Your guide to Perth

Perth might feel like it's in a world of its own, but anyone who's been there will tell you it's absolutely worth the trip (which is a little over four hours by plane from Sydney or Melbourne). Once solely known for its pristine beaches and perfect weather, Perth’s booming restaurant and culture scenes, and its trendy sister city, Fremantle (just 30 mins from Perth), have put Western Australia’s capital city on the international radar. Our expert writers, including Time Out's Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, have collated this mega guide on the best things to do in Perth. From a breezy stroll through Kings Park to a dip at the stunning Cottesloe Beach, the essentials are all here. We also reckon day trips to Fremantle and Rottnest Island are absolute musts. Happy exploring! 🍽️ The best restaurants in Perth🖼️ Perth's best museums and galleries⭐️ The best hotels in Perth

They say the best things in life are free. We could dare to disagree (we’re at our happiest during happy hour at one of Perth's best rooftop bars), but we also love a big day out that doesn’t break the bank. Whether you’re a traveller wanting to experience Australia’s sunniest capital on a budget, or a local looking for ways to while away the weekend, our local experts have curated this list of the best things to do in Perth for zero dollars – because how good is free fun? ☀️ More epic things to do in Perth🥐 Perth's best bakeries🖼️ Perth's top museums and galleries

Perth may be known for its crystal clear waters, seaside sunsets and eternally camera-ready quokkas, but there's also a plethora of art and culture to be seen and pondered.  Whether it's paintings from the world's oldest living culture, or a blast from the past with all the best retro video games, tradition awaits in the city of lights. If it's the new you crave, you'll find contemporary works from emerging Aussie artists, plus the new frontier of science innovation.  The main takeaway? Perth has got a little bit of everything waiting for your viewing pleasure.  RECOMMENDED: Cool off at one of the best beaches in Perth.

Perth may be one of the most isolated cities in the world, but when it comes to fun, it sure doesn’t lack. Entertainment awaits in all shapes and sizes, from screen-free activities and educational airings about astronomy to outdoor merriment purely for playful purposes and fauna-charged gazing.  Whatever your little one desires, youngin-friendly pastimes are in abundance over west – here’s our pick of the best things to do with kids in Perth. ☀️ More incredible things to do in Perth🥾 Where to go hiking in Perth🖼️ Perth's top museums and galleries

Hiking is a great way to get some exercise while immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. With benefits such as enhanced mental well-being, lowered stress levels and improved mood, hiking assists in the release of endorphins, which make you feel happy. Remember to wear a hat, sunscreen and appropriate footwear and bring lots of water and snacks to keep your body fuelled. And remember to leave no trace! Here are a few of the best day hikes near Perth to get your heart pumping. RECOMMENDED: These are the best things to do in Perth right now.

If you ask any Perth local what you should do when visiting, they are sure to suggest escaping the inner-city hustle and bustle for some of Western Australia’s coastal or more bush locations.  It might be the most isolated city in the world but ‘Perthians’ are lucky as driving virtually anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour will take you somewhere new. If you’re wondering where to go on a quick day trip from Perth, we’ve picked a variation of locations you can explore from Perth for just a day. RECOMMENDED: The most epic Australian road trips to do before you die.

Everybody knows Western Australia for its dreamy islands, world-class wine regions, red rock gorges and crystal clear waters. The state’s natural wonders set the stage for a colourful and diverse line-up of arts and entertainment that brings together our best homegrown talents with big names from around the world. Whether you’re a new arrival or a born-and-bred local, here’s our round-up of Western Australia’s best festivals and events to let you experience the Wildflower State from every angle. RECOMMENDED: Eat your way through the 13 best restaurants in Perth.

Sure, Australia's East Coast may hog the limelight when it comes to famous beaches, but here in WA, the scorching summer temps, azure waters and pearly-white sands make our shores a natural wonder in a class of their own. To help you navigate this rich offering of coastal delights, we've picked out some of our fave go-to beaches in and around Perth. So grab the sunscreen, your boardies, the chilly bin and an umbrella, and discover why Perth is Australia's unsung MVP of the sea. All this time in the sun got you hungry? Take a look at our recommendations for cheap eats in Perth.

As Australians, a taste for time spent outdoors is woven into our DNA. We all love to cool off in the turquoise glitter of the ocean on a summer day and explore places and paradises unseen on a road trip with friends. We’ve compiled a list of 10 scenic swim spots around Perth to add to your bucket list. Want to grab a snack for the road? Check out our list of Perth's favourite fast food.

Just a zippy 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle (or 90 minutes from the Perth CBD), Rottnest Island is one of Western Australia's greatest gems. Also known by its local Aboriginal name, Wadjemup, and ‘Rotto’ by locals, it’s an essential addition to any WA itinerary. Out of towners may know Rottnest for its friendly population of quokkas, but the island is also home to the most incredible azure blue waters you’ll come across, and nowadays, it has a selection of top-notch eateries and luxe accommodation, as well as camping grounds, cafés and low-key restaurants for the budget-conscious.  Whether you’re ready to splurge on a peaceful retreat or simply spend your days lounging at the beach and sipping on pints at the hotel, you can easily spend a day, weekend or entire week on Rottnest Island.  Want to keep adventuring? Here are the best day hikes near Perth.

Perth more than proves its prowess when it comes to world-class bars. Here, neighbourhood wine joints and rustic beer houses are so much more than their humble exteriors suggest. Hiding behind doors are extensive and thoughtful drinks lists, gourmet tapas and aperitivo bites, and creative collaborations. This guide to Peth's best bars represents our picks of the coolest spots to grab a cocktail or a wine, whether that's in Foxtrot Unicorn's 1800s bank vault, within Sneaky Tony's secretive speakeasy walls, or perhaps curbside at Madalena's seaside watering hole. Whichever you choose, know that you're in safe hands thanks to Perth local and Time Out contributing writer, Dale Anninos-Carter, who has given these brilliant bars her seal of approval. Where to first? For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍹 Perth's coolest rooftop bars🍽️ The best restaurants in Perth right now⭐️ Perth's top hotels to rest your head

Whether it’s a morning pick-me-up, a lazy weekend brunch or just a cup of joe, Perth folks are no strangers to our local cafés. As lovers of coffee and daytime dining, we’re known for trying out new spots all around the city and are always eager to find the next best haunt.   We’ve relied on our Perth pals to create this guide on the city’s best cafés. Keep reading to find the perfect brews and brunch bites to match your tastes.  🍽️ The best restaurants in Perth🥐 Perth's best bakeries☕️ Where to find the best coffee in Perth

Reality check: Australia is in the middle of a cost of living crisis – and for us, this means helping you on your journey to finding the best cheap eats in Perth. Here in the west, we’re fortunate enough to satisfy our cravings with an array of multicultural cuisines, and some of them are doing God’s work when it comes to substantial and downright delicious feeds that won’t pinch your pockets.  Polish off Vietnamese rolls, Chinese noodle soups, Middle Eastern pitas, Indian curries and Greek street food, to name a few hot deals and meals for under $20 in Perth. We hope you’re hungry! 🥐 The best bakeries in Perth🍱 Perth's top Japanese restaurants🍕 Where to get the best pizza in Perth

We love our bread, we love our butter but most of all, we love our croissants, cruffins, caramel slice… It’s hard to pick a favourite child from Perth’s brilliant baked goods scene. Whether you’re after a fresh-out-of-the-oven pastry for your morning commute, a crusty baguette for a lunchtime picnic, or a piping hot curry pie to cure your nighttime cravings, Perth has got your back.  Here’s our pick of the very best bakeries in and around Perth city. ☕️ Best cafés in Perth🌳 Best things to do in Perth🍽 Best restaurants in Perth right now

Perth’s early mornings and year-round sunny climate practically beg locals to enjoy their morning meal alfresco. Couple with a love affair of great coffee and it’s no wonder that breakfast options in Perth are both ubiquitous and delicious. We’ve rounded up some of the best breakfasts on offer, so you can focus on getting your brunch fix.  RECOMMENDED: Eat your way through our guide to the best restaurants in Perth.

With its sunny climate and impeccable wine and produce offerings, Perth could lay claim to being Australia’s answer to Italy. It’s no surprise, then, that Perth’s Italian dining scene is rich and extensive. From wine bars offering aperitivo and pizza, to intimate restaurants where you can share pasta over candlelight, you’re guaranteed to be saying saluti to a stellar meal.  RECOMMENDED: Eat your way through our guide to the best breakfast in Perth.

The best Chinese restaurants in Perth celebrate the diversity of China’s eight major cuisines – from the delicately light flavours of Cantonese cuisine in the south to the tongue-numbing spice of Sichuan and Hunan Cuisines. With so much choice, you’re bound to find a place that’ll satisfy the most discerning aunties and leave you waddling out of the restaurant completely stuffed – even if the dinner conversation has erupted into the chaos that inevitably results at any big gathering.  So, sharpen your elbows and prepare to fight for the bill – here’s our guide to the best Chinese restaurants in Perth. 🥘 The best Indian food in Perth🍕 Where to find the best Italian in Perth🍷 Perth's greatest Japanese restaurants

Although it’s a known fact that The Beatles’ motto is ‘All you need is love’, sometimes a good old-fashioned cup of Joe is actually all you need – we don’t make the rules. Lucky for us Westies, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to great coffee in Perth. Whether you’re into filtered, cold brew, in-house roasted beans or those from afar, there’s quality liquid energy served from the seaside to the hillside. Here’s our pick of the best places for a coffee in Perth right now. ☕️ The best coffee roasters in Australia😋 Perth's cutest cafés🥐 Where to find the best baked goods in Perth

The pizza game in Perth has leveled up over the past few years and now we have everything from Neapolitan and Roman style pizzas to New York pizza slices. Making pizza has become an artform with handmade, long-rising doughs cooked in purposely built woodfired ovens or specialist electric and stone ovens, topped with the freshest and finest ingredients.  Here, in no particular order, are some of the best pizza places to check out in Perth and where you can order in. Exploring the city? Don't miss out on these essential things to do in Perth.

If spicing up your life is high on your radar, then a heat-forward feast should probably be on your to-do list – via the medium of Indian cuisine, that is. There’s no better feeling than your sinuses getting their well-deserved cleanse and we’re happy to report that there are many fantastic Indian spots in Perth where all is achievable.  Whether you’re after a new-wave dish that’s mild in bite or an authentic plate that’ll knock your socks off, our guide to the best Indian restaurants in Perth will have you on your merry way to flavourtown. 🍽 The best restaurants in Perth🍕 Where to find the best Italian in Perth🍷 Perth's greatest Japanese restaurants

With fiery sunsets, milky low moons, red dirt (the Pindan) and azure waters, it’s no wonder Broome’s population swells from 14,000 to more than 45,000 during the Dry Season. Located at the tip of Western Australia, 2,400 kilometres north of Perth, this tiny town is visually and culturally so stimulating that just one visit is never enough.  You’ll find plenty of ways to entertain yourself on both land and water, where you can also dive into Broome’s fascinating history as a pearling port and a melting pot of Japanese, Aboriginal and European cultures. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best activities for nature, culture and history in Broome. RECOMMENDED: These are the most incredible places to visit in Australia.

Truth be told, Broome is more often than not Western Australia’s ‘pick me’ destination – mind you, it does boast some of the best sunsets in the country. But watch out Broome, because there’s another coastal town comin’ through – Geraldton.  Located 419 kilometres north of Perth, this pretty little town is reachable via a 4.5-hour scenic drive or simply a one-hour flight from the state’s capital. Geraldton’s Coral Coast landscape means spectacular turquoise waters and plentiful sea life for those after a splash, while the dusty red desert sands are right around the corner, too. From shipwrecks, island hops and galleries to driving trails, hot-pink lakes and wildflowers galore, there’s a slice for all to relish – here are the best things to do in Geraldton. 🌊 The most incredible places to visit in Australia☀️ All the best things to do in Perth🚘 Australia's best regional towns to visit

Anyone who’s been to Exmouth will tell you it’s one of the most stunning coastal towns in all of Australia. Located about 1,270 kilometres north of Perth – around a 13-hour drive or two-hour flight to nearby Learmouth Airport – this remote gem is a nature lover’s playground, cradled between the rugged beauty of Cape Range National Park and the drop-dead gorgeous Ningaloo Reef. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, recently visited Exmouth – and she hasn't stopped raving about it since. In fact, it could be her favourite Aussie destination of the year. While there, she did a bucket list swim with whale sharks (the world's largest fish), searched for black-footed rock wallabies at Yardie Creek, and hiked through the fossil-crusted Mandu Mandu Gorge, a place that's been inhabited by humans for about 30,000 years. Here's her guide on the best things to do in Exmouth, including where to eat and stay. 🌳 All the best places to visit in Western Australia🐋 Everything to know about whale sharks🌊 Your ultimate guide to Rottnest Island // var axel = Math.random() + ""; var a = axel * 10000000000000; document.write(''); //

Margaret River is easily one of the most charming little pockets of Western Australia and a must-visit on your next adventure out west. ‘Margs’, as she’s known to locals, has a reputation for producing some of Australia’s finest wines, with more than 90 cellar doors ready to fill your cup. However, she has a whole lot more up her sleeve than just a good pour. When you pay Margs a visit, she might take you for a wander through the region’s fairytale forests, along stunning coastal trails, or into the depths of sparkling crystal caves. Trust us, it’s well worth the 3.5-hour drive south of Perth to explore this charming region, which has been the traditional land of the Wadandi (Saltwater) People for more than 60,000 years. Here are the best things to do in the Margaret River. 🌊 The best things to do in Perth☀️ Your ultimate guide to Albany🍷 Australia's very best wineries

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a trip to Busselton (Undalup), one of Western Australia’s most charming coastal cities. Sitting on the shimmery shores of Geographe Bay, this waterfront destination is a breezy 2.5-hour drive from Perth or a quick 40-minute hop from the famous Margaret River wine region. Having been named one of Australia’s top cities for love, Busselton is the perfect place for a romantic summer getaway. But, it’s an equally endearing place to holiday with the kids in tow. Here are all the best things to do on your next trip to Busselton.  🌊 The best things to do in Margaret River ☀️ Your ultimate guide to Albany🍷 Australia's very best wineries

If you’re all about striking sandy beaches, staggering hillsides, and bushwalks in the company of native flora and fauna, look no further than Esperance, or Kepa Kurl, as the Wudjari Nongar Traditional Land Owners call the region. Fixed along Western Australia’s southern seaboard, this hotspot is a smorgasbord for outdoorsy folk regardless of its remote locale.  Esperance sits 700 kilometres southeast of Perth, reachable by a scenic seven-hour drive or a 1.5-hour flight, if time is of the essence. Either way, we reckon the town is worth seeing for yourself, and we’ve put together a guide on the best things to do in Esperance to help you on your merry way. 😍 Everything you need to do in Busselton🌊 The best things to do in Margaret River ☀️ Your ultimate guide to Albany

If you haven't heard of the Cocos Keeling Islands, you're not alone. Located 2,750 km northwest of Perth (a five-hour flight), this untouched piece of paradise is one of Australia’s most isolated destinations, welcoming only 144 visitors at any given time.  The Cocos Keeling Islands are the only coral atoll in Australia, made up of 27 islands that sparkle like emerald jewels in the vast Indian Ocean. Of these, only two are inhabited – West Island and Home Island – with about 600 residents. The primarily Cocos Malay population is descendants of Southeast Asian coconut plantation labourers brought to the formerly uninhabited archipelago in the 1830s. Despite officially becoming an Australian territory in 1955, the Cocos Keeling Islands remain one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. You can spend days here dipping in crystal-clear waters, stretching out on sugar-white sands, sampling local Cocos Malay cuisine, cycling through palm-fringed jungles, and ferrying to Cossies Beach, which Tripadvisor named Australia’s best beach in 2017. There’s never a bad time to visit this tropical paradise, with temperatures hovering between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius year-round. All you need to do is kick back, relax and let island time take over. 🏝️ The most beautiful islands in Australia🌊 All the best beaches to dip in Down Under🌳 The best things to do in Perth right now

Escape the crowds in Perth, Broome and Margaret River, and head to this lesser-known coastal gem in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. ‘Amazing Albany’ is one of WA’s best-kept secrets, home to many of Australia’s bluest beaches – including Middleton Beach, Emu Point and Little Beach – all just minutes from the CBD. Sun and sand aside, Albany’s rugged coastline is dotted with striking rock formations, peaceful nature trails and panoramic lookouts perfect for spotting whales in winter. Plus, those looking to take it easy can explore its historic museums and sample local brews and bites. Don’t sleep on this coastal town any longer and start ticking off this list of the best things to do in Albany. How to get to Albany?  Albany is just a one-hour flight from Perth or a 4.5-hour drive (which makes for an incredibly scenic road trip).  When is the best time to visit Albany? Wildflower season in spring (September to November) is a popular time to visit Albany, perfect for hiking the Bibbulmun Track and catching the end of whale-watching season (May to October). Meanwhile, the weather from March to May is ideal for beach days and bushwalks along the coast without the summer crowds. How long to spend in Albany? We recommend spending two to three days in Albany to take in all the major sights. However, allow an extra few days if you plan to explore more of the 1,003-kilometre Bibbulun Track.  ☀️ Where to visit in Western Australia🌊 The best things to do in Exmouth😍 What you need to do in Esperance