In partnership with Western Australia
If you’re looking for a home-away-from-home feel for your next holiday, a trip to Perth may be the answer.
With direct flights to Perth (Boorloo) available from every major city in Australia, getting to the Western Australian capital is easier than ever.
It’s easy to forget the charms in your own backyard in favour of flying overseas. But Perth is frequently touted as the best city in Australia, with easy access to some of the nation’s most extraordinary landscapes. If you’re not familiar with the city, read on to find out why you need to make Perth your next holiday destination.
Perth’s beaches
With more than 3000 hours of sunshine each year – more than any other capital in the country – Perth is a paradise for beachgoers. And with 19 pristine beaches surrounding the city, you’re spoilt for choice.
Cottesloe Beach is generally considered the jewel in the crown. Clean sand overlooked by a shaded grassy terrace is complemented with some of the best snorkelling in Perth. Head to the north end of the beach, ideally early in the morning, and you may even spot a leafy sea dragon.
Scarborough and City Beach are two other highly popular beaches. City Beach is also a foodie’s delight. Pack a picnic and sit in the shade next to the beach to eat while you admire the view. Alternatively, head to Clancy’s where you can choose between restaurant dining and a more low key café option.
Other great choices include Trigg for its waves, Floreat to hang out with the locals and Hillarys Boat Harbour if you’re travelling with kids.
Best of all, each of Perth’s beaches gives incredible sunset views over the Indian Ocean.
Fremantle’s history (and beaches)
One of the most iconic destinations in Western Australia, Fremantle (Walyalup) is a gateway into the past, as well as being another great spot to head to the beach.
The most iconic historic building in Freo, as the locals call it, is the Fremantle Prison. Built by convicts in the 1850s, this prison was active for close to 140 years. Today, you can join a tour to see how the inmates lived, wander the tunnels underneath the prison or take part in a night time torchlight tour.
Prior to this, The Round House was used as a jail. Built in 1830, it’s the oldest remaining extant building in Western Australia. Close by, you can walk through the Whalers Tunnel which dates back to the early 1800s. This was used to transport goods from the beach into town. Storyboards along the walls help show what life was like back in those times.
Rottnest Island’s quokkas
Arguably the cutest animal in Australia, quokkas are the adorable locals on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup). There are four departure points for ferries to the island – Perth, North Fremantle, Fremantle and Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Once you arrive on the island, you’ll see there’s no traffic. A bus loops the island but otherwise the roads are clear for cyclists and pedestrians. Hire a bike from your ferry operator and tour the island at your own pace.
The highlight of the island are the families of quokkas who call it home. Ideal partners for the perfect selfie, but remember not to handle or feed wild animals.
Elsewhere on the island, there are pristine beaches and the Wadjemup Lighthouse, which is the highest point of the island.
Heirisson Island
A small island on the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan), Heirisson Island is easy to walk to from the CBD. Just outside East Perth (where you’ll find the WACA), the island offers a calm space to walk among nature within the city limits.
One of the highlights is spotting the group of kangaroos that call the island home. These are most active in the mornings and evenings, meaning you can make the trek over when the temperature is at its most pleasant.
Swan Valley Wine Region
Australia is blessed with some of the world’s best wine regions, but no other capital city in the country has one so close to the CBD.
Just 25 minutes by car from Perth and you’ll be in the Swan Valley. With more than 40 wineries in close proximity, you’re spoilt for choice. The oldest of these is Olive Farm Wines, which was established in 1829.
The valley is best known for its sparkling wines, such as the Chardonnay, but each vineyard has a wide range of varieties available to sample and buy.
Take a river cruise up the Swan River to the Swan Valley, join one of the premium winery lunches at Mandoon Estate or Sandalford Winery, or sign up for other organised tour options in the Swan Valley.
As well as wine, the Swan Valley has a host of delicacies to try. Sample local jams and chocolates, try the fresh fruit grown nearby or go on a hike through nature trails.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Kings Park and Botanic Garden (Kaarta Koomba) is a large area of green land that sits in a prominent spot overlooking Perth. With almost 400 hectares to explore, all for free, it’s a great place to see native flowers, trees and more.
One of the world’s largest inner-city parks, Kings Park is home to the State War Memorial, multiple walking tracks, picnic spots, lookouts, kids’ playgrounds and much more.
You’ll also find the state’s botanic garden, which has more than 3000 varieties of plants native to Western Australia. There’s also a giant boab that’s more than 750 years old, nine themed gardens (including a banksia and an acacia garden) and a conservation area.
Make a day out of your trip by stopping in to eat at one of the cafes, restaurants or kiosks. And, if your airline permits it, visit the shop to buy one of the plants grown in the park.
Getting to Perth
Finding a flight to Perth couldn’t be easier. There are currently 21 airports across Australia offering direct flights to the Western Australian capital. Many of these are within Western Australia, giving great options to extend your trip in the state, but it’s possible to fly to Perth from any of the states or mainland territories.
Discover more reasons to fly to Western Australia at WesternAustralia.com.
Ready to explore Western Australia? Skyscanner can help you find the best flight, hotel and car hire deals for your trip.
