3 DAYS IN PERTH TOUR GATEWAY

Discover the laid-back charms of Western Australia’s capital city before enjoying an island getaway surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the relaxed atmosphere of the city before embarking on an island adventure surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. With three days to explore, you’ll have plenty of time to discover the city’s hidden gems and soak up the sun on the pristine beaches.

Perth is known for its sunshine, natural beauty and relaxed pace. Explore Kings Park, watch the sunset from Cottesloe Beach, then hit Northbridge’s trendy bars. Explore Australia’s best-preserved 19th-century port streetscape in Fremantle and enjoy Indian Ocean seafood and craft beers. Discover Rottnest Island by bike, boat or on foot. Swim from perfect white beaches, snorkel with tropical fish and get up close to a cute quokka. Perth, the sunniest city in Australia, boasts an array of captivating attractions that showcase its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. Start your adventure in Kings Park, one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, before making your way to Cottesloe Beach to witness a picturesque sunset. Next, head to Northbridge, a vibrant nightlife hotspot, where you can indulge in delicious food and drinks at any of the trendy bars. If you’re looking for a more historical experience, Fremantle is the place to be, with its beautifully preserved 19th-century port streetscape. Don’t miss the chance to sample some of the freshest seafood and finest craft beers in Australia. For outdoor enthusiasts, Rottnest Island offers endless opportunities for exploration, whether by bike, boat, or on foot. Enjoy the island’s pristine white beaches, go snorkeling with tropical fish, and get up close and personal with the adorable quokkas.

What to expect “Preparing for the Future”

Dine at Perth’s edgy restaurants and cafés
Kick back on Rottnest Island’s beautiful beaches
Meet the world’s cutest marsupial
Fast facts, Experience the vibrant dining scene in Perth by visiting its trendy restaurants and cafés. Unwind on the stunning beaches of Rottnest Island. Get up close and personal with the adorable quokkas, the world’s cutest marsupials. Useful information for your trip.

Time: 3 days
Distance: 115 kilometres (75 miles).
Transport: bus, boat and train.
Price: $$$.
3 days in Perth.
3 days in Perth Experience the beauty of Perth over the course of 3 days.

DAY 1: GET TO KNOW PERTH.
Perth Mint, East Perth, WA © Tourism Australia.
Perth Mint, East Perth, Western Australia © Tourism Australia.

Morning.

Take a free city bus known as CAT (Central Area Transit), jumping off at attractions such as the Perth Cultural Centre (to see Aboriginal art at the free Art Gallery of Western Australia, explore Urban Orchard and check out the edgy exhibitions at the free Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts), the Perth Mint (it exhibits Australia’s largest gold nugget collection) and The Swan Bell Tower (the largest musical instrument in the Southern Hemisphere). Explore the modern Elizabeth Quay with its waterpark, playground, and cafés and check out designer labels along King and Queen streets. Or, let history come to life with an Aboriginal guide. Tour the quay with a Nyungar guide who peels back the layers of this urban landscape to reveal its ancient history. Then, wander along St Georges Terrace to see the clever integration of Perth’s historic and contemporary buildings and have lunch at the multi-level Print Hall at Brookfield Place.

DAY 1: INTRODUCTION TO PERTH.
Perth Mint, East Perth, WA © Tourism Australia.
Perth Mint, East Perth, Western Australia © Tourism Australia.

Morning.

Utilize the CAT (Central Area Transit) bus, which is free, to explore various attractions in Perth. Hop off at places like the Perth Cultural Centre to view Aboriginal art at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, discover the Urban Orchard, and experience the intriguing exhibitions at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts. Another stop is the Perth Mint, which showcases the largest collection of gold nuggets in Australia. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit The Swan Bell Tower, the biggest musical instrument in the Southern Hemisphere. Additionally, take time to explore the modern Elizabeth Quay, featuring a waterpark, playground, and charming cafes. Fashion enthusiasts can stroll along King and Queen streets to find designer labels. For a historical perspective, consider joining a tour led by an Aboriginal guide. Embark on a journey with a Nyungar guide who will unveil the ancient history hidden beneath the urban landscape of the quay. Finally, take a leisurely walk along St Georges Terrace to witness the seamless blend of Perth’s historic and contemporary buildings. End the morning by enjoying a delicious lunch at the multi-level Print Hall located in Brookfield Place.

Afternoon.

Head over to Kings Park one of the world’s largest inner city parks offering splendid views over the Swan River and city skyline. Marvel at the native wildflowers blooming in spring (September-November), stroll across the Federation Walkway, and check out the giant boab tree transplanted from the Kimberley. Afterwards, go for a swim or stroll along Perth’s famous Norfolk-pine framed Cottesloe Beach and enjoy a sunset drink at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel. Explore the trendy inner-city neighbourhood of Northbridge popping into bars and restaurants such as the rooftop Mechanics Institute, laneway Ezra Pound or Mexican La Cholita. Spoil yourself and stay at Australia’s hottest luxury hotel, Como the Treasury, set inside a heritage-listed building. Visit Kings Park in the afternoon, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Swan River and city skyline. Admire the vibrant native wildflowers in spring (September-November), stroll along the Federation Walkway, and marvel at the giant boab tree transplanted from the Kimberley. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing swim or leisurely walk along Cottesloe Beach, famous for its Norfolk pine trees, and cap off the day with a sunset drink at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel. Explore Northbridge, a trendy inner-city neighborhood, and pop into bars and restaurants such as the rooftop Mechanics Institute, laneway Ezra Pound, or Mexican La Cholita. Indulge in luxury and stay at Como the Treasury, Australia’s hottest luxury hotel, set inside a heritage-listed building.

DAY 2: FREMANTLE FUN.
Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle, Perth Region, WA © Tourism Western Australia.
Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle, Perth Region, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia.

Morning.

Cruise down the Swan River to the charming port of Fremantle, its streets filled with stories of convicts, maritime heroes, murderous mutineers and pioneers. Taste the past on a tour of Fremantle Prison, the state’s first jail and largest convict built structure, and check out Western Australian Maritime Museum, overlooking the Indian Ocean, which features the winning America’s Cup yacht, Australia II, an Oberon class submarine and the 17th century Dutch Batavia shipwreck. Start your day with a scenic boat ride down the picturesque Swan River, which will take you to the historic port of Fremantle. Walk through the streets and absorb the rich history that surrounds you, from the tales of courageous explorers and daring mutineers to the memories of the convicts who once called this place home. Visit the iconic Fremantle Prison, the state’s first jail and largest convict-built structure, and delve deeper into the region’s maritime past at the Western Australian Maritime Museum. Here, you can admire the impressive collection of marine vessels, including the famous America’s Cup yacht, Australia II, an Oberon class submarine, and the 17th century Dutch Batavia shipwreck.

Afternoon.

Have lunch at Bread in Common, an inspired bakery, restaurant and bar in a converted warehouse before checking out the rollicking Fremantle Markets (Friday to Sunday) where you can shop for Aboriginal artworks and local produce, then browse the bookshops and boutiques along nearby South Terrace where local artists and musicians create a carnival atmosphere on weekends. Go on a pub crawl to check out Fremantle’s craft brewers such as The Monk Brewery and Kitchen and the heritage-listed Sail & Anchor Hotel. Finish at the large and bustling Little Creatures Brewery on Fishing Boat Harbour. Dine on fish and chips at Kailis’ Fish Market Café or watch the sunset over dinner at the Bathers Beach House. Catch a train and you will return to Perth in 25 minutes. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Fremantle, starting with lunch at Bread in Common, a stylish bakery, restaurant and bar housed in a converted warehouse. Next, visit the lively Fremantle Markets (open Friday to Sunday) to browse Aboriginal artworks, local produce, and unique souvenirs. Take a stroll along South Terrace, where you can explore bookshops, boutiques, and experience the vibrant atmosphere created by local artists and musicians on weekends. embark on a pub crawl to sample Fremantle’s finest craft beers at The Monk Brewery and Kitchen, the historic Sail & Anchor Hotel, and other popular hotspots. Conclude your day with a visit to the bustling Little Creatures Brewery on Fishing Boat Harbour, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and take in the lively atmosphere. For dinner, indulge in fresh seafood at Kailis’ Fish Market Café or savor a sunset view at Bathers Beach House while enjoying a delicious meal. Finally, hop on a train and return to Perth in just 25 minutes.

DAY 3: ISLAND LIFE.

Geordie Bay, Rottnest Island, WA © Rottnest Island Authority.
Geordie Bay, Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Rottnest Island Authority.

Morning.

Take the ferry to Rottnest Island (or as the locals say, Rotto just 18 kilometres (11 miles) off the coast where there are 63 beaches, 20 bays and no cars to spoil the tranquility. Rent a bicycle at Rottnest Island Peddle and Flipper, which also rents all sorts of boards, wetsuits and snorkelling gear, and ride four kilometres (2.5 miles) through the island’s centre to Oliver Hill, where huge guns and underground tunnels were installed last century. Take in the sweeping views and walk to the salt lakes. Spot diverse birdlife and quokkas, the island’s cute native marsupial, which has become something of an Instagram star. Cycle north 3.4 kilometres (2.1 miles) to Little Parakeet Bay for a swim in the clear, protected waters. Enjoy a relaxed seafood lunch at Geordie’s Café and Art Gallery. If you would rather go by bus, jump on and off the Islander Explorer Bus or take the 90-minute Discovery Tour, which circumnavigates the island and gives information about wildlife and the island’s cultural and historical heritage. On the third day, venture to Rottnest Island, located just 18 kilometers (11 miles) from the coast of Western Australia. This island paradise boasts an impressive 63 beaches and 20 bays, ensuring a serene and tranquil experience without the disruption of cars. Begin your day by taking a ferry to Rottnest Island, also known as Rotto by the locals. At Rottnest Island Peddle and Flipper, rent a bicycle and various equipment such as boards, wetsuits, and snorkeling gear. Embark on a four-kilometer (2.5 miles) bike ride through the heart of the island, reaching Oliver Hill, where you can explore the underground tunnels and massive guns from a bygone era. Marvel at the panoramic views and make your way to the salt lakes. Keep an eye out for the island’s diverse birdlife and the adorable quokkas, which have gained fame on Instagram. Continue cycling north for 3.4 kilometers (2.1 miles) to Little Parakeet Bay, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear and protected waters. Indulge in a leisurely seafood lunch at Geordie’s Café and Art Gallery. If you prefer not to cycle, you can opt to explore the island by bus. Hop on and off the Islander Explorer Bus or take the 90-minute Discovery Tour, which provides insights into the island’s wildlife and its cultural and historical heritage.

Afternoon.

If you ‘d like to explore underwater, follow a snorkel trail at Parker Point or over various shipwreck sites. Scuba dive in Fish Hook Bay, where coral reefs make the water a patchwork of different shades of blues. Surf at Strickland, Salmon and Stark Bays. Go birdwatching for wedge-tailed shearwaters, osprey, sacred kingfishers, singing honeyeaters and sandpipers and watch the sunset from Wadjemup Lighthouse or just beachcomb your way around the island. You can also take an Eco Express bus, boat or snorkel tour and there is also sea kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling and walking tours. From September to November, whale watching trips along what’s called “the humpback highway” (between Fremantle and Rottnest Island) are offered. Rottnest Island offers a variety of activities for the afternoon. Explore the underwater world by following a snorkel trail at Parker Point or visiting various shipwreck sites. For a more immersive experience, scuba dive in Fish Hook Bay, where the coral reefs create a patchwork of blues in the water. If you’re interested in surfing, head to Strickland, Salmon, or Stark Bays. Birdwatchers can spot wedge-tailed shearwaters, osprey, sacred kingfishers, singing honeyeaters, and sandpipers, and then watch the sunset from Wadjemup Lighthouse or simply beachcomb around the island. For a more guided experience, consider an Eco Express bus, boat, or snorkel tour. Additionally, sea kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, and walking tours are available. During the months of September to November, whale watching trips along the “humpback highway” (between Fremantle and Rottnest Island) are also offered.

If you’re keen to spend a bit more time on the island, book into Discovery Rottnest Island’s eco-friendly glamping tents. They’re ideally located just behind Pinky’s Beach, giving you more time to explore the island and soak up the tranquility. Otherwise, take the ferry back to Perth to dine at vibrant Brika, with its Greek share plates served up in a rustic setting. Explore Perth’s laneway bar scene at places such as the Wolfe Lane Bar, Cheeky Sparrow, and Helvetica. If you’re interested in extending your stay on the island, consider reserving a spot in Discovery Rottnest Island’s eco-friendly glamping tents. Conveniently situated near Pinky’s Beach, these tents offer the perfect opportunity to further explore the island and bask in its serene atmosphere. Alternatively, you could return to Perth via ferry and indulge in the flavors of Brika, a restaurant renowned for its Greek-inspired share plates presented in a charming rustic setting. Afterward, delve into the city’s laneway bar scene by visiting establishments such as the Wolfe Lane Bar, Cheeky Sparrow, and Helvetica.

Consider extending your stay and drive three hours south of Perth to the beachy wine region of Margaret River or head north on the Indian Ocean Drive to swim with whale sharks, humpback whales, turtles and manta rays. If you’re open to staying longer, you might want to think about going further south of Perth to the sunny wine area of Margaret River or heading north on the Indian Ocean Drive for the opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks, humpback whales, turtles, and manta rays.