfect for a breezy coastal walk.
• Evening: Watch the sun sink at Bathers Beach, then dinner in a heritage pub or a seafood spot by the harbour. If you’re here in winter, catch the footy atmosphere spilling from Freo pubs on game nights; otherwise, finish with gelato on High Street under the fairy lights.

By Air

• Perth Airport (PER) is 12 km east of the CBD; 20–25 minutes by car/taxi in light traffic.
• Airport Line rail: Airport Central (for T1/T2) to Perth Station takes about 18 minutes. For T3/T4 use Redcliffe Station plus a short shuttle/bus (5–10 minutes) or the inter-terminal transfer to T1/T2.
• Extensive domestic links to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Darwin and regional WA (e.g., Broome, Karratha, Port Hedland, Kalgoorlie).
• Key international routes include London (non‑stop), Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Doha, Denpasar (Bali), and Jakarta (schedules vary seasonally).
• Jandakot Airport handles general aviation only (no commercial passenger services).

By Train

• Indian Pacific (Journey Beyond): weekly transcontinental service Sydney–Adelaide–Perth (approx. 65+ hours). Terminates at East Perth Terminal (about 3 km from the CBD; 5–10 minutes by train/taxi).
• Transwa rail from East Perth Terminal: Prospector (Kalgoorlie), AvonLink/MerredinLink (Northam/Merredin), and Australind (Bunbury; check current operations/timetables).

By Coach/Bus

• Transwa coaches connect Perth with regional centres including Albany, Esperance, Geraldton, Busselton/Margaret River, and Exmouth. Main departures/arrivals: East Perth Terminal; some services also pick up in the CBD (check when booking).
• No regular interstate coach services operate to/from Perth across the Nullarbor.

By Car

• From Adelaide via Eyre Highway (Nullarbor) to Norseman, then Great Eastern Highway to Perth: about 2,700 km (28–32 hours’ driving). Approximate distances: Melbourne ~3,400 km (36–40 hours), Sydney ~3,900 km (40–45 hours).
• From WA regions: South West via Forrest Highway/Kwinana Freeway; North West via Great Northern Highway; Kalgoorlie via Great Eastern Highway.
• Plan fuel and rest stops, carry water, and avoid dusk/dawn driving due to wildlife.